Maybe you’re making a smooth turn onto the boulevard in your car, gauge on full, set to cruise, “Sweeter” is playing on the radio. The road is your muse!
Or you’re ridesharing to the next great thrill; your Metro TAP pass is loaded, next stop: totally up to you. And you want to find somewhere exciting, familiar, fun, and a bit unexpected. But can you find that all in one?
The “local flavor” category on Yelp can point you in that very direction. “Local flavor” exudes as well as includes attractions, activities, culture, history, and areas of town that are truly unique.
It’s absolutely my favorite section on Yelp because it’s everywhere! Rain (a bit of that lately), shine (hello, springtime) or lay low time (#SelfCare), “local flavor” can add something fun and extra to your day.
And I happen to be an expert of all things “local flavor.” As an Angeleno born in Gardena, I grew up in South and East LA, relocating to the Inland Empire while also finding cozy bliss in the San Fernando Valley.
While documenting my Los Angeles adventures through my photos, check-ins, and reviews, I achieved Yelp Elite status. And then I became one of Yelp’s first LA-based online community ambassadors. I can honestly say that I’ve mastered one of my favorite ways to explore the many cities that we navigate, thrive, live, and vibe in day to day.
So come along with me as I share some of my favorite LA “local flavor” spots from my overflowing Yelp Collection of must-sees! That next great all-in-one destination location trip could be among these.
Landmarks and Historical Buildings
Locals rave about historical buildings, structures, sights, and statues that are permanent parts of the city. These are great for looking back into the past while enjoying a moment in the present. You can take a picture at the Pondella Building in sunny Sherman Oaks for its amazing architecture, visit the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro (nothing like the view passing over it), or come to Hollywood Forever Cemetery for a movie event.
Art Festivals, Installations, and Murals
These often open-air events and places display various creative collections from local artists. The Pasadena Chalk Festival, coming around again this summer, is a personal favorite, as are the Chandler Murals along the Chandler Bike Path with tons of pedestrian and pet-friendly activities.
And let’s not forget the Art Walk Culver City in the fall. It’s a jam-packed arts and crafts smorgasbord featuring vendors, live muralists, eats, and entertainment. A lot of fellow Elites and I have left pro tips in reviews about early entry, parking, and the line-up of what to see. Art tips for thought!
Street Vendors, Farmers, and Public Markets
Locals rave about the real-deal street vendors of LA, where you can find many at weekly foodie gatherings and places such as the infamous Smorgasburg LA, where I had non-stop fun trying an assortment of beverages, bites, and savory as well as sweet delights with one of my fellow LA Yelp online community ambassadors recently. Can’t forget a buddy to have a super full experience, plus sharing is caring.
Vegan Playground is another popular weekly assortment of small businesses, food truck, food stand, and vendor fun. This night market does pop-ups in DTLA’s Art District at Boomtown Brewery on Wednesdays and at the Long Beach donut shop Devi’s Donuts on Sundays. Fun fact: You can even win cool prizes, and try the vegan hot wings, which are amazing!
Our public outdoor markets count too! The coolest farmers markets — like the Studio City Farmers Market — are the markets with fresh fruit, veggies, nuts, baked goods, and homemade candies. You can bring a reusable bag and load up while supporting local businesses. And for the epic public market experience, it’s all about Grand Central Market. Dine at Sarita’s Pupuseria to get the “La La Land” experience. And yes, I did it!
Experiences
In a large city like LA (proper and beyond), it’s all about the experiences! You can pop on to the longstanding, uphill, world’s shortest railway Angels Flight, established in 1901. A true must and one I absolutely have loved from the age of 10. It’s $1 each way or $2 roundtrip with a keepsake souvenir ticket.
My pro tip: Use a fare-loaded Metro TAP card. You can ride up and down round trip for $1, 50 cents in each direction.
The Getty (also known as The Getty Center) is another true flavorful LA experience, one you’ll hear many locals rave about. I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy quite a bit of it including an awesome Yelp Elite experience with Museum Hack.
Another experience you might like is one that has been on my bucket list for forever! Sunset Flights is an air experience of a different kind. A 35-minute flight of wonderful sights of Los Angeles that check so many musts for experiencing local. You’ll see things like The Griffith Observatory, Dodger Stadium, and the Hollywood Sign, to name a few super true to all things Angeles.
Hiking Trails
Runyon Canyon, Topanga Lookout, and Caballero Canyon are a few great hiking spots. Caballero was my very first hike in the city of Tarzana. Having great hiking shoes, water, and a drawstring bag for essentials is highly recommended. Hiking trails are very much an extension of daily local happenings — even more so with groups like TreePeople – Los Angeles, who not only plant and care for trees throughout the city but have some great trails and maps to guide your way. “Trees need people. People need trees,” as TreePeople likes to say.
Botanical Gardens and Parks
Find a hidden oasis of scenic greenery that locals can’t get enough of! Discover that naturistic stroll at places like Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge aka Pasadena or Glendale adjacent (as the locals know it). I have fond memories of adventures taking in all that Descano encompasses with some great lifelong friends.
You can have the perfect paradise picnic — like at Barnsdall Art Park — with views from the top, go for the goal with disc golf, take a casual stroll down a nice stone path, swing on swings, and enjoy some outdoor laughs.
Yelp tip: When searching via the Yelp app, you can “Redo Search In This Area” or “Search As Map Moves” to see even more fun finds around you. The grass is truly greener on the other side of your finger’s map slide.
Neighborhoods and Towns
The cream of all local flavor. Have you ever seen review pages and check ins for local neighborhoods and cities? See what others have had to say about the Los Angeles Arts District, Beverly Hills, Studio City, Palm Springs, East Hollywood, and Redondo Beach, among others, and then add your own thoughts and photos. Discover the must trys, best buys, terrific tips (such as for parking), and favorite spots (including bars and bites).
Popular roadways also contribute “local flavor,” like the Marina Freeway, Rodeo Drive, Olvera Street, Sunset Boulevard, and Mulholland Drive.
And ifyou don’t see that hidden gem you’re enjoying, you can “add it” and get a very cool FTR (first to review) badge for the win.
Be sure to follow my LA local flavor Yelp Collection as I add more to it. And good luck exploring!
