Los Angeles may be famous for sights like the Hollywood sign and Beverly Hills, but there’s more to this Southern California city than meets the eye. Whether you’re looking for something silly or something naughty, there truly is something for everyone.
#1 Echo Park Time Travel Mart
From the outside, the Time Travel Mart looks like any other store, but step inside and you’ll find products imported from another time. Literally.
You can find anything from Viking odorant and mammoth chunks to robot toupees and other travel themed oddities. The stores are part of an organization that helps promote creative writing for kids. You can even buy anthologies that feature their work.
#2 Skeletons In The Closet
Have you ever wanted to own official LA Coroner clothing? Or perhaps maybe you’ve wanted your own chalked-out body outline? If so, check out Skeletons in the Closet at the LA Coroners’ Office (yes, really).
The purpose of the store is supposed to promote how fragile life is, but we can’t help but side-eye the folks who came up with the idea to run a gift shop in the same building where people come to identify their dearly departed. Only in Los Angeles, right?
#3 Watts Towers
Watts Towers is the creation of one man, Sam Rodia, who purchased a plot of land and then spent 34 years creating his masterpiece. He built the towers without the use of machine equipment, scaffolding, bolts, rivets, welds, or drawing board designs.
He used simple tools, and a window-washer’s belt and buckle. That’s it. And considering the tallest of the towers stands at just over 99 feet, that’s no small feat. He adorned the towers with mosaics of broken glass, sea shells, and tile. The towers still stand today, showcasing the determination of their creator beautifully.
#4 Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Want to watch a movie in a cemetery? Who came up with that idea? Well, if that sounds like something you’d enjoy, then you should check out the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Not only can you walk around and view the grave sites of some of old Hollywood’s biggest names, but you can watch movies like the Texas Chainsaw Massacre that’s projected against the Mausoleum that houses the crypt of Rudolph Valentino.
Up to 3,500 people bring blankets, pillows, alcohol and more to enjoy a movie under the stars. DJs play music both before and after the screening too, making this a slightly morbid, but fun, outing that must be seen to be believed!
#5 Old LA Zoo
When the new LA Zoo opened in 1960, the old zoo wasn’t destroyed. In fact, it still stands today and has been converted into a hiking/picnic location that’s pretty unique. You can hike past old animal cages, step inside some of the old holding pens and eat lunch right there, and even see where they filmed the San Diego Zoo scenes in the Will Ferrell hit film, Anchorman.
#6 Museum of Jurassic Technology
If we’re asked to describe this museum in just one word, well… we really couldn’t. It’s bizarre, odd, and just plain random. It’s one of those places you’d have to see to believe, and finding a theme to describe it is nearly impossible.
But if you like strange museums, this is one you must visit. Exhibits can change often, but in the past, they’ve featured items like a miniature Noah’s ark, reindeer antlers, microscopes where you were able to look at different amoebas, and an exhibit on the death and degeneration of dice, just to name a few.
You’ll never know what to expect from room-to-room, which is part of the appeal honestly.
#7 Jumbo’s Clown Room
Okay, yes, this is a pole dancing joint. But don’t get us wrong – this is not your typical strip club. Jumbo’s is notorious for their pole dancing, and the girls never get nude. Instead, they perform some serious acrobatics in their underwear, a feat that men and women alike can appreciate.
Not to mention, the dancers are of all body types, and most are tatted and pierced up. It’s a great little dive bar with some serious entertainment. If you’re feeling a little naughty, or can just appreciate acrobatic pole work, this may be the place for you.
#8 California Institute Of Abnormalarts
If you’re into the darker side of clubbing, then this North Hollywood nightclub might be just the thing you’ve been looking for.
The club is owned by two guys who collected the freakiest art on earth, and then they stuffed it inside this place. You can find pickled fetuses, preserved corpses, dead fairies, and more, mixed with a dark carnival-like atmosphere (featuring funhouse mirrors and all).
The club books a variety of acts, and they range from circus performers to bands that have a penchant for dressing up in freaky costumes.
#9 Farmacia y Botanica Million Dollar
If you practice Santeria, or perhaps just wondered what Sublime was even talking about, then perhaps a visit to this botanica might answer some of your questions. After all, this is where the witch doctors go to pick up everything they need. And for those who aren’t as experienced in the art of witch doctoring, well, there are tons of DIY products as well – everything from love potions to protective medallions.
So see? There’s more to Los Angeles than designer stores and movie-star-wannabes. And honestly, this is just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re an adventurous traveler, the city of L.A offers countless opportunities to experience something new and completely different. From museums to landmarks, there’s always something to see and do.
Cover photo: www.mylifesatrip.com
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