Living in LA, you are bound to have an abundance of visitors hoping to soak up the sun and see the sights. It's likely that they will want to be basic and see the same old things that everyone sees -- the Hollywood sign, The Grove, Rodeo Drive, Venice Beach, maybe a bit of Malibu...you know the drill. Give or take a few museums or restaurants or painted walls, you have a classic formula for your LA tours.
Now, while it is fun to see the amazement on friend's and family's faces as they see the Chinese Theater handprints or the Santa Monica pier for the first time, after a few years, you get overly sick of these same old attractions. If you have a return visitor, or someone who isn't bothered by missing their chance to insta at Beverly Hills, take them to these alternate locations and get a little more cultured yourself.
1. Monday Night Residencies
Sure, the concerts on Santa Monica pier are fun. Unfortunately, they're also one of the busiest summer attractions. Skip the craziness and head to Echo Park to catch a free concert with less humans. Residencies are served out for a month at a time by up and coming bands from the area, who play every Monday night and garner intense followings as their time onstage plays out. If you're 21 and over (sorry kids), this may be your chance to see an amazing group before they hit the big time.
2. Marilyn Monroe's Grave
Believe it or not, this is one of the most beautiful and well-hidden spots in LA. Right off of Wilshire, the cemetery is hidden between high-rise buildings, giving it a secret garden feel that is hard to find in LA. Marilyn's resting place is unmistakable-- it's the one covered in lipstick kisses and surrounded by roses. Bring some lipstick and leave your mark in memory of one of America's biggest icons and brightest stars.
3. The Museum of Jurassic Technology
Skip LACMA. Skip the Getty. Located right outside of Abbot Kinney, this weird and wacky museum is worth the visit, even just for the questions it will leave you with. Full of nonsensical exhibits and perplexing artifacts, the museum relishes leaving its visitors in a state of utter confusion. I won't give away any secrets, so as not to ruin the experience, but, if nothing else, there is a Moroccan tea garden on the roof as the conclusion of your tour.
4. Speakeasies
Chances are, if you're 21 and older, you'll want to take your friends to an astounding LA Bar and show off the nightlife of your city. What better way to capture the feel of Los Angeles than to take your friends to a speakeasy? You cant go wrong with a bar by the Houston brothers, who own some of the most renowned bars in LA. Make a reservation or get to know the bouncer, check the dress code, discover the password, and have the time of your life!
There you have it! This list is obviously not as extensive as it could be (LA has plenty of weird stuff), but it covers some of the basics so you can replace your standard trip around the city and leave your guests loving LA just as much as you do. Enjoy!
