**No Gatekeeping, My Favorite Under-the-Radar Things to Do in LA (All $20 or Less)**

**My Favorite, Secret LA Things To Do, Even Locals Haven’t Been!**

If you’ve lived in LA long enough, you start craving places that feel a little more… hidden. Less chaos, more intentional. Spots where you can actually experience something instead of just standing in line for it. Even tourists and people visiting town, although they haven’t seen it all, they like to act like they’ve seen it all! Hence, I have created my personal, all-time favorite list of under-the-radar, hidden, dare I say secret, best things to do in Los Angeles, that are more than the top 10 places you google!

I specifically put this list together, as some of these, it took me more than a decade to check out. And once I finally did, I decided I will not gatekeep but share my love of secret LA things for both locals, tourists, visitors and… I’ll admit it… a lot of these places lean towards more history, architecture and art! So if you’re into institutional places that have a history, a sense of place… then this list is for you!! I’m a big cultural and history nerd especially when it comes to LA. I love finding all these gems, and blasting it to the world so everyone can enjoy them!!

These are the places I take people when I want them to see a different side of Los Angeles. Architecture, history, quiet gardens, beautiful spaces. Some are FREE (yessss I love me a deal) and all are under $20, which is rare especially in times of war, inflation and who-knows what else the world is throwing at us…

Here’s the short list of what’s in this blog post… but keep scrolling to get the exclusive photos and deets 🎯:

The Marciano Art Foundation for viewing art like you’re in a wealthy person’s private, sleek art gallery (Mid-Wilshire ish)
The Hollyhock House for the well-preserved Frank Lloyd Wright, UNESCO Heritage site (Hollywood)
The Adamson House for beach side, old school glamor and 100-year old tile-work and Spanish Colonial architecture! (Malibu)
The Self-Realization Center Garden and Lake Shrine for a small refuge off a busy PCH (Pacific Palisades)
The GreyStone Mansion for fairy-tale magic, cobblestones, and European villa vibes in the heart of Beverly Hills
Schindler House for Early Modern LA Design (WeHo)
Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens for a Quiet Escape in the City (West Adams)
Gamble House for Iconic Craftsmanship (in Pasadena, IMO the heart of craftsmanship in LA)

Scroll on for photos, pics and reasons WHY these places are in my top secret things to do in LA! ➡️

Marciano Art Foundation For Free Artwork in a Private Gallery Setting

Visiting the Marciano Art Foundation only took me 10+ years to FINALLY book a free ticket to this privately owned art gallery, and on a first date to boot lol! We were looking for something that felt exclusive, secret and new… something we’ve both never experienced.

The weekend prior, I actually just did a walking tour of the history Ebell Building, and was dazzled by the 1920s history and architectural details. While I toured their multi-leveled patio, I couldn’t help but admire the blocky, Neoclassical building of the Marciano Art Foundation… hence I made a mental note: definitely visit this art gallery asap.

Then, as if by fate, my date asked if I wanted to visit the Marciano Art Foundation after work the following week! I thought, this is meant to be, and immediately accepted. Glad I did because the building, and space alone was incredible.

The Marciano Art Foundation is housed in a massive former Masonic temple, which already gives it a slightly mysterious, grand energy in modern surroundings. It’s HUGE! They’ve preserved parts of that history in a really interesting way. There’s an entire room dedicated to artifacts discovered during the renovation, which gives the space a slightly mysterious, layered feel. You’re not just looking at art, you’re moving through history at the same time.

The collection is mostly contemporary and bold. I especially liked the sculptures and the artwork where I felt immersed in another time and place (even temporarily), as some of the buildings and spaces bleed into the art (in a good way)!

The exhibitions rotate a few times a year, especially on the main floor where the ceilings are high enough for large-scale installations, while other floors hold more permanent works. There’s also a quiet art library where you can sit and flip through books if you want to enjoy a slower pace.

Why go? It’s huge, special because no one has ever been…and feels private and secret. You can take your time, actually look at the work, and not feel rushed or overwhelmed. Also, there’s a balcony with views of the surrounding neighborhood that’s worth stepping out for. Heck, free parking included with your free ticket!

