Best Museums in Los Angeles

By Sarah Harris

Los Angeles is the best. Known for its many famous landmarks and sun-kissed shorelines, the city is one of the most popular visitor destinations in the United States. Still, no visit to La La Land is complete without checking out its fantastic selection of museums. Yup, that’s right - contrary to what some might say, Los Angeles is teeming with wonderful cultural amenities of all kinds. From ancient history to modern art, there’s a little something for everybody here. So, if you’re heading over to the City of Angels and aren’t quite sure how to spend your time, check out our guide to the best museums in the area. However you choose to explore LA, we’re sure you’ll have a blast!

See the Sights

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If you’re a seasoned visitor to Los Angeles, you just might be familiar with the Hollywood Sign and Universal Studios. Still, there’s a lot more to unpack here for cinephiles and pop culture lovers. If you’re looking to learn more about Hollywood history, there’s no better place to be than the Academic Museum of Motion Pictures. Located on the Museum Row in Miracle Mile, this unique attraction is dedicated to the fascinating history and incredible impact of the film industry. The institute works to provide deeper insight into the creative process; the art and technology of film; and the fascinating background of the artform. Though young, the museum holds over 13 million objects, including costumes, sketches, film reels, props and more. A thoroughly fascinating cultural experience, this spot is great for those of all ages.

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When you hear L.A., the first thing that springs to mind is usually all of the glitz and glam. So it only makes sense then that the city provides a number of great cultural institutions dedicated to the entertainment industry. Standing out against the number of museums dedicated to television and film, the Grammy Museum works to provide a comprehensive look into the music business. A total dream space for music buffs, this spot consists of four floors worth of historical artefacts, interactive music stations and recording booths. In addition, the museum hosts special talks, programs and concerts. We love this place because it works to educate visitors about the history and significance of American music in a fun and engaging way.

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Another one of our favorite museums to visit in L.A. has got to be The Broad. As one of the most famous art museums in the city, the institute is probably just as recognizable for its distinct and striking structure as it is for its revered collection.Inside, visitors can enjoy a fantastic collection from some of the world’s most popular modern artists. Highlights include Jeff Koons’ Balloon Dog and Roy Lichtenstein’s ‘’I... I’m Sorry!’’ In addition, the museum is known for housing Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room, an animated twinkling starfield and total magnet for selfie-lovers.

Get Cultured

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If you’re looking for art and culture in Los Angeles, you won’t have to look much further than the Getty Center. A wonderful estate perched atop a hill in Brentwood, the center provides art, architecture and nature all wrapped into one wonderfully unique experience. The circular concrete and steel structure is a total sight to behold, whilst the museum’s location and surrounding gardens provide spectacular 360-degree views of Los Angeles. Inside, visitors can enjoy a wonderful mixture of ancient and modern art. Expect to see everything from classical paintings and historic carvings to surrealist works and contemporary installations. We recommend setting aside a good few hours for the Getty - trust us when we say that you won’t want to rush this one!

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As the West Coast’s answer to the Morgan Library, the Huntington Library definitely doesn’t disappoint. This spot is actually a triple whammy, with a world-class library, wonderful art museum and stunning botanical garden all wrapped up into one fantastic attraction. We suggest making enough time so that you can see everything. With over 430,000 rare books, historical documents and one-of-a-kind manuscripts, the library is a total dream for bibliophiles. Meanwhile, the art gallery displays one of the best collections of 18th and 19-century British art in the country. And as the museum’s crown jewel, the institute’s botanical garden most certainly doesn’t disappoint, with over 150,000 plant varieties on its 120 acres. With its superb repository and old-world vibe, this spot is perfect for anybody who wants to get in a bit of education on their travels.

Learn Something New

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No doubt Los Angeles has a lot of great museums dedicated to the arts. Still, that’s not all there is to see here. Perfect for those visitors of a curious mind, the California Science Center is filled with educational and engaging exhibits pertaining to the world around us. Billed as the west coast’s largest hands-on science center, this spot works well to break down complicated ideas for a broad audience. There are four major exhibit areas covering the natural world, biology, innovation and invention and space travel. Special highlights include the Space Shuttle Endeavor, the High Wire Bicycle, and the ice wall. We love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new.

