Ever wondered what lies beneath the shimmering surface of Los Angeles? Beyond the celebrity mansions and red-carpet events, a hidden world exists: a sprawling network of tunnels that whisper tales of a bygone era and perhaps, even a secret society.

Beneath the skyscrapers and busy streets of downtown Los Angeles, a network of tunnels weaves through the city, a subterranean labyrinth echoing with stories of innovation, intrigue, and urban legends. These tunnels have a rich history and were used for various purposes, their function evolving with the city's needs and ambitions. During the roaring 1920s, these very tunnels were co-opted for a far more clandestine operation: transporting alcohol secretly, fueling the vibrant speakeasies and hidden bars that thrived in defiance of Prohibition. Los Angeles, the land of glitz and glamour, holds a secret treasure beneath its bustling surface, a hidden history etched into the very foundations of the city.

The underground city Los Angeles, also known as the LA tunnels, is a network of subterranean passageways that served as a vibrant transportation and pedestrian hub in the early 1900s. Discovering the location and accessibility of these tunnels is like unlocking a secret level of the city itself. Aside from the service tunnels, there are also abandoned subway and equestrian tunnels from the days before personal vehicles began clogging up LA's city streets. The ambition was grand, the execution, perhaps, a bit ahead of its time. One can only imagine the scale of the project when access was blocked to a dizzying array of tunnels that snaked into and under a mountain of granite and limestone, an undertaking of impressive engineering prowess.

Category	Information
Name	LA Tunnels (also known as Underground City Los Angeles)
Location	Downtown Los Angeles, California, USA
Era of Primary Use	Early 1900s (Transportation and Pedestrian Hub), 1920s (Prohibition Era - Speakeasies)
Estimated Length	Approximately 11 miles (as reported by Atlas Obscura)
Original Purpose	Transportation, Pedestrian Movement, Service Conduits
Later Use	Secret transportation of alcohol during Prohibition, Speakeasies
Current Status	Largely forgotten network, sections may be inaccessible or repurposed. Some areas may be open for tours.
Urban Legends	Connections to a secret society of elites ("Actor Bahn"), Underground Starbucks locations, Lizard People
Notable Features	Abandoned subway tunnels, equestrian tunnels, service tunnels, 2nd Street Tunnel (popular filming location)
Accessibility	Varies depending on the specific tunnel. Some areas are accessible via elevators (e.g., behind the Hall of Records at 320 West Temple Street or the elevator at 222 North Hill Street). Tour availability may vary.
Reference	Atlas Obscura

The ambition didn't stop at practical transportation; whispers of hidden chambers and clandestine purposes began to circulate. The search to find a subterranean canyon where a tidal river washed adds a layer of mystery and intrigue, painting a picture of hidden landscapes beneath the bustling metropolis. Then there are the more fantastical tales, the underground tunnels of the lizard people. One of the more colorful urban legends of L.A. is that of the lizard people, an advanced race of humans who created an entirely separate civilization beneath our feet. While these tales are firmly in the realm of myth, they contribute to the allure and mystique surrounding the LA tunnels.

This world, whether grounded in historical fact or spun from urban legend, is an integral part of Los Angeles. A city that you have certainly never seen like this before, a layered tapestry of concrete and secrets. Today, we will go through its underground layers, peeling back the surface to reveal the hidden stories that lie beneath. Forget the Hollywood Walk of Fame for a moment; the real stars might be lurking in the shadows below.

The city of Long Beach, California, is also important, as this area, home to the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, and host of the Grand Prix, museums, and many festivals and cultural events like the Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride Parade and Festival, which is the 3rd largest in the US! The subterranean secrets in Los Angeles are attracting attention. According to Atlas Obscura, the best travel guide in the biz, during Prohibition, 11 miles of service tunnels became passageways to basement speakeasies with innocuous fronts above ground. This ingenuity transformed the city's underbelly into a haven for those seeking to circumvent the law and indulge in a bit of illicit revelry.

