The Grand Theft Auto name has continued to be synonymous with excellence in gameplay, strong crime storytelling, and an expansive sandbox world. Of all the games in the Grand Theft Auto series, GTA V is both the largest and the one with the most secrets. Players are always finding new things to do whether it is partaking in the many mini-games, side missions, and of course, all the secret places in GTA 5 offline.

Many of Grand Theft Auto V’s greatest secrets are the multitude of hidden locations scattered throughout the mind-numbingly huge landscape. So today we'll be taking a look at a few of the most subtle and out-of-the-way of all hidden locations in Grand Theft Auto V some players still haven't found.

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Updated on May 2, 2021 by Scoot Allan: Fans of both Grand Theft Auto V and the equally popular Grand Theft Auto Online have spent years searching the map of Los Santos for hidden secrets. These secrets often include secret weapons or vehicles, but there are quite a few hidden locations spread around Los Santos as well. With the arrival of Grand Theft Auto V on PC a couple of years after the launch of the console game came the availability of a number of mods that have increased the scope of the game and allowed a few more hidden areas to be discovered. So we wanted to take a further look at a few of our favorite secret places in GTA 5, online and in the single-player campaign.

20 It's Easy To Miss The Frozen Underwater Alien In The Prologue

Frozen alien in the prologue of Grand Theft Auto V

When players first start the single-player campaign of Grand Theft Auto 5, they are dropped headfirst into a bank robbery in the Prologue before jumping into a high-speed chase with the police. That means there isn't much time to look around the small town of North Yankton that is only accessible at limited moments in the game.

That's why it's so easy to miss the evidence of alien life in the universe that can be found frozen in ice, especially considering if you take too long to find it you'll fail the mission. To find the frozen alien you simply need to watch for a frozen river on the right shortly after you take off in the getaway vehicle. When you see the bridge coming up drive off the road before the guardrails begin and follow the river down under the bride. Hop out of the vehicle to quickly check out the frozen alien.

19 Hop In A Sub To Find The Crashed Underwater Flying Object

Crashed UFO underwater in Grand Theft Auto V

The frozen alien in North Yankton isn't the only evidence of extraterrestrials included in GTA V by Rockstar Games. Players can also go exploring underwater around San Andreas to come across a crashed alien spaceship, which can be quite surprising when it pops up out of nowhere while you pilot your chosen submersible.

Players need to head off the coast of San Andreas, north of Procopio Beach and east of the large peninsula on the map. The UFO crash-landed onto the ocean floor, so players will have to descend to the depths in order to see the alien spaceship, just be mindful of the depth warnings as they pop up. Enjoy the existential crisis that arises when the question of "are we alone in the universe?" is answered repeatedly by GTA V.

18 Check Out A Secret Island Military Bunker With A Mod

Inside the FIB hidden island base in Grand Theft Auto V

There are quite a few things underwater to explore around the coast of San Andreas, however, modders discovered a cluster of islands in the ocean with an odd-looking tree. Once investigated, that tree transported players to a secret underground bunker that was staffed with police, FIB agents, mercenaries and scientists.

The underground bunker was also stocked with a number of interesting vehicles like the Monowheel throughout the many underground rooms. The biggest draw of the hidden bunker is the armory that includes a number of powerful weapons including the minigun if you need to fight your way out of the bunker. The transporting tree will even teleport you directly back t the mainland in a Z-Type for your troubles.

17 You Can Access Jack Howitzer's Room At The Motor Motel

Jack Howitzer's hotel room in Grand Theft Auto V

Jack Howitzer is an aged and forgotten action movie star with a prison career who has appeared in a couple of GTA games over the years. By his appearance in GTA V, Howitzer has a reality TV show that caught some nasty footage in a hotel room at The Motor Motel on Route 68 in the Grand Senora Desert that is briefly seen on TV in the game.

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Players can visit the Motor Motel, though they usually aren't able to get into any of the rooms. However, it was at one point possible to glitch through the door and fall off the map. You could then parachute through limbo until landing in Howitzer's room, which featured him and his sock puppet friend along with his paid companions.

