Roman, Greek and Etruscan art spanning 4000 plus years right here in Pacific Palisades in Los…read moreAngeles with breathtaking views of the gorgeous Pacific? Free admission? No way!! After driving past the world renowned Getty Villa so many times on the 405 Freeway I finally made it to this absolutely stunning gem. I was joined by my three very curious and ready to travel and conquer the world granddaughters who had read up on this. No guide needed. This replica of a First Century Roman Country house that was buried under Mt Vesuvius also had a coincidental close call with the recent fires In the area and came back stronger. Behold the lovely Roman style gardens that feature plants and herbs from the Mediterranean; the mosaic floors and the classical fountains in this calm and serene environment. There are over 1400 spectacular pieces of art( pottery, jewelry, statues and sculptures) plus an outdoor theater for special events and plays. Please do set aside 2 and a 1/2 to 3 hours to truly enjoy the entire experience. You also have to just sit in the gardens and take in the fresh air and the views. Goose bumps and conversations for days. Online timed reservations that are gratis. Parking is $25 and drops $10 after 3 pm.( you have to wrap things up by 4:30 pm). Closed on Tuesdays. There is a nice cafe on the villa campus. There is something for every age group. This truly was a WOW experience.

As an LA native, this remains at the top of my family's favorite museums in our entire city and we…read morelove bringing over friends and family here when they come to visit to impress them with its stunning beauty. Built to be a 1:1 replica of a destroyed villa from Mt. Vesuvius at Herculaneum, Mr. Getty really did his thing with this one!! I personally find the architecture of this museum to be its best part because it feels like you've been transported back into Ancient Rome before the eruption. The museum itself contains antiquities from Ancient Greece, Rome, and other societies both pre-dating the two civilizations from the same region as well as those that existed at the same time in different regions (Egypt) in an effort to put antiquity in context. Parking here is $25 and the gift shop always contains some fun gems.

Very unique and entertaining exhibits. I enjoyed the combination of nontraditional exhibit topics…read moreand truly eclectic array of specimens, though I found some of the exhibits to be a bit misleading, such as the collection of diatoms. My favorite exhibits were the Decaying Dice, Tell The Bees, and Cat's Cradle. Partner really enjoyed the architecture-focused set of exhibits. A bit crowded in the exhibits near the entrance, but the crowd thins out the further you walk into the museum. If the jumble of information I presented in this review confuses you, then I would recommend that you visit the museum. It's immersive in the sense that I feel as though I traveled to many different worlds just by walking from room to room in a large house. I would certainly visit again if I was in the area.

This is more than a museum - it's an experience…read more Take your time. There are countless pockets with some of the most unique exhibitions you'll ever find. Amazing culture and ambiance; need multiple visits to truly let it all sink in. An absolute LA staple.

I've visited The Getty Center three times now, and it continues to be one of my favorite places to…read morebring friends and family, especially visitors from overseas. If you're interested in art, architecture, photography, or simply want one of the best views in Los Angeles, this is a place you shouldn't miss. One of the best things about The Getty Center is that admission is completely free. You'll need to reserve tickets online in advance and pay for parking, but the museum itself is free to explore. Considering the quality of the exhibits and the overall experience, it's an incredible value. The art collections are impressive, featuring everything from classical paintings to photography and decorative arts. Even if you're not a huge art enthusiast, the museum is still worth visiting because the property itself is beautiful. The architecture, open courtyards, and well-designed walkways make it a great place to spend a few hours just exploring. My favorite part is the stunning view of Los Angeles. Sitting high above the city, The Getty offers panoramic views that are especially beautiful on clear days. It's a great spot for photos and sightseeing. Another highlight is the Central Garden and botanical areas behind the museum. The landscaping is gorgeous, colorful, and incredibly well maintained. It's peaceful, relaxing, and one of the most photogenic spots on the property. The ambience is calm and enjoyable, with plenty of open space despite being a popular attraction. It never feels overly crowded, and it's easy to spend half a day here without feeling rushed. Overall, The Getty Center is one of the best attractions in Los Angeles. Whether you're an art lover or simply looking for a beautiful place to visit, it's absolutely worth the trip. I've been here multiple times and would happily come back again