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Whilst museums come in all shapes and sizes, few are quite as iconic as the Natural History Museum. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just plain curious, this spot has so much to offer. The institute’s repository is wildly impressive, with over 35 million specimens and artefacts spanning over 4.5 billion years of history. Marvel at the full-size t-rex skeletons, see some incredible gemstones, or play with microscopes and dig for fossils in the Discovery Center. Pro tip: if you’re in the area during the springtime, be sure to check out the butterfly pavilion. Though the bones are old, this spot is always introducing new exhibits to be enjoyed. A real treasure trove of discovery, you know know what you’ll find next among the beautiful dioramas and interactive displays.

The best vacations always include a trip to the museum - and thankfully in Los Angeles, you won’t be short of choice! Explore the city to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

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Best LA attractions for thrill-seekers

If you're on your way to LA and making plans for what to do there, let us help you out. We've compiled a list of some of the top Los Angeles attractions for thrill-seekers – there's much more to Los Angeles than Disneyland and Universal Studios. (Although these are great attractions, too!) Many of these popular attractions are perfect for the thrill-seekers and roller coaster fans in your group. However, most of these LA attractions also have family-friendly rides and activities for children. With a little planning and preparation, you and your whole family will have a fun-filled vacation. Check out our guide to the top LA attractions for thrill-seekers, including... Knott's Berry Farm Pacific Park Six Flags Magic Mountain Knott's Soak City Waterpark Universal Studios Disneyland and much more! Knott’s Soak City Waterpark Cool down at Knott’s Soak City Waterpark on one of their 23 speed, tube, and body slides –or all 23! The Shore Break slide provides a floor dropping, heart stopping good time through the entire seven story ride. There's also a 75,000-gallon wave pool, 200 water guns, and other toys available. And when you're ready to relax, the Lazy River will be waiting for you. After you've worked up a good appetite, you have the choice between a pizza joint and a grill. Hurricane Harbor If you're looking for some more water adventures, Hurricane Harbour might just be the place for you. Travel down the Tornado’s 132 foot tunnel, and ride Reptile Ridge through its twisted routes. Then, jet through the Black Snake Summit’s twists and turns, and hold your breath as the Bonzai Pipelines’ trapdoor disappears from beneath your feet sending you on a six-floor drop. Try to stay afloat in the wave pool, dine on some delightful dishes, or relax in a private cabana. On Fridays, chill out at the dive-in theater. Universal Studios Universal Studios Hollywood has something for everyone. Film buffs will experience movies like never before. With behind-the-scenes tours, authentic stunt and special effects shows, dining at Hogsmeade and trying some Butterbeer, surviving the Walking Dead, and shopping to your heart’s content, you will have an unforgettable time. As if the room full of walkers isn't scary enough, thrill-seekers can hop on some 3D rides that will send your heart racing. You might also meet dinosaurs, Transformers, and more along the way. Don’t forget that there is plenty of family fun, too, including kid-friendly rides and character encounters. You might even find Shaggy and Scooby hiding with a snack! As there is so much to see and do at this attraction, check out our Universal Studios Hollywood guide to make the most of your visit. Disneyland No Los Angeles trip can be considered a vacation without a visit to see Mickey! Check out the ghost-infested Haunted Mansion, meet the beauties behind the crowns, and make your child’s Disney-dreams come true with a royal makeover. Be wowed by the pyrotechnical splendor of Mickey’s Fantasmic battle. Dine in the beautiful and quaint Victorian restaurant, Plaza Inn. For the space lovers out there, Tomorrowland and the fabulous Star Wars characters will make your day. And do not forget to check out the beautiful Disneyland Forever fireworks show, or the enlightening Main Street Electrical Parade. Save on admission to LA theme parks With so many great activities, how do you choose which ones to do? Admission to many of these attractions is included with Go City®.
Go City Expert
Things to do in Los Angeles at Night
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Things to do in Los Angeles at Night