In October 2024, a rumor that Starbucks has secret locations in the underground tunnels of Los Angeles, only accessible to the most elite members of society, spread on social media like wildfire. This modern-day myth further fuels the intrigue, suggesting that the tunnels continue to be a space for hidden privilege and exclusive experiences. Beneath the sprawl of Los Angeles lies the Actor Bahn, a series of secret, intricate tunnels, accessible only to Hollywoods elite. These passages, initially developed during Prohibition to house secret drinking establishments, have, according to some, evolved into something far more exclusive.

The veracity of these claims remains dubious. A man claims he worked at secret Starbucks under LA, adding fuel to the fire, but concrete evidence remains elusive. People are also dubious about the supposed name of the series of tunnels, the Actor Bahn, which seems like a comedic play on the German Autobahn, suggesting a deliberate attempt at mystification. Within these tunnels, the guest alleges, the privileged few enjoy amenities and experiences far removed from the everyday lives of ordinary Angelenos.

Tunnels were built under Los Angeles to ease traffic congestion but proved to be much more popular and successful during Prohibition. This unexpected turn of events cemented the tunnels' place in the city's history, transforming them from a utilitarian project into a symbol of rebellion and ingenuity. Drivin' & Vibin' LLC is an innovative lifestyle brand that blends the freedom of RV living with the passion for music. The company is renowned for its unique approach to travel, offering insightful tips, product reviews, and engaging content that resonates with a community of adventurers, further emphasizing the allure of exploration and discovery.

Long Beach, California, is home to the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, and hosts the Grand Prix, museums, and many festivals and cultural events like the Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride Parade and Festival (the 3rd largest in the US!). This vibrant city, like its neighbor Los Angeles, is full of surprises and hidden gems. A TikTok video from luxliving365 (@luxliving365) with 543 likes proclaimed, "Uncover the mystery of secret tunnels under LA linked to Actor Bahn. #actorbahn #latunnels #secrettunnels #diddytunnels #fyp." The hashtag frenzy underscores the public's fascination with the possibility of hidden spaces and secret societies.

The first tunnels were built underneath the Bunker and Hill Street area but in the following years, the network of underground tunnels in Los Angeles increased greatly. This expansion reflected the city's growing ambition and the increasing need for alternative transportation routes. However, during the 1920s and 1930s, the city of Los Angeles got plenty of new, modern roads, making the years of use of the tunnels (at least for their intended purpose) relatively short-lived. The surface world caught up, leaving the underground network to fade into obscurity, a forgotten chapter in the city's history.

The secret tunnels of the 1% elite: Discover the secret world beneath the glitz and glamour of Hollywood! This tantalizing invitation promises a glimpse into a world of privilege and exclusivity, further fueling the public's imagination. A trip deep into the underground network of tunnels that thrived in Los Angeles during the Prohibition era. The tunnels beneath Los Angeles, spanning over 11 miles, are a largely forgotten network that dates back to the early 20th century. This vast, subterranean world represents a unique and often overlooked aspect of the city's identity.

Many of the posts on X said that these tunnels are still in use, though this has never been publicly admitted. A TikTok video from comedian Steven Randolph (@comedianstevenrandolph) exclaimed, "Discover the covert Starbucks reserved for the elite in LA! Explore Actor Bahn tunnels and the underground Starbucks concept." Another TikTok video, from Kristin Shoda (@kristinshoda), with 427 likes, stated, "Discover the hidden Actor Bahn tunnels housing the exclusive underground Starbucks in LA for a unique coffee experience. Join our monthly membership and skip the wait! #starbucks #coffee #la #vacation #actorbahn #tunnel #underground." The social media buzz highlights the enduring appeal of the LA tunnels and the persistent rumors of their use by a select few.

The easiest way to get to the tunnels is via an elevator behind the Hall of Records at 320 West Temple Street or the elevator at 222 North Hill Street. These access points offer a tangible link to the hidden world beneath the city, inviting intrepid explorers to uncover its secrets. While the legends of lizard people and elite Starbucks may be far-fetched, the historical significance and architectural intrigue of the LA tunnels are undeniable. They represent a fascinating chapter in the city's history, a reminder that beneath the surface of even the most glamorous cities lie hidden stories waiting to be discovered.