10 Best Things To Do And See In LA's Westwood

Hail to the hills of Westwood, the land of the Bruins. With the charm of a college town, this west LA neighborhood is a haven that UCLA students have claimed as their own. ‘The Village’ boasts historical landmarks and Mediterranean-inspired architecture, as well as charming streets lined with shops and food joints. Here, The Culture Trip brings you the best museums, theaters, and hidden gems to enhance your cultural experience of West LA.

Fox Theater
Cinema, Museum, Theater
Fox Theater
Perhaps the most iconic image of Westwood since its construction in the 1930s, the Fox Theater reminds onlookers of a different era of cinema culture in Los Angeles. The crisp white tower can be seen from miles away, a glistening art deco ‘Fox’ sign displayed atop. The Fox Theater has hosted countless movie premieres throughout the years and continues to do so. On any given weekend, the intersection at Broxton and Weyburn will be covered by a red carpet and flooded with glamorous Hollywood elites. When Fox Theater isn’t being used for a premiere, there are several showtimes a day for you to experience all that this theater has to offer.
Westwood Village Theater, 961 Broxton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, USA, +1 310 208 5576
Hammer Museum
Museum, University, Art Gallery

Fowler Museum
Museum

Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden
Museum
Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden
While most UCLA students appreciate Murphy Sculpture Garden for its rolling hills and great study spots, it is also home to one of the finest outdoor sculpture installations, with over 70 sculptures featured. Featured artists include Auguste Rodin and Hans Arp, contributing to the diversity of styles present. The Hammer Museum offers tours of the sculpture garden for groups, or you may choose to explore this serene space on your own.
Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden, Charles E. Young Drive E, Los Angeles, CA, USA, +1 310 443 7000
Espresso Profeta
Espresso Profeta
Profeta is Westwood’s quaint, welcoming coffee shop for those who consider themselves to be coffee aficionados. Profeta strives to perfect their beverages by offering a simple menu of classics, as well as an assortment of fresh pastries. The interior of the coffee shop is furnished with modern furniture and artwork, creating a pleasant juxtaposition with the red brick walls. Coffee can also be enjoyed in a small courtyard outside. Whether you’re stopping for a quick caffeine fix or looking for a great study environment, Profeta is the answer.
Espresso Profeta, 1129 Glendon Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, USA, +1 310 208 3375
Geffen Playhouse
Theater

Farmers' Market
Market

Botanical Gardens
Botanical Gardens
Located in the southeast corner of UCLA’s campus, the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardens are, quite literally, an oasis in Westwood. It is built around a creek bed and has been supplemented with thousands of plant species. If you are interested in getting away from the bustling city or have an affinity for biodiversity, you will enjoy the variety of exotic plants throughout the gardens. Docent led tours are available, as well as garden maps to facilitate individual walking tours.
Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardens, 777 Tiverton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, USA, +1 310 825 1260
Diddy Riese
Shop
UCLA Planetarium
UCLA Planetarium
If you’re not satisfied with the spattering of stars that you can see on any given night in LA, look no further than the Planetarium at UCLA. Located in the university’s South Campus region, the Planetarium offers free lectures on Wednesday evenings, as well as planetarium shows and telescope viewing. Located on the roof of the Mathematical Sciences building, the Planetarium offers great views of UCLA’s campus and the lights of Westwood Village. The Planetarium welcomes astronomers of all ages.
UCLA Planetarium, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Room Number 8224, Los Angeles, CA, USA, +1 310 825 4434
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
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It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
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