16 Take Out A Wooden Door To Explore The Huge Secret Mine

The Secret Mine Entrance in Grand Theft Auto V

Players can come across a wooden doorway found in the mountains barring them from entry that looks suspiciously out of place in the modern open world. Because this is Grand Theft Auto, a wooden blockade does little to deter the adventurous. As such, the key is a well-thrown grenade. Upon entry, the blackened entrance leads to a creepy mine in which players are given the opportunity to explore.

The mine with its branching passages is much larger than it initially appears on the outside. Not far from the entry, players meet the mine’s sole occupant: the body of a man dressed in 1940s attire. Given the situation, it appears as though this is Rockstar’s attempt at a crossover with both Red Dead Redemption and L.A. Noire.

15 The 360-Degree View From The Clock Tower Roof Is Breathtaking

View From The Clock Tower in Grand Theft Auto V

In the Westside of Los Santos, there is an omnipresent clock tower that provides players with an accurate time of day within the game. While a neat detail, few players realize that the top of the tower is fully accessible to those with decent piloting skills. In fact, there is a network of ladders for multiple levels of the clock tower’s roof.

With no entry from the road, this vantage not only serves as an exclusive lookout but also a safe haven for those that have peeved the local authorities. With a breathtaking 360-degree view, this is one spot all players are encouraged to take in. Either for an idyllic photo or sniping players online, the clock tower is sure to be a hot destination when visiting the city.

14 The Taco Van Can Be Hard To Find In Grand Theft Auto Online

The Taco Truck in Grand Theft Auto V

One of the tastiest finds in the game, the taco van can be found in many places in the single-player mode of Grand Theft Auto V, but it is the unique location in multiplayer that makes it stand out. To be specific, the van only spawns between the hours of 13:00-14:00 in-game time. Between those times, the van can be acquired easily just North of Sandy Shores on a dirt road surrounded by patrons.

The taco van not only serves as bragging rights in online play, but it also acts as a unique vessel to transport a full crew for one of the many heists. This is because when standing on any van in GTA V, players cannot fall off. If you manage to acquire the taco van online, you have the satisfaction of knowing that you will be the only one who has it.

13 Check Out The Cheating Tennis Coach’s REAL House

Tennis Coach's real home in Grand Theft Auto V

In the story mode, there is a memorable scene in which Michael comes home to find his wife cheating on him with her tennis coach, Kyle Chavis. Michael chases Kyle relentlessly to his house and, in a fit of rage, pulls the coach’s entire deck out from underneath him. Unfortunately for Michael, he quickly learns that the deck was not Kyle’s at all, but a powerful mobster, Martin Madrazo.

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Of course, players can easily locate Kyle’s real house afterward. All you have to do is drive down the street on which the other side of Madrazo’s house faces. Right across the street from that, you’ll see a small dingy house that has seen better days. In that house’s backyard, there are a lot of tennis rackets and balls lying around. Kyle’s whole experience literally hit too close to home.

12 Become A Ghost Whisperer At Mount Gordo Drive

Encounter with the Mount Gordo ghost in Grand Theft Auto V

At a large seaside campsite on Mount Gordo Drive, players will be able to have a supernatural experience in Grand Theft Auto V. First, it is important to note that, in order for players to trigger the experience, they must be there between 11 pm and 12 midnight during an in-game time. When this happens, players will witness a ghostly sight atop the nearby mountain: a white apparition resembling the outline of a person.

To many, it may appear like a bright white speck on the mountain, but keen observers will see the truth. On top of that, there are the voices. Some are whispers that are clearly a man. The most memorable is a bloodcurdling scream that can be heard in the otherwise peaceful oceanside. Fortunately, for those not fond of ghosts, the apparition and the dreadful whispers end as quickly as they came once midnight is reached.

