Top Rated Attractions in Los Angeles

Rendered in Art Deco style, this observatory was constructed in the early 1930s and is a highlight among landmarks in Southern California. See incredible light shows at the Oschin Planetarium, which puts the latest technology through the paces. Outside the observatory, you are accorded sweeping views of the nearby area, which is breathtaking during the day as well as at night. Exhibits and planetarium shows 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.

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 visit the Dreamworks Art Theater. 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, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has been devoted to collecting works of art going back to ancient times. Today, the museum features exceptionally notable collections of Asian, Latin American, European, and American art and houses 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 comprehensive fine collection of more than 100,000 works. With this much to explore, it is an ideal spot to spend an entire day at the museum.

Since 1913 Natural History Museum has been delighting people of all ages with entertaining exhibits about our world, both natural and cultural. Visit such wonders as the rarest shark in the world, a zoo full of insects and 20 dinosaur skeletons. Several special exhibits are also presented throughout the year.

The Page Museum shares the same location as the La Brea Tar Pits, so after you've witnessed the Pits which once entrapped Ice Age mammals, you can step inside and view the fossil remains. There are massive displays of mammoths, saber-toothed cats and an incredible collection of dire wolves. There are also exhibits of insects, plants and birds. Especially fascinating is the display of the skeletal remains of the La Brea Woman who is said to have lived about 9000 years ago. This is an extraordinary experience for the entire family.

Spread across 100,000 square feet (9290 square meters) of exhibition space, Peterson Automotive Museum is one of the world's largest automobile museums. From Porsche to Batman's iconic Batmobile, the museum has it all for ardent car fans. It also hosts year-round special exhibitions. Of special interest to families is the Children's Discovery Center, which offers hands-on interactive exhibits. Apart from cars, you will also find an impressive collection of motorcycles and trucks, which can be explored on an immersive guided tour of the museum.