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.
Built among tall redwood trees, the Wayfarer's Chapel is a picturesque church that is made of glass and stone. A dream venue for weddings, the glass church as it is called, sees many weddings throughout the year. Gazing at the skies through the glass ceiling makes one enjoy beauty of Nature. The church has huge lawns and the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean are sure to win you over.
The Church of the Angels is one of the most historic churches in Southern California. It was erected by the wife of Alexander Robert Campbell-Johnson, a descendant of a pre-Revolutionary War leader. Campbell-Johnson and his wife Frances traveled to California in search of land to purchase, which they found through then-mayor of Los Angeles Prudent Beaudry. The Episcopalian church, which encompasses an area that was once part of the Rancho San Rafael property, was built by Frances to honor her husband after he became ill and died. Visitors are welcome at Sunday services.
Tournament House, built between 1906 and 1914, was once owned by chewing-gum tycoon William Wrigley, Jr. After the death of Mrs. Wrigley in 1958, the house was donated to the city of Pasadena, provided they used it as a home for the Tournament of Roses Association. It is built in an Italian Renaissance style and has beautiful wood paneling, marble fireplaces, and crystal chandeliers. Free tours are available from February to August on Thursdays. From September on, the house closes to tourists for staff to prepare for the Rose Parade.
Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery is a place that ardent Hollywood fans over the years will associate with the likes of Donna Reed, Dean Martin, Natalie Wood, Peggy Lee, Eve Arden, Carl Wilson, Eva Gabor and Truman Capote. But if these can only extract an indifferent shrug from you, perhaps the name “Marilyn Monroe” would ring a bell. Yes, the Hollywood siren has been laid to rest right here. It's quite an experience to stand where friends and families of these celebrities once stood—the park, though small, is quite capable of whiling away your time. Though a visit here might sound morbid to some, it might just be the closest you could get to these erstwhile stars!
Like most functional lighthouses, this one enjoys a beautiful location by the sea. Open to the public on the second Saturday of each month, Point Vicente Lighthouse and its little museum are quite the center of activity as tourists, sightseers and families head over for a day out. Its serene location in West Rancho Palos Verdes makes it a hit with professional photographers as well. The point marked history in 1790, when it was named by Captain George Vancouver for his friend, Friar Vicente. Standing 67 feet tall (20 meters), it is allegedly one of the brightest beacons in the area, and boasts of radio navigation and automated equipment of modern times. A mysterious "Lady of the Light"-a woman who fell off the cliffs as she waited for her lover one misty night-is said to prowl the premises on occasion.