Tom Maletta: Los Angeles Beyond the Beaten Path

Tom Maletta loves Los Angeles, the city renowned for its glamorous Hollywood allure, sun-kissed beaches, and bustling city life, holds secrets that go beyond the usual tourist trails. This blog post invites you to explore the hidden gems of Los Angeles, offering a unique perspective to experience the city’s rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Angeleno, get ready to uncover some of the city’s most intriguing and lesser-known destinations.

In this blog post, Tom Maletta invites you to go beyond the usual tourist trails and uncover the secrets that Los Angeles, a city renowned for its glamorous Hollywood allure, sun-kissed beaches, and bustling city life, holds. Explore the hidden gems of Los Angeles from a unique perspective, experiencing the city’s rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a seasoned Angeleno, prepare to discover some of the city’s most intriguing and lesser-known destinations.

Tom Maletta’s Favorite Hidden Gems in Los Angeles

The Last Bookstore

Imagine a place where the love for books creates a whimsical world of its own. The Last Bookstore, nestled in the heart of downtown LA, is more than just a bookstore. It’s an artistic sanctuary where books create mazes and tunnels, inviting you into a literary wonderland (see image above). This iconic spot is not only about the written word; it also houses local art, vinyl records, and rare book collections. It’s a haven where literature, art, and community converge, offering a unique escape from the bustling city streets.

Stepping into The Last Bookstore, you’re immediately enveloped by the scent of old books, a nostalgic perfume that evokes memories of quiet libraries and cozy afternoons spent reading. You find yourself surrounded by a labyrinth of towering bookshelves, teetering with an eclectic mix of both new and used books. These aren’t just rows of shelves; they are whimsical tunnels and towering mazes of literature, where each turn leads you on a new adventure.

As you wander through this maze, you may stumble upon a tunnel made entirely of books, their spines bending into a perfect archway that invites you to step inside and immerse yourself in the universe of words. Your fingers trace the worn spines, each one holding a story waiting to be discovered.

This is not merely a bookstore; it’s a haven for bibliophiles, a place where the written word is revered and celebrated.

The Last Bookstore is not just about books; it is also an artistic sanctuary. Its high ceilings and spacious interior are adorned with exhibits from local artists. It’s a place where creativity flourishes, where you can lose yourself among abstract paintings, intricate sculptures, and vibrant murals.

It’s also a place where the soft crackle of vinyl records resonates, adding a timeless charm to the atmosphere. The music section is a treasure trove of vintage vinyl and rare records, a paradise for music aficionados.

Another highlight of The Last Bookstore is its collection of rare and antique books. Tucked away on the mezzanine level, this section is a haven for collectors and history enthusiasts. Each book is a precious artifact, a piece of history preserved in ink and paper. It’s an area that invites you to explore deeper, to delve into the past through the pages of these timeless treasures.

However, perhaps the most significant aspect of The Last Bookstore is the sense of community it fosters. It’s a meeting place for book clubs, a venue for author readings and signings, and a space where local artists can showcase their work. It’s a spot where the joy of reading is shared, where conversations ignite over a shared love for literature and art.

In the heart of downtown LA, amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, The Last Bookstore stands as a beacon for lovers of literature, art, and music.

It’s more than a store; it’s an experience, a whimsical world where every corner holds a new adventure. It’s a place where the love for books creates a haven for the soul, offering a unique escape from the mundane. It’s The Last Bookstore, but for its loyal patrons, it’s a first choice when seeking solace, inspiration, and community.

Murphy Ranch

As you make your way through the winding paths leading to Murphy Ranch, you can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation mixed with a touch of unease. The site, nestled in the heart of Rustic Canyon, is not just another hiking destination; it is a journey back in time to a darker chapter of Los Angeles’ past. Upon entering the grounds of the abandoned ranch, the weight of history is almost palpable.

The air is thick with the echoes of a time when the property was believed to be a haven for Nazi sympathizers during the tumultuous years of World War II. The ranch was reportedly financed by wealthy individuals with pro-Nazi sentiments and was meant to serve as a self-sustaining stronghold for German sympathizers awaiting the Third Reich’s victory. Now, decades after the war’s end, Murphy Ranch stands in ruins, a decaying monument to a failed ideology.

