Have you been to these 5 hidden gems in Los Angeles?! You must visit them. We actually saw a celebrity at one of the places listed!! The footage in the blog is from a year ago (don't worry we are not traveling during quarantine...we are going to wait until the coronavirus dies down).
Traveling to California is a trip we take every year. In the past, my best friend and I cruised down the Californian coast, went to San Diego, strolled down Venice Beach, we went on a color wall hunt, visited Disneyland embarked on a hike. You can read past year’s 3-day weekend guides here and here.
We hope you enjoy these 5 hidden gems in Los Angeles! Let us know in the comments if you have visited or want to visit one of these places.
1. Hidden Swing
A hidden swing in Los Angeles?! Oh yes ma'am!
This view is unreal so we had to share it with you. The "secret swing" is located in Elysian Park. Please do not make the mistake of typing in “Elysian Park” in your Google or Apple Maps. It will take you to the wrong entrance.
Type in Angels Point Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90012 and it will take you directly to the trailhead. For those who are more geographically inclined, the hidden, secret swing is on top of a hill at the intersection of Angels Point Drive and Park Row Drive in Elysian Park.
Keep reading for more!
When you arrive, there is a curved right turn with 5-8 parking spots on Angels Point Drive. That is where we parked! The entrance to the hill will be marked.
Tips: DO NOT WEAR SANDALS. The climb up the hill to the swing is steep and slippery. We were actually out of breath. I fell 2-3 times and almost broke my camera! It takes 5-10 minutes to get to the top so wear closed toed shoes and pants.
There are always people there so I would go early in the morning if you can. The view is unreal! It overlooks Downtown LA. So peaceful!
Angels Point Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90012
2. Vegan Exchange LA
All vegans rejoice! The Vegan Exchange is a veggie lovers dream. It is like a market but everything is 100% vegan! Plus the entry is free and the weekly market has over 30 rotating vendors that serve everything from tacos and cinnamon rolls to burgers and elote. You'll also find apparel, cosmetics, candles, and more.
Vegan Exchange LA in North Hollywood takes place every Sunday for the the post part. Be sure to check this page to get updates.
5300 Bakman Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91601.
3. Shojin in Little Tokyo
Shojin is refined vegan, organic Japanese restaurant in Little Tokyo. Shojin made the list because the restaurant is hidden (literally) and make a reservation is kinda difficult. Instead of calling, you fill out a long form on their website (it is like an application).
To get here, you have to enter a mall in Little Tokyo and head to the third floor. The outside decor of Shojin has tinted windows like a nightclub but the entry way reminds me of an office. It is so weird! But once you get inside past the lobby area the restaurant transforms!
The menu is amazing! They are known for their vegan sushi. I didn't try that though. I tasted 3 different noodle dishes and had dessert! It was all so so good. It is a little pricey but worth it.
333 S Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
4. Crossroads Kitchen
For upscale dining, head to Crossroads Kitchen. This restaurant is well known for it's 100% plant-based menu with a full bar. What makes it a hidden gem is the fact that TONS of vegan celebrities eat here all the time. Every time we dine at Crossroads, we see somebody famous. Check the vlog above to see who we saw there this time!
The menu has a Mediterranean feel and most guests don’t even know that the restaurant is vegan! The food is that good.
8284 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
5. Holland Festival
We typically stay with my best friend from college when we go to Los Angeles. Since her family is from Holland, she discovered an awesome Holland Festival for us to check out.
This festival made our list of hidden gems because you get to celebrate Holland and Indonesian culture in a huge park in Long Beach! There is Dutch and Indonesian food and drink available for purchase as well as live music.
Shoreline Aquatic Park, Aquarium Way ,Long Beach, CA
If you have any questions about these 5 hidden gems you must visit in Los Angeles, let us know in the comments. We hope to visit the city again!
Until Next Time,
Tay
“Your life is happening now. Make it amazing!”