7 Hidden Gems for Summer Stays in Los Angeles Locals Share Their Favorite Spots
7 Hidden Gems for Summer Stays in Los Angeles Locals Share Their Favorite Spots - Serene Canals - Explore the Venice Beach Canals, a tranquil oasis modeled after Venice, Italy
The Venice Beach Canals in Los Angeles provide a serene and tranquil escape, modeled after the iconic canals of Venice, Italy.
Developed in 1905 by Abbot Kinney, these charming residential canals offer a unique experience for visitors, with picturesque bridges, lush greenery, and a glimpse into the city's historical past.
Besides the serene ambiance, the Venice Beach area is a hub for culinary exploration, where street food and diverse dining options cater to every palate.
This shift has allowed for the growth of a diverse array of aquatic plants and wildlife, creating a unique ecosystem within the urban landscape.
The bridges that span the canals are not merely decorative but serve an essential purpose in the canal's drainage system.
These bridges help regulate the water flow and prevent flooding during heavy rainfalls, a critical function given the area's proximity to the Pacific Ocean.
Interestingly, the canals were initially built with a water depth of 4 feet, but over the years, silt and sediment have accumulated, reducing the average depth to around 2 feet.
This change has necessitated periodic dredging to maintain the canals' navigability for small boats and gondolas.
The Venice Beach Canals are home to a diverse array of bird species, including great blue herons, snowy egrets, and a variety of ducks.
Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts often visit the area to observe these feathered residents in their natural habitat.
The architectural styles of the houses surrounding the canals are varied, ranging from traditional Venetian-inspired designs to more modern, eclectic styles.
Interestingly, the water level in the canals is affected by the tides of the nearby Pacific Ocean.
During high tide, the water level rises, while during low tide, it recedes, creating a rhythmic ebb and flow that adds to the serene ambiance of the area.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Hidden Gems for Summer Stays in Los Angeles Locals Share Their Favorite Spots - Serene Canals - Explore the Venice Beach Canals, a tranquil oasis modeled after Venice, Italy
- 7 Hidden Gems for Summer Stays in Los Angeles Locals Share Their Favorite Spots - Arcade Adventures - Unwind at EightyTwo, combining retro arcade games and creative cocktails
- 7 Hidden Gems for Summer Stays in Los Angeles Locals Share Their Favorite Spots - Whimsical Wonderland - Discover the Oz-inspired garden, a magical escape in the Hollywood Hills
- 7 Hidden Gems for Summer Stays in Los Angeles Locals Share Their Favorite Spots - Historic Harmony - Visit the Korean Friendship Bell, a symbolic landmark with breathtaking ocean vistas
- 7 Hidden Gems for Summer Stays in Los Angeles Locals Share Their Favorite Spots - Cinematic Caves - Venture to the Bronson Caves, a unique filming location with a striking landscape
- 7 Hidden Gems for Summer Stays in Los Angeles Locals Share Their Favorite Spots - Meditative Retreat - Find peace at the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens, a serene oasis for contemplation
7 Hidden Gems for Summer Stays in Los Angeles Locals Share Their Favorite Spots - Arcade Adventures - Unwind at EightyTwo, combining retro arcade games and creative cocktails
EightyTwo, a popular arcade bar located in the Downtown LA Arts District, offers a unique experience that combines a vast selection of vintage arcade and pinball machines with a full-service bar.
The establishment features over 55 classic games, including fan favorites like Mortal Kombat, Space Invaders, and Donkey Kong, all meticulously maintained by on-site technicians.
Beyond the nostalgic gaming experience, EightyTwo serves a variety of craft cocktails and seasonal drinks, creating a relaxed atmosphere for visitors to unwind and indulge in a blend of retro gaming and contemporary libations.
The bar's signature cocktail, the "Bro," is a clever blend of bourbon, cherry liqueur, and a secret ingredient that pays homage to the classic arcade game "Street Fighter," creating a unique flavor profile that complements the gaming atmosphere.
EightyTwo's carefully curated selection of classic arcade titles, such as Mortal Kombat, Space Invaders, and Donkey Kong, are programmed to award players with custom-made "EightyTwo" tokens, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the retro gaming experience.
EightyTwo's commitment to authenticity extends to the design of its custom-made arcade cabinets, which are crafted using the same materials and construction techniques as the original machines, providing a level of detail that purists will truly appreciate.
7 Hidden Gems for Summer Stays in Los Angeles Locals Share Their Favorite Spots - Whimsical Wonderland - Discover the Oz-inspired garden, a magical escape in the Hollywood Hills
The Whimsical Wonderland, also known as the "Garden of Oz," is a hidden gem in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles.
Inspired by the classic novel and film "The Wizard of Oz," this lush garden features a mosaic of colored flowers, miniature houses, and other whimsical structures, including numerous thrones scattered throughout the space.
The Whimsical Wonderland, also known as the "Garden of Oz," features a mosaic of colored flowers, miniature houses, and other whimsical structures inspired by the classic novel and film "The Wizard of Oz."
Scattered throughout the garden are numerous thrones, providing visitors with an opportunity to channel their inner royalty and experience the magic of the Land of Oz.
The garden's design is inspired by the tiled gems found in Barcelona's Park Güell, creating a unique blend of Oz-themed elements and Mediterranean influences.
The Whimsical Wonderland is not only a garden but also an art installation event that features 17 art installations, each designed to bring out different feelings in visitors and encourage self-exploration.
The garden is surrounded by beautiful landscaping and sculptures, including the nearby Hollywood Sculpture Garden, which features dozens of art installations throughout the backyard.
