Believe it or not, there is much more to Los Angeles than just movie stars and beautiful beaches. This sprawling city has hidden gems galore, you just have to know where to look.
Downtown LA
The Blue Ribbon Garden- Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Walt Disney Concert Hall became an icon the day it opened its doors in 2003, but there is one thing about it that is more of hidden gem than a worldwide icon--The Blue Ribbon Garden. The garden is located on the hall’s rooftop, with unbelievable views of the Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles Central Library and even the San Gabriel Mountains. The garden is home to the Lillian Disney Memorial Fountain, also known as A Rose for Lilly. Bring a camera and take in all that the serene get away has to offer.
Photo Author: Jon Sullivan
This eclectic bar located at 347 East 1st Street, is a off the grid in all of the best ways. Enter the building and maze your way through a narrow brick hallway that opens up to twinkle lights and a down to earth atmosphere. Happy hour is 3-7 pm and has menu items as low as $3.50!
Santa Monica
Did you know that there is an International Chess Park on the Santa Monica Pier? That’s right! Located by the Volleyball courts at the Santa Monica Pier, it’s the site of chess matches played by locals and visitors alike. A life size chessboard fills the sidewalk, and permanent tables and boards sit nearby. Stop in and watch the masters at work, or bring your own pieces and play with a friend!
Located on Santa Monica Beach between Pico Boulevard and the pier, the Singing Beach Chairs are steel and aluminum sculptures that produce oboe-like tones when the wind blows through them. Each chair seats two, so bring a friend and enjoy the sights and sounds!
Annenberg Community Beach House
“A public destination, open to all, no membership required,” boasts their sight. The Annenberg Community Beach House offers swim classes, pool hours, volleyball camp, yoga classes, chamber music, dance classes, cultural tours and more all atop five acres of beachfront property. William Randolph Hearst developed the 100-room mansion for actress Marion Davies as a way to entertain on Santa Monica’s Gold Coast in the 1920s. After being remodeled into a hotel for years, the site reopened to the public as the Annenberg Community Beach House on April 25, 2009.
