12 Places to Find Inspiration in Los Angeles

When you’re feeling stuck - whether creatively, personally, or professionally - you may find inspiration to get you moving again at one of these local gems.

Inspiration in art

• Peter Lai Asian Village
  
  • Downtown LA
  • An establishment in the fashion industry inspired by Japanese and Chinese traditions, Peter Lai’s fashion archive and extensive collection of Japanese artifacts is an immersive experience. Visit by appointment only - admission is donation-based.
• Mosaic Tile House
  
  • Venice
  • The owners of this private home have spent decades decorating seemingly every square inch of the house and outdoor with mosaic tiles. The result? An incredible feat of art and community legacy. Get inspired by appointment ($20 tour/person) only Saturdays between 12pm and 3pm.
• Craft Contemporary
  
  • Mid-Wilshire
  • Formerly known as the Craft and Folk Art Museum, this non-profit museum showcases work from contemporary artists and designers. In addition to rotating exhibits, the space hosts hands-on workshops and monthly maker nights. General admission is $9 or pay what you wish on Sundays.

Inspiration in nature

• Amir’s Garden
  
  • Griffith Park
  • Named after its founder, Amir Dialameh, this lush hillside oasis in Griffith Park is a beautiful respite from the city. With nearly five public acres to explore, a smattering of benches and gorgeous views, a hike to this oasis is sure to inspire.
• LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
  
  • Arcadia
  • Among 127 acres of plant collections and historical landmarks, you’re bound to find inspiration here. For a peaceful place to reflect, find the Mayberg waterfall or the pond by Queen Anne’s Cottage or join a forest bathing session at the full moon or on the second Sunday of each month. If you’re lucky, you may spot a wild peacock on the grounds! Adult admission is $18.
• Cooper Canyon Falls via Burkhart Trail
  
  • San Gabriel Mountains
  • In the depths of San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, there’s a gorgeous trail studded with redwoods, cedar, and pines that leads to a peaceful waterfall. The drive to get to the trailhead is about an hour and 15 minutes from downtown LA, and the hike itself takes 2-3 hours, so plan for a half-day inspirational getaway. Visitors will need an Adventure Pass to enter, which can be purchased at the entrance for $5.

Inspiration in meditation

• Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Meditation Garden
  
  • Jefferson Park
  • This beautiful meditation center features a labyrinth, meditation gardens (currently closed for construction), and all sorts of workshops in addition to meditation like sound baths, Qi Gong, and free-form writing. Workshop costs start at around $10, and admission to the labyrinth and gardens is only $6 (open for visitors on Friday and Sunday afternoons).
• Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine
  
  • Pacific Palisades
  • Although the temple and retreat areas are still undergoing fire recovery efforts, the serene meditation gardens - set along the banks of Santa Ynez Lake - are open to all. Make a reservation in advance for a visit Wednesday-Sunday for private meditation.
• Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
  
  • Long Beach
  • Long Beach State University is home to this peaceful Japanese garden. On your more meditative days, visit the Zen garden for private meditation to seek inspiration. Admission is free, but requires advance reservation. Even better, join a monthly self-led art hour to turn your creative gears for only $2.

Inspiration in literature

• Los Angeles Central Library
  
  • Downtown LA
  • LA’s downtown library is home to more than 2.8 million books, some of which are bound to leave you feeling inspired. Not only that, but the library is gorgeous - it includes a tower with a mosaic pyramid, art deco sphinxes, and a giant mural retelling the history of California. Still not hooked? How about finding inspiration at the makerspace lab, free programming, or zine collection.
• Little Free Libraries
  
  • Everywhere
  • Nothing inspires us more than people coming together in community, especially when there are books involved! We hope you’ve heard of little free libraries, but did you know there’s an online map where you can find one close to you (no matter where you are)? Find one at littlefreelibrary.org and seek inspiration from your neighbors.
• Beyond Baroque
  
  • Venice
  • Museum, theater, gallery, gallery, workshop space, and bookstore - this space is a literary and arts center for the ages! There’s no doubt your next literary inspiration is waiting for you within these walls. The bookstore and gallery are open on Friday and Saturday afternoons with general admission at $10.

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