Hollywood is one of the most famous neighborhoods in our city buts its also one of the most misunderstood. While many people in Los Angeles avoid it all costs because of the tourist traps and overall seediness there is much more to the area than just the famous Hollywood Boulevard.
There are other areas in Hollywood that bring happiness with art, good bites, incredible cocktails and entertainment that makes a visit, whether you be a tourist or local, extremely worth it.
Use this article as your local guide to hacking Hollywood and find awesome but often overlooked spots where you can get incredible views, amazing food, and other activities to make any day very special and fun.
1 – Barnsdall Art Park
Description:
This public art park donated to the city by Aline Barnsdall exhibits a variety of different gallery spaces and offers public tours of the Hollyhock House. Its located in East Hollywood and it was designed by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Barnsdall art Park is especially popular during the Summer where diverse crowds of families, couples and singles can enjoy outdoor concerts and movies or just the large grass fields at the top where you can catch some awesome city views of Hollywood.
One of the most popular regular events they have is the Friday night wine tastings in the Summer months and we highly recommend it.
As of this writing the park and the Hollyhock House are temporarily closed. But we wanted to include it because its one of our favorites and we feel like it should be open later in 2021. If not put it on the list for 2022!
Location: 4800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Pic Credit: @maria.in.la
2 – Greek Theater
Description:
This is one of our most beloved Hollywood event venues and we have missed it so much! Located within Griffith Park, this historic theater and landmark is a spot like no other. Concerts at The Greek are events like no other, how can we forget the ones that have gone down in history like Elton’s John’s AIDS benefit concert? Or Ray Charles’ 10,000th concert?
Part of what makes the venue so special is the beautiful surrounding nature of this modern amphitheater. Because of its history and ambience its a favorite among event producers, and of course all of us Angelenos who love next level experiences for their entertainment venues.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic most events in the theater have been postpone until July and August. Check their website for more information.
Location: 2700 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
PIC Credit: @greek_theater
3 – Speakeasies
Description:
If you’re in Hollywood you have to check out some of the awesome Speakeasies. There are many but here we are recommending Sunset and Vinyl. This 70s theme displays vintage velvet furniture, amber lightning and of course the old school vinyl records you hear playing.
This hidden cocktail lounge can only be access through 800Degrees Pizza Restaurant. Make your way past the leather booths and the bathrooms. Make a left and walk up the stairs. Enjoy the wide variety of cocktails and the laid back atmosphere.
Limited capacity, it opens at 6pm, so get there early.
Location: 1521 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028
PIC Credit: @ sky_uncensored
4 – Beachwood ‘Secret’ Stairs
Description:
These historic stairs hidden in an old Hollywood housing community, first appeared in 1923 for residents to access the newly built community. While it was originally intended for the residents these impressive steps draw exercise and stair enthusiasts who are luckily enough to know about them. This would probably be considered a moderately difficult trek up the stairs so can run up them to shed some unwanted pounds or if you just want to take in the beauty take a cause stroll around this beautiful little gem.
If you want to take a walk through the whole area its about 2 1/2 miles and 6 sets of stairs but you will be rewarded with amazing views of downtown, the Hollywood sign, the Griffith Observatory, and the beautiful European style homes in the neighborhood.
Location: beachwood canyon and hollywoodland
PIC Credit: @ hikingwithsun
5 – Salt’s Cure restaurant
Description:
If you’re just thinking about the restaurants on Hollywood Boulevard and the tourist areas, you are missing out on some of the best eats in Hollywood. There are so many incredible and award winning restaurants in the area so we chose to feature one using local and natural ingredients for its food.
Salts Cure is a restaurant, bar and market well known for many things including their quality meats bought from California farms and their sustainable seafood caught by local fisherman.
Their cocktails are amazing, they look like healthy juices with a twist. Also you can find here natural wines and a decent selection of beers.
Don’t miss out brunch either as their oatmeal griddle cakes have become so popular you can even order the mix in their website to make them at home. But of course we prefer eating in the actual restaurant because there is no way ours are coming out that good.
Their food is simply delicious with so many options but we recommend you dont miss the pork ham confit which is a bowl of meat but looks like a pretty salad. You got to have it at least once! Also try another of our favorites, the biscuits and jam or pork loin.
Location: 1155 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
PIC Credit: @ cookingupswag
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!