Good to know:
It’s a free ticket and free parking. Online reservations are required and they do check before letting you into the parking lot in the back. Plan one to two hours depending on how much you want to explore. I swung by one my favorite restaurants, Soban in Koreatown for dinner afterwards (highly recommend)!

The Marciano Art Foundation

4357 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010 (website)

(near Mid-Wilshire and Koreatown)

Greystone Mansion and Gardens: For Old Hollywood Drama Minus the Crowds

*The GreyStone Mansion in Beverly Hills /* *Photo by Google Reviewers*

*Inside the Greystone Mansion /* *Photo from BeverlyHills.org*

Tucked into the hills of Beverly Hills, this stunning fairy-tale, Tudor estate was built in 1928 by oil tycoon Edward Doheny as a gift to his son. In it’s day, it was the most expensive home in California! The scale alone is wild: 55 rooms, sprawling gardens, stone pathways, fountains, and perfectly manicured English-style grounds that remind me of Europe!

But what makes Greystone more than just a pretty estate is the history; some of it dark. Just months after moving in, Ned Doheny died inside the mansion in a much-debated murder-suicide involving his close friend and secretary. Who doesn’t love a good Hollywood ghost story?!?

Why go?

Because it’s one of the rare places in LA that gives you architecture, history, and space all in one visit, while being uncrowded. You can wander the gardens, sit by a fountain, explore the grounds, and take your time. It doesn’t feel rushed, and it doesn’t feel overly curated. It just exists, quietly, in the middle of the city. It’s popular for photoshoots (like weddings and any princess themed look), but it’s just a hidden gem in LA that many people haven’t explored!

Good to know:
The grounds are often free to walk, which is already a win. If you want to go inside the mansion, tickets are around $8 and should be booked in advance through the City of Beverly Hills. Parking is available on-site. Plan to spend about an hour or two wandering, longer if you want to slow down and take it all in.

The GreyStone Mansion

905 Loma Vista Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (Google maps)

Click here for inside the Mansion tickets (click on Greystone Park). City of Beverly Hills info.

Self-Realization Lake Shrine: A Peaceful Hidden Garden in LA 🌸

If LA ever feels loud, this is where you go to reset. I am not religious, but grew up in a Buddhist leaning family… but I consider myself not religious. All of this to say, that you do not need to be spiritual to visit this intimate garden and lake. It’s simply a beautiful garden, lake filled with peace and is a hidden gem in Pacific Palisades that is simply not visited and talked about enough (so let’s keep it that way!!).

This lake sanctuary was founded by Paramahansa Yogananda in the 1950s. It has winding paths, swans, lush greenery, and quiet reflection spaces, even a European wind mill, boat house, and a garden overhang that’s wrapped in vines (perfect for a wedding photo shoot, although check the rules and permits!).

Why go? It’s one of the few places in LA that feels genuinely peaceful. Not aesthetic peace. Actual peace! It’s free. You can go walk, meditate, or just sit and journal! It’s a short walk around the lake, so it’s best to meander, take your time, and sit and be with your thoughts a while. If you are going for a “rapid” walk or to gain lots of steps, this isn’t the place. It’s small, but that’s why it’s awesome! It’s meant to be consumed slowly!!

Good to know:
Free, but reservations are required (1 reservation per car). Parking is limited, so plan accordingly. Keep voices low, people come here to unplug. Reservations are released for the following week every SAT (see their website link below for more details).

Back in the day, we could just show up without a reservation but I assume they just got too busy! It was closed for a while, so when they reopened, I just now learned about this new reservation process, so read carefully and book in advance.

Self Realization Center and Lake Shrine (Website)

17080 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 (Google maps)

Neighborhood: Pacific Palisades

🏡 Hollyhock House For A Genuine Frank Lloyd Wright Wonder (In the Flesh!)

