Go off the beaten path and explore some of the hidden gems of the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles.
Last updated: March 18, 2025
Hidden Gems in Southern California
“Hollywood’s not America.” Uncomplicated lyrics of the famous song do not always find its supporters. It’s especially true with people who see the capital of Hollywood as their ultimate travel destination. Yet after living in Southern California for over a decade, I’m convinced Hollywood is not even Los Angeles.
Furthermore, to see the real city, you can skip all touristy places such as Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Malibu. Instead, save a day or two and explore these 10 hidden gems in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles.
Spoiler Alert: After this experience you may feel like a local in one of the largest cities in the US.
TOP 10 HIDDEN GEMS IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY OF LOS ANGELES
Hidden Gems in the San Fernando Valley of LA: Best Places to Eat
1. Aroma Coffee & Tea Co
Breakfast bowls, Irish oatmeal, all kinds of salads, wraps, burgers, and paninis along with an unbelievable amount of delicious cakes… Welcome to Aroma Coffee & Tea Co!
This place is an absolute winner among all culinary hidden gems of the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. But food is not the only component of such success. Uniqueness of the place plays a huge role in it as well.
Aroma Coffee & Tea Co looks like another residential house with an exception of a big line winding out of the door. Only when it’s your turn to step inside, you get a feel of the comfortable home environment mixed with restaurant culture. Combining yummy food with this pleasant ambiance, Aroma Coffee & Tea Co steals the hearts of hundreds of its guests every day.
Address: 4360 Tujunga Ave., Studio City, 91604
2. Porto’s Bakery and Cafe
Cuban cuisine is based largely on naturally grown local ingredients. Porto’s Bakery and Cafe, Cuban to the core, stays as close as possible to this principle. Although some of their ingredients come from all over the world, they never compromise with the quality. Thus, when you order their signature potato balls, a Cuban sandwich, or tortilla soup, you can rest assured that you get the best for your money.
Porto’s cakes and pastries are a whole new story. From morning till evening, a long queue lines up in front of the bakery section of the cafe. The visitors don’t leave this hidden gem in the Burbank area of the San Fernando Valley until they buy enough sweets to treat their families and friends.
Address: 3614 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505
Hidden Gems in the San Fernando Valley of LA: Recreation
3. Lake Balboa/Anthony C. Beilenson Park
Are you longing for a good walk, but not willing to drive to the mountains for a hiking session? Do you feel guilty for not letting your pet run freely without a leash at least once a week? Are you looking for a nice place to spend time with your family and have barbecue together? Lake Balboa/Anthony C. Beilenson Park is the answer to all of these quests.
Located in the South San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, this hidden gem is perfect for families and single visitors alike. The main feature of Balboa Park is a huge lake with paved pathways around it, used for walking and jogging.
The abundance of picnic tables ensures perfect family gatherings that often last all day long. For more active visitors, the park offers bikes, surreys, and choppers to rent. Moreover, for about $10 an hour you can rent a large swan catamaran and swim closer to many different bird species that frequent the lake.
Address: 6300 Balboa Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91406
READ MORE: The 8 Most Beautiful Parks and Gardens in Los Angeles
4. The Japanese Garden
Located just a few minutes away from Lake Balboa Park, the Japanese Garden is another hidden gem in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles you don’t want to miss. The 6.5-acre garden transfers you into the world of calmness, meditation, and authentic beauty. Built according to the finest Japanese traditions, the place includes small gardens, waterfalls, fording bridges, and a traditional teahouse.
Address: 6100 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91406
5. The Great Wall of Los Angeles
Who said that historical artifacts need to have walls and ceilings to preserve themselves? The Great Wall of Los Angeles proves that this old-fashioned way of remembering history is appropriate somewhere else but LA.
One of the most untraditional hidden gems in the San Fernando Valley, a 13-feet high mural is a part of the drainage system of Los Angeles. In its own, rather unprecedented way, it brings attention to the history of Native Americans, minorities, and the civil rights movement.
Address: 12900 Oxnard St., North Hollywood, CA 91606
6. Stoney Point Park
Stoney Point Park has little to no resemblance to a typical park where you take your kids to play under the thick canopy of trees. Instead, this unusual rock formation attracts a specific kind of visitor. Hikers, equestrians, and rock climbers find large boulders and almost complete absence of visible trails of Stoney Point Park hard to resist. These LA’s nature lovers often use the area to master their bouldering and horse riding skills.
Location: On Topanga Canyon Blvd. between Chatsworth St. and 118 Freeway, Chatsworth, CA 91311
7. Candy Cane Lane
Starting from early December, the eight-block residential area in Woodland Hills in the San Fernando Valley turns into a magical Christmas fairytale. Adorned to impress, the houses in the neighborhood compete with each other to win the title of the most lavish Christmas light display.
Address: 5966 Lubao Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91367
8. Wat Thai of Los Angeles
Wat Thai of Los Angeles brings some Asian vibes to the list of the hidden gems in the San Fernando Valley. The beautiful Buddhist temple is located on the corner of Coldwater Canyon Avenue and Roscoe Boulevard. It replicated a traditional Buddhist sanctuary in Thailand.
Wat Thai is one of the most beautiful Asian temples in the Los Angeles region and serves as a cultural center for the Southern California Thai community. Apart from it, every weekend, the parking lot of the temple turns into a “busy street of Bangkok” with the best Thai food in town.
Address: 8225 Coldwater Canyon Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91605
Hidden Gems in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles: Shopping
9. Eclectica Vintage Store
Hidden gems in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles are associated with something old-fashioned and unique, two main features of Eclectica Vintage Store. The store surprises you with interesting finds such as junkie jewelry, vintage clothing, and antique home décor pieces.
TIP: Before heading to Eclectica Vintage, fill your pockets with cash. The store doesn’t accept any other type of payment.
Address: 5663 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601
10. The Iliad Bookshop
Every book enthusiast appreciates an opportunity to add new books to her collection. But what if instead of a brand new read, these book lovers put their hands on autographed first editions? You can find these hidden gems on bookshelves of the Iliad Bookshop, located in the North Hollywood area of the San Fernando Valley.
The bookstore specializes specifically in used books. Its inventory includes both bargain and exclusive pieces with price tags that range from a few bucks to a few thousand dollars.
The Iliad Bookshop not only sells, but also buys used books. So, use this opportunity to cash in on some of your old volumes and spend the money to explore more hidden gems of the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles.
Address: 5400 Cahuenga Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601