The dilapidated buildings and rusting machinery are slowly being swallowed by the encroaching vegetation, as nature reasserts its dominance over the man-made structures. The once-imposing gates are now covered in a kaleidoscope of graffiti, the vibrant colors clashing with the somber history of the place. Hikers who venture into this secluded spot will find themselves exploring the remnants of the estate, including a power station, water tank, and various other outbuildings.

Maletta says, “The graffiti adorning the walls adds a contemporary layer to the historical site, with each tag and mural telling its own story. It is a surreal experience to wander through this juxtaposition of past and present, where the whispers of history blend with the modern voice of street art.”

Murphy Ranch serves as a stark reminder that Los Angeles is not just the city of stars and cinema; it is a city with a complex and multifaceted history. The ranch is a testament to the city’s ability to hide its secrets in plain sight, just beyond the reach of the glitz and glamour for which it is so well known.

For Tom Maletta and those who seek a unique and thought-provoking hiking experience, Murphy Ranch provides just that. It is an opportunity to reflect on the lessons of history while enjoying the beauty of the natural landscape. As you leave the ranch behind, stepping back through the portal into the present, you carry with you the stories of what once was and a deeper appreciation for the many layers that make up the tapestry of Los Angeles’ history.

Venice Canals

As Tom Maletta stroll’s along the Venice Canals he is offered a serene escape from Los Angeles’ fast-paced urban environment. These idyllic canals, inspired by their namesake in Italy, feature charming walkways, quaint bridges, and beautiful homes. It’s a picturesque setting that feels worlds apart from the nearby Venice Beach, offering a peaceful respite and a photographer’s paradise.

Walking along the Venice Canals, I always feel like I’m stepping into a different world, a serene escape from the fast-paced urban environment of Los Angeles. It’s an idyllic haven that perfectly blends nature, architecture, and tranquility. As Tom Maletta, a local resident, says, “The Canals are not just a place, they are a living, breathing part of history. They remind us of a different era and bring a unique charm to our city.”

According to the Venice Canals community website, these canals, laid out in a grid, include six main waterways: Carroll, Linnie, Howland, Sherman, Eastern, and Grand Canals. They were constructed in 1905 as part of a private real estate development, aiming to replicate the famed canals of Venice, Italy. The area has undergone significant changes over the years. After facing deterioration, a major renovation between 1991 and 1993 revitalized the canals. Today, they serve as a designated wildlife preserve, home to various bird species, and even occasional marine visitors like seals and leopard sharks​​.

The Venice Canals are a photographer’s paradise. Whether it’s the shimmering reflections of the homes on the water, the vibrant hues of the sunset sky, or the quaint bridges that cross the canals, every corner offers a photo opportunity. It’s a place where the harmony of nature and urban living is beautifully encapsulated. “Every time I walk here, I find something new to capture with my lens,” I often find myself saying.

Taking a leisurely stroll along the Venice Canals is not just a walk; it’s an experience that offers a serene escape from Los Angeles’ bustling city life.

Getty Museum

I know the Getty isn’t exactly “off the beaten path”, but I had to share anyway.

My recent visit to the Getty Museum was nothing short of a visual and emotional journey that I hadn’t anticipated. I was particularly drawn to an exhibit that featured Renaissance art, where one painting, a lesser-known piece depicting a serene landscape, unexpectedly held my gaze. It wasn’t just the artistry that captivated me but the subtle interplay of light and shadow that seemed to shift subtly as I moved, giving the illusion of the day transitioning to dusk within the painted scene. This magical effect made the artwork feel alive, and I found myself returning to it several times throughout my visit.

Aside from the artworks, the architecture of the Getty itself played a huge role in making my visit unique. The modern design with its sharp lines and sprawling, open spaces contrasts starkly with the intricate details of the classic art pieces it houses. The outdoor gardens were in full bloom, and the aroma of fresh flowers mixed with the crisp air created a tranquil atmosphere that complemented the visual experience inside. I spent a good hour wandering the garden paths, reflecting on the artworks I had seen, each step offering a new perspective of the museum’s stunning structure against the backdrop of Los Angeles.

Perhaps the most personal moment of my visit occurred unexpectedly when I struck up a conversation with a fellow visitor, an artist, who shared her insights into the techniques used in some of the paintings we admired. Her passion and knowledge added a deeper layer of appreciation for what we were seeing, turning what was a solitary experience into a shared one. We exchanged contact information and promised to notify each other about future art events. This chance meeting reminded me of the communal power of art, connecting strangers through shared admiration and the timeless stories captured by artists long gone.