City of Secrets: Underground in Los Angeles
City of Secrets: Underground in Los Angeles
- Group Size 12 People Maximum
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Travel Style
Urban Exploration
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Alongside local artists, historians, and a curious cohort of Atlas Obscura and Tastemade travelers, spend three days exploring the hidden histories and myriad cultures that give Los Angeles its undeniable energy and edge. Wander along mural-lined streets with a resident artist, sip cocktails in an underground speakeasy, and hike into hills that house Deco-era ruins. Along the way, you’ll have some time to take in the natural and human-made beauty of the city—from sweeping hilltop vistas to little-known lighthouses overlooking the ocean.
- Street art tour with a resident artist
- Cocktails in a historic speakeasy
- Hikes through hidden ruins
- Venice Beach surf and skate culture
Itinerary
Day 1: City of Artists
We’ll kick off our trip meeting the artists, makers, and creatives who make this city hum. Alongside our guides from L.A.’s own Cartwheel Art, we’ll walk along the mural-covered streets of the Arts District with a resident artist, meet with members of a local creative collective, and explore the cutting-edge world of design.
Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: History Hidden in the Hills
Today we’ll make our way into the hills to take in some of L.A.’s most breathtaking vistas while learning about the checkered history that this city is steeped in. We’ll explore Deco-era ruins with a suspicious past and examine abandoned relics of the city’s golden era. When the day is done, we’ll clink glasses in a historic underground speakeasy, tipping our hats to those who have contributed to L.A.’s unstoppable spirit, and spirits.
Lunch, Cocktails
Day 3: Surf and Skate Culture of Venice Beach
On our final day in L.A., we’ll make our way to the coast to meet with a longtime member of the surf and skate scene. We’ll learn about the many sides of Venice Beach culture, try our hand at some old-fashioned boardwalk roller cruising, and visit a forgotten lighthouse, all before celebrating our time in Southland with a sunset meal on the beach.
Lunch, Dinner
Trip Leader
Accommodations are not included in your trip, but there are wonderful hotels, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, and local lodging options available in Los Angeles. There are also many Airbnb options in West Hollywood, Los Feliz, and Santa Monica.
You’re in good company. Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
We recommend you arrive in L.A. by 9 a.m. on Day 1. Our trip concludes after dinner on Day 3, and you can continue on to your next adventure that evening or the following morning.
Travelers should feel comfortable walking two to five miles over the course of each day, spending time in nature, remaining on their feet for long periods of time, and sometimes walking on uneven terrain.
- All meals described in the itinerary.
- Experienced local guides to accompany you for the duration of the trip, as well as special guests throughout.
- Admission to all proposed activities, locations, and events.
- A great group of fellow Atlas Obscura travelers, excited to explore all that L.A. has to offer!
- 24/7 emergency assistance through Global Rescue.
- Special access to unique places and extraordinary experiences.
- Accommodation throughout the trip. Your guide is happy to provide recommendations for places to stay.
- Transportation to and from starting point/ending point.
- Pre- and post-trip accommodations.
- Airport transfers (recommendations for travel between the airport and your accommodations will be provided).
- Travel insurance (recommended).
- Additional meals and drinks outside of Atlas Obscura offerings, including most alcoholic beverages.
- Applying for a U.S. visa, if applicable.
- Transportation throughout the trip.
Trip FAQ
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated, though in most cases ingredients can't be substituted or omitted from particular dishes. If you have a severe allergy, please contact us to find out if this is the right trip for you.
What positive impact will I have by taking this trip?
We’ll be supporting local artisans as well as businesses with sustainable practices at each step of the way. We’ll also be focusing on highlighting underrepresented voices in the L.A. art scene, spotlighting their experiences and contributions to the city.
Upcoming Departures
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