The garden's location, just a 5-minute drive from the Hollywood Sculpture Garden, offers visitors the opportunity to explore multiple Oz-inspired and art-focused destinations in a single trip.
7 Hidden Gems for Summer Stays in Los Angeles Locals Share Their Favorite Spots - Historic Harmony - Visit the Korean Friendship Bell, a symbolic landmark with breathtaking ocean vistas
The Korean Friendship Bell, a 12-foot tall, 17-ton bell located in Angels Gate Park in San Pedro, Los Angeles, was gifted to the United States by South Korea in 1976 to commemorate the US Bicentennial and honor veterans of the Korean War.
Decorated with intricate symbols, including the Korean flag and a dove symbolizing peace, the bell is housed in a stone pavilion and is a popular tourist destination known for its breathtaking ocean vistas.
Visitors are encouraged to visit the Korean Friendship Bell during weekday afternoons for a more tranquil experience, as it can get crowded on weekends.
The Korean Friendship Bell is the largest traditional Korean bell outside of Korea, weighing 17 tons and standing 12 feet tall.
The bell's design is modeled after the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok, one of the most famous bells in Korean history, but it features unique imagery celebrating the relationship between the United States and Korea.
The intricate decorations on the bell include the Korean national flag, a branch of the rose of Sharon (Korea's national flower), a laurel branch (symbolizing victory), and a dove (symbolizing peace).
The bell is housed in a traditional Korean-style pavilion with a pagoda-like roof, which was constructed using techniques and materials imported from Korea.
The Korean Friendship Bell was a gift to the United States from the people of the Republic of Korea in 1976, commemorating the bicentennial of American independence and honoring veterans of the Korean War.
The bell is only rung twice a year - on Independence Day (July 4th) and National Liberation Day of Korea (August 15th) - as part of special ceremonies honoring the partnership between the two nations.
In 2013, the bell underwent a major restoration effort funded by the Korean government to remove rust and graffiti, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
The bell's location, at the edge of Angels Gate Park in San Pedro, offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Palos Verdes Peninsula, creating a serene and picturesque setting.
The Korean Friendship Bell is considered a symbol of international friendship and cooperation, as well as a testament to the enduring relationship between the United States and South Korea.
7 Hidden Gems for Summer Stays in Los Angeles Locals Share Their Favorite Spots - Cinematic Caves - Venture to the Bronson Caves, a unique filming location with a striking landscape
The Bronson Caves in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, have long been a popular filming location for movies and TV shows.
These man-made tunnels, carved into the rock wall of an old quarry, are famous for their appearance as the Batcave in the 1960s "Batman" series.
The Bronson Cave Trail offers a short and easy hike, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the tunnels and take in the surrounding views, including the iconic Hollywood sign.
The caves have been featured in a variety of productions, from Westerns to science fiction, showcasing their versatility as a filming location.
The Bronson Caves were originally created as a quarry in the early 1900s, providing building materials for the growing city of Los Angeles.
The caves have been used as a filming location since the silent film era, with the first known use being in the 1915 film "The Exploits of Elaine."
The caves are famously known as the Batcave from the 1960s "Batman" TV series, which used the location extensively.
Interestingly, the caves have also served as a filming location for several Westerns, taking advantage of the rugged, arid landscape.
Despite their artificial origins, the caves have developed a unique ecosystem, with various plant and animal species making the tunnels their home.
The Bronson Cave Trail, which leads to the caves, is a popular hiking destination, offering stunning views of the surrounding Griffith Park.
The caves have been featured in a wide range of genres, from science fiction and horror to superhero and action films, showcasing their versatility as a filming location.
Geologists have noted that the caves are composed of a type of sedimentary rock known as conglomerate, which is formed from the compaction of pebbles and boulders.
The Bronson Caves have been designated as a historic-cultural monument by the City of Los Angeles, recognizing their significance in the city's cinematic history.
Interestingly, the caves have also been used as a backdrop for music videos, with artists taking advantage of the unique and atmospheric setting.
7 Hidden Gems for Summer Stays in Los Angeles Locals Share Their Favorite Spots - Meditative Retreat - Find peace at the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens, a serene oasis for contemplation
This tranquil oasis features a meditation garden, an outdoor stone labyrinth, and free tours of the historic building, providing a serene space for contemplation and relaxation.
With its beautiful natural surroundings and opportunities for guided meditation, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a unique destination for those looking to disconnect from the busy city and reconnect with themselves.
The Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is situated on a 5-acre site, making it one of the largest labyrinths in the Los Angeles area.
The labyrinth's design is based on the classical seven-circuit Chartres labyrinth pattern, which is believed to have originated in the 13th century.
Interestingly, the labyrinth's path is exactly 1 mile long, allowing visitors to experience a full mile of contemplative walking.
The center's meditation garden features over 60 different species of drought-tolerant plants, showcasing the region's diverse flora.
The historic villa located on the property was originally built in 1912 and has been meticulously restored to maintain its early 20th-century architectural charm.
Remarkably, the villa's roof is made of Ludowici clay tiles, a high-quality material typically found in high-end homes and buildings.
The center's sound garden features a series of tuned metal chimes that create a soothing, meditative ambiance when activated by the wind.
Surprisingly, the labyrinth's stones were individually hand-selected and placed to ensure a smooth, even walking surface for visitors.
The center's spiritual workshops often incorporate the use of Tibetan singing bowls, which are known for their ability to induce deep states of relaxation and meditation.
Interestingly, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is one of the few labyrinths in the Los Angeles area that is open to the public free of charge.