(blogging article)

The Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach are certainly great world-famous tourist attractions in Los Angeles. However, they are hardly worth the hype they’re getting, especially in comparison to the true gems of the area, known and enjoyed only by locals and people familiar with the landscape. Truly, there is an endless variety of hidden entertainments and sighseeing locations, but these five landmarks will definitely give you the impression of an essential Southern California vibe.

• Topanga State Park

This is a huge recreational area located in the Santa Monica Mountains, just a little to the north of the city of Los Angeles. Not only it provides a place for active leisure and gives a peak into the local hiking culture, but it also demonstrates a wonderful natural habitat of various species of flora and fauna. Aside from the hiking and encounters with hawks and rabbits, the best part of Topanga is breathtaking views of the whole of Los Angeles County.

• Culver City

This is as much a memorial to the cinema as Hollywood is. This city is home to multiple offices, studios and other filming locations of Sony Pictures. Culver City even has its own ‘Walk of Fame’ — 62 palm trees stylized as huge metallic torches that bear the names of iconic movies shot in the city. You can enjoy a stroll in the downtown, observe a cinematic atmosphere and notice a lot of filmmakers on their way to shoot another blockbuster.

• Manhattan Beach

The city of Manhattan Beach (and the beach, respectively) somehow differs from the whole county in architecture, overall mood and lifestyle. Probably, because mainly it’s a resort town. And you can feel this essence in everything: small streets, three-story beach houses, seagulls in the sky, surfers with their boards heading towards the ocean. The experience is consonant with the Mediterranean coast.

• The Palos Verdes Peninsula

A true treasure of the county, located in the south of Los Angeles. The peninsula is covered in hills with lush greenery and luxurious neighborhoods, no less fabulous than Beverly Hills. However, it is the coastline with its picturesque bluffs and rocky trails that makes you ultimately fall in love with it. This is a perfect spot for observing the ocean, view of Los Angeles and local wildlife: rabbits, squirrels, lizards, pelicans, seals and even whales during their migration. Palos Verdes is also a popular spot for enjoying a dramatic Californian sunset.

• Long Beach

Fairly, there is so much to do in the city of Long Beach. It is located to the south of Palos Verdes and starts with a gigantic port, hundreds of cargo containers and several cargo ships. Also, a significant part of the landscape is an impressive Downtown with its glassy skyscrapers. However, the main attraction of the city is the seafront park. There you can enjoy a peaceful stroll along the port, visit the Aquarium of the Pacific, look at RMS Queen Mary, a retired British ocean liner, and spend the sunset near the Lions Lighthouse.

Los Angeles County is much more than just its typical tourist associations. This list can be continued on and on, and be assured — every single place on it is worth the visit!