This is a beautiful campus. I had some visitors come from outside the country so I was the…read moredesignated tour guide. The daughter loves museums, so this was definitely on my list to take them. There are a variety of art pieces, paintings, photos and what not to look at and admire. The view is amazing a dm there are a few places to grab some snacks and food if you get hungry. As far as the tours, you can guide yourself, get audio devices for a guided tour and there are staff ready to answer your questions if needed. The staff is friendly and professional. Parking is easy and there is a tram that takes you from the parking structure to the museum. Definitely a great place to visit to appreciate art and the views. Great place to take photos also.

Just go, that's my advice to you…read more I came here for an astronomy lab and it looked wholly unimpressive from the outside. Once inside, however, I realized how wrong I was. There are free shows on Wednesday evenings put on by UCLA free to the public and students. I highly recommend going at least once, it's an unreal experience and strangely peaceful. The facts they give out are also interesting and they alternate themes every week. It's the best view of the stars you'll get and it's located conveniently on campus.

What a wonderful show! Pauline was fantastic! That was truly a neat experience. The seats were…read morevery comfortable and the show was very informative. I can't say enough great things. I'm so thankful this is open to the public. Parking at Lot 8 made it very easy and it was just increased to $12 for general parking. Pro tip: use the option to get just enough time for the show for around $6, instead.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience here at Rubel Castle. Our host, guide,…read moreand local "Rubelligent" volunteer, Ms. Kathleen had all the intel about this historical property. She was so knowledgeable and helped set the stage for us to slip into a forgotten era and get a glimpse of how imagination met inventiveness with a DIY charm. ~ A LITTLE BACKSTORY FOR YOU ~ It's not pronounced Rubel as Barney from Flintstones. Rather, it's like Target is to Targét when we are trying to be fancy. So that's Rubel as in "Roo-bell." Unlike modern-day construction, Rubel Castle wasn't built overnight. It was made of collected recyclables and construction rubble that spanned many decades and took several friends and volunteers to build it. For Michael, however, the lifetime inspiration was first sparked at the age of 9. His love for canons was where it started and the rest is history you can hear about on the tour. But don't just show up like we did randomly one day. To book, visit RubelTours.org and make a reservation. ~ OUR TOUR EXPERIENCE ~ It's as if Michael Rubel, the creator and mastermind of this enchanted dominion had intended it to be--magical. Built in the castle period of wood and tin, every corner captured our interests, from antique cars to the 1890's Seth Thomas Tower Clock with a unique backstory (and only six in existence today). There were old vending machines, tools, trinkets, and machinery that time had long forgotten. Did I mention there was a drawbridge? Yes, and a dungeon too. I was just waiting for a dragon to come swoop down on us next. Walk in the footsteps of famous visitors like Alfred Hitchcock, Dwight Eisenhower, Jack Benny, and Bob Hope. It's a feast for the eyes no matter where you glance. I particularly enjoyed the bottle house that Michael built in 1968 as his "home" as a kid. That independent spirit was quite charming to see. ~ WATERCOLOR NATURESCAPE ~ We were fortunate to have our gracious host lead us on a tour and organize a special art crafting experience outdoors. It was absolutely lovely beneath the trees and between rusted vintage cars from the turn of the century. We each got a small canvas to paint our flowers in watercolor. (This particular experience takes place in the Spring and Fall, weather permitting.) We heard the squirrels rattling in the leaves and birds chirped and sang in the trees above. We discovered that peacocks apparently originated from this property, compliments of Michael Rubel. And did I mention that on the far side of the property, a custom garden was in full bloom? BOOK A TOUR Help support the Glendora Historical Society and keep this magnificently unique city-castle maintained. It's worth it.

