The Getty Center

Regarded as one of LA’s top sightseeing locations, The Getty Center incorporates contemporary architecture, verdant gardens and panoramic views of the city. Nestled atop a hill in Santa Monica, the Pacific Ocean and San Gabriel Mountains are also visible from the peak, inspiring architect Richard Meier to construct a campus highlighting both nature and cultural marvels of California.

You can take a short tram ride from the entrance to the hilltop and reach the Museum Plaza. Built with travertine stone, the entrance flaunts a curvature of Italian style. The branch museum has ornate decor and features pre-20th-century European murals, drawings, stone sculptures, illuminated manuscripts and historic photos from the 1830s to the present day. One of the Getty Center’s most auspicious displays is the original Van Gogh’s masterpiece called Irises, which shows beautiful flowers on a canvas. The gardens at the lower tram plaza are manicured creatively and have designated seating areas. A special section displays rare cacti of California basked in the jolly sunshine. Visitors are allowed to carry their own food, drinks and blankets for picnics along the picturesque lake shores. The Central Garden is also lined with themed cafes and diners offering hot beverages and appetizing continental meals.