Built in Art Deco style, this observatory was constructed in the early 1930s and is a highlight among the landmarks in Southern California. See incredible light shows at the Oschin Planetarium, which puts to use the latest technology. Outside the observatory, you'll find sweeping views of the nearby area that are breathtaking during the day as well as at night. Exhibits and planetarium shows will fascinate visitors. Some visitors might recognize the observatory as the site where the climax of Rebel Without a Cause was filmed. On clear nights take advantage of the free public telescopes to see the stars up close.
J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center is an unmissable attraction in the city. A cultural and artistic landmark, the center houses varied art forms, sculptures, and photographs from various time periods and regions such as Europe and America. You can also check out old manuscripts and decorative art here. Its highlights consist of Italian manuscripts from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and Rembrandt's Late Religious Portraits, among others. Set aside a day for this museum with its Central Garden, awe-inspiring landscapes, interior architecture, and also its popular restaurant—all of which are sure to leave you breathless with their beauty.
Located in beautiful Griffith Park and given to the City of Los Angeles as a gift in 1896, the Greek Theater is an outdoor concert venue you must experience while staying in L.A. Though it can seat more than 6,000 patrons, you may never again enjoy such a truly intimate setting for listening to one of your favorite performers. Surrounded by trees, the space offers outstanding acoustics. Whether you prefer classical music, rock, easy listening or jazz, you'll love this place. Ticket prices vary widely and can often be somewhat expensive. Depending on the time of year, you'll probably want to bring along a sweater or jacket, since you'll be seated outdoors in a city that can get a bit chilly in the evenings. On show nights the box office remains open for 30 minutes before the show.
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.
An iconic attraction in Hollywood, Universal Studios is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys the thrill and excitement of a theme park. With a slate of ever-changing attractions, the park is a great outing for the whole family and can easily take up an entire day. After the guided tour, you can wander around the park, and get something to eat at one of the numerous restaurants and cafes scattered around its sprawl. Later, take in various shows like WaterWorld or the Special Effects show. Some other park attractions that will definitely get your adrenaline pumping include the Revenge of the Mummy Ride, various rides at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and the acclaimed King Kong 360-3D virtual ride.
Since its inception in 1961, 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, it is ideal to spend an entire day at the museum.
With more than ten tours, Guideline Tours is perhaps the largest in the area. Specific destinations include downtown, Malibu, Santa Monica, the Getty Center, Universal Studios, Disneyland, Queen Mary Seaport and more. Its most unique tour is Nightlife L.A. which visits Griffith Observatory, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Century City, and Melrose Avenue. Tour prices sometimes include admission to major theme parks and other attractions. Internet discounts are available. Tour times vary, so call for specific times and to make reservations, which are required.
Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society is a science fiction members-only club, that has its own set of laws. The club was originally founded in 1934 by Hugo Gernsback, and is today led by Forrest J. Ackerman, a legendary science fiction spokesperson. The club hosts two prestigious science fiction and fantasy conventions, namely, Loscon and Westercon. Meetings at this society primarily feature guest lectures and auctions of science fiction items. There is also a weekly forum called Neverending panel, that holds discussions on science fiction story plots and listens to fan suggestions. There are also regular events hosted, that invite scientists and science fiction writers, and there are also exhibitions held displaying a slew of sci-fi artwork.
Bhagavad Gita Museum is truly a unique Los Angeles gem. Opened in 1977, this museum was opened to help teach visitors about the Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Hindu scripture calling for selfless action. You'll learn about the scripture through eleven large dioramas that depict colorful scenes. You'll also see animatronics that help bring life to the story. Sign up for a guided tour and experience this one-of-a-kind museum for yourself.
Los Angeles Conservancy, a non-profit organization is dedicated to the conservation of L.A.'s landmark architectural buildings. To help spread awareness, it offers downtown walking tours that include Art Deco, the Biltmore Hotel, Broadway Theaters, City Hall, Little Tokyo, Marble Masterpieces, Mecca for Merchants, Palaces of Finance, Pershing Square, Terra Cotta and Union Station. Many of these walks visit places that aren't accessible to the public, so this is a great way to get to know the city's history. Because they are walking tours, some are suitable for wheelchairs and others aren't. Call the office for more information. Reservations are necessary, so call ahead to book your specific tour.
Fairbanks Center For Motion Picture Study, a Los Angeles landmark built in 1928, was restored and converted into its current function by Fran Offenhauser and Michael J. Mekeel. Landmark preservationists were thrilled that this building was not torn down. Now, under the auspices of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, it houses the Margaret Herrick Library, dedicated to one of the world's best collections of film-related reading, from books to magazines and other gems. The library is free and is a great resource for serious film aficionados.  Â
Angels Gate Park has a number of facilities: the Korean Friendship Bell, Belmont Shores Railroad Club, Fort MacArthur Military Museum, Marine Bird Rescue Center, White Point Park Nature Reserve, and Hosteling International. The Korean Friendship Bell is no doubt the most attractive. The twelve-feet-high, intricately decorated copper bell and the pagoda-like pavilion cost over a million dollars to create, and was given as a gift by South Korea in 1976. It is not hard to imagine that weddings are popular in this heavenly setting. Always bring a jacket as the hillside is very windy, which also makes it popular for flying kites.