The Excitement of Los Angeles
Los Angeles is an amazing city with hidden adventures for anyone interested in something unusual and unique. Some of the best this city has to offer have been detailed below.
The Underground Tunnels of Los Angeles
During prohibition, there were eleven miles of tunnels beneath Los Angeles used to access basement speakeasies. People walked around with their bottles of booze, out of sight and out of mind. King Eddy Saloon posed as a piano store right in plain sight. King Eddie’s is once again a saloon, but the basement still connects to the tunnels including graffiti murals and crumbling bricks. You will also find both equestrian and abandoned subway tunnels.
Stories have been told about the tunnels being used by mobsters to hide bodies, large amounts of cash being moved by the banks and prisoners being transported by the police. The tunnels are still accessible while being used as shortcuts or by joggers on rainy days. You can enter through Temple Street in the back of the Hall of Records. Simply look for the slightly hidden elevator to enter a world of mysterious art, iron gates and rusted machinery.
The Museum of Death
The museum houses macabre exhibits including the biggest serial killer artwork collection in the world. Prior to being relocated to Los Angeles, the museum originated in San Diego. The exhibits include photographs of the Manson crime scenes, Henri Landru’s severed head, photographs of the Dahlia murders, a collection of coffins and body bags, autopsy and mortician instruments, replicated execution devices, the recruiting video fo the Heaven’s Gate Cult and taxidermy showcases.
You will need to set aside about an hour to take the self-guided tour to satisfy your inner ghoul. You can stay and look around for as long as you wish once you have completed the tour. You may discover spending some time surrounded by death will make you appreciate your life a lot more.
The Tesla Coil
You may have heard of the Griffith Park Observatory, but chances are you are not familiar with the Tesla Coil. The discharge of lightening occurs every hour to thrill both tourists and locals. A special alcove has been designed to house the Tesla Coil while providing a unique wow factor. The zapping sounds and giant arcs are thrilling. The coil was designed by Mr. Tesla to transport electricity through the air. Although the best the coil can accomplish is to light up a neon sign, the sight is amazing.
Dr. Fredrick Strong was the doctor who once owned this coil. The alternating currents fascinated him so he began conducting experiments with high voltage therapy. His theories are contained in the High-Frequency Current book published in 1908. In 1937, the coil was donated to Los Angeles and has been on display ever since. You can visit for free during regular business hours.
The Last Bookstore
Your will discover this iconic Los Angeles attraction in the grand atrium of a former bank. Although the incredibly high ceiling and marble pillars remain, the cash has been replaced with books lining the walls. The decadent smell when you walk in lets you know you have found a treasure trove of vintage and used books. There are bookshelves in nearly every position all over the store. Damaged and overstocked books have been transformed into sensational sculptures.
The hidden nooks are charming with even more books on display. One of the hardback sections has been arranged according to color. The majority of the fiction was deliberately not arranged as inspiration for anyone looking for treasure. The upstairs area is filled with books for just $1.00. If you adore books, you will fall in love almost instantly.
The Old Zoo Picnic Area
If you have ever dreamed of climbing inside of a monkey cage or picnicking in a bear grotto, you need to visit the picnic area of the old zoo. The abandoned Los Angeles Zoo will show you exactly what it feels like to be the one in the exhibits instead of the animals. This was the first zoo in the city. There were only fifteen animals when the zoo opened in 1912. The majority of the enclosures were built during the 1930s using the iron bars standard during this period in time.
When the Los Angeles Zoo opened in 1966, this zoo was completely abandoned. The cave enclosures have been equipped with grills and picnic benches. When you walk the trail to the caves, you will have the same view the old zookeepers did of the lion’s den. Continue following the trail and more abandoned cages will be revealed. The feeling of being on the wrong side of the bars is slightly eerie. This is a historic site with the picnic area a bit hard to locate. There are signs on Crystal Springs Drive.
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