My Favorite Places in Southern California

Hi hello! Welcome back to The Leslie Life. 

I often get asked for recommendations for places or things to do in Southern California. So here I am, writing this blog post dedicated to my all-time favorite spots in my home region. I realize I have niche interests, so these might not be for everyone.

Nevertheless, I hope you all decide to visit or experience any of the places I mention below. Let’s get into it!

• The Heritage Square Musuem-Los Angeles

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The Heritage Museum in Montecito Heights near Dodger Stadium is one of the strangest places I have ever visited in Los Angeles. Picture a wooded area lined with Grand Victorian Homes. And yes, you can tour the interior of these structures. This is a hidden gem; if you like history, architecture, and nature, this is the place to go! To learn more, check out their  website  and my  blog post  from my visit in 2021! 

• Old Towne Orange- Orange

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You know those picture-perfect neighborhoods you see in films set in the 1950s? That’s what Old Towne is like; nostalgic and charming. There are several local shops to peruse and quaint eateries to dine in. Some of my favorite places to stop in Old Towne include the  Orange Circle Antique Mall,  Country Roads Antiques, and  Urth Caffe. Street parking is plentiful and free. You can learn more from a  blog post  I wrote in 2019. 

• The Huntington-San Marino

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There is so much to say about The Huntington. First and foremost, It’s gorgeous. There are several gardens and an art museum to explore on the lush grounds. While it is relatively expensive (tickets are nearly $30), it is well worth the price. There is so much to see that you should plan to spend the entire day here. To learn more, check out the Huntington’s website and my blog post from 2020. 

• Old Town Music Hall-El Segundo

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Forget AMC; head to Old Town Music Hall to catch a film. This theater is over 100 years old and is one of the only places (if not the only place) in Los Angeles that plays silent films. The theater will make you feel like you’ve stepped back into the past. I watched a silent film with live music at Old Town Music Hall in 2023 (you can read that post here) and had SO much fun. Check out a list of their upcoming showtimes online. I know this may sound boring, but this is one of the most unique experiences you can have in LA and Southern California. 

That’s all for today! Thank you for reading.

XOXO-Leslie V