Off Beaten Path Attractions in Los Angeles
With its movie stars and palm trees, Southern California has always been something an exotic locale, perhaps even home to a looser and more carefree mode of life. Adding to the offbeat feel of the Los Angeles are the scattered semi-abandoned highlights of the short and fabulous history of this city.
This list here begins with CLUI, the Center for Land Use Interpretation. This educational group is dedicated to understanding and exploring use of the nation's geographically spaces. They maintain an exhibit space that is open 12 to 5 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays; check their website to see what kind of stuff they put together. Located nearby is the cabinet of curiosities style Museum of Jurassic Technology (also open only several days a week).
Skipping down number 5, we have the Cabazon Dinosaurs which are a great example of vernacular architecture, located outside of Los Angeles on the way to Palm Springs. The two large dinosaurs (featured in a Pee-Wee Herman movie) are now owned by religious folks who mix in some Creationism with the tour. You can also just eat at the cafe there and gawk at the 150 foot long Dinny. Number 6 Citadel outlets are also in this vein: outlet stores built around an old tire factory in the shape of an Assyrian palace. . .
Los Angeles really has a ton of these odd remnants from the last century. Added to this is the weird potpourri of oddly creative work and perspectives that have continually landed in the sub-tropical Southland, an area which has now taken over from New York as the mixing pot of America. Check out this Offbeat Guide for even more odd destinations.
This list here begins with CLUI, the Center for Land Use Interpretation. This educational group is dedicated to understanding and exploring use of the nation's geographically spaces. They maintain an exhibit space that is open 12 to 5 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays; check their website to see what kind of stuff they put together. Located nearby is the cabinet of curiosities style Museum of Jurassic Technology (also open only several days a week).
Skipping down number 5, we have the Cabazon Dinosaurs which are a great example of vernacular architecture, located outside of Los Angeles on the way to Palm Springs. The two large dinosaurs (featured in a Pee-Wee Herman movie) are now owned by religious folks who mix in some Creationism with the tour. You can also just eat at the cafe there and gawk at the 150 foot long Dinny. Number 6 Citadel outlets are also in this vein: outlet stores built around an old tire factory in the shape of an Assyrian palace. . .
Los Angeles really has a ton of these odd remnants from the last century. Added to this is the weird potpourri of oddly creative work and perspectives that have continually landed in the sub-tropical Southland, an area which has now taken over from New York as the mixing pot of America. Check out this Offbeat Guide for even more odd destinations.
Cabazon Dinosaurs and Wheel Inn Restaurant
50770 Seminole Drive
Dinosaurs in Cabazon, as seen in "Pee-wee's Big Adventure"...
Citadel Outlets
100 Citadel Drive
Complex of outlet stores built around the old Samson's Tire Works factory...
More Top Lists
Popular Places
Neighborhoods