Ahoy there, traveler! Are you a creature of the night? Do you sleep all day and party all night? If so, check out our picks of the best things to do in Los Angeles at night, and make the most of your evening! Including: Ghost Hunting Tour of Chinatown Yoga on Huntington Beach A nighttime tour of LA by Star Track Two Bit Circus and more! Ghost Hunting Tour of Chinatown It's a nighttime blog, so let's kick things off with some spooky evening fun! Chinatown is one of the most popular districts of Los Angeles, and it's also seen its fair share of gruesome goings-on. So, why not follow in Jack Nichelson's footsteps and see what's really going on in Chinatown on this ghost-hunting tour? With a professional paranormal investigator in tow, you'll walk the streets, learn about the tools and tricks every paranormal investigator should use, and stop off every time their equipment starts popping off. Starting at the Chinatown Metro Station, you'll pass the cemeteries that were uncovered during the station's building. Next, you'll explore a nearby warehouse said to be haunted by its former employees. Next up is the neighborhood's oldest cottage, which has received claims of haunting for decades. If you can stomach the spookiness, this ghost-hunting tour is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles at night! Haunted Hollywood Walking Tour But wait, there's more! You thought one spooky tour of Los Angeles was enough? Think again. Hollywood is known for many things; the glitz and glamor, the A-list celebrities, the home of cinema, and more. But did you know it's also been the scene of many a grisly murder?! Shocking, we know. If you fancy seeing the sights and learning all about them, this haunted Hollywood walking tour should be top of your list of things to do in LA at night! Your fright-filled walk will take you down the Boulevard of Broken Dreams as you visit haunted landmarks aplenty. Hotels, theaters, and other landmarks where gruesome hijinks have taken place. And don't worry; you won't be alone. Your spook-certified guide will be right there with you, dropping knowledge bombs about each location like some kind of information exploder. Highlights include the Pantages Theatre, where Howard Hughes supposedly wanders the halls; the Knickerbocker Hotel, where Houdini put in his final performance; the Hollywood Sign, which has seen its fair share of violence; the Hollywood & Highland Complex, where both the Hollywood Ripper and Manson murders occurred; and finally the Roosevelt Hotel, where famous ghosts such as Marylin Monroe's are said to lie in wait. Spooky stuff, indeed! Yoga on Huntington Beach Now we're going to swiftly shift gears from outer spooks to inner peace. If you're longing to align your chakras, do a downward dog, and breathe in that sweet sea air on your Los Angeles vacation, why not do a beach-based yoga class? And don't worry; if you have a busy day, you can even do one during sunset. Interested? Head to LA's famous Huntington Beach for blissful views of Orange County's sunset while your certified teacher takes you through the steps, stretches, and poses. These classes are for all types, so if you're a seasoned stretcher or a yoga newb, you'll be welcomed with open arms. And, with a whole host of chakra-aligning activities to choose from, including yoga, pilates, and qigong, you're sure to find something to help you unwind - or prepare you for a night of fun. Huntington Beach's sun-kissed sands provide a picturesque setting for your class, creating a calming and mindful environment as the waves lap gently at the shore. So, why not take a load off and check it out? A nighttime tour of LA by Star Track Of course, not every tour of Los Angeles needs to be filled with spooks and shocks. You don't even need to use your legs. So, why not hop aboard one of Star Track's luxurious vehicles, and get an A-list tour of the City of Angels? Your tour vessel is fitted out with comfortable seats and massive TV screens that'll give you sweet morsels of information as you drive. Then, your driver/guide will take you on a rollercoaster of sightseeing wonder. You'll pass places from famous movie scenes and learn some behind-the-scenes gossip. You'll pass several celebrities' homes and, thanks to the TVs on board, you'll even see walkthroughs from inside said homes. Imagine yourself living there, and slap yourself and put such foolish ambitions to rest. Luck out, and you may even see some famous faces in their driveways as they stumble home from the latest celeb house party. So whose houses will you see? Well, you may have heard of them. Tom Cruise, anyone? How about Ellen DeGeneres? That's right, star chasers, and those are but two of the many homes you'll see on your travels from Hollywood Boulevard to Mulholland Drive. Two Bit Circus If the tour life just isn't for you, why not explore the digital delights that Los Angeles has on offer? At Two Bit Circus, you'll enter the virtual world to do battle with beasts, or just settle in for some classic arcade fun. Two Bit's piece de resistance is unarguably its Virtual Reality Playground, where state-of-the-art equipment will transport you to other realms, where possibilities are endless. Jump incredible distances, fight unimaginable horrors, and do it all with $30 credit on us. Or, if you'd rather stay in actual reality, hit the arcade to play some old-school cool like Pacman, or team up with a buddy on NBA Jam. Remember NBA Jam? Ah, simpler times. You can even dare to challenge one of their escape rooms. Oh, and there's a bar. Happy days. If you're looking for some digital evening fun, then Two Bit Circus is a must-visit, and one of the best things to do in Los Angeles at night! And those are our picks of the best things to do in Los Angeles at night! If you're looking for some daytime fun too, check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of LA's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Relaxing Things to do in Los Angeles
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Relaxing Things to do in Los Angeles

