186 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Los Angeles - Atlas Obscura
Join us on an Atlas Obscura Trip in 2019 »
What's near me?
All   /  United States   /  California   /  Los Angeles
The Atlas Obscura Guide To

Los Angeles

186 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Los Angeles, California

Unusual Attractions in Los Angeles

Atlas Obscura Trips

L.A. Science Weekend: Natural History and Space

May 10—May 12, 2019

Join New York Times Journeys and Atlas Obscura for three days of scientific learning in Los Angeles, focused on natural history and zoology or space and aviation. This two-track program includes panels, exclusive visits and special access to scientists and venues to get up close to everything from telescopes and taxidermy to dinosaur skeletons and space artifacts.

Learn More

Unique Food & Drink in Los Angeles

Explore Los Angeles, California

Launch Map

Upcoming Events Near Los Angeles

Murphy Ranch.
Jan 20
Los Angeles, California

Murphy Ranch Hike

Investigate the mysteries of Murphy Ranch, the alleged National Socialist commune deep in the wilds of Rustic Canyon.
Blood Moon in the sky.
Jan 20
Los Angeles, California

Super Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse Adventure

Experience a total lunar eclipse up close and personal with the experts from SkiesAway.
Mike Caveney and Tina Lenert.
Jan 23
Pasadena, California

Egyptian Hall Museum

A guided visit through the fascinating collection of the oldest private magic museum in America.
The garden is a steep labyrinth where surprise waits around every corner.
Jan 26
Los Angeles, California

Hollywood Hills Sculpture Garden

Located just below the Hollywood Sign is a garden filled with contemporary sculptures. Join us for an exclusive sunset stroll of this private art collection with founder and artist Dr. Robby Gordon.
Jan 27
Los Angeles, California

Secret Japanese Village

Take a rare opportunity to step inside the hidden world of L.A.-based fashion designer Peter Lai, with an incredible private tour led by the artist himself.
Harpsichord studio.
Jan 27
Los Angeles, California

It Doesn't Want to Sound Good

Hurdy-gurdies, harpsichords, and the craft of making an instrument sing.
Villa Narcissa
Jan 27
Palos Verdes, California

Tea at the Villa Narcissa

Join artist Katrina Vanderlip on an exclusive tour of her legendary family's seaside estate in Palos Verdes.
Restoration project
Feb 3
Irwindale, California

A Home for Wayward Carousel Horses

Visit a menagerie of whimsical merry-go-round creatures in various stages of restoration.
Sign at Paul Kaufman's Store and Workshop
Feb 9
Los Angeles, California

Paul Kaufman Shoe Design Masterclass

An in-depth workshop exploring the foundational elements of shoe design with a legendary shoe designer.
New inside view of the Museum.
Feb 9
Lake Balboa, California

Valley Relics Museum

Explore a treasure trove of SoCal history and artifacts at the Valley Relics Museum in the SF Valley.
Sunrise over the Port of LA
Apr
13 - 14
Los Angeles, California

Bunk Up On the Battleship IOWA

An exclusive overnight on the historic USS Iowa under some big guns.
Ryan and Regina Cohn
May 18
Los Angeles, California

Oddities Flea Market: Exclusive VIP Presale Tickets

The legendary Oddities Flea Market curated by Ryan Matthew Cohn and Regina Cohn is returning to Los Angeles! TWO DAYS this time. Atlas Obscura has your ticket to skip the line and get in early!

Los Angeles Leaderboard

Recent Los Angeles Activity

tkwhit02 tkwhit02 wants to go to Hollywood Tower Apartments
trishmcdonald wants to go to Velaslavasay Panorama
tkwhit02 tkwhit02 wants to go to Hollywood Sculpture Garden
tkwhit02 tkwhit02 wants to go to Bronson Cave
trishmcdonald has been to The Echo Park Time Travel Mart

Stories About Los Angeles

A woman looks through a tower viewer at Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles.

Atlas Obscura and The New York Times Journeys Launch Science Weekends

Our new collaboration offers unique three-day experiences, starting in Los Angeles and London in 2019.
by David Plotz
January 08, 2019

A Visit to One of America's Longest-Running Puppetry Theaters

The Bob Baker Marionette Theater has been serving up laughs and ice cream since 1963.
by Lizzie Philip
January 03, 2019

Lists Featuring Los Angeles

Los Angeles' Top 10 Wonders of 2018
Cinespia cemetery screening at Hollywood Forever
Portal of books.
The Bradbury Building

Los Angeles’ Top 10 Wonders of 2018

The strange and unusual places Atlas Obscura readers wanted to visit most in L.A. in 2018.

10

Including Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Griffith Observatory’s Tesla Coil, and The Last Bookstore

Marvel at These Frank Lloyd Wright Deep Cuts
Lamp House
The Frank Lloyd Wright gas station today
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
The Rosenbaum House, from the rear

Marvel at These Frank Lloyd Wright Deep Cuts

A UFO church, a futurist gas station, and other obscure gems.

8

Including Lamp House, Frank Lloyd Wright Gas Station, and Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church