It’s almost impossible to get bored in Los Angeles, just trekking to the latest restaurant or art opening across town is like a day trip in of itself. However, if you’re ever stumped as to what to do during some downtime, here are five hidden – and somewhat exotic – gems worth investigating. And you don’t even need Global Entry for any of them.
Lake Shrine This 10-acre site in Pacific Palisades offers Angelenos a respite from their daily life that features beautiful gardens, a natural spring-fed lake and wildlife -OK…koi, swans and ducks, however mountain lions and coyotes can be found nearby on the hiking trails. Yoga and mediation go hand in hand with the Court of Religions, which honors the five principal religions of the world, or the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, where a portion of Gandhi’s ashes is enshrined. www.lakeshrine.org
Museum of Jurassic Technology Walking through the museum is like stepping back in time, although there are no dinosaurs here. The exhibits – think a miniature sculpture of the pope created in the eye of the needle – aim to confuse you…or just make you think. The museum’s creator is a metaphysicist after all. www.mjt.org
Kayaking in the Los Angeles River A water based adventure smack in the middle of LA? You bet. Here, you can paddle your way through the heart of the city, by way of the LA river and not the 405. www.lariverkayaksafari.org
Time Travel Mart No, this isn’t where Dr. Who may end up, but if you’re in the market for a robot toupee or a blank audiocassette to make a 1990’s style mixed tape, you surely will want to poke around this shop filled with oddities deemed necessary to visit the past or the future. www.826la.org/store/
No Vacancy Old hollywood is channelled inside this building that once housed a brothel and a hotel. Watch a burlesque show at this under-the-radar speakeasy – from nightlife impresario’s, The Houston Brothers’ – while sipping pre-Prohibition era craft cocktails and observing the tight rope walkers balancing high above your head. www.novacancyla.com
Tags: Culture, Entertainment, Los Angeles, Travel
will check them out on my upcoming trip…thanks!