11 Quirky Locations & Facts About Los Angeles You May Not Have Heard Of

The Hollywood Sign was originally erected in 1923 as an advertisement for a real estate development called “Hollywoodland.” It was intended to promote the upscale housing development in the Hollywood Hills with 4,000 20-watt bulbs illuminating the sign. Over the decades, the sign fell into complete disrepair. In 1949, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce removed the last four letters and restored it. But despite the restoration, the sign began to deteriorate again. In 1978, nine donors, including Hugh Hefner, stepped in and raised funds to rebuild the sign and preserve the iconic landmark.

A sign advertises the opening of the Hollywoodland housing development in the hills on Mulholland Drive overlooking Los Angeles, circa 1924.

The Capitol Records Building is considered iconic because it was built in such a way to resemble a stack of vinyl 45 records.

Hidden within the neighbourhoods of Los Angeles are dozens of pedestrian staircases, known as the “Secret Stairs.” They were built in the early 20th century to connect hilly residential areas to public transportation routes.

The tunnels run from Temple and Spring streets to 1st Street and Grand Avenue. Some are abandoned subway underpasses. Others date back to the Prohibition era when people used them for smuggling liquor to some of the shady establishments in Los Angeles. Some that remained open and are sometimes used as film locations.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a world-famous attraction that features over 2,690 brass stars embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street. Thing is, while these stars honour various celebrities from the entertainment industry, including actors, musicians, and directors, they’re not free. Celebrities are charged a $75,000 fee for the creation of their star, as well as the general maintenance of the Walk.

Located in Silver Lake, the famous Chandelier Tree is a quirky attraction where a local artist decorated a giant tree with over 30 vintage chandeliers. At night, the tree is illuminated, creating a magical sight.

The Chandelier Tree in Silver Lake. The old sycamore is adorned with 30 antique lighting fixtures and has become a neighbourhood landmark.

Los Angeles has its own version of Venice, Italy, in the form of the Venice Canals. These man-made canals were created in 1905 to imitate the charm of the Italian city. Today, they are a hidden gem for locals and tourists alike.

Los Angeles has 12 major professional sports teams: Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams (NFL), Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings (NHL), Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA), Angel City FC (NWSL), Los Angeles FC and LA Galaxy (MLS)

The Bradbury Building: The Bradbury Building, located in downtown Los Angeles, is a historic architectural gem. Built in 1893, it is known for its stunning interior with a beautiful wrought-iron staircase, ornate iron railings, and an impressive glass ceiling. The building has been featured in numerous films, including the classic sci-fi movie “Blade Runner.”

The interior of the Bradbury Building.

Oldest Operating McDonald’s: The oldest operating McDonald’s restaurant in the world can be found in Downey, a city in Los Angeles County. This restaurant still retains its original 1950s-style architecture.

Echo Park hosts a unique convenience store called ‘Time Travel Mart,’ where you can purchase quirky items like dinosaur eggs and robot milk. The store’s proceeds support a non-profit organisation that provides free writing programs for children.