11 Check Out The Secret Bunker At Los Santos International Airport

Secret Airport Bunker in Grand Theft Auto V

At Los Santos International Airport, there is a small secret that many players are still unfamiliar with. If one were to take the time to explore the area, the detail-oriented will notice a small cluster of buildings at the southern-most tip of the Grand Theft Auto V map. Specifically, you’re looking for the one that is shaped like a “U.” Head around the backside of it, and you will find a staircase with doors at the top.

Go through the doors and you will find what can only be described as a utility hall. Proceeding down it, you’ll come to a wider area with a couple of vending machines. No, it’s not the most exciting or startling revelation in the game, but it does demonstrate how much detail truly went into the game. There is also a handy hatch on the roof in case stairs take too long to enter the secret airport bunker.

10 Northern Hideout Is A Great Sniper's Nest/Way To Avoid Cops

The Northern Hideout in Grand Theft Auto V

Players finding themselves enjoying the sea air in Paleto Bay would be advised to check out this unique spot. First thing’s first - find a tall vehicle. A van will do nicely. Then, back it up just off the main road against a low grey roof near the air conditioning unit. From there, climb onto the roof, run up it a short distance and vault into the open window. What you have stumbled upon is an empty room.

Fortunately, this empty room in the northern factory area of Paleto Bay is in high demand for those seeking safety from the police. But wait, there’s more! Run to the other side of the room, vault through the other open window and you’ll be on another roof. On your left, there is a ladder that will take you to another empty room. This time though: you have a great view of the street below and a wicked sniping spot.

9 The Epsilon Overlook Is A Unique Vantage Point Of Los Santos

Roof of the Epsilon Building in Grand Theft Auto V

This particular spot is yet another unique vantage point in the game that provides a great view. With that being said, it is a little more difficult to get to. First, you’ll have to make your way over to the Epsilon Building, which is located on the corner of Rockford Drive and Spanish Avenue in Rockford Hills. Enter through the main gate, then turn left, walk down the little path and then turn right.

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Now, on the left of the doors you are facing, there is a hidden ladder. Ascend it and there will be another ladder that will lead to the building’s roof. It’s a really unique vantage point of the city. For those who wish to explore further, draw a weapon of choice and try to climb the turret across from the ladder. If done correctly, players will find themselves inside of the turret in one of the game’s most unique glitches.

8 The Original Face On Mount Chiliad Has Changed Over The Years

The face on Mount Chilead in Grand Theft Auto V

In order to find this secret, players are required to board a helicopter and fly to the upper half of Mount Chiliad so that they are aligned with Paleto Bay. From there, they are going to have to do their best to scour the left side of the rocks poised at a ninety-degree angle. It may not be noticeable at first, but there is actually some art on the rock.

In the original version released on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, the art is the face of a man drawn in black. Fans have speculated the face belongs to Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman on the show. In the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 version, however, the face was replaced by a white outline of a chicken that, if one looks closely enough looks like something else. The change is a mystery players have yet to answer.

7 The Coveted Cove Is A Picturesque Spot Of Tranquility

Coveted Cove in Grand Theft Auto V

On the waterfront of Blaine County north of the Palmer-Taylor Power Station, there lies a hidden cove, easily accessible from the sea. This cove is a unique spot of tranquility in the chaos that typically occurs in Grand Theft Auto V. Now, this spot is more than just a cove. Within it, there is a large cave perfect for landing and storing a pontoon plane or boat.

Due to its hidden potential, many players have found this spot ideal when hiding from the police. Fans of Easter eggs in games will also enjoy the letter scrap, grenade launcher and spaceship part found here. The cove is even featured in the GTA Online mission, "Coveted." This mission was the inspiration for the cove’s unofficial name, the Coveted Cove.

6 Players Can Spawn Inside The Empty Humane Labs Building

Humane Labs in Grand Theft Auto V

In the campaign of Grand Theft Auto V, the Humane Labs are actually accessed by Michael as part of an infiltration and extraction mission with Dave and Steve. That said, for the remainder of the game, the labs are firmly off-limits. In single-player, merely stepping on their property triggers a 4-star police rating. Instead, it is essential that players re-enter the labs in GTA Online.

