LA Like a Local: 25 Non-Touristy Things to Do in the City of Angels

While the Getty and LACMA deservedly draw crowds, Los Angeles harbors smaller cultural institutions that offer equally enriching experiences without the tourist crush.

The Heritage Square Museum in Highland Park transports visitors to Victorian-era Los Angeles through preserved historic structures. As someone who appreciates accessibility, I was pleased to find most buildings wheelchair-accessible, though some paths are uneven. Request a docent-led tour—the stories bring these architectural treasures to life.

The Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo offers profound insights into the Japanese American experience, including the sobering World War II internment period. Their rotating exhibitions consistently impress me with their thoughtfulness.

My personal favorite remains the Museum of Jurassic Technology in Culver City—an indescribable cabinet of curiosities that defies categorization. Is it art? Science? Fantasy? The answer remains delightfully unclear, even after multiple visits. After exploring, enjoy complimentary Georgian tea in their rooftop garden. I recommend bringing a pocket magnifier as many exhibits feature miniature details that reward close inspection.

Los Angeles reveals its true character through its diverse neighborhoods, each with its own cultural fingerprint.

Atwater Village, nestled along the LA River, offers a delightful morning stroll. Begin with a pastry at Proof Bakery (their croissants rival any I've tasted in Edinburgh), then meander along the river path where local artists have transformed concrete channels into canvases. The independent bookshops and vintage stores here merit unhurried browsing.

In Leimert Park, the heartbeat of African American arts and culture in Los Angeles pulses strongly. On weekends, the village comes alive with jazz performances, poetry readings, and community gatherings. The World Stage hosts remarkable jazz sessions that remind me of Honolulu's small venues in the 1970s—intimate spaces where musical magic happens.

For fellow garden enthusiasts, Frogtown (officially Elysian Valley) offers surprising pockets of urban greenery along the LA River. I recommend wearing a sun hat for protection during these walks. My cousin introduced me to this neighborhood during my first 'local' visit, and I've returned each year to see how community efforts have transformed industrial spaces into flourishing gardens.

Thaitown, beyond the well-known restaurants, hosts a vibrant Buddhist temple (Wat Thai) where weekend food markets offer authentic street foods that transported me straight back to my visit to Bangkok. The aromas alone are worth the trip!

Los Angeles' food scene extends far beyond the Instagram-famous establishments that dominate tourist itineraries.

For my fellow early risers, Grand Central Market downtown opens at 8am, hours before most tourists arrive. This historic food hall dates to 1917, and while it has modernized, longtime vendors still serve authentic regional Mexican dishes alongside newcomers. I cherish quiet mornings here with a cup of coffee from G&B, watching vendors prepare for the day.

In the San Gabriel Valley, Chinese food enthusiasts will discover perhaps America's most authentic regional Chinese cuisines. Rather than settling for Americanized dishes, venture to places like Chengdu Taste for fiery Sichuan specialties or Sea Harbour for dim sum that rivals Hong Kong's finest. Navigating these areas can be challenging without Mandarin skills, so I use a translation device which has proven invaluable for reading menus and communicating with staff.

For a truly local experience, Sunday community meals at Crenshaw Farmers Market offer home-style soul food served with genuine hospitality. I've had enlightening conversations with local elders here who shared stories of the neighborhood's rich history.

Don't overlook the Armenian culinary enclave in East Hollywood, particularly along a stretch of Hollywood Boulevard near Normandie Avenue nicknamed 'Little Armenia.' Mini Kabob, a tiny family-run establishment, serves the most tender lule kebabs I've encountered outside of Yerevan.

Los Angeles may conjure images of concrete and traffic, but the city harbors remarkable natural escapes that even longtime residents sometimes overlook.

The Amir's Garden in Griffith Park stands as a testament to one man's dedication. After a devastating fire in 1971, hiker Amir Dialameh began planting this 5-acre garden by hand, carrying water and supplies up the hill several times weekly for decades. Now a shaded oasis of flowering plants and fruit trees, it offers spectacular views without the crowds of Griffith Observatory. The moderate hike requires sturdy footwear—I rely on my hiking shoes which provide excellent grip on the sometimes loose terrain.

For accessible nature appreciation, the Arlington Garden in Pasadena offers a Mediterranean climate garden on land once slated for development. This water-wise garden demonstrates sustainable practices while providing a peaceful retreat. I've spent many pleasant hours sketching the native plants here.

The Venice Canals, while not entirely 'non-touristy,' become remarkably peaceful at sunrise. During my last visit, I brought my travel watercolor set and painted the morning light on the water while herons fished nearby—a tranquil experience far removed from the boardwalk's carnival atmosphere.

For a truly local experience, join the Sierra Club's Angeles Chapter for their regular group hikes. I've met fascinating Angelenos on these outings who've shared their deep knowledge of local ecology and history.

Beyond the established galleries and museums lies Los Angeles' vibrant grassroots art scene, where creativity flourishes in unconventional spaces.

The Mosaic Tile House in Venice represents a 25-year labor of love by artists Cheri Pann and Gonzalo Duran, who transformed their home into a kaleidoscopic wonderland of handcrafted tiles and found objects. Tours require advance reservation but offer an intimate glimpse into artistic dedication that commercial galleries rarely capture.

The Underground Museum in Arlington Heights, founded by the late artist Noah Davis, brings museum-quality art to a neighborhood traditionally underserved by cultural institutions. Their thoughtfully curated exhibitions rival major museums, and their garden provides a contemplative space for community gathering.

For literary arts enthusiasts, Beyond Baroque in Venice hosts poetry readings, workshops, and houses an extensive collection of small press publications. During my last visit, I attended a reading by senior poets that particularly resonated with my perspective as a mature traveler.

The Bhagavad Gita Museum in Culver City houses remarkable dioramas depicting scenes from the ancient Hindu text. Regardless of religious background, the craftsmanship impresses visitors. I recommend bringing a travel notebook to jot down the fascinating stories accompanying each display.

Street art enthusiasts should explore the Arts District beyond the well-photographed murals. The constantly evolving works reflect the neighborhood's transformation, with new pieces appearing regularly. I use the street art app to locate recent works and learn about the artists.