Los Angeles, a city synonymous with innovation and tomorrow’s trends, is also a city with a lot of retro charm. After all, it’s the city that gave birth to the Hollywood Golden Age and promoted Art Deco. There are many retro things to do in Los Angeles and these experiences feel liketraveling back in time. Sounds interesting? Then polish those loafers, put on your cat-eye glasses, and let’s go through this list together.
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The Egyptian Theatre
We start off this list of awesome retro things to do in Los Angeles with The Egyptian Theatre. Located on the legendary Hollywood Boulevard, this cinematic gem is one of the most iconic theaters in town and a place that will take you on a trip down memory lane. The theatre was built in the Roaring Twenties (1922, to be precise) and it flaunts architecture inspired by, you guessed it, ancient Egypt.
The theater opened with the silent film “Robin Hood,” and, trust me, those walls have since absorbed the laughter, tears, and gasps of countless movie-goers. Its courtyard as its name suggests is lined with sphinxes and hieroglyphics, and watching a film here feels like traveling to an era where glamour and drama reigned supreme.
The El Capitan Theatre
A visit to The El Capitan Theatre is one of the most splendid retro things to do in Los Angeles. Situated right in the heart of Hollywood, this majestic venue was built in 1926, and is a living relic, dripping with Gatsby-esque glam and a sprinkle of Hollywood magic.
And when you see the ornate East Indian design, sumptuous red velvet seats, and the Wurlitzer organ performances, you’ll understand what I’m talking about. The movie premieres here are unforgettable events, as this venue proves that while movies might be fleeting, classic style is forever.
The Orpheum Theatre
If you’ve got a penchant for old-world glam and a flair for the dramatic, then let me introduce you to a prime jewel among retro things to do in Los Angeles: the Orpheum Theatre. Established way back in 1926 (yes, when flapper dresses and Charleston moves were all the rage), this theater is like a fine wine – only getting better with age. With its stunning Beaux-Arts facade and an interior, the Orpheum is nothing short of a cultural masterpiece…
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Vintage Drive-Ins
The iconic Vintage Drive-Ins is another classic retro place where Hollywood romances unfolded on massive screens, as young couples cozied up in their Cadillacs. Born in a time when Elvis was king and poodle skirts were all the rage, these drive-ins are the iconic social hubs of yesteryears and this is one of the oldest and last surviving ones in LA. And you’ll be happy to hear that its charm hasn’t faded one bit. While the movies might be new, the experience is pure old-school.
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The Fairfax Flea Market
If you’re on the hunt for quintessentially retro things to do in Los Angeles, then the Fairfax Flea Market should definitely be on your list. Situated smack dab in the heart of the city, this old market feels like a veritable time capsule! The Fairfax Flea Market has been delighting visitors with its eclectic blend of old and new for decades. Think of it as your quirky Aunt Edna’s attic, but on steroids.
Melrose Avenue Vintage Boutiques
If you’re sauntering through LA with an eye for throwback threads and hidden gems, Melrose Avenue’s Vintage Boutiques are the place to be. A pulsating vein in the heart of Los Angeles, Melrose Avenue feels like a catwalk that showcases the very best of yesteryears’ fashions. The groovy ’70s, punky ’80s, and even the grungy ’90s, you name it, you can find all of it here. Each shop is an Aladdin’s cave of treasures, bursting with pieces that tell tales of past eras.
Retro Row In Long Beach
And peaking of old row of shops, sprawling along the famous 4th Street, we just have to mention Retro Row; a vibrant alley of boutiques, eateries, and theaters, each oozing with vibes from days gone by. Think neon signs from the swinging ’60s, vinyl records spinning tunes from the 60s, and the smell of old leather from jackets that have seen more concerts than you and me combined! But the highlight is the place’s sheer authenticity. Every corner of Retro Row tells a tale, from the mid-century furniture stores to vintage clothing boutiques that would make even Audrey Hepburn do a double-take.
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Pasadena Antique Mall
Tucked away in the quaint corners of Pasadena, this mall is the perfect place to visit for history buffs and antique aficionados. You can spot plenty of delicate porcelain from the Victorian era, Art Deco trinkets, and quirky knick-knacks. And every item, from the ornate mirrors to vintage items, is like a postcard from the past.
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Roller Skating at Moonlight Rollerway
Nestled in the heart of Glendale, this list of retro things to do in Los Angeles couldn’t be complete without the Moonlight Rollerway. It has a kaleidoscope of colors, sparkling disco balls, the unmistakable hum of polyurethane, a gleaming wooden floor, and the infectious beats of 70s and 80s to match the atmosphere. Since its heyday, Moonlight Rollerway has been the epicenter of LA’s roller-skating culture, and today it’s a great place to take a trip to memory lane.