If you're looking for relaxing things to do in Los Angeles, you've come to the right place. From whale watching to yoga on a sandy beach, we've got you covered. Check out our picks of the best relaxing things to do in the city, and prepare for some much-needed R&R! Including: Fishing at Santa Monica or Venice Beach Natural History Museum Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour Yoga on Huntington Beach and more! Guided Pier Fishing at Santa Monica or Venice Beach If you're looking for relaxing things to do in Los Angeles, why not choose a spot of fishing? If you're new to the area, or even new to fishing, you needn't worry. Join this guided fishing adventure, choose between Santa Monica or Venice Beach, and then go throw some hooks - or something. Your guide is more of an instructor, and an experienced one at that. They'll bring all your gear and show you how to use it. If you're a seasoned fishing pro, show them how it's done. But don't be too adverse to picking up some new tricks. Look out for fish, rays, and even sharks as you try to reel in a big catch. Natural History Museum You can even travel back through time in a relaxing fashion. How, you may ask? Well, take a trip to Los Angeles' Natural History Museum and explore millions of years of history! If you're a history buff and looking for things to do in the city, it doesn't get much better than this. Step inside the museum's doors, and you'll find one of the biggest collections of ancient artifacts on the planet. Dinosaur fans will be well-served thanks to the appropriately-named 'Dinosaur Hall', which exhibits 300 real dinosaur fossils, as well as 20 complete dinos of varying shapes and sizes for you to gaze at. That's just one of the many amazing exhibits at LA's Natural History Museum, so why not take a relaxing stroll around the premises and see what else you'll find? Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour If natural history isn't your thing, how about some very-much-alive nature? Yes, even in LA, you can go whale and dolphin watching. And, on this tour, you'll do just that. So, if you're looking for relaxing things to do in Los Angeles, this should be top of your list. You'll hop on board a 65-foot double-decker ship, replete with sundeck, both indoor and outdoor seating, and a snack bar if you get hungry. Then, you'll take the waves to spot some freaking whales and dolphins! Get lucky, and you may spot any number of humpback whales, orcas, and even a blue whale if you're super lucky. You're also likely to see some dolphins, which is obviously awesome. Seals, too - this tour is the gift that keeps on giving! If you're a fan of ocean life, book this tour right now. Aquarium of the Pacific If you'd rather see underwater wonders up close and personal, take a relaxing trip to Los Angeles' Aquarium of the Pacific. There's so much to see and do here; we'd recommend blocking out an afternoon in your vacation calendar to see it all. With over 100 exhibits to explore and 19 major habitats to walk through, you'll need all the time you can get! Meet finned friends at Shark Lagoon, hang out with some penguins, and check out the Pacific Visions immersive cinema experience to see the ocean like never before. All that and much, much more await you at Aquarium of the Pacific. Yoga on Huntington Beach Is there anything more relaxing than finding inner peace? How about doing it on a sunny Los Angeles beach? Align your chakras today at a yoga session on Huntington Beach! Pick a morning or evening session and join an experienced yoga instructor as you downward dog your way to Nirvana. And what better setting than Huntington Beach? It's one of Orange County's finest. Whether you're a seasoned stretcher or a complete newbie, all are welcome to this calm, mindful environment. Then, when you're done, you'll be in top shape to enjoy many of LA's more exhilarating attractions! Downtown LA Food and Culture Tour Just because you're looking for relaxing things to do in Los Angeles doesn't mean you should ignore your belly! Take a day off your diet and explore LA's vibrant food culture on this tour of downtown! You'll pass City Hall, The Music Centre, and The Walt Disney Concert Hall, plus hidden gems like The Last Bookstore. Make sure your phone has plenty of picture space! Then, try delicious morsels at the Spring Arcade Building food market and Grand Central Market. Just make sure you bring some dollars so you can sample as much as possible! If you're looking for a great way to immerse yourself in LA's food culture, book a tour and get immersed! Rent a Beach Cruiser or Roller-Skates And finally, how does a relaxing beach bike ride sound? Good? Why not rent a bike and take your time cycling around LA's serene sands? Or, if two wheels don't cut it, rent some roller skates instead! The area is brimming with things to do and see. You can visit the historic Santa Monica pier and pass the homes of some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Travel through Venice Beach and see all the weird and wonderful denizens of Los Angeles going about their day. Soak it all up, and then return your bike to Perry's Cafe and grab a coffee. And hey, maybe a cake too. After all, you just burned off a ton of calories - why not treat yourself? And those are our picks of the best relaxing things to do in Los Angeles! Of course, vacations aren't always about relaxing. So, if you want to hit up some of LA's more heart-thumping experiences in between your relaxation time, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of LA's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley

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