Frank Lloyd Wright, right in the middle of LA. Built in the early 1920s for oil heiress Aline Barnsdall, Hollyhock House joins the indoor and outdoor living in a way that still feels modern today (in pure Wright fashion). There’s a indoor, outdoor water features that go through the living room, the outdoor space, so it feels private and open at the same time.

Everything subtly pulls your eye outward toward nature, but it’s in contrast to the many straight lines and angular, modern feel of the building. Frank Lloyd Wright designed it so you’re not just in the house, you’re constantly aware of the environment around you.

What surprised me most is how detailed everything is. The hollyhock motif is repeated throughout the home with patterns, the structure, and textures (including textiles like the rugs!). Nothing is random.

*Vintage kitchen, inside the Hollyhock House / Photo by L. Tran*

Why go?

It’s not just a pretty house. It’s an experience in space, light, and design that still feels modern, intentional, thoughtful… even though it was built in the 1920s. Also, it’s the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Los Angeles, which alone makes it worth seeing at least once.

Good to know:
Tickets are around $12 and highly recommend booking in advance online. You’ll wear protective booties inside to preserve the rugs. It’s self-guided, but there are knowledgeable staff (who are very friendly and helpful) if you want more context. And yes, you can take photos; I believe videos are banned.

*Pretty custom rug + library inside the Hollyhock House / Photo by L. Tran*

Lastly, it’s inside Barnsdall Art Park, so it’s best to allocate time to walk around the park, and visit the on-site art gallery. It’s a nice place to picnic and watch the sunset :)

Why go? Who doesn’t like walking through a real-life Wright-designed home, well-preserved in LA city? It went on to influence many other architects and buildings!!

Parking Tips: Currently, there’s free parking at the Barnsdell Art Park. I’ve never had a problem, except when there’s an event (like sunset wine night). Just make sure you aren’t going on an event day then you should be able to park at the upper (hill) level or at the street level and walk up via the stairs (it’s a pretty walk for those who are walkers like moi!). I’ve successfully found free evening street parking ~10 minutes from the bottom lot, so there are options!

The Hollyhock House inside The Barnsdell Art Park

4800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (Website)

Neighborhood: Hollywood

The Adamson House: A Beachfront 1920s Time Capsule You Can Actually Visit

*Look at this entrance and tiles / Photo by L. Tran*

If you’ve ever driven along PCH and thought, “wait… what is that beautiful house right on the water?” — this is it.

*The Adamson House, tiled water feature / Photo by L. Tran*

The Adamson House sits quietly along Malibu Lagoon, steps from the beach, with views of the ocean, the lagoon, and the Malibu Pier (I combine my visit with the pier and restaurants!). It’s one of those rare spots where the ocean setting is worth the visit. You don’t even need to go inside to feel like you found something special.

The grounds are open daily: walk the gardens, follow the paths, read the outdoor panels, and just take it in. It’s peaceful, I’m generally alone with I go!

If you’re up for it, do the guided tour inside. It’s about 45 minutes to an hour, and it’s the only way to see the interior. The house is filled with details like hand-painted tiles, carved wood doors, murals, textured ceilings, all layered in a way that feels both coastal and historic. It’s full-on craftsmanship that you can’t find today!

The history here is also very LA. The land was originally part of Rancho Malibu, later owned by Frederick Rindge, who basically tried to keep Malibu isolated and untouched. No roads, no railways, nothing. People had to come in by horseback or boat. His wife, May Rindge, fought hard to control development along the coast. Eventually, the state built roads, and Malibu became what it is today. The Adamson House is one of the few remaining pieces of that earlier era; hence why there’s this wealthy private residence along the coast owned by Malibu!

Why go?

*Even the garage is pretty / Photo by L. Tran*

Rare to see a formerly private estate in its historic Spanish Colonial style with historic woodwork, tiles, beach views! I really wanted to book this home for my wedding, but since they didn’t have a kitchen (for public use) it became too expense. But I liken this place as a rich person’s casual beach home! Who doesn’t want to hang out under the stars and gaze at the Malibu coast line with a historic Spanish style home behind you?

