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 periods and regions such as Europe and America. You can also check out old manuscripts and decorative art here. Its highlights consist 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.
Since its inception in 1961, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has been devoted to collecting works of art spanning both history and geography. 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.
Spread over 4,310 acres (1,744 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.
160 acres (65 hectares) of unspoiled nature can be seen at the east point of the Santa Monica mountains at 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.
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.
Run by the Burbank Historical Society, the Gordon R. Howard Museum is located in the historical Victorian Mentzer House. Built in 1887, you can explore this historic home and admire interesting displays and artifacts about life in the past. This small museums showcases the local Burbank history where you can view photographs that show the evolution of Burbank from a small settlement to an entertainment wonder. Tours are by appointment only.
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 a unique Los Angeles gem. Established in 1977, its aim was to teach visitors about the Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Hindu scripture calling for selfless action. You will gain an insight into the scriptures through eleven large dioramas that depict colorful scenes. Some of the awe-inspiring dioramas include the Changing Bodies diorama and the the Precarious Condition of the Living Entity diorama. You'll also see animatronics that help bring life to the story. Sign up for a guided tour to gain a deeper insight into the museum exhibits.
Built in 1837, La Casa Primera de Rancho San Jose is one of the oldest standing buildings in Pomona Valley. Built in an area of 1.6 acres (0.65 hectares), this was the abode of the Ygnacio Palomares that had 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, dining room, 3 fireplaces, and a pool. It was the first home to built of a thick wall of abode bricks This historic house was declared a National Landmark in 1954 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
Huy Fong Foods, Inc will take you on a flavorful ride in their factory. What began as a domestic work of making spices flourished into a well-established business, owned by David Tran. The factory is a producer of appetizing sauces, supplied in many of the Asian restaurants around. They are one of the main producers of chili garlic sauce, Sriracha and Sambal Oelek. Book a tour with them to go a on savory ride, where you can learn how they started up and how their sauces are made. Also, visit their rooster room to collect some interesting souvenirs like t-shirts. If you have some great recipes to share made with their spices, then you get to be a part of their website's recipe section.