A castle in Glendora? Yes, your eyes aren't deceiving you--Rubel Castle is real, it's magnificent,…read moreand it's gloriously eccentric. Thanks to the sheer persistence (and probably delightful stubbornness) of Michael Rubel, we now have this quirky, towering State Treasure sitting right in the middle of Glendora like a fairy tale that accidentally took a detour through a hardware store. This place is beautifully done, and part of its charm is that it's a full-on hodgepodge of relics, antiques, crystal trinkets, and "wait... what is that doing here?" moments tucked into every nook and cranny. You'll marvel, you'll laugh, you'll squint in confusion--honestly, it's everything you'd want in a castle built with love, imagination, and a dash of madness. And let's talk about the makeshift cemetery. Quirky? YES. Fun? Absolutely. Slightly spooky? Only if your imagination is over-caffeinated. But it fits the vibe perfectly--like the castle whispered, "You know what I'm missing? A tiny cemetery." The tours are fantastic, the guides are passionate, and the whole experience feels like you're stepping into a living scrapbook of California history and charming chaos. Overall: Amazing, amazing place. Book your tour. They only do tours every first Sunday of the month, so set your alarms, mark your calendars, tie a string around your finger--just don't miss it. Rubel Castle is truly a California State Treasure, and an absolute must-see for anyone who appreciates creativity, history, and a little eccentric sparkle.

Museum of Flying (est 1974) is a 22,000 sq ft aerospace museum in Santa Monica, CA. This museum…read moreexhibits aviation history, a dozen aircrafts including a replica of the Wright bros and a Max FS 3000 simulator. MOF is basically a large hanger with a mezzanine. I have been to every aerospace museums in LA/OC except this one. It's very organized and well maintained; you can go through the entire exhibits within 90 minutes. Staff were cordial. Admission ticket is affordable. Souvenir shop is very small with very limited merch and stuff. Overall, it's a nice lil museum good for family and kids to visit.

If you love aircraft this the place for you. It's kind of small but they have so many exhibits to…read moresee. My favorite was the motto of the Wright brothers aircraft. They also have a flight simulator that is awesome and amazing, the price is a little steep for eight dollars you get one trip, but you can buy a pack for $24. All in all a great excursion for airplane lovers.

Cute little museum located next to the Library…read more I never heard of the Santa Monica History Museum till late last year and I figured it might be interested to visit it and learn more about the area. And we did, SM was part of Tongva land, and Tujunga, Cahuenga, etc major streets have their names originated form their tribal language. The museum is small, but the permanent collection is very interesting. It focuses on Santa Monica's history, its development, there are many fascinating stories on display along with great photos and older objects. There's a chapter dedicated to the Muscle Beach, history and highlights, another one to Pacific Park with great memorabilia on view and another one dedicated to the Entertainment Industry and some local members like Sherley Temple, and they have some of her costumes on display. I wasn't that taken with their exhibits, a tad on the depressing side. Also, there was noise coming from the library, lots of banging, so it was hard to concentrate in one room in particular. Otherwise, nice staff and clean restrooms. $5 regular admission, Free 1st Sunday of the month! Free for kids and seniors. Opened Thu. 2pm-5pm. Friday - Sunday 11am-5pm. Worth a visit for sure, it could be a nice way to spend an hour or so. Great activity if you visit Santa Monica or if you are like me, sometimes a tourist in your own town!

I was able to visit this museum and it was fun and informative. It has something for everyone for…read moreany age. The unhoused exhibit was very informative and it was interesting to see how much Santa Monica has changed over time. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone. Parked in the parking structure.

The Hammer Museum is a must-visit. The exhibits are eclectic, unique, and definitely give you…read moresomething to think about. And the best part? It's free, y'all... you can't beat that.

