3 Days of Goth Adventures in LA
Halloween is every day. Don't you agree? Stroll through graveyards and a ghost neighborhood of Victorian Houses, browse for curious objects and uncover Hollywood secrets. Go on a haunted hike or dance the night away. Parasols ready! There’s a lot to see in LA even before the sun sets.
Start your day in Hollywood with a stroll through Hollywood Forever. The landmark cemetery is known for its famous permanent residents, including Goth icons Rozz Williams of Christian Death and Maila Nurmi (aka Vampira). Lighten the mood with a shop stop at Wacko/Soap Plant, hosting LA’s subculture selection of books and gifts, with an art gallery in the back. Not to be missed is the Hollywood Museum, located in the Max Factor Building. Don't let the pink facade fool you, Hannibal Lecter is waiting in the basement.
For photo ops galore, visit Heritage Square Museum. This small enclave consists of eight Victorian-era buildings that were saved from demolition, celebrates an annual "Day of Mourning" and holds a haunted picnic that shouldn't be missed. Do you like your ice cream as black as your wardrobe? Head to Little Damage in Downtown LA, known for its activated charcoal cones and black soft serve ice cream. If time permits, pop into The Last Bookstore and walk through their tunnel of books. If your interests are in creepy creatures, sparkling crystals or local history, there’s an exhibit for you at the Natural History Museum.
Venture to the Valley, beginning with a trip to the Forest Lawn Museum. Since 1906, this cemetery has amassed an impressive collection of art, stained glass and statuary, so explore outside of the museum as well.
Burbank's Magnolia Park neighborhood is known for goth, alternative and vintage shopping. At Halloween Town, you’ll find spooky goods all year long, as well dark art, books and music-related merchandise. Nearby, The Mystic Museum is a curiosity shop and museum. Dark Delicacies, the long-running bookstore dedicated to all things horror-related, hosts frequent in-store events. Check out the collection of flyers in front of the store to find out about other happenings.