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As we count down to the newest Meow Wolf opening in LA, we rounded up some of our favorite things to do
Illustration by Marcus Murray
Listen, you know we’re big fans of time travel around here. But as much as we wish we could transport you to the future for Meow Wolf interactive art in LA, we’re kind of focusing all our energy on actually building the place at the moment. Although, if you’re in search of unique things to do in LA right now, look no further. As your favorite connoisseur of the offbeat, we’ve put together some of our favorite hidden gem experiences in greater Los Angeles to tide you over.
Don’t forget you can visit the rest of Meow Wolf’s locations any time!
LA is home to over 200 art galleries – including the largest art museum on the West Coast,but you won’t have trouble finding that one. Here are a few of our favorite unique art-things to do in Los Angeles.
Impeccable accessibility and free general admission (yes, seriously) make The Broad an easy pick. Its 120,000 square feet welcome almost a million visitors per year and house artworks by Warhol, Basquiat and countless more. This tops the list of places to visit in LA for free.
Human Resources is the brainchild of a creative team who works to showcase the performative arts. They’re a not-for-profit volunteer organization, and a “point of convergence for diverse and disparate art communities.”
Superchief’s mission is to “make art accessible to everyone and subvert art world norms.” Their collaboration with Operation Under to showcase secretive art in tunnels under the city is a favorite of ours.
Just in its third year of operation, NOON Projects was founded by Ryan Noon as a space for interdisciplinary art. It has made a name for itself thanks to its collaborative spirit with artists, community programming and events.
Stroll through showcases of ceramics, sculpture and design by primarily female artists.
Los Angeles County is said to be home to around 800 museums – definitely more than you can see in one trip. But if you really wanna catch ‘em all, author Todd Lerew has spent over a decade putting together a comprehensive guide. (Spoiler alert: it comes in book form.)
We know this one’s no secret, but it is right up the alley of Meow Wolf lovers. Explore interactive exhibits and walk through music history from red carpet looks to full sonic immersion.
If you love the local radio vibes of Meow Wolf Houston’s Radio Tave, you may be interested in this stop. Home to one of the largest collections of antique printing and graphic arts equipment in the world, the International Printing Museum pays homage to the long history of book-printing.
While we didn’t create this one, we’d like to think of the IFF as an unofficial part of the Meow Wolf universe. In its 23 years of operation, the institute has worked with major organizations like the Andy Warhol museum and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History to combine science and art into interactive exhibits and activities. Their Crochet Coral Reef is known to be one of the largest science and art collaborations in the world.
If you’re up for a spiritual journey, The Beatles’ George Harrison called this museum “better than Disneyland.” Even if you’re not into spirituality, the 11 dioramas crafted by Hare Krishna artists in the late ‘70s are still impressive. The near life-sized dolls were made using traditional Indian doll-making techniques and materials dating back thousands of years. Unfortunately, this is one museum you’ll have to put on the wishlist for 2027, as they are going under a major reconstruction, but will reopen for the 50th anniversary of the museum!
The general consensus on this one is that we shouldn’t tell you anything about it, other than “you should go.” We will tell you The Smithsonian called it “Los Angeles’ Strangest Museum,” which means… you’ll probably like it.
Just a few hidden gems to keep you fueled up for fun stuff to do in LA.
You may recognize this taco joint if you live in the SoCal area. Their operation has expanded over the years, but Teddy’s Red Tacos started out serving up delicious birria tacos right here in L.A. For a quick, affordable, and most importantly delicious bite, you’ll find one nearby wherever you are in the L.A. metro.
If you’re a foodie, you may have heard of this food truck utopia. But while its name is known, it’s chock-full of culinary oddities and unique cuisines. Bao buns, musubi, Korean fried chicken, ensaymada (delightful Filipino brioche pastries) – need we go on?
Historic hot dog stand shaped like a hot dog? Say no more.
Okay, we’ll say a little more – this place has been serving up Hollywood dawgs for nearly 80 years. But in a modern twist, they now offer vegetarian and gluten-free bites!
Locally roasted brews, bespoke coffee products and very dope merch add up to a winner for us. Plus, its location 15 minutes from LAX makes it a great stop for travelers before or after a flight.
We have a sneaking suspicion this “friendly neighborhood geek bar” and its Star Wars theme juuust might appeal to lovers of the Meow Wolf universe. We love a #SciFiSafeHouse.
If you’re undeterred by long lines, this chocolate manufacturer-turned-luxurious bakery and café is one you can’t miss.
If you feel like catching a show, picking up a souvenir or taking a hike, check out these unique things to do in LA.
See a niche comedy show at The Largo or Dynasty Typewriter for a good laugh.
Check out one of the last remaining giant Wurlitzer pipe organs at Old Town Music Hall – a silent movie theatre and concert venue (the concerts aren’t silent, we checked).
Relive the 90s and rent a movie from non-profit video store Vidiots, or catch one of their limited walk-up screenings. You may even catch a filmmaker there IRL.
Looking for things to do in LA for adults? Fall in love with The Ripped Bodice, a romance-only bookstore, or check out LA’s largest new and used book and record store, The Last Bookshop.
Arcana: Books on the Arts features new, rare, and out of print books on 20th and 21st century arts.
If you’re in the market for original artworks, check out the 2025 LA Art Fair Guide.
Catch a wine tasting, take a tour, or just wander around Barnsdall Art Park.
Visit the final resting place of Hollywood legends like Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Take in the living museum at Descanso Gardens, 150 acres of lush space to take a break from the city.
Learn about Latinx culture with art, education, activism and more at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes.
Where do artists hang out in LA?
If you’ve ever seen a movie or TV show, you’re probably picturing warehouses, rooftops, and alleys with a wafting aroma of strong espresso – and you’re not wrong. But you can find artist-hangs in areas like the Arts District, Venice, and at galleries all around the city.
Is LA a good place for artists?
LA has become known as a global art capital. While it’s not the biggest in the world (Hi, Paris), its thriving art scene and diverse population make it a great spot for niche and emerging artists.
Is there any Banksy art in Los Angeles?
Banksy has left a few pieces throughout the LA metro. From the “Parking” mural on South Broadway to “Selfie Stick” near the Chinese Theatre, you never know where his elusive street art will pop up.
Does LA have a MoMA?
Not exactly. But we do have MoCA (the Museum of Contemporary Art), and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art which welcomes over 1 million visitors per year.
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