My second time coming here, with my first time a few years back for one of the free events they…read morehosted. What I like most about this museum (other than that it's free admission) is that the inner courtyard is clean and modern with a nice breath of outdoor air!!! The iconic pieces from this museum is the roundtop chairs that are fun for anyone of all ages to sit and enjoy. We came here unplanned and only walked in to enjoy some art in the middle of the Cicla Via West LA event. If I remember correctly, there's garage parking. Lots of different art buildings to walk into. Good time to kill time and also to study at the courtyard. Well-maintained!!!

this is an incredible place and I almost always have a great time here…read more one time I went, and the staff were chatting really loudly for a long time, inside one of the galleries, and NOT about art , so that was an exception. And another time, I could hear walkie-talkie-radio traffic loudly inside the galleries, and that was also an exception. Other than the exceptions above, I really love this museum

If I went to a university that had an on campus museum, I'd never graduate…read more Fowler had been on my list of LA museums to visit for a while. While smaller than I thought (which is in part because a couple of the exhibits were closed), I enjoyed my time there. There was an extensive display of silver from different centuries from various parts of Europe and America, and it was interesting to see the differences between Irish, Russian, and American silver designs. My favorite exhibit was Intersections, because it shows comparatively how various cultures use art to memorialize and process life stages. It's beautiful to see how cultures meld the tangible (art and creative expression) with the intangible (prayers, grief, etc.) UCLA is already a beautiful campus, so it's no surprise that there is a lovely courtyard in the middle of Fowler. Parking structure 4 will be the closest lot to this museum.

I brought my 10-month-old here on a Saturday hoping to see the infant play area. There's a sign…read morethat says it's for 2 years and below but some parents of older children were letting them play and some of them were so rough and almost falling or stepping on my baby. We took breaks leaving the soft play area but I wish someone was there to remind parents of the age group intended for the soft play area especially since the rest of the museum is open to the older children. This was the only section truly available for babies. I also wish there was staff wiping down the area more often or at least have sanitizing wipes available outside of the play area, especially since babies drool and spit up. I was there for 2 hours and didn't see any staff tidying up or wiping the area down. Some of the soft play sections were separated too where there would be small open spaces revealing the concrete underneath which was a little disappointing because it didn't feel so safe. The gate to close the section off kept opening up too. Aside from the issues above, my baby enjoyed himself. The soft play area is honestly small but I imagine it looks huge from my baby's perspective. There's a mirror, lots of hills and steps, and there's a little slide. He loved every second of it. He also loved the installation on the ceiling above the soft play area. Parking in the garage is free for 90 minutes I believe and it's right next to the museum. The staff at the desk are kind. You leave your strollers at the lobby in front of the front desk. There's several restrooms and there's a nursing/quiet room with 2 rocking chairs facing each other. I wish there was a privacy screen or something though because I was just nursing in front of a stranger and I would have felt more comfortable if we weren't directly facing each other haha. The rest of the museum was great. Lots of sections for older children to run around.

I rarely leave reviews, but this experience left our family extremely disappointed…read more We were visiting the children's museum, when my husband, who is a Santa Monica police officer and assigned to the area, stopped by to say hello while actively on duty and in full uniform. He entered the museum without issue, and staff allowed him inside. At no point was any "no weapons" policy explained to him. While there, the interaction between my husband and the children was honestly so heartwarming. Kids flocked to him, excited to meet a real police officer. He handed out stickers, took photos with children who asked, and created such a positive, sweet moment for families and kids. It was one of those genuinely special interactions that helps children feel safe and build positive relationships with law enforcement. Unfortunately, that moment was completely ruined when a manager approached and told him he had to leave because he was carrying his service weapon, despite being an on-duty officer in full uniform. Had this policy been clearly communicated at entry, that would have been one thing. Instead, he was allowed in, warmly engaging with families and children, only to be asked to leave afterward in a way that felt unnecessary and upsetting. I respect that businesses can have policies, but the inconsistency and lack of communication were disappointing. More than anything, it was sad to see such a positive interaction for children abruptly cut short. Experiences like these matter because children benefit from positive relationships with the people who serve their communities, whether that's police officers, firefighters, mail carriers, or other public servants. Those everyday interactions help kids feel connected, safe, and familiar with the people they see in their neighborhoods. What should have been a lovely memory and a meaningful community moment for my kids turned into an uncomfortable and disappointing experience for our family.