Guidebook for LA Adventures
Iconic LA Eats
Our go-to's within the city for special occasions or just a quick bite
Most beautiful restaurant view in all of LA! Go at sunset and you can explore the gardens as well. They filmed scenes from Memoirs of a Geisha here - there's literally a beautiful Japanese garden within the restaurant.
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Yamashiro Gardens
1999 N Sycamore AveMost beautiful restaurant view in all of LA! Go at sunset and you can explore the gardens as well. They filmed scenes from Memoirs of a Geisha here - there's literally a beautiful Japanese garden within the restaurant.
Best sushi quality for the price point - still higher end but the quality of the fish is equivalent to the $100 per head restaurants. Get the Nozawa if you have an appetite - the hand rolls especially are phenomenal.
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SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
600 W 7th StBest sushi quality for the price point - still higher end but the quality of the fish is equivalent to the $100 per head restaurants. Get the Nozawa if you have an appetite - the hand rolls especially are phenomenal.
The most authentic mom and pop Korean food restaurant! Go early to avoid long wait times for both lunch and dinner - the Galbi Jjim (braised short rib) and the Mackerel are the two big winners here, but everything else is truly excellent and the owners are both incredibly sweet.
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Seong Buk Dong
3303 W 6th StThe most authentic mom and pop Korean food restaurant! Go early to avoid long wait times for both lunch and dinner - the Galbi Jjim (braised short rib) and the Mackerel are the two big winners here, but everything else is truly excellent and the owners are both incredibly sweet.
Famous soup dumplings and top 10 gourmet restaurants in the world. Worth walking the mall while waiting as well!
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Din Tai Fung
1164 Caruso AveFamous soup dumplings and top 10 gourmet restaurants in the world. Worth walking the mall while waiting as well!
Great group Italian eats in a beautiful setting, complete with famous macarons to round out the meal (try the earl grey!)
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Bottega Louie
700 S Grand AveGreat group Italian eats in a beautiful setting, complete with famous macarons to round out the meal (try the earl grey!)
Japanese style bar seating for a quick but delicious meal comprised of fresh handrolls.
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KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar
421 S Main StJapanese style bar seating for a quick but delicious meal comprised of fresh handrolls.
Tapas style dining with fresh local ingredients, farm to table by 3 times James Beard award-winning chef (reservations recommended).
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A.O.C.
8700 W 3rd StTapas style dining with fresh local ingredients, farm to table by 3 times James Beard award-winning chef (reservations recommended).
Most authentic Thai food hole-in-the wall dining in hip Silver Lake neighborhood.
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Night + Market Song
3322 Sunset BlvdMost authentic Thai food hole-in-the wall dining in hip Silver Lake neighborhood.
Best Korean BBQ spot known for short ribs and beef soup - authentic and satisfying with top notch ingredients - often frequented by celebrities (reservations recommended)
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Park's BBQ
955 S Vermont AveBest Korean BBQ spot known for short ribs and beef soup - authentic and satisfying with top notch ingredients - often frequented by celebrities (reservations recommended)
Visit and enjoy delicious food vendors at Grand Central Market in downtown and explore the cuisines and cultures of LA. Drop by the Bradbury building next door for an architectural marvel.
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I-Marikhi yaseGrand Central
317 S BroadwayVisit and enjoy delicious food vendors at Grand Central Market in downtown and explore the cuisines and cultures of LA. Drop by the Bradbury building next door for an architectural marvel.
Famous for Galbi Jjim - get it with cheese and torched to perfection - this korean 24 hour open restaurant has the most flavorful late night eats.
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Sun Nong Dan
927 E Las Tunas DrFamous for Galbi Jjim - get it with cheese and torched to perfection - this korean 24 hour open restaurant has the most flavorful late night eats.
The menu at Mother Wolf echos themes of shepherds, popes, farmers and artisans through wafer-thin wood fired pizzas, hyper-seasonal antipasti and the traditional handmade pastas for which Funke is renowned
Mother Wolf
The menu at Mother Wolf echos themes of shepherds, popes, farmers and artisans through wafer-thin wood fired pizzas, hyper-seasonal antipasti and the traditional handmade pastas for which Funke is renowned
Old-fashioned deli serving up hot pastrami sandwiches & other traditional comfort food since 1947.
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Langer's
704 S Alvarado StOld-fashioned deli serving up hot pastrami sandwiches & other traditional comfort food since 1947.
David Chang eatery offering noodles & creatively prepared meat & fish in an industrial-chic space.
