Griffith Park Old Zoo Los Angeles
LA's hidden zoo
There's a hidden zoo behind the famous Los Angeles Zoo. I did not find it until recently. It looks scary, old, and full of animal ghosts!
The Griffith Park Zoo was built in 1912 and closed in 1966 when the animals were transferred to its current location. Behind a long hiking trail, this zoo housed only 15 animals in the beginning. You can see caves, bars, and other enclosures typical of treatment of animals in zoos at the turn of the century. The spookiness of the zoo draws adventurers to explore all the enclosures. Watch out for ghosts of lions.
One of the best thing about the old Zoo is its hidden nature. Most people do not know there is another zoo. The zoo is not well marked and you'll need some directions from locals.
Events at the zoo include the Shakespeare in the Park during summer times. The Independent Shakespeare Co. (ISC) performs at the old Zoo during the summer as well.
Watch for Ghosts of Shakespeare and Zoo animals - beware!
Find your way with 135 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Los Angeles
Garden of Oz
Hidden Hollywood Garden
Hidden in Hollywoodland, the Garden of Oz is a mosaic masterpiece of art and quotes. A private gem that invites you to pause, gaze, and be inspired.
by
Val
Douroux
Best Thrift Shops in LA
Treasure Hunting
I love thrift shopping! Like treasure hunting, you never know what you're going to find. There's joy in seeing new value in old things. Breathing fresh life into something recycled.
by
Val
Douroux
Olvera St.
LA's Oldest Neighborhood
Olvera St. is the liveliest, and oldest, neighborhood in Los Angeles. I come here to get immersed in Latino culture. The buzz of the people is amazing...
by
Val
Douroux
Ritual Acai
Best Açaí in LA
My favorite bowl is the “Ritual of Champions”. It has acai, hemp seeds, strawberries, bananas, cacao, and peanut butter drizzled on top.
by
Val
Douroux
St. Felix
Hollywood Club Crawl starts here
I've been coming to "St. Felix" in LA for almost ten years. This is where the Hollywood Club Crawl starts. I like their new post-pandemic extras!
by
James
Hsiao
Elbow Room
A bar for bartenders and sports
If you ask some bartenders around the block in LA where they go on their days off or when they get off work, "Elbow Room" is the place...
by
James
Hsiao
Figaro Bistrot
Magical Parisian café
"Figaro Bistrot" Los Angeles: the quintessential cafe and a magical spot that will allow you for a quick trip to Paris! I go for their Omelette for brunch.
by
Julian
Sosa
The Cat and Fiddle
UK bar
"The Cat and Fiddle" in Los Angeles is a British bar with great Monday pie and pint. I love the happy hour, and I love the atmosphere to read here!
by
James
Hsiao
Scum and Villainy Cantina
Sci-fi lounge
"Scum and Villainy Cantina" in Hollywood, Los Angeles has its own Star Wars and other sci-fi themed bar. You can even dress up here, I'm usually a Pilot...
by
James
Hsiao
New Beverly Cinema
Vintage double features
"New Beverly Cinema" Los Angeles is a 35mm only theatre. Q. Tarantino is head programmer and it only plays double features, the true way to enjoy films!
by
Julian
Sosa
Cafe Grano
Cultural & Delicious
Cafe Grano in Burbank blends cozy vibes, brain-fueling smoothies, and creative buzz — perfect for working, chilling, and soaking in the local film culture.
by
Val
Douroux
Heading to Los Angeles?
135 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Los Angeles?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 135 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Los Angeles
Our team loves Los Angeles
Get to know our other Spotters from Los Angeles
As featured on:
