Insider Tips for Exploring the Hidden Gems of Los Angeles

From the best martinis to the most scenic hikes, local experts share their unconventional wisdom for making the most of the City of Angels.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:00pm

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A high-contrast silkscreen print in neon colors depicting an iconic Los Angeles lifestyle object, such as a coffee cup or taco, repeated in a grid pattern, conceptually representing the diverse and unexpected delights of the city.A vibrant pop art celebration of the unconventional local wisdom that unlocks the hidden gems and authentic experiences of Los Angeles.Los Angeles Today

We asked our friends for the inside track on making the most of your time in Los Angeles. From where to find the perfect martini and the tastiest tacos to the must-do hikes and hidden shopping gems, this guide reveals the unconventional local wisdom for truly experiencing the layers of this dynamic city.

Why it matters

As a sprawling metropolis, Los Angeles can be daunting for visitors to navigate. This story taps into the insider knowledge of locals to uncover the city's best-kept secrets, from a legendary cheese shop to a hidden movie theater, providing readers with a more authentic and enriching way to explore the City of Angels.

The details

The story covers a wide range of recommendations, from where to find the best martini (Musso & Frank's) and the tastiest taco truck (El Chato) to the must-do hike (Runyon Canyon) and the most luxurious bagels (Courage Bagels). It also highlights lesser-known gems like the Beverly Hills Cheese Shop, the Vista Theater, and the parrot at Felix the Cuts barbershop. The recommendations span different neighborhoods, showcasing the diversity and depth of experiences available in Los Angeles.

  • The story was published on March 31, 2026.

The players

Sheila Marikar

A writer who recommends hiking Runyon Canyon on a Saturday morning to experience the local wildlife, including many influencers.

Amy Meier

An interior designer who suggests starting with a lobster roll at Royal Lobster and then visiting the independent boutique Mameg.

Phil Rosenthal

An Emmy-winning writer and host of "Somebody Feed Phil" who co-owns the restaurant Max & Helen's and recommends the Sichuan cuisine at Once More Chinese Cuisine and the martinis at Musso & Frank's.

Alex Israel

An artist who encourages visitors to walk the length of Sunset Boulevard to experience the full texture of Los Angeles.

Nicole Avant

An author, producer, and philanthropist who finds healing in walking the same route her parents did for over 50 years in Trousdale Estates.

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What they’re saying

“To fully appreciate the local wildlife, you have to hike Runyon Canyon on a Saturday morning. Uber or Lyft to the corner of Fuller and Franklin Ave—you could drive and attempt to park, but it's a competitive sport on weekends, and out of towners are likely to lose (by circling the block for hours or getting slapped with a hefty parking ticket). On the mile and half-ish hike to the top—there are multiple paths, but I always take the paved fire road—you'll encounter several species of Angeleno. The Alo-clad influencer. The boombox-toting influencer. The dog walking-influencer. So many influencers! You'll also break a sweat and see birds of various types, but I go for the sunshine and the people watching. It's among this city's best.”

— Sheila Marikar, writer

“Start with the lobster roll at Royal Lobster—a pint-sized depot with a simple, straightforward menu focused entirely on exceptional ingredients, no frills. Then stroll down to Mameg; you won't leave wearing what everyone else is. It's beautifully curated with an independent, creative point of view. Wander into the back garden courtyard by Eric Nagelmann and take a quiet moment to reset.”

— Amy Meier, interior designer

“I live near Koreatown, which is just exploding with restaurants of all kinds, not just Korean restaurants. There's an amazing new Sichuan one that just opened, Once More Chinese Cuisine on Western Avenue, which is the kind of place you'd usually only find in the San Gabriel Valley. One of the great things is dish done in a broth with Sichuan peppercorns and all kinds of vegetables; the fish is cooked perfectly, it's tender but also has that spicy, numbing thing going on. I defy anyone to take a bite and to not keep going. And go to Musso & Frank's for the best martini in town—and anything that comes off of that grill.”

— Phil Rosenthal, Emmy-winning writer, host of Somebody Feed Phil, co-owner of Max & Helen's

“They say nobody walks in L.A.—which is exactly why you should. You'll have the sidewalk to yourself and actually feel the city's texture, not just glimpse it out the window of your Waymo. Walk to Erewhon, EarthBar, or the Bigg Chill—get those steps, earn that smoothie, lock in that Vitamin D!”

— Alex Israel, artist

“While L.A. waits (and waits) for the Cinerama Dome to maybe re-open, the Quentin Tarantino-owned Vista Theater in Los Feliz has redefined the neighborhood movie house. A bunch of vintage trailers—plus a Warner Bros cartoon—play before every showing. And there's RC Cola on tap and zero assigned seating, meaning it's basically 1980 inside, but with killer sound. Opening night of Sinners played like a church revival. So did a Saturday matinee screening of Goldie Hawn's Overboard Bury me here.”

— Mickey Rapkin, writer

The takeaway

This story provides an insider's guide to experiencing the hidden gems and unconventional delights of Los Angeles, from the best martinis and tacos to the most scenic hikes and independent boutiques. By tapping into the local knowledge of writers, designers, artists, and other Angelenos, it offers readers a more authentic and enriching way to explore the diverse layers of this dynamic city.