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Majordomo
1725 Naud StDavid Chang eatery offering noodles & creatively prepared meat & fish in an industrial-chic space.
Chef Stephanie Izard's West Coast offshoot of her wildly popular Chicago original has made its home in downtown LA's Arts District among Spotify's podcast production campus. It's boho chic to a tee with an airy look, soothing linen-color design palette and loads of natural light and potted greenery.
Perpetually full and lively, everyone comes here for a good time. Patrons at the bar sip colorful drinks decorated with marigold blossoms while perusing the eclectic menu with the chef's trademark style (read: free-roaming with global inspiration and gutsy flavors). Savory dishes, like roasted oysters and goat curry, feed the evening crowds while über-popular Sunday brunch lures diners with items like the potato crepe, a whimsical riff on the Vietnamese banh xeo.
Girl & the Goat Los Angeles
Chef Stephanie Izard's West Coast offshoot of her wildly popular Chicago original has made its home in downtown LA's Arts District among Spotify's podcast production campus. It's boho chic to a tee with an airy look, soothing linen-color design palette and loads of natural light and potted greenery.
Perpetually full and lively, everyone comes here for a good time. Patrons at the bar sip colorful drinks decorated with marigold blossoms while perusing the eclectic menu with the chef's trademark style (read: free-roaming with global inspiration and gutsy flavors). Savory dishes, like roasted oysters and goat curry, feed the evening crowds while über-popular Sunday brunch lures diners with items like the potato crepe, a whimsical riff on the Vietnamese banh xeo.
Trendy Italian restaurant from an acclaimed husband-and-wife team highlights creative seasonal fare, often a celebrity hotspot and stunning and delicious pasta dishes. - RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED (or walk in)
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Bestia
2121 E 7th PlTrendy Italian restaurant from an acclaimed husband-and-wife team highlights creative seasonal fare, often a celebrity hotspot and stunning and delicious pasta dishes. - RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED (or walk in)
Local staple known for its signature overstuffed sandwiches, Italian deli fare & gourmet groceries - the Godmother sandwich is the stunner.
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Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery
1517 Lincoln BlvdLocal staple known for its signature overstuffed sandwiches, Italian deli fare & gourmet groceries - the Godmother sandwich is the stunner.
Entertainment & Activities
Korean spa - my go to for a relaxing time! As featured on the Conan O'Brien show - get a scrub and have your skin feel cleaner than it's ever been. Super affordable massages as well. Open 24 hours and detox in the pools, salt/clay/jade/ice rooms and enjoy fresh Korean cuisine!
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Wi Spa
2700 Wilshire BlvdKorean spa - my go to for a relaxing time! As featured on the Conan O'Brien show - get a scrub and have your skin feel cleaner than it's ever been. Super affordable massages as well. Open 24 hours and detox in the pools, salt/clay/jade/ice rooms and enjoy fresh Korean cuisine!
Go and watch a movie in the iconic Pantages theater! There are frequent showings and usually have a fun little pre-show prior to the actual film starting. Then go and walk around Hollywood Walk of Fame and go and see the Red Carpet around the legendary Nokia Theater where the Academy Awards/Oscars are held.
Pro-tip: Park in Hollywood and Highland lot and go and buy a snack from the local stand on the way up from the elevator to get 2 hours of validation - cheapest parking in the area!
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I-Hollywood Pantages Theatre
6233 Hollywood BlvdGo and watch a movie in the iconic Pantages theater! There are frequent showings and usually have a fun little pre-show prior to the actual film starting. Then go and walk around Hollywood Walk of Fame and go and see the Red Carpet around the legendary Nokia Theater where the Academy Awards/Oscars are held.
Pro-tip: Park in Hollywood and Highland lot and go and buy a snack from the local stand on the way up from the elevator to get 2 hours of validation - cheapest parking in the area!
Go and see a real movie lot! Along with its multitude of riveting rides and worlds (favorites include Harry Potter World where you must try some butterbeer and Jurassic Park ride if you don't mind getting wet) , our favorite is still the Studio Tour, where you get to take a ride thru Hollywood's backlot and see where iconic movies were filmed as well as getting into some close calls with some movie monsters and characters. Definitely a whole day experience, and you can enjoy dinner at Universal City Walk on your way out.
