Free Excursions And Activities In Los Angeles

The Getty Center features mostly 19th and 20th century paintings, drawings, illuminated manuscripts, sculpture and decorative arts from around the globe. The center has several remarkable attractions, such as the Central Garden. Beautiful maze-like azaleas float in the pool, and many varieties of the plant are used in the surrounding garden. The Center also offers some of the best views of Los Angeles: you can see from West LA to the downtown skyscrapers and the infamous forever-traffic-jammed 405 freeway. Admission is free, but parking costs $15. You can use the same parking pass to park at the Getty Villa (below) in Malibu the same day.

The Getty Villa, another part of the Getty Museum, is located some distance away in Malibu, off the PCH. Unlike the Getty Center, this museum focuses on the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome and Etruria. The entire museum is designed to replicate a villa in the ancient Roman Empire. Once a residential home, the former owner decided to convert the gorgeous space into a museum to showcase his art collection that he acquired over the years. You will find many fascinating items in the museum, including a seat from the Coliseum itself. This museum is a like a candy store for ancient history buffs. Admission is free, but reservation is required prior to entrance into the museum. Parking is $15.