10 Awesome Hidden Gems in LA

Looking for hidden gems in LA to enhance your next creative project? From the Hollywood sign to the Santa Monica pier, Los Angeles is one of the most recognizable cities in the country. And this is for so much more than for just its appearances in countless movies and television shows. But just when you think you’ve seen LA inside and out, there’s always one more thing to surprise you.

Luckily, we’ve done the heavy lifting and found gorgeous hidden gems, many of which you can book on Peerspace! Peerspace is the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals and can connect you with thousands of gorgeous spaces in Los Angeles alone. So if you’re planning a photoshoot, video shoot, or other creative endeavors, these are the places to make your work stand out from the crowd.

Check out some lesser-known landmarks and photogenic spaces in the city that are perfect for an urban adventure or a creative photoshoot. From historic bridges to artistic lofts, take a look at our favorite hidden gems in LA.

1. This DTLA Moroccan sand loft

Head to this sun-drenched Moroccan desert loft in DTLA when you want your hidden gems in LA to whisk you away to foreign lands. This amazing downtown studio loft is 1,000 square feet and boasts a sand floor, oriental rugs, ornate tapestries, intricate lighting features, and props galore, all to replicate the look and feel of old Morocco. The host owns several other immersive lofts in the same building, so be sure to check those out, too!

“This space photographs super beautiful,” shares a Peerspace reviewer. “So many looks to choose from -and I loved the sand! Easy paid parking right next door…… can’t wait to see my pics! ✨🙌🏾”

2. A French chateau in Koreatown

If you’re looking for different exotic vibes but the Chateau Marmont is out of your budget, don’t worry. You can get some impressive shots at this French chateau tucked away in a residential neighborhood in Koreatown. With a backyard pool, a spiral staircase, and a luxurious interior design, there’s definitely a Versailles vibe going on at this historic mansion.

Rent it by the hour on Peerspace to stage a fashion or glamour shoot, with a wardrobe rack, white backdrop, and other amenities included with your rental.

This home has hundreds of five-star reviews on Peerspace, like this one. “Molly and Max are amazing hosts. They are extremely friendly, helpful, accommodating, warm and welcoming. They go above and beyond to make your experience a truly unforgettable one. Such a beautiful energy! Their historic French Chateau House is absolutely gorgeous. It was an absolute dream to shoot in. So elegant!”

3. A retro loft in Downtown LA

A trip to LA wouldn’t be complete without a retro photoshoot showing off the best — or the worst, depending on your taste — of 1960s fashion. Fortunately, you don’t need a studio budget to see what it was like in 1960s Hollywood. This retro loft will take you back a few decades, with 650 square feet of space featuring vintage wallpaper, antique furniture, and classic kitchen appliances.

At an affordable rental rate, it’s easy to book this location on Peerspace for a photo or video shoot. This is one of our top hidden gems in LA for photographers and influencers alike.

As one reviewer put it: “What a fun and fabulous find! We did a simple opening shot in the space and the hosts and onsite rep were helpful, accommodating and wonderful to work with. I would book again in a heartbeat.”

Peerspace can make your next birthday your best one yet! Start by checking out these fun birthday ideas in Los Angeles for venue and activity ideas.

4. A northeast LA designer garden

Whether you’re hosting an event or a photoshoot, sometimes you want your hidden gems in LA to provide gorgeous spaces inside and out. And this Northeast LA mid-century modern capsule home does just that. While its very 60s southern California on the inside (and in the best way possible!) its backyard is a private modern sanctuary with multi-levels, lounge space, lush greenery, and adorable decor.

Marc Maron fans will be excited to learn that this house served as his character’s home in the Netflix series GLOW!

“Steven and Nicole were INCREDIBLE hosts,” shares a Peerspace reviewer. “We had a cast and crew of about 20, and there was plenty of space for us to shoot while keeping people outside and covid safe. The house has such a nice vibe and great lighting; it’s exactly as it looks in photos. I would highly recommend this property.”

5. A steampunk studio in Central LA

This DTLA photo studio has got to be one of the best hidden gems in LA for all of your steampunk, dystopian, and apocalyptic photoshoot ideas. With high ceilings and over 1,000 square feet of space, the location offers everything you’ll need for a professional shoot. White, black, and green screens are included in your rental, while strobe lighting and LED lighting packages are available for an added fee.

There are also several themed backdrops inspired by steampunk and science fiction imagery, and even an aerial hoist that professional aerialists and trapeze artists can use for poses!

