This Unique Museum In Southern California Is Perfect For A Day Trip Any Time Of Year
By Natasha Kayes|Published June 21, 2024
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Natasha Kayes
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I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
It is not hard to find things to do in Southern California, regardless of the season. But one of my favorite year-round attractions is the epic Getty Museum in Los Angeles. It is truly one of my favorite places to go in the LA area, and you can have a different experience any time you go. Take a look at what makes this place so special.
Not to be mistaken with my other favorite museum, the Getty Villa in Malibu, the Getty Museum (also known as the Getty Center or simply The Getty), is located on a hilltop in the Santa Monica Mountains, overlooking the city.
First, can we talk about the architecture? Every inch of this place is uniquely designed and worth exploring, whether you ever venture inside and see the art or not. The courtyard has several gorgeous water features, trees, benches, and more. It is also home to some wonderful outdoor concerts and events, particularly in the summer.
True art lovers, students, and history buffs will fall in love with the amazing collections of sculptures, paintings, etc., ranging from medieval to modern. But even someone like me, who never knew or cared that much about art, will find themselves pretty enamored.
From famous artworks in the permanent galleries to rotating exhibits like ancient Bible manuscripts and modern photography, there really is something for everyone.
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One of my favorite sections of the museum is full of centuries-old furnishings and room decor, many from France and Germany. I love the incredible detail of the inlaid wood pieces and floors, and the ornate beds and chairs.
There truly is as much to enjoy outside as there is inside, and so many secrets to discover. One of them is the cactus garden and overlook at the southern end of the property. The garden is cool and the views are even cooler, in every direction.
I have more than once grabbed a coffee from one of the carts and made my way to this spot. You will look out over the city of Los Angeles, out to the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains, out to the ocean on a clear day, and turn around for a unique perspective on the museum complex. This is a perfect spot for unobstructed sunset views, too.
The Getty Center is also home to one of the most unique and beautiful botanical gardens, with the plants and colors varying by season.
During one of my many visits to The Getty, I happened to be behind a tour guide on this very passage to the gardens, and I learned one of the museum's coolest secrets. These travertine stones - which you will find throughout the complex - are musical. You can tap them with your flat palm and make your own tune!
Learn why the stones do this and how they sound in this short video:
I mentioned coffee carts, which also offer various pastries and snacks. But the Getty Center also has a self-serve lunch cafe and a full-service restaurant with stunning views from both the indoor and outdoor dining areas. You can also bring (or buy) food and enjoy a leisurely picnic on the massive green lawns.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, although you do need to reserve a timed-entry ticket. A little tip: If you want to enjoy dinner and/or a sunset during the summer months, make your reservation on a Saturday when it is open until 8 p.m. There is a fee for parking, and you can also arrive by public transportation.
Find everything you need to know and make your reservation on the Getty Center website and follow Getty on Facebook to keep up with events and news. Have you ever been to the Getty Museum in Los Angeles? Tell us about your experience! Visiting LA and need somewhere to stay nearby? Check out the beautiful Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel. And if you’re looking for more cool places to discover, peruse more of our favorite SoCal attractions.
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