Vintage locomotives and autocars are featured at The Nethercutt Museum, making it a haven for an automobile enthusiast. The founder J.B. Nethercutt began his collection in 1956, which was later transformed into a museum that could be enjoyed by the public. Apart from cars, this place also exhibits antique furniture and musical instruments. Though the museum can be visited without a guide, The Nethercutt Collection, located across the street, can only be perused through a guided tour.
Comprising of unique rock formations that began more than 20 million years ago, Vasquez Rocks make an iconic site that has been featured in numerous TV series, movies and documentaries. The site is named after the notorious bandit Tiburcio Vasquez who used these rock formations to hide from the law in 1874. As of today however, the site is sought out for hiking, picnics and horseback riding. Owing to its prehistoric significance, the site was added to the US National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
One of the most noted places in the world, the Warner Brothers Studio has played home to some of the entertainment worlds most famous comedy and drama series. The studio has numerous sets for various scenes all of which have excellent facilities, props and sound and light systems. On location here are also craft and set shops where patrons can purchase memorabilia. There is a tour of the entire studio which takes guests on a journey into the entertainment world with guides who are well versed with the place.
Spread over 4,210 acres (1,704 hectares) of the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Park is often referred to as "the Central Park of Los Angeles". The municipal park is one of North America's largest urban green spaces. There's ample opportunity for outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding and tennis, alongside popular attractions like the Griffith Observatory, the Los Angeles Zoo, the Greek Theater, and the iconic Hollywood Sign. At the confluence of landscaped greenery and rugged wilderness, Griffith Park is Los Angeles' most treasured recreational venue and scenic escape.
Since its inception in 1961, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has been devoted to collecting works of art that span both history and geography. Today, the museum features particularly strong collections of Asian, Latin American, European, and American art, as well as a contemporary museum on its campus, Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM). With this expanded space for contemporary art, innovative collaborations with artists, and an ongoing transformation project, LACMA is creating a truly modern lens through which to view its rich encyclopedic collection of more than 100,000 works. With this much to explore, they encourage you to spend an entire day with them.
160 acres (65 hectares) of unspoiled nature can be seen at the east point of the Santa Monica mountains at the Runyon Canyon Park. This pet friendly park has two southern entrances and a northern entrance at Mulholland Drive. Go for a hike or head to the play area where your kids can play. Keep your camera ready as celebrities are known to unwind here as well.
At Racer’s Ridge, visitors can climb into a cavalry of electric go-carts and race across a nine-turn track. Races are sometimes held under the glow of low-level neon lights, last about 10 minutes, and are never less than 2 miles in length. It’s a fun racing center, where birthday parties and special events are held, and racers keep track of their lap times and record their performances online. Food is often served at weekly events.
An absolute favorite of local schools and children, the Martial Arts Museum offers educational experiences about how martial arts have shaped history and traditions all over the globe. Parts of the museum pay attention to the history of Anime, and how martial arts have impacted media arts in the United States. Kids will love to behold the headband from the Karate Kid movie, and exhibits dedicated to traditional Samurai items. Admission to the museum is free on first Thursdays of every month from 3p to 6p.
Buena Vista Branch Library is the place to be for all the bibliophiles in the city. The huge collection of books here cover almost every genre you can think of. This public library is equipped with high-speed complimentary WiFi, a children's room for little ones to bond and make friends with fellow kids and a storytelling room where reading sessions are organized for the little ones. A huge, separate section is completely dedicated to children's books written by authors from across the globe. From classic to contemporary and from fantasy novels to autobiographies, no matter what you are looking for, you will find it at Buena Vista Branch Library.
This place is heaven for train-loving tots. An interactive museum in the old-fashioned sense of the word, youngsters can climb in, around or on all the attractions, and many of them will want to do so for hours upon end. Kids can even take a mini train ride for a small fee. The antiques, which include artifacts from trains to classic cars to horse-drawn carriages, showcase the country's railway history—which is especially relevant to California. This museum is a treasure for transportation lovers of all ages.
A serene speck of green in the bustling city of Glendale, Brand Park is a fine place to unwind and soak up the warm city breeze. This 31-acre (12.5 hectare) park is conducive to several outdoor recreational activities, and visitors can embark on exhilarating hiking and biking excursions across its expanse. Basketball enthusiasts can avail of the basketball court located within the premises. Along with a softball field, several picnic areas characterize the landscape of the park which also features a seasonal swimming pool and a playground for kids.
Stough Canyon Nature Center, in operation since 2001, offers locals as well as tourists a day filled with some fun educational activities. Numerous displays and exhibits featured here provide the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the wildlife of the region. You can even explore the natural beauty of the vicinity through hiking excursions. The center is also well suited for children as they are given a chance to learn more about the natural environment. Additionally, visitors can participate in the workshops and other programs conducted within the premises.