So, you’ve wandered with ancient mammoths and gotten up close with sparkling gemstones at LA’s Natural History Museum. Now you’re in one of the city’s best neighborhoods for adventure! Countless museums, sprawling parks, buzzy science centers and laid-back eateries sit ready to wow you just steps from those beloved dino skeletons. Whether you’re here for kid-friendly fun, fresh air and views, drool-worthy bites or a heavy hit of LA history, you’ll find more than enough nearby. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss on your day out in Exposition Park and beyond.
Our favorite things to do near the Natural History Museum include:
- California Science Center (and IMAX)
- Exposition Park Rose Garden
- Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
- California African American Museum
- Go for a Walk on USC Campus
- Eat at Mercado La Paloma
- Stroll to Watts Towers
- Grab a Scoop at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
California Science Center (and IMAX): Science for All Ages
The California Science Center sits right next door to the Natural History Museum and offers hands-on science fun you won’t want to skip. This place packs enough interactive exhibits, kid-friendly activities and big “aha” moments to fill a whole afternoon. Explore the science of ecosystems, body mechanics, air and space, and more—where else can you experiment with earthquakes, race solar cars, and touch a real piece of the moon? The IMAX Theater is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, boasting a seven-story-tall screen and blockbuster science films that make you feel like you’re exploring the ocean’s depths or soaring through space.
A visit here is lively and packed with energy—staff love to host live science demos and pop-up experiments. The entire museum is built to inspire every age, and it genuinely delivers whether you’re wrangling toddlers or dragging along teens. Plan ahead: tickets for IMAX screenings (and the Space Shuttle Endeavour on display!) often sell out, so booking in advance makes things smooth. It’s an effortless transition from dinosaurs next door to rockets and robots—science lovers, prepare for lift-off!
Exposition Park Rose Garden: A Los Angeles Oasis
If you crave fresh air and need to stretch your legs after hours indoors, the Exposition Park Rose Garden is your grassy escape. This lush, beautifully tended space sits just steps from the museum sprawl—and as soon as you enter, you’re greeted by more than 200 varieties of roses bursting with color and perfume. It feels miles away from downtown’s bustle; families picnic on the lawns, couples pose for prom photos, and butterflies hover around the fountains.
The ambiance is relaxed and photogenic, making it the perfect picnic spot or mid-day breather between museums. Visit in spring and early summer to see the roses at their riotous peak, or take a quiet stroll any time of year to enjoy LA’s famously mild weather. Benches line the walkways, fountains bubble in the center, and you’re never far from local musicians strumming or kids laughing. It’s the heart of Exposition Park, and a must for anyone seeking the prettiest green space in this part of LA.
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum: Stadium History & Tours
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum: Stadium History & Tours
Sports fans and history buffs alike will appreciate the grandeur of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, visible right from the Natural History Museum’s doorstep. This legendary stadium has hosted Olympics (twice!), Super Bowls, concerts, and decades of Trojans football, with an Art Deco design that’s instantly recognizable in the LA skyline.
Public tours run regularly, letting you peek into locker rooms, step onto the field, and learn the stadium’s role in everything from global sports events to presidential visits. The atmosphere is grand yet approachable; guides pepper every story with wild LA lore you won’t find on Wikipedia. Even if you visit only for photos under the famous peristyle arches—especially striking at sunset—it’s worth swinging by this piece of living LA heritage. On event days, the area is bustling; the rest of the time, it doubles as a more tranquil spot for a stroll or impromptu picnic.
California African American Museum: Powerful Stories
This vibrant museum lies just a short walk from the NHM’s main entrance and offers a thoughtful, powerful look at African American history, art and culture—locally and nationwide. Founded in 1977, it blends permanent collections (visual arts, rare books, historic documents) with dynamic rotating exhibitions. You’ll find everything from contemporary painting to historic photography, film, and sculpture.
What stands out about CAAM is its commitment to telling stories with heart and authenticity. The atmosphere is engaging and energetic, often hosting spoken word performances, live music, panel talks or family workshops. The galleries themselves are open and light-filled, perfect for wandering at your own pace. Admission is free, making it an easy addition to your Exposition Park itinerary, and the museum’s shop is packed with books, art prints and unique gifts you won’t find elsewhere.
