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Things to do in Los Angeles: the Getty and Griffith Park

Things to do in Los Angeles: the Getty Center, Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park, planned around realistic LA distances.

Los Angeles is easier to enjoy when you give each part of the city some breathing room. Start with the Getty's art and gardens, leave time for Griffith Park and its Observatory, and treat Downtown and the coast as separate outings rather than stops to squeeze in between. Here are five places worth building a day around, with the details that help you avoid unnecessary journeys.

1. Getty Center

The Getty brings paintings, architecture and gardens together on a hill above the city. You can spend your time in the galleries or make the outdoor spaces and views part of the visit. It's a good choice when you want one place to settle into rather than a string of quick stops.

Good to know

  • Admission is free, but you need a timed-entry reservation. Book on getty.edu.
  • Parking costs extra; check current charges before deciding how to travel.
  • The Center is closed on Mondays. Check gallery and site closure notices when you reserve.

2. Griffith Observatory

Come for the astronomy exhibits, then step onto the terraces to see Los Angeles spread out below you. Public telescopes and live planetarium shows give you different ways to explore the sky. The views are part of the pleasure, not a reason to skip everything inside.

Good to know

  • The building, grounds and public telescopes are free; Samuel Oschin Planetarium shows cost extra.
  • The building is closed on Mondays, though the grounds are generally open daily.
  • Take the DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus from Vermont/Sunset Metro station to avoid the limited parking near the top.
  • Sunset, weekends and summer are busy. Leave extra time rather than arriving just before a show.

3. Griffith Park

Griffith Park is more than the hill around the Observatory. Its chaparral-covered slopes, wooded canyons and landscaped picnic areas let you choose between a proper walk and an easier outdoor break. Pick a route first so your park visit matches the time and energy you actually have.

Good to know

  • Use the official park map to choose your entrance and route; this is a large park, not a single trailhead.
  • Observatory trailheads connect towards Fern Dell and Mount Hollywood. Check current access before setting out.
  • Higher areas can be congested, especially on weekends and in summer. Consider the DASH bus for an Observatory-side visit.

4. The Broad

Make this your Downtown art stop. Free general admission lets you look around without feeling you need to turn the visit into an all-day commitment. If seeing Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room matters to you, plan that part before you arrive.

Good to know

  • Reserve a free timed general-admission ticket in advance; walk-ups are also offered.
  • The Infinity Mirrored Room requires an advance reservation. A general ticket is not a substitute.
  • The museum is closed on Mondays, and some exhibitions and events have a separate charge.

5. Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park

Save the coast for its own outing and spend some time on Santa Monica Pier. Pacific Park adds amusement rides to the walk, but you don't have to ride anything to enjoy being here. It works well when your group wants a looser plan after a museum day.

Good to know

  • Pacific Park has no admission charge; rides are paid separately, with wristband options available.
  • The pier is accessible year-round, but attraction hours vary. Check Pacific Park hours before travelling.
  • Weather and special events can change operations. Rail is an alternative to driving; see the operator’s directions.

Quick tips

  • A simple plan: choose the Getty, the Griffith area, Downtown or Santa Monica as your main outing, rather than promising yourself all four in a day.
  • Reserve the Getty and any must-see Broad experience first, then build the rest of your day around those times.
  • Want company? Check upcoming events in Los Angeles on Socroo below and find someone to go with.

Upcoming events

Things to do in Los Angeles by season Getty Center Griffith Observatory Griffith Park The Broad Pacific Park and Santa Monica Pier