Discover our locals' 135 hidden gems in Los Angeles

Discover the real Los Angeles with Spotted by Locals! From tucked-away taco joints to local beaches and bars, our Spotters show you the city's authentic vibe. Explore LA like a true local and uncover its hidden gems.

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Travel Guides by these Los Angeles Locals!

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Check out our latest hidden gems in Los Angeles

Things to do in Los Angeles

Pacific Wheel

Not just for kids!

"Pacific Wheel" is a ferris wheel in Los Angeles' Santa Monica Pier. I love the surprising views from it and the fact that it's solar-powered!

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Art & culture

by

Liz

Militello

Jun 10, 2025

HD Buttercup

Bread museum inside furniture store

"HD Buttercup" is a furniture and home decor store in a historic Los Angeles building that also hosts a bread museum - the original site of Helms Bakery...

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Art & culture
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Shopping

by

Liz

Militello

Jun 10, 2025

Santa Monica Stairs

Step by step

The "Santa Monica Stairs" in Los Angeles is one of my favorite stairways for some outdoor activity. I find is inspiring because the the fittest go there!

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

by

Liz

Militello

Jun 10, 2025

Venice Beach Skatepark

Skateboarding birthplace

"Venice Beach Skatepark" in Los Angeles is the birthplace of skateboarding. This skatepark has two giant pools, a spot for tricks and even a live webcam!

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

by

Liz

Militello

Jun 10, 2025

Movie filming location

This your homework Larry?!

Part of The Big Lebowski was filmed at this otherwise unassuming community in Los Angeles, 'Faircrest Heights'.Please remember this is a private residence.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Liz

Militello

Jun 10, 2025

405 and 10 Intersection

Experience road rage!

The "405 and 10 Intersection" in Los Angeles is one of the busiest in America. This intersection is so famous, it even has its own facebook page!

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Art & culture

by

Liz

Militello

Jun 10, 2025

Los Liones Canyon Trail

View from top of trail

"Los Liones Canyon Trail" one of my favorite hiking trails in Los Angeles. It always makes me feel as if I've escaped city life and gets my heart pumping.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Liz

Militello

Jun 10, 2025

Watts Towers

Art in architecture

"Watts Towers" in Los Angeles is a national landmark, built by a talented Italian immigrant over the duration of 30 years. They remind me of Antoni Gaudi.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Liz

Militello

Jun 10, 2025

Sunbathing Sea Lions

Bark is worse than bite

The "Sunbathing Sea Lions" in Los Angeles' Marina del Rey are huge, playful and charming, but they can also be dangerous. The fishermen know their names!

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Relaxing

by

Liz

Militello

Jun 10, 2025

Kippy's

Coo-coo for coconuts!

"Kippy's" in Los Angeles makes healthy, vegan coconut milk ice cream and it's my #1 favorite local spot. I go there as many as 5 times a week!

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Restaurants
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Snacks

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Liz

Militello

Jun 10, 2025

Father's Office

"I'll be at the office late!"

"Father's Office" in Los Angeles is an upscale gastropub with 'bar food' prepared by acclaimed chef San Yoon. The vegatarian in me is in for a treat here!

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Bars
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Restaurants

by

Liz

Militello

Jun 10, 2025

Museum of Flying

Vintage airplanes

"Museum of Flying" in LA's Santa Monica is in the neighborhood's very own private airport. It's quaint, interesting and made me appreciate planes more!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Liz

Militello

Jun 10, 2025

Heading to Los Angeles?

135 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

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What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Responsible Travel

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

Hi! Nice to meet you.

We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.

With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.

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