Abandoned places may look creepy at first glance, and while they often are to some extent, they also offer a unique opportunity to see a piece of our city’s history up close. These sites are perfect for photography enthusiasts looking for an epic or post-apocalyptic background, as well as for fans of urban exploration.
However, a word of caution: if urbex is your thing, be aware that entering these places is not always safe. If you do venture in, we recommend going with a group, taking necessary precautions. With that said, let’s explore the coolest abandoned places in Los Angeles.
1. Sunken City
Perched on the cliffs of San Pedro, Sunken City is one of the most intriguing abandoned places in LA, born from a 1929 landslide that sent homes and streets tumbling into the ocean. This forbidden zone, scattered with crumbled foundations and splashed with vibrant graffiti, offers breathtaking views of the Pacific and a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for urban photography.
While it’s technically off-limits, its surreal, post-apocalyptic landscape continues to lure adventurous souls. Safety and legality should be considered if you plan to explore this hidden gem of Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 500 W Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90731
2. Old Zoo
A relic of Los Angeles’ past, the abandoned Old Zoo in Griffith Park has been untouched since its closure in 1966. With weathered enclosures and overgrown pathways, this site is a prime example of abandoned places in Los Angeles.
Covered in graffiti and nestled among hiking trails, it offers urban explorers and photographers a captivating blend of history and natural beauty, ideal for any urban photo safari through LA’s forgotten landscapes.
📍 Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
3. Bridge to Nowhere
Tucked away in the rugged San Gabriel Mountains near LA, the Bridge to Nowhere is a haunting relic of an abandoned building project. Built in 1936 and left isolated by a powerful flood in 1938, this iconic concrete arch bridge spans the wild East Fork of the San Gabriel River.
It’s a thrilling 10-mile hike round-trip, perfect for adventurous photographers seeking unique shots of abandoned buildings in Los Angeles amidst breathtaking natural scenery.
📍 Location: East Fork Road, Azusa, CA 91702
4. Murphy’s Ranch
Near Pacific Palisades, Murphy’s Ranch is one of the creepiest abandoned places in L.A.… As its chilling history shows, it used to be a 1930s Nazi sympathizer community. Its abandoned structures, including a haunting power house and residences blending European and Californian architecture, stand amidst overgrown foliage and graffiti-covered walls.
This eerie setting offers urban explorers and photographers a compelling blend of historical intrigue and unsettling ambiance, making it a must-visit for those seeking a bit more adrenaline than usual in their photo safari.
📍 Location: 1750 Capri Dr, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
5. Bombay Beach
What once was a popular retreat for celebrities like Frank Sinatra and the Beach Boys, today is an eerie memory of the past. Environmental issues, including rising salinity levels in the Salton Sea and periodic flooding, rendered much of the area uninhabitable over time.
This mix of past glitz and current decay draws visitors fascinated by its history and the stark desert landscape. For anyone exploring abandoned spots in SoCal, Bombay Beach offers a glimpse into a place where celebrity glamour once met natural challenges head-on.
📍 Location: Bombay Beach, Niland, CA 92257
6. Concrete Dinosaur Ruins
Starting in 1970, a resident of Apple Valley embarked on creating a dinosaur-themed mini golf course, which expanded over 12 years into a 17-acre park. Despite managing to construct only a few dinosaurs, these sculptures added a charming and whimsical touch to the landscape.
When funding ran dry, the creator sought county assistance but was denied, leading to his departure from the area in 1982 and leaving the unfinished park as one of the surreal abandoned places in Los Angeles’ outskirts.
📍 Location: 22861 Cahuilla Rd, Apple Valley, CA
7. Big Horn Mine
The Big Horn Mine Trail not only offers historical exploration but also stunning views of the ocean and memorable sunsets. This 4-mile round-trip hike leads adventurers to the remnants of the Big Horn Mine, where they can explore old mining structures amidst panoramic vistas of the San Gabriel Mountains and Mojave Desert.
Ideal for hikers seeking outdoor activities and scenic beauty, the trail promises an unforgettable experience combining history, nature, and breathtaking sunset views over Southern California’s coastal horizon.
📍 Location: Big Horn Mine Rd, CA 91702
8. Mentryville
This spot is the perfect place for those looking to explore, first hand, the remnants of California’s early oil boom era. Founded in the 1870s, Mentryville is a well-preserved ghost town that features historic buildings like Charles Mentry’s mansion and a schoolhouse, offering visitors a step back in time.
Accessible via hiking trails with scenic canyon views, Mentryville is a captivating destination for exploring abandoned buildings around Los Angeles, blending history, natural beauty, and the legacy of California’s oil industry. As expected, those who visit the place claim that it is haunted…
📍 Location: Mentryville Road, Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381
9. Nike Missile Site LA-96
Nike Missile Site LA-96 stands as a testament to the Cold War era. Installed during this tense period, it gives visitors the chance to explore the site and even climb the radar tower, making it a fun hike for the whole family while offering insights into historical military defense strategies amidst Southern California’s scenic landscape, by Mulholland Drive.
📍 Location: 17500 Mulholland Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049
10. Oceanwide Plaza
This huge abandoned building has recently become an icon of our times and a symbol of street art. Oceanview Plaza made headlines earlier this year for being covered from top to bottom in graffiti. Construction of this ambitious structure began in 2015 and came to a halt in 2019 when Oceanwide Holdings ran out of funds.
📍 Location: 1112 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015