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Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City PlazaGo and see a real movie lot! Along with its multitude of riveting rides and worlds (favorites include Harry Potter World where you must try some butterbeer and Jurassic Park ride if you don't mind getting wet) , our favorite is still the Studio Tour, where you get to take a ride thru Hollywood's backlot and see where iconic movies were filmed as well as getting into some close calls with some movie monsters and characters. Definitely a whole day experience, and you can enjoy dinner at Universal City Walk on your way out.
Not much to add except that it's pretty much the most magical place on Earth :) We spent many date nights here as a couple and even got engaged here, so if you plan on going, PLEASE let us know and we'll give you the rundown on how to maximize your time there and see the best things. Definitely make time for World of Color and fireworks during your trip!
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Disneyland Park
1313 Disneyland DrNot much to add except that it's pretty much the most magical place on Earth :) We spent many date nights here as a couple and even got engaged here, so if you plan on going, PLEASE let us know and we'll give you the rundown on how to maximize your time there and see the best things. Definitely make time for World of Color and fireworks during your trip!
LA's oldest bowling alley! Established in 1927, the Bowl originated during the midst of prohibition, very industrial antique with the weathered metal decor from the bar and pizzas to the bowling alley.
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Highland Park Bowl
5621 N Figueroa StLA's oldest bowling alley! Established in 1927, the Bowl originated during the midst of prohibition, very industrial antique with the weathered metal decor from the bar and pizzas to the bowling alley.
A collection of independent retail, restaurants and creative businesses in the heart of LA.
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Platform LA
8850 Washington BlvdA collection of independent retail, restaurants and creative businesses in the heart of LA.
Smorgasburg LA is open every Sunday (10 am - 4 pm) on the five-acre site of the weekday Alameda Produce Market in Downtown Los Angeles. Each Sunday, find dozens of exciting food vendors at Smorgasburg LA, plus sophisticated shopping from the realms of design, craft, style, vintage, wellness, and more. Cultural events, pop-ups, and other surprises transform the vast site into a new node in Downtown LA’s burgeoning scene, and a unique destination for the region.
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Smorgasburg
777 S Alameda StSmorgasburg LA is open every Sunday (10 am - 4 pm) on the five-acre site of the weekday Alameda Produce Market in Downtown Los Angeles. Each Sunday, find dozens of exciting food vendors at Smorgasburg LA, plus sophisticated shopping from the realms of design, craft, style, vintage, wellness, and more. Cultural events, pop-ups, and other surprises transform the vast site into a new node in Downtown LA’s burgeoning scene, and a unique destination for the region.
Manhattan Beach is a laid-back South Bay community popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts. The Strand bike path winds along the oceanfront between modern mansions and wide stretches of sand lined with volleyball courts. Low-key Manhattan Beach Pier features a quaint aquarium and views of surfers. There are several parks, and a small downtown area with boutiques, brunch cafes, pubs & creative, upscale eateries.
Manhattan Beach
699 North The StrandManhattan Beach is a laid-back South Bay community popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts. The Strand bike path winds along the oceanfront between modern mansions and wide stretches of sand lined with volleyball courts. Low-key Manhattan Beach Pier features a quaint aquarium and views of surfers. There are several parks, and a small downtown area with boutiques, brunch cafes, pubs & creative, upscale eateries.
Drinks & Nightlife
It's 5 o'clock somewhere!
Favorite rooftop bar for the chill vibes and live music on weekends. Make a reservation for dinner as it books up quickly, or arrive before 10/11 PM to avoid the crazy lines up top. Great drinks as well.
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Perch
448 S Hill StFavorite rooftop bar for the chill vibes and live music on weekends. Make a reservation for dinner as it books up quickly, or arrive before 10/11 PM to avoid the crazy lines up top. Great drinks as well.
Iconic LA nightlife! Waterbeds, LA nightly skyline, biergarten, rooftop pool - come early to avoid the crowd and take in the Los Angeles nightlife scene
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Standard Downtown
550 Flower StIconic LA nightlife! Waterbeds, LA nightly skyline, biergarten, rooftop pool - come early to avoid the crowd and take in the Los Angeles nightlife scene
AMAZING 4 story dance club/bar that was renovated and opened recently - you can wander through a Gothic Bar, Live Swing Dancing and live music (over the weekends) and even find your way over to a hidden tiki bar on the top floor if you know the secret passage ;) Great for large groups and if you want to just dance it up to a variety of great music!