Wander the USC Campus: Classic LA College Vibes
Just across the park, the University of Southern California’s campus radiates all the collegiate charm you’d expect—and then some. Meander through red-brick academic halls, fountains, and sprawling lawns shaded by massive trees. You’ll catch sight of students whizzing by on scooters, open-air pop-up events, and photo-ready spots like Tommy Trojan or the reflecting pools.
USC’s grounds are open to everyone and tend to have an upbeat yet relaxed vibe. Architecture buffs can check out historic buildings like Doheny Memorial Library or the grand Bovard Auditorium. Foodies will find plenty of coffee carts and campus eateries ready to revive anyone flagging after a day of museum-hopping. For a different look at LA life, spend an hour soaking in university energy, where history, tradition and trendiness meet under perfect California sunshine.
Mercado La Paloma: Global Flavors, Welcoming Vibes
Mercado La Paloma: Global Flavors, Welcoming Vibes
If museum café fare isn’t quite enough, just a quick walk up Grand Avenue brings you to Mercado La Paloma—a vibrant community market brimming with affordable, flavorful food from every corner of the globe. The space is casual and colorful, with international flags fluttering and hand-painted murals adding to the festive feel.
Dig into regional specialties at Yucateco (try their citrusy cochinita pibil tacos), or grab vegan Ethiopian feasts at Azla. The energy is always lively, the seating is communal, and the staff are always quick with recommendations. Don’t miss the pop-up art installations and special events that run on weekends. Mercado La Paloma perfectly captures LA’s multicultural flavor—there’s something for every palate, and it’s friendly to every budget. Whether you’re fueling up for a busy day or recapping your adventures over a shared dessert, this spot delivers warmth, flavor, and local character in every bite.
Stroll to Watts Towers: Folk Art Wonder
If you’re up for a breezy field trip, hop on the Metro line or take a short drive south to one of LA’s most unique landmarks—the Watts Towers. Created over 34 years by Simon Rodia, these soaring spires are made from steel, wire, seashells, and thousands of found objects, twisting skyward in wild, mosaic-covered forms. There’s an undeniable "how did he even do that?" feeling as you walk around the towers; every angle offers a new view, and sunlight bouncing off the colored tiles is especially striking.
Guided tours share behind-the-scenes stories about Rodia’s life and the spirited community that sprang up around his project. The ambiance is both peaceful and creative, with adjoining arts centers often hosting music, workshops, and lively cultural festivals. Don’t forget your camera—Watts Towers are about as one-of-a-kind as it gets, and they showcase LA’s outsider art scene at its finest. It’s an easy way to keep the sense of wonder rolling after the museums of Exposition Park.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: Sweet Treats, LA Style
When the sun’s out (and let’s face it, that’s most days in LA), there’s no better way to wrap up your neighborhood wanderings than with a stop at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Located on Figueroa Street, this cheery scoop shop is known for ultra-creamy, inventive flavors—think Brambleberry Crisp, Brown Butter Almond Brittle, or even a decadent dairy-free Dark Chocolate Truffle.
The décor is all pastel tiles and sunny good vibes, and the scoopers love letting you sample as many flavors as you’d like before making that big decision. Grab a couple of cones for the road and stroll through USC or the Rose Garden as you enjoy your treat. Jeni’s is a crowd-pleaser—perfect for families, couples, or anyone who loves a dash of whimsy in their dessert. And if you’re feeling a little wild, ask about their creative seasonal swirls or top your scoop with honey butterscotch sauce for the win.
Exploring the area around LA’s Natural History Museum isn’t just about uncovering the past—it’s about diving into the best of contemporary Los Angeles. Whether you’re after hands-on science, beautiful art, fragrant gardens, a stadium tour, vibrant markets, or just a sweet ice cream cone, you’ll find plenty that delights and surprises. Every stop offers its own mix of culture, flavor, and fun, all within a breezy stroll. So next time you’re planning a museum day, stick around and see what’s waiting just beyond the dino bones—it might become the most memorable part of your LA adventure!
Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Knott’s Soak City Water Park or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Los Angeles Passes
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