There are many unique and interesting places to visit in or near LA but one of our favorites are ruins or abandoned places. Most have an interesting story behind them and you can feel the history when you visit.
In this article, you will find our top list of hidden ruins and where you can find them.
You can impress visiting out of town guests or simply have a fun hike yourself by visiting these amazing adult playgrounds with a quirky history and interesting character.
1 – Sunken City, San Pedro
Description:
This very cool spot was once an exclusive neighborhood overlooking the Ocean, but after a landslide, in 1929 it became what is now known as Sunken City.
Although it is not really a place for tourists, in fact, you will see lots of no trespassing signs and even a fence to keep crowds away, many people visit this local San Pedro gem all year round. Its a favorite hiking spot for folks willing to risk a trespassing ticket.
It’s a unique place for sure, with a lot of graffiti and art mixed in with Palm trees and water views making it look like a Mad Max movie set on the Ocean.
This one of a kind adventure attracts lots of visitors and hikers despite it being potentially dangerous because of the shaky ground and steep drops.
If you do choose to take the risk you will get lots of memorable selfies and a great artistic and fun hike with breathtaking ocean views.
Just another reminder though, with it technically being trespassing and potentially dangerous, you are visiting this unique spot at your own risk.
Location: Sunken City trail, los angeles ca 90731
Pic Credit: @wkalifornijskimstylu
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Sunken City can be tricky to find. Want a step by step instructions on how to get there? Go to our Instagram click on the ‘Outdoor’ Highlights.
There you will find a video where I tell you all you need to know about getting to and enjoying a visit to Sunken City.
2 – Paramount Ranch
Description:
This fantastic place has been a popular film location for many movies and popular TV shows. It is also a free area where visitors are welcome to explore, take pictures, and enjoy the scenery.
If you want an interesting day outdoors this would be a great hiking destination, where you can bring your dog on a leash, or simply come to the grounds to have a picnic and look around.
If hiking isn’t your thing you could instead jump on a bike or go horseback riding for your outdoor adventure at Paramount Ranch.
And if you don’t want to exercise at all? They even have really great bird watching here! You can find a variety of beautiful birds including woodpeckers, red tail hawks, and blue heron.
If you are big-time movie buff you can find a list of some of the films and shows that used Paramount Ranch as a location.
Location:2903 Cornell Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
PIC Credit: @johnesaleno
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In November 2018 the ‘Woolsey Fire’ ravaged Paramount Ranch and destroyed many of the buildings people historically visited.
But the National Park Service will be rebuilding most of it and expect it to be mostly complete by early 2021.
So if you haven’t been you should time your visit for after that reconstruction.
3 – Dominator Shipwreck, Palos Verdes
Description:
The Dominator was a ship that in the 1960s got trapped in this area of Palos Verdes and couldn’t be freed, which led to the crew abandoning it. Now some of the ruins of this ship have been swallowed by the water and the rest remain for visitors to check it out.
It is a unique hike that offers you beautiful views of the ocean, you can also appreciate birds, urchins, pretty rocks, actually, lots of rocks, bring shoes that will keep your feet safe because you will be walking on lots of rocks for a while.
Location:Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
PIC Credit: @simon_t
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Located in beautiful Lunada Bay there is plenty of Ocean trail hiking near this site.
Be sure to check out some more spectacular spots nearby. Here is a list of some of the best ones.
4 – Old LA Zoo, Griffith Park
Description:
The old LA zoo is a fantastic place to pay a visit. Come alone or with a crowd, take pictures, have a picnic, or take a hike and get your exercise done.
Movies and shows have made this spot quite popular, others come here to make videos for their own personal collection in hopes some big producer would pick up their talent. They all choose this place for its charm and mystery, abandoned cages, and enchanting walls that once served home to many animals.
Come visit this great place at any time of the year!
Location:4801 Griffith Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
PIC Credit: @mattcornett
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If you love to be scared make sure you visit the old LA Zoo in October.
There are plenty of special spooky activities going on October nights, like the haunted hayrides and horror film screenings guaranteed to freak you out.
5 – M.A.S.H Set, Malibu Creek State Park
Description:
Want a great, fun hike and some abandoned ruins? Take some awesome pictures at sites used by Hollywood studios in this park, including the breathtaking Rock Pool Trails where some more adventurous hikers even try to climb the legendary ‘Planet of The Apes’ wall from the films.
In the South Grassland Trail, you can find remnants of the long-running TV series ‘M*A*S*H.’ Most of the exterior shots were filmed in a corner of the park that resembles the Korea location of the show.
Malibu Creek State Park also gives you plenty of choices of trails to enjoy. Find spectacular views and enjoy nature hikes with your family.
Location:1925 Las Virgenes Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302
PIC Credit: @starsetsingerguy
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Here are a couple of useful tips:
If you want to park inside Malibu Creek State Park its a $12 fee.
But there is some parking available outside the park.
You cannot bring your dog on this hike, but you can ride your mountain bike on the trails.
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!