Los Angeles has a multitude of attractions and sights not to be missed by any visitor, but here we have explored some of the more ‘off the beaten track’ attractions. While destinations such as Disneyland, Universal Studios, Santa Monica Pier, Hollywood and Beverly Hills are worthy of a mention and not to be missed (plus thousands of others), these attractions will bring a unique experience to your Los Angeles visit.
1. Amoeba Music Store
The Amoeba Music store opened on Sunset Blvd in November 2001 and occupies an entire city block. Amoeba showcases the largest, most diverse collection of new and used music. The collection includes CD’s, records and tapes, plus DVD’s creating a musical community onto itself.
Doubling as a live music venue, often with live music releases and DJ’s gracing the building, it’s a world of entertainment. Hours can be lost viewing the over one million items for sale over two floors. If you are a music lover of any genre then you are bound to fall in love this venue.
2. La Brea Tar Pits
This is a unique and often over looked attraction of Los Angeles. Show casing fossils excavated from the La Brea Tar Pits dating back approximately 55,000 years, currently there has been more then one million bones representing over 650 species preserved to date.
Some of the most common animals found have been dire wolves, sabre-tooth cats, coyotes, mammoth, bison plus many more. Excavations continue today and you can watch scientists at work seven days per week and experience the tar pits with daily tours.
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3. Family Puppet Theatre
In 1945 Bob Baker started to manufacture toy marionettes and has been performing theatre shows in his downtown studio for over 40 years. Bob has worked on many animations over the years including Disney productions and his work has been showcased and purchased world-wide by leading department stores.
Located downtown, bookings are essential, especially on weekends and holidays due to demand. With shows alternating regularly, there is also a store where marionettes can be purchased at very reasonable prices. If you are looking for a fun and unique family entertainment option then don’t miss a show at the Bob Baker Marionette Theatre. This is a tribute to the original puppet shows of yester-year and remains a family favourite to this day.
4. Cinerama Theatre
The Cinerama Theatre is in the middle of Sunset Blvd surrounded by the top bars and restaurants of Los Angeles. Originally built in November 1963, the dome like roof shape makes it easy to spot and a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike.
Built to support 70mm widescreen format films, it’s still in operation today after a refurbishment to improve the acoustics and modernise the theatre. Often used for film premiers, this is a unique experience and location to view a part of Hollywood history.
5. Original Farmers Markets
Conceived in 1934, the original Los Angeles Farmers Market was an instant hit and success with the local farmers and public alike. Located at 3rd and Fairfax not far from Hollywood, it’s now home to nearly 100 stores with all types of fresh produce, meats, cheese, nuts, flowers and more.
In July 1934, eighteen farmers responded to an advertisement asking for farmers to sell their fresh produce. Paying 50 cents each in rent, their wares were sold from the back of their trucks direct to the public. A make shift car park was set out for customers in chalk and the results were remarkable.
Today the Farmers Market are filled with shops, stalls, restaurants and services. It’s a fun afternoon or morning out and about and not to be missed.
What’s your suggestion?
Do you have a suggestion of an interesting or unusual attraction in Los Angeles? Leave a comment below, we would love to hear form you.
