Off Limits Season 1 Episode 1 Los Angeles

Off Limits is a thrilling new travel series that explores some of the lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path attractions in some of America's most popular destinations. Hosted by explorer and adventurer Don Wildman, each episode takes viewers on a journey to places they never knew existed.

In the first episode of Off Limits season one, viewers are taken on a tour of Los Angeles. Instead of the usual Hollywood glamour and tourist hotspots, Wildman explores some of the city's hidden gems that are often overlooked by visitors.

The episode starts with Don Wildman at the famous Griffith Observatory, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Los Angeles. However, he quickly takes viewers off the beaten path by exploring the hidden underground tunnels that can be found beneath the observatory. These tunnels were once used by astronomers to transport equipment and supplies between buildings, and offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of astronomy in the city.

Next, Wildman heads to Olvera Street, a historic Mexican marketplace located in the heart of downtown LA. While many visitors come here for authentic Mexican food and shopping, Wildman dives deeper into the history of the area by exploring the birthplace of the city itself. Known as the Avila Adobe, this is the oldest surviving building in Los Angeles and a true hidden gem for history buffs.

From there, the episode takes viewers to the Watts Towers, a set of 17 interconnected sculptures located in the Watts neighborhood of south Los Angeles. These towers were built by Italian-American artist Simon Rodia over the course of 33 years, using only simple hand tools and materials salvaged from the surrounding area. Wildman explores the intricate designs and details of the towers, which are now considered a cultural landmark of the city.

Moving further south, the episode takes viewers to the Port of Los Angeles, one of the busiest shipping ports in the world. Here, Wildman meets with a crane operator who gives him a behind-the-scenes look at the massive cranes that are used to unload ships carrying cargo from around the world. The cranes are so large that they can lift up to 45 tons of cargo at a time, and the process of unloading a ship can take several days.

The episode concludes with Wildman taking viewers to the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round, a vintage carousel that dates back over 100 years. This carousel was once a favorite of Walt Disney, who would come here in the evenings to unwind and get inspiration for his own theme park designs. Wildman takes a ride on the carousel himself, and invites viewers to join him on his next adventure to another hidden gem in the city.

Overall, the first episode of Off Limits season one provides a fascinating look at some of the offbeat attractions in Los Angeles that are often overlooked by visitors. From secret tunnels beneath the Griffith Observatory to the intricate sculptures of the Watts Towers, viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for the city's history and culture.