In order to enter the labs, players are required to approach the building, accept a job, and then quickly back out of the menu displaying the job. This glitch will then spawn the player inside of the Humane Labs building. With a large empty space to explore, players can certainly spend a good deal of time though there isn't much to do once you've spawned inside.

5 Check Out The Tongva Crevice For A Magnificent View

The Tongfa Crevice in Grand Theft Auto V

Along a side path from Tongva Drive, players can find one of the most hidden, yet most picturesque spots in the entire game. In fact, this area is so hidden that you may not realize you’ve discovered it unless you get very close to it. There is enough room to land a helicopter if you prefer. Within Tongva Hills, head towards a rocky dead-end with a black shadow on one sliver of the rocks.

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Of course, upon further examination, this shadow is not from the hill above but is actually due to a crevice in the rocks. It is just big enough for players to walk into. While actually leading nowhere in particular, the keen observer will want to look back at the entrance. Doing so will reward players with a magnificent view of the neighboring mountains and their spectacular horizon. Enjoy!

4 The Secret Hotel Pool Is One Of The Biggest In Los Santos

Hidden Swimming Pool in Grand Theft Auto V

On the corner of Boulevard del Perro and Dorset Drive, players can find a large hotel. No, the hidden location is not the hotel, it is the closed-off swimming pool the hotel offers. Upon entering the driveway, head toward the doors on the left with ‘Keep Clear’ on the ground in front of them and walk down the hall to the end.

It will open up into a large courtyard with one of the biggest swimming pools in Grand Theft Auto V. Because it is part of a courtyard and is not visible from the road, this is yet another example of the tireless work that goes into the creation of the hidden locations in the game. As always, the level of detail in the courtyard is impressive. Looking for a great photo? Just check it out near sunrise or sunset for magical lighting.

3 You Can Watch A Re-Enactment Of That Thelma & Louise Scene

Thelam and Louise's car in Grand Theft Auto V

In the North Chumash region, fans of cinema can be treated to a unique re-enactment. Of course, special conditions apply: players must be flying a helicopter in the Chiliad Mountain State Wilderness near Raton Canyon. The entire scene will play out between 7 pm and 8 pm. If close enough to the cliff, players will be treated to the final moments of the hit film Thelma & Louise. In the re-enactment, police cars and officers will have surrounded a vehicle on a cliff edge.

Once one officer attempts to approach the vehicle, the car drives right over the edge. Of course, in the original film, there is a freeze-frame preventing audiences from witnessing the deaths of the protagonists, but this is Grand Theft Auto. We see the car fall over the cliff and smash into the canyon below in an explosion. Yes, you can drive the vehicle after if you so desire, though it's not in the best shape.

2 Break Into Fort Zancudo And Take Over The Control Tower

Inside the military tower of Fort Zancudo in Grand Theft Auto V

In order to find this area, you need to infiltrate Fort Zancudo. That’s right: break into the military base. From there, head towards the aircraft control tower near the middle of the base. Of course, an invincibility cheat is recommended to be able to get this far into the base, as fierce opposition will no doubt meet you. Heading around the tower, players will find a fenced area with a door.

Head through the fence and the door, and take out all opposition as you scramble to reach the staircase. Once there, ascend to the top, and you will find yourself inside the control tower. The reward in offline mode is a Mini-Gun paired with an amazing view of the entire base. Take in the view because you can bet it’ll be a fight to get out from this point. Best of luck!

1 A Mod Let's You Head To Fort Zancudo's Underground Base

Grand Theft Auto V player accessing Fort Zancudo's hidden lab

Fans on PC can find a mod that allows them to head under Fort Zancudo's military base after infiltrating it. A building in Fort Zancudo has the unique pleasure of being visited every night at 3 am by a UFO, and it's that building that houses an elevator that will take players to a secret underground lab.

Once underground, players can access the hidden lab and get into all kinds of trouble, though as it's a mod there isn't much inside the building. What does remain is patrolling guards from Fort Zancudo, which can cause a problem to anyone trying to sneak around inside the base, mod or no mod.

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