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Izintaba zasePacific eCafeteria ka-Clifton
648 S BroadwayAMAZING 4 story dance club/bar that was renovated and opened recently - you can wander through a Gothic Bar, Live Swing Dancing and live music (over the weekends) and even find your way over to a hidden tiki bar on the top floor if you know the secret passage ;) Great for large groups and if you want to just dance it up to a variety of great music!
Classic drinks in a classic speakeasy - can be found behind Cole's Sandwiches. Typically there is a wait unless you go earlier or on a weekday. Perfect ambience for dates or small groups. Fun fact: Ryan Gosling learned how to make his old fashioned from the bartender here for his role in 'Crazy, Stupid, Love"
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The Varnish
118 E 6th StClassic drinks in a classic speakeasy - can be found behind Cole's Sandwiches. Typically there is a wait unless you go earlier or on a weekday. Perfect ambience for dates or small groups. Fun fact: Ryan Gosling learned how to make his old fashioned from the bartender here for his role in 'Crazy, Stupid, Love"
A popular neighborhood gastropub - famous for their burgers with a great beer selection
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Father's Office
1018 Montana AveA popular neighborhood gastropub - famous for their burgers with a great beer selection
Classy and creative cocktails coupled with the best Westside Taiwanese cuisine
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Accomplice Bar
3811 Grand View BlvdClassy and creative cocktails coupled with the best Westside Taiwanese cuisine
A rum and cigar speakeasy reminiscent of Little Havana to salsa dance and relax. Reservations required.
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La Descarga
1159 N Western AveA rum and cigar speakeasy reminiscent of Little Havana to salsa dance and relax. Reservations required.
Sprawling, retro-style space with a handsome bar, a surf-themed billiards room, a patio & more.
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The Bungalow
101 Wilshire BlvdSprawling, retro-style space with a handsome bar, a surf-themed billiards room, a patio & more.
Sightseeing
For those who love astronomy - there is an astronomy museum with a working telescope up top as well as shows throughout the day. Beautiful views of LA, especially at night.
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I-Griffith Observatory
2800 E Observatory RdFor those who love astronomy - there is an astronomy museum with a working telescope up top as well as shows throughout the day. Beautiful views of LA, especially at night.
The iconic Santa Monica pier from all the films and movies. Beautiful in the day and nighttime. Bring a beach towel to catch some rays on the beach, or rent rollerblades to go all the way down to Venice beach. Can be reached via the metro line - would recommend walking 3rd street promenade afterwards for shopping and food!
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Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica PierThe iconic Santa Monica pier from all the films and movies. Beautiful in the day and nighttime. Bring a beach towel to catch some rays on the beach, or rent rollerblades to go all the way down to Venice beach. Can be reached via the metro line - would recommend walking 3rd street promenade afterwards for shopping and food!
Shopping
This whole street has amazing vintage and hipster shops - filled with great cafes and coffee shops. A little on the pricier end, but so close to Venice Beach and great for some people watching as well.
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Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Abbot Kinney BoulevardThis whole street has amazing vintage and hipster shops - filled with great cafes and coffee shops. A little on the pricier end, but so close to Venice Beach and great for some people watching as well.
The famous Melrose avenue - lots of fancy boutique shops, restaurants and cafes for people watching
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Melrose Ave Shopping District
Melrose AvenueThe famous Melrose avenue - lots of fancy boutique shops, restaurants and cafes for people watching
Upscale shopping area with a farmer's market next door as well as restaurants and a movie theater. Beautiful fountain displays and shops - great to spend half a day at.
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The Grove
189 The Grove DrUpscale shopping area with a farmer's market next door as well as restaurants and a movie theater. Beautiful fountain displays and shops - great to spend half a day at.
Ongoing farmer's market at the Grove, which is a popular upscale shopping destination in LA. HUGE variety of merchants, and especially beautiful during the holidays!
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The Original Farmers Market
6333 W 3rd StOngoing farmer's market at the Grove, which is a popular upscale shopping destination in LA. HUGE variety of merchants, and especially beautiful during the holidays!
Palm Springs, a city in the Sonoran Desert of southern California, is known for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses and spas. It's also noted for its many fine examples of midcentury-modern architecture. Its core shopping district along Palm Canyon Drive features vintage boutiques, interior design shops and restaurants. The surrounding Coachella Valley offers hiking, biking and horseback riding trails.