Peerspace reviewers not only love the space itself but its helpful host, too! “Kevin’s a great Host and his space is superb. You cannot find a better science-fiction location for cost. His is the best. Compact, well-designed (he must be a production designer, that’s all I can say), with good lighting control. If you need a budget dystopia base, spacecraft interior or post-apocalypse safe zone, this is the one to book. Best of all, Host is laidback and understands The Cinema Struggle.”

6. Central LA’s The Pink Palace

The Pink Palace is quickly becoming one of LA’s most sought-after venues, so get in there while you still have the chance! This venue features a pink bed, pink carpets, a pink kitchen, and even a pink bathtub, and has appeared on magazine covers and on the Netflix show Amazing Interiors.

You can use it as a backdrop for a photoshoot, music video, YouTube video, or film shoot. Just reach out to the host directly on Peerspace to plan your shoot and make a booking!

In the words of one of the dozens of five-star reviewers: “This is a terrific place for a shoot! There were a large number of props, which really helped set the atmosphere. Kitten was very clear with instructions before the shoot, so we had no surprises with parking or the venue. We also had great communication during the shoot.”

7. This 1920s vintage warehouse loft

If you’re looking for hidden gems in LA that are both versatile and humongous, then you need to see this 1920s vintage warehouse loft! This massive and massively cool venue is popular for both productions and events, thanks to its more than 4,000 square feet of space, open layout, raw industrial style, and gorgeous props on-site ideal for photos.

In the words of a Peerspace reviewer: “Emily was very responsive and helpful. The studio was beautiful and has everything you need. I will definitely shoot here again!”

Check out these Instagram photoshoot ideas in Los Angeles to discover more hidden gems that make your content stand out!

8. A boho beach bungalow in Venice

Plan a shoot in this stylish and cozy Venice bungalow that is filled with beautiful boho decor and warm vibes. Inside, you’ll have access to the fireplace mantel altar, the meditation nook, a gorgeous dining area, and a chic living space. Outside, the back patio provides Mediterranean inspiration, making this home one of the best hidden gems in LA that offer gorgeous indoor and outdoor spaces.

“This is our second time booking Susan’s beautiful home for a photo shoot, and it’s become one of our favorite spaces in LA,” shares a Peerspace reviewer. “The decor is so thoughtfully done and the details are magical. Better still, Susan is the best host you could ask for – kind, communicative and makes you feel like you’re at home.”

9. A moody, eclectic vintage studio in DTLA

The unique look of this eclectic and versatile vintage studio makes it one of our favorite hidden gems in LA. Its high ceilings, 1,400 square feet of space, and huge windows give the loft an airy, open feel that’s ideal for many types of creative projects. Meanwhile, its eclectic decor and unique props give the space a moody ambiance that is a bit Victorian goth, in all the best ways.

A Peerspace reviewer who booked this studio for a shoot shares: “Isabelle was great! This is a beautiful space with so much to play with. Sun pours in during the day time and the space can get quite dark at night which was perfect for our shoot. Easy instructions and pretty easy parking.”

10. A 70s sanctuary in Sun Valley

Many visitors to LA associate the city with palm trees, but after spending time in this mid-century / 70s California sanctuary with a backyard full of cacti and other succulents, you may walk away with a different impression.

The home’s interior is dressed to the nines in mid-century to 1970s decor, including furniture, wooden accents, furniture, and decor. Then, head out to the backyard with a pool, lounge area, and plants that show off LA’s prickly side. Although they may be desert plants, this garden feels more like a jungle, with flowering plants adding color to a green backdrop of cacti. This is one of those hidden gems in LA that offer you so much creative potential in one spot!

In the words of a photographer / director in their Peerspace review of this Sun Valley pad: “The home was flawless, a true gem that’s perfectly curated / managed / tailored. Brandon (the property manager) was incredibly helpful, kind, and present without being overbearing. 10/10 experience and would recommend to anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind location.”

Hidden gems in LA: conclusion

Whether you’re planning a photoshoot, a small gathering or you just want to see a different side of the city, we think these hidden gems in Los Angeles each provide a unique vibe.

Since all of these gorgeous venues are available to rent on Peerspace, it’s easy to book any of them for an hourly rental. If you need more equipment than what’s available on-site, you can ask your host for help booking A/V gear, furniture, lighting equipment, and even catering! Hidden gems with personalized service is what Peerspace is all about.

Find more hidden gems in LA on Peerspace