Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels is the mother church of the archdiocese of Los Angeles. Originally built in the 1800s, it was rebuilt to the tune of USD 180 million after the Northridge earthquake in 1994. Every Sunday, this seven-level structure accommodates up to 3000 worshipers. Additionally, the lower-level Crypt Mausoleum is also worth a glance, it is a solemn place of repose for local bishops and cardinals.
La Placita Church, also called La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles or The Church of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels, is a historic Catholic church. Founded in 1814 by Franciscan Fray Luis, this church was built over the remains of an old adobe church. In 1861 the church created a replacement chapel using the same old materials. La Placita Church now features some lovely modern additions, including a tile mosaic of The Annunciation, but it still has its historic charm.
Mission San Gabriel Arcángel is steeped in history that dates back to when it was founded in 1771. Visitors can tour this well-preserved Roman Catholic Mission grounds and visit its museum. View the tall buttresses and walls then check out the campanile that holds six bells that were crafted between 1795 and the 1830s. The beautiful altar was made in Mexico City in the 1790s and some of the wooden statues were carved in Spain in the 1700s. The mission museum exhibits relics, books and religious artifacts.
Bhagavad Gita Museum is a unique Los Angeles gem. Established in 1977, its aim was to teach visitors about the Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Hindu scripture calling for selfless action. You will gain an insight into the scriptures through eleven large dioramas that depict colorful scenes. Some of the awe-inspiring dioramas include the Changing Bodies diorama and the the Precarious Condition of the Living Entity diorama. You'll also see animatronics that help bring life to the story. Sign up for a guided tour to gain a deeper insight into the museum exhibits.
From the Hollywood Freeway the glint off its gold leaf and ceramic tile roof gives away its location. The temple is built in traditional Thai Buddhist architecture. Like a helicopter airlifted one from Bangkok and dropped it in North Hollywood. They hold Thai language and traditional music and dance classes, and year round performances and festivals are open to the public. Every weekend hundreds come to enjoy homemade Thai food with the saffron-robed monks at their open air food court. Many dishes are too authentic for fancy Thai restaurants! When you're trying to escape the glitz of Hollywood, duck into this truly amazing temple for a one of kind Thai experience.
The Lake Shrine is a beautiful place hidden away in Pacific Palisades. It is the resting place for a portion of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes and people from around the world come to pay their respects. The grounds cover ten acres and lie on a former movie set. There is a lake with swans, lush greenery, waterfalls, and beautiful statues. A perfect place to spend the day when you need to get away from it all, the memorial is open to visitors of any denomination. This pleasant place was created by Yogi Paramahansa Yogananda in 1950. Services for followers of this yogi are held in a Dutch windmill left over from its days as a movie studio.