Los Angeles has a deep, enduring goth and dark alternative subculture—stretching from the post-punk clubs of the 1980s to today’s blend of occult bookshops, Victorian architecture, and moody desert escapes. Here’s a curated 3-day goth adventure itinerary that balances classic haunts, hidden gems, and atmospheric exploration—perfect for dark souls with a taste for history, fashion, and the macabre.
Day 1: Gothic Foundations & Historic Haunts
Morning: The Hotel Café & Silver Lake Vibe
Start in Silver Lake, a longtime alternative enclave. While not overtly goth, its moody coffee shops and vintage stores set the tone. Grab a black coffee at Alibi Coffee Co. (industrial-chic, low lighting) or Café Stella.
Afternoon: The Museum of Death (Hollywood)
- One of LA’s most iconic dark attractions.
- Features true crime artifacts, mortuary tools, and serial killer exhibits—handled with eerie reverence, not sensationalism.
- Don’t miss the original “Happy Face” killer note or the taxidermy room.
Evening: The Vampire Lounge at The Standard (Downtown LA)
- This rooftop bar once hosted goth nights and vampire-themed soirées (check current events—they rotate themes).
- Even if not goth night, the moody skyline views, red lighting, and decadent cocktails fit the aesthetic.
- Walk through Broadway’s historic theaters (many abandoned or repurposed)—ghostly echoes of old Hollywood.
Optional Nightcap: Blackwater Bar (Echo Park)
- Low-lit, intimate cocktail den with a goth-adjacent, witchy vibe—think absinthe, tarot, and velvet booths.
Day 2: Occult, Vinyl & Underground Sounds
Morning: Mystic Journey Bookstore ( Venice)
- LA’s premier New Age/occult shop with a goth-friendly edge: crystals, grimoires, candles, and pagan jewelry.
- Browse quietly—many regulars treat it as sacred space.
Lunch: Café Gratitude (Venice or Larchmont)
- Surprisingly goth-approved! Plant-based, minimalist, and frequented by dark creatives. Order “I Am Grounded” (a savory bowl) with activated charcoal lemonade.
Afternoon: Amoeba Music (Hollywood)
- The world’s largest independent record store.
- Dive deep into post-punk, deathrock, industrial, and darkwave bins.
- Look for local LA goth legends like Christian Death, 45 Grave, or Shadow Project.
Evening: Death Guild or Darker LA Events
- Check current listings! While the legendary Dragonfly and Scream clubs are gone, goth nights live on:
- “Gothic Theatre” events at Echoplex or The Roxy
- “Obsidian” or “Requiem” at smaller venues (often in DTLA or East Hollywood)
- Follow @darkerla or @la_goths on Instagram for pop-ups.
- Dress code: All black, lace, leather, or Victorian-inspired. Makeup encouraged.
Late Night: The Dresden Lounge (Los Feliz)
- Retro-cool piano bar with red booths and martinis.
- Not goth per se, but timelessly noir—think Swingers meets Twin Peaks.
- Open until 2 a.m. (perfect for post-club wind-down).
Day 3: Cemetery Pilgrimage & Desert Mystique
Morning: Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Glendale)
- Not the touristy Hollywood Forever—this is the original goth pilgrimage site.
- Final resting place of Michael Jackson, Walt Disney, and countless old Hollywood stars.
- Explore the Hall of the Crucifixion (a dark, dramatic painting gallery) and the Wee Kirk o’ the Heather (creepy-chic chapel).
- Tip: Go early—gates open at 8 a.m.—and respect the space.
Lunch: The Black Cat (Silver Lake)
- Historic LGBTQ+ bar that hosted early punk/goth shows in the 1970s–80s.
- Now a sleek cocktail spot, but the activist history and dim ambiance linger.
- Order the “Black Cat Martini” (activated charcoal, gin, elderflower).
Afternoon: The Last Bookstore + Occult Alley (Downtown LA)
- Beyond the famous labyrinth of books, explore the “Occult Section”—grimoires, astrology, and esoterica.
- Nearby: Botanica La Milagrosa (a real botanica with candles, herbs, and spiritual supplies).
- Walk through the Historic Core—ornate 1920s buildings feel like a goth film set.
Sunset Option: Griffith Observatory (Hollywood Hills)
- Watch the sun bleed over the city from the hauntingly beautiful Art Deco observatory.
- Twilight here feels cinematic and melancholic—ideal for journaling or silent reflection.
Farewell Dinner: Crossroads Kitchen (West Hollywood)
- Upscale vegan fine dining—dark wood interiors, candlelight, and goth-celebrity sightings (Billie Eilish, Moby).
- Try the truffle cavatelli or artichoke oysters.
Bonus Tips for Goth Travelers
- Dress the part: LA goths mix Victorian, cyber, street, and deathrock—all black is always welcome.
- Respect the scene: Many venues are small and community-run. No photos without permission.
- Transport: Use rideshares—parking is hell, and you’ll want to linger at bars.
- Seasonal Events: Plan around LA Zombody Dance (October) or Gothic Meow (cat-themed goth market).
Los Angeles may be sunny, but its shadow side runs deep—from deathrock pioneers to modern witch collectives.
This itinerary honors both the aesthetic and spirit of goth culture: introspective, theatrical, and unapologetically dark.