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Century City Mall station
Palm Springs, a city in the Sonoran Desert of southern California, is known for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses and spas. It's also noted for its many fine examples of midcentury-modern architecture. Its core shopping district along Palm Canyon Drive features vintage boutiques, interior design shops and restaurants. The surrounding Coachella Valley offers hiking, biking and horseback riding trails.
Parks & Nature
One of my favorite short hikes in LA - steep but quick ascent leading to stunning oceanside views of the entire Santa Monica beach and Malibu. Usually not too crowded either which is a plus!
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Inspiration Point
Will Rogers State Park RoadOne of my favorite short hikes in LA - steep but quick ascent leading to stunning oceanside views of the entire Santa Monica beach and Malibu. Usually not too crowded either which is a plus!
A famous short but intense climbing workout known as the "Culver City Stairs" - with a panoramic 360 reward of LA.
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Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
6300 Hetzler RoadA famous short but intense climbing workout known as the "Culver City Stairs" - with a panoramic 360 reward of LA.
A rewarding 2.5 mile loop trail that starts at the bottom of Griffith Park amidst greenery and brings you out to marvel at the famous Observatory and views of LA.
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I-Ferndell Trail
Fern Dell DriveA rewarding 2.5 mile loop trail that starts at the bottom of Griffith Park amidst greenery and brings you out to marvel at the famous Observatory and views of LA.
LA's oldest city park with a multitude of trails - a relaxing urban walk with beautiful views of downtown.
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Elysian Park
835 Academy RdLA's oldest city park with a multitude of trails - a relaxing urban walk with beautiful views of downtown.
Tide pools, sea caves, resident seals, and a beautiful cove, this park is a dream if you love coastal hikes. Take the Sacred Cove View Trail to see the best views of the park.
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Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
5970 Palos Verdes Dr STide pools, sea caves, resident seals, and a beautiful cove, this park is a dream if you love coastal hikes. Take the Sacred Cove View Trail to see the best views of the park.
This 50-foot waterfall is reached via a 4.5 mile out-and-back trek that follows a shaded babbling creek down into a wooded canyon. Adventure Pass required.
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Switzer Falls Trail
701 Angeles Crest HwyThis 50-foot waterfall is reached via a 4.5 mile out-and-back trek that follows a shaded babbling creek down into a wooded canyon. Adventure Pass required.
Arts & Culture
An amazing relatively new contemporary art museum to hit LA's extensive museum scene - you can make reservations for free online avoid waiting sometimes what could be more than an hour on popular days. Otherwise, highly recommended to line up earlier for the renowned "Infinity Mirror Room" exhibit by Yayoi Kusama.
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The Broad
221 S Grand AveAn amazing relatively new contemporary art museum to hit LA's extensive museum scene - you can make reservations for free online avoid waiting sometimes what could be more than an hour on popular days. Otherwise, highly recommended to line up earlier for the renowned "Infinity Mirror Room" exhibit by Yayoi Kusama.
An incredible display of art and botanical gardens that is simply a magical paradise within Pasadena. A bit of a drive out but you can spend the rest of the day exploring Old-Town Pasadena and it's old charm and . The Japanese Gardens are the standout here, but you can also spend hours going thru the old mansions and seeing famous literary works such as the Gutenberg Bible, Hamlet, and many other rare books and works.
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Huntington Library Art Collections and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford RdAn incredible display of art and botanical gardens that is simply a magical paradise within Pasadena. A bit of a drive out but you can spend the rest of the day exploring Old-Town Pasadena and it's old charm and . The Japanese Gardens are the standout here, but you can also spend hours going thru the old mansions and seeing famous literary works such as the Gutenberg Bible, Hamlet, and many other rare books and works.
Beautiful Greek and Roman antiquities housed in a re-created Roman country home nestled in the hills of Malibu. Reservations must be made online but are free.
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The Getty Villa
17985 Pacific Coast HwyBeautiful Greek and Roman antiquities housed in a re-created Roman country home nestled in the hills of Malibu. Reservations must be made online but are free.
LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States - with diverse galleries representing the varying communities. Check online for new exhibitions and galleries as it's constantly evolving - also go and visit the LACMA lights at night for photo ops, La Brea tar pits, and jazz nights on the lawn.
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Los Angeles County Museum of Art
5905 Wilshire BlvdLACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States - with diverse galleries representing the varying communities. Check online for new exhibitions and galleries as it's constantly evolving - also go and visit the LACMA lights at night for photo ops, La Brea tar pits, and jazz nights on the lawn.