*Green lawn at the Adamson House / Photo by L. Tran*

Good to know:
Grounds are open daily from 8am to sunset and are free to explore. Guided house tours are Wednesday through Saturday 11am to 2pm, first come first served. Tickets are $7 for adults. The museum is free and open similar hours, but may close during weather conditions.

I personally enjoyed walking around on the exterior. I have seen the insides, but I feel the exterior details are where it’s at including the stunning location.

Parking Tips:

There’s no on-site parking, but you can park at Surfrider Beach or Malibu Lagoon State Beach for a fee, or try your luck with street parking along PCH. From there, it’s a short (or mid length) walk in.

The Adamson House (Website)

23200 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (Google maps)

Neighborhood: Malibu

Gamble House For Craftsmanship IRL

Apparently, people know this as the Back to the Future house (Doc Brown’s house).

But once you step inside, the movie connection kind of fades into the background because the house itself is that impressive.

Built in 1908, the Gamble House is one of the best examples of American Craftsman architecture in the country. And when people say “details matter”: the woodwork alone is next level. Every joint, every panel, every built-in piece of furniture was designed intentionally.

You can’t wander inside on your own, it’s a docent-led tour. The guides point out small design choices, tell stories about the family, and explain why certain things were built the way they were. You walk through most of the house, and even the darker rooms have this cozy, almost cinematic feel. At times, the guide uses a flashlight to highlight details you’d miss otherwise. Outside, the gardens are quiet, well-kept, and a nice reset after being inside focusing on all that detail.

Why go? Because this is craftsmanship you don’t really see anymore. It’s preserved in a way that is lived-in, not like a roped-off museum. And yes, if you’re a Back to the Future fan, you may enjoy it even more.

Good to know:
Tours are about $20 and last around an hour. Groups are small, usually around a dozen people. You can often book same-day tickets, but I’d recommend reserving ahead to be safe. Check in at the garage next door, which also has restrooms and a small shop. Parking is street parking; but had no problem.

The Gamble House (Website)

4 Westmoreland Pl, Pasadena, CA 91103 (Google maps)

Neighborhood: Pasadena

There’s More On My To-Do List

Schindler House for Minimalism Magic - Tickets are about $10 through the MAK Center. Easy to pair with a West Hollywood coffee or lunch stop! I’m going next month, standby for updates.
Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens- for a city retreat located in West Adams. Originally at 1911 mansion and now used for meditation! I’m especially excited to visit as this is in my hood!! / There’s a small processing fee $6 to reserve your visit. Parking is available on-site. Plan for a slow, quiet experience. Planning to go in a few weeks, TBD!!

Final Thoughts: This Is the Side of LA That Is Hidden, Less Rushed, and Less Crowded (yay)

LA isn’t just restaurants and traffic and whatever’s trending that week.

There’s this whole layer of the city that’s slower, more thoughtful, and honestly more memorable. Historic homes. Quiet gardens. Spaces where you can actually be present for a minute. And the best part? None of these cost more than $20… did I mention some are FREE??!?!? (yay)

What I love about these spots is that they’re not overcrowded, and as a local, you can live here for years and still not visit! So these are perfect for long-time locals and tourists, and it helps to get away from the overcrowded tourist scene! These locations mostly require advance booking (so that’s a turnover for the hoards of crowds).

And selfishly, I’ll say this… let’s not blow these up too much 😅.

This is the version of LA that people don’t always talk about… but once you find it, it’s hard to go back. So next time you’re about to default to the same go-to plan, try one of these instead. LA will feel a little different, in a good way!

I love LA and hope you will too :D

About Elle (aka L. Tran)

Elle thrives on being a tourist in her own city, generously sharing over 10 years of Los Angeles knowledge with fellow enthusiasts!

An enthusiastic bike-to-work cyclist, also known as a commuter, Elle has recently embraced the world of roller skating. If you have any questions about LA, drop her a line, or simply say HELLO! Meeting new people brings her immense joy. Cheers! linhdy@outlook.com

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