Built-in Art Deco style, this observatory was built 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 and at night as well. 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.
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.
J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center is a museum you can't miss while visiting the city. The center stores a varied art forms, sculptures, and photographs from Europe and America. You can also check out old manuscripts and decorative art here. Highlights consist of Italian manuscripts from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Rembrandt's Late Religious Portraits, among others. Set aside a day for this museum with it's Central Gardens and popular restaurant which are sure to leave you breathless with their beauty.
After the Palace Theatre was converted for silent films, the Orpheum vaudeville circuit moved here for its remaining years. Like the Los Angeles Theatre, it emulates the opulence of a French palace, with a marble lobby, a gold gilt ceiling, and a rare organ. One of the landmarks in the region, the theatre continues to host multiple events, shows and concerts. Tickets can be booked online or at the box office, one hour prior to 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.
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.
Caltrans Building is a futuristic structure that is headquarter of The California Department of Transportation. This 13-story building is an architectural marvel, environment-friendly and creative in it's design. It displays many artworks by artists like Renee Green, that enhance its beauty. The building is covered with photo-voltaic cells that generate 5% of the building-energy and also keep the temperature controlled. The structure is constructed in a manner that it utilizes natural light and resources. Check website for more details.
Put your walking shoes on and get ready for one of the best tours you will ever take of the city. Blissfully free of cost and incredibly enriching, the Free LA Tour takes you through the core of Los Angeles - Downtown and Hollywood. The dynamic Downtown tour includes walking through city landmarks such as Union Station, Pershing Square, City Hall and the Bradbury Building. The Grand Central Market, the Central Library and the historic theater district are featured in the tour as well. Stumble upon several hidden gems as well, and let LA surprise you. The tour requires a minimum of four people to conduct a free tour.
This Byzantine-style architectural wonder is 454 feet tall and takes up a whole block of space. A tourist attraction in itself, the venue is always alive and humming with activity. Regular tours are held here, so tourists and locals can explore the interiors without getting lost. The structure was built in the mid 1920s. Call for more information, and don't forget your camera!
With a daily circulation of more than one million readers, the Los Angeles Times is by far the most popular newspaper in the Southland. Situated on the outskirts of downtown, the publication's headquarters is a massive building that was built in Modern style in 1935. Free tours of the original, historic plant are offered to the general public on a regular basis. Tours must be reserved at least a week ahead of time. Tours of the actual printing plant are also available but you may have to call for details and tour times.
The Triforium is a massive sculpture located on the City Hall campus that was created by Joseph Young. As with much public art, the 60-ton sculpture has had its fair share of detractors as well as proponents, but as the old adage states, 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder'. The architect wished for the sculpture to beam lights into space as well as create a polyphonic/optical display through motion sensors, however budgetary restrictions prevented their implementation. Nonetheless, the sculpture has remained a part of public art in L.A. since 1975, and will continue to be until it obtains its original bells and whistles it was originally meant to have.
Little Tokyo is the Japanese version of Chinatown in downtown Los Angeles. Covering 67 acres of land and a mere four blocks, the area may not be as famed as its Chinese counterpart, yet it manages to retain a fair share of tourists and locals who come here to shop, eat and even look for a place to live. Having survived quite a few hard times, the area is now abuzz with businesses, restaurants, shops and hotels. Quaint, 19th century homes add ambiance to the place. Exploration is best done by foot. Note that credit cards and open hours will vary by business, so call ahead before you visit.