Sun, ocean, and culture converge in the city that never stops reinventing itself.
Six iconic destinations worth every detour
Perched on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood, Griffith Observatory offers free public access to telescopes and one of the most photographed views of the city skyline and the Hollywood Sign. Its Samuel Oschin Planetarium runs immersive shows daily, while the Zeiss telescope remains open on clear evenings at no charge.
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Designed by Richard Meier and opened in 1997, the Getty Center sits atop the Santa Monica Mountains with commanding views of the Pacific. Its permanent collection spans medieval manuscripts, Impressionist paintings, and decorative arts. Admission to the museum is free; parking requires a reservation fee.
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Built in 1909, Santa Monica Pier is among the most recognizable landmarks in California. It marks the western terminus of Route 66 and hosts Pacific Park, an oceanfront amusement park with a solar-powered Ferris wheel. The surrounding beach and Third Street Promenade make it a natural anchor for a full day out.
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Originally erected in 1923 as a real estate advertisement, the 45-foot white letters of the Hollywood Sign have since become a global symbol of the entertainment industry. Close-up views are accessible via several hiking trails through Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon, the Brush Canyon Trail offers the most direct approach on foot.
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Operating since 1915, Universal Studios Hollywood is both a working film and television studio and a full-scale theme park. The Studio Tour tram ride through active backlot sets remains its signature experience. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and attractions based on the Jurassic World franchise draw visitors year-round.
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Opened in 2015 on Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles, The Broad presents the collection of philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad, comprising nearly 2,000 works by artists such as Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Its signature "veil and vault" architectural structure by Diller Scofidio + Renfro is itself a destination.
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