Vintage Bowling Alleys: Highland Park Bowl
Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Highland Park, this bowling joint is the closest thing in LA that it comes to traveling to the Roaring Twenties when flappers and jazz ruled and bowling was the bee’s knees. Established in 1927, the Highland Park Bowl has changed very little throughout the years. With its meticulously restored murals, original wooden lanes, and classic pin-setters, it’s as much a museum of bowling’s golden age as it is a hotspot for modern-day hipsters.
The Museum of Neon Art (MONA)
From decades, MONA has been championing all things neon, from its artistry to its spaces awash with vivid hues. The exhibits feature some of the most colorful chapters of LA’s neon history, tracing back from its glitzy beginnings in the ’20s to its pop culture comebacks today. But what makes MONA really stand out among LA’s retro activities is its unwavering commitment to keeping this art form alive…
The Getty House: A Glimpse of Old Hollywood
The Getty House is the perfect place to visit if you got a penchant for some classic cinematic splendor. This architectural marvel reigns supreme in Windsor Square, exuding the elegance and opulence of Old Hollywood. Constructed in the 1920s, the Getty House is famous for its glamorous sweeping staircases, ornate chandeliers, and sprawling gardens, but also its legacy. Over the decades, the Getty House has played host to a parade of silver screen stars, political bigwigs, unforgettable parties.
Angels Flight Railway
Nestled in the heart of downtown LA, this railway is a nostalgic nod to the city’s vibrant past. It was first introduced in 1901, and ever since, Angels Flight became one of LA’s most iconic landmarks. Today, you can climb aboard these iconic orange and black cars, and enjoy the view that’s nothing short of cinematic with skyscrapers kissing the sky and the hum of the city echoing below.
The Whisky a Go Go
Since its grand curtain rise in 1964, The Whisky a Go Go has been less about the booze and all about the beats. Its walls have echoed the raw riffs of The Doors, the thunderous anthems of Led Zeppelin, and the rebellious roars of Motörhead, having borne witness to countless rock legends throughout the years. The Whisky a Go Go is one of the rare places in LA that retains its soul even after all these years, preserving its legacy and championing a culture where music reigns supreme.
The Dresden Room
Having been opened since 1954, The Dresden Room has always been one of the most elegant places in town with its velvet seats, shimmering chandeliers, and the melodic hum of a classic piano. It’s the kind of place where golden age stars would sip martinis under a gentle, moody glow. And the best part is that it’s the same iconic musical duo, Marty and Elayne, who’ve jazzed up the joint with their tunes for decades.
Catch a Jazz Night at The Cicada Club
Ever since the place opened in the roaring ’20s, The Cicada Club has been the epitome of opulence and (with time) old-world charm. It’s the kind of ambiance where Jay Gatsby would raise a toast and where legends like Ella Fitzgerald might’ve serenaded the night away. Beyond its lavish interiors and melodious nights, The Cicada Club stands as a testament to LA’s undying love for jazz.
Nostalgic Rides in Classic Cars
Imagine seeing the sun setting on Sunset Strip and you’re watching it from behind the wheel of a gleaming ’57 Chevy or a pristine Cadillac Eldorado. That alone is enough to put this experience on our list. It’s the sort of scene straight out of a James Dean flick or perhaps a sultry Marilyn Monroe moment. These classic rides, with their curvaceous silhouettes and roaring engines are a form of transportation, true but one that takes you back in time!
Dapper Day at Disneyland
Situated in the heart of the entertainment capital, this tour shows you the best of LA’s glamorous past. You get to cruise down Hollywood Boulevard in an open-top bus, and listening a lot of stories and anecdotes about all a landmark you pass by. The echoes of Clark Gable’s laughter, the phantom scent of Audrey Hepburn’s perfume, the very spots where legends like Bogart and Bacall shared stolen moments…
The Art Deco Festival on the Queen Mary
Lastly, we wrap up this list of the best retro things to do in Los Angeles with the Art Deco Festival. Envision the grandeur of the Queen Mary, already an icon of luxury, transformed into a living canvas of Art Deco delight that captures the essence of the Roaring ’20s in the most immersive way. The ship’s already storied halls come alive with aficionados, each wearing Gatsby-esque garb, sharing tales, toasting champagne, and reveling in the rebirth of a golden age.
How did you like this list of retro things to do in Los Angeles? Did you ever try any of them? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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