Whether you're looking to spend the day at the California Science Center or get to know the history of Los Angeles at the Natural History Museum, there's plenty to do in Los Angeles. Whether you're a first-time visitor or have been there before, this list of the best places to visit in Los Angeles will help you make the most of your time in the city.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Located on the San Pedro waterfront, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is a research facility that focuses on conservation and education. With exhibits that cover tidal shores and kelp forests, visitors are encouraged to learn about Southern California's marine life.
The aquarium is free to enter. However, it relies on donations to operate. The suggested donation is $5. The aquarium is open on weekends and holidays, but closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The aquarium has many exhibits, including an outdoor tide pool touch tank. This tank features anemones, sea stars, leopard sharks, and other marine life. A tide pool is best viewed during low tide.
The aquarium is also certified to provide sensory features, which are important for people who experience sensory sensitivities. These features include an underwater walk, touch tanks, and multisensory exhibits. The aquarium is certified under the KultureCity initiative, which promotes a positive experience for guests with sensory needs.
The aquarium also has a special "Aquatic Nursey", a working laboratory where you can observe scientists caring for young animals. This allows you to see how the aquarium works and helps to teach kids about conservation and how species play a role in the environment.
Visitors can also see a range of marine animals and their habitats, including eelpouts, octopuses, and sea turtles. In addition to the aquarium's exhibits, visitors can also take part in interactive learning programs.
California Science Center
Located in Exposition Park, California Science Center is a great place to explore science and technology. It's also a fun place to visit with kids of all ages. You'll find a number of hands-on exhibits and demonstrations at the museum.
There's also a seven-story IMAX theater where you can enjoy 3D documentaries and movies. Currently, IMAX is showing Born to Be Wild 3D, as well as Under the Sea.
You can also find a large aquarium with 400 different species of plants. You'll also find spiny lobsters, Moray eels, and leopard sharks.
You'll also find a number of interactive exhibits at the California Science Center. In particular, you'll find the Motion-Based Simulator for $4.50, as well as the COVID Memorial Quilt for $5, which pays tribute to those who died in the COFID-19 pandemic.
The California Science Center also has a sculpture garden. You'll find a number of sculptures, including one that's five stories high. The museum also has a seven-acre sunken rose garden.
If you're interested in space, there's a large IMAX screen, as well as a number of simulators. You'll also find a number of interesting permanent exhibits. You can even ride a high-wire bicycle. There are also several special exhibits to check out, including one that pays tribute to Space Shuttle Endeavour.
The California Science Center also hosts an annual science fair. It's a great place to take your kids on a field trip. The center is also home to the planet's only External Tank, which served as the "gas tank" for the space shuttle orbiter.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
Located in Exposition Park, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County houses one of the most spectacular collections of natural history in the world. Its permanent collection of over 35 million objects covers 4.5 billion years of history. In addition to displaying fossils and artifacts, the museum features many special exhibits. The museum is open free to the public.
Among the most prominent features of the museum are its two enormous halls of dioramas. These dioramas feature life-size models of eco-habitats. The museum also features a pond full of ducks and dragonflies.
The museum also features several interactive exhibits. The Discovery Center, for instance, is a great place for young children to interact with museum objects. It includes fossils, live insects, and minerals. It also features a Nature Lab, where visitors can learn more about the natural world around them.
Another favorite of children is the Butterfly Pavilion. Each spring, this pavilion transforms into an oasis of color. It houses hundreds of live butterflies.
The African Mammal Hall is a favorite with the younger crowd. Visitors can find life-size dioramas of a variety of African animals. The backdrops are painted by celebrated artists.
The Natural History Museum is also home to the Otis Booth Pavilion. Its six-story glass cube serves as the museum's main entrance. It is also home to a 63-foot whale skeleton. The museum also features a pollinator meadow and an urban creek bed with a waterfall.
Hollywood Museum
Located in the historic Max Factor building, the Hollywood Museum is home to the largest collection of movie memorabilia in the world. You can view the costumes, backdrop art, props, and other items from popular movies, including Hitchcock's iconic piece from Psycho. The museum also has an education center and a screening room.
There are also exhibits that explore the cultural significance of filmmaking. The museum's "Dungeon of Doom" features spooky sets from classic horror movies. You can also visit Hannibal Lector's cell from Silence of the Lambs.
The museum is free to visit. You can also take guided tours. This is a great way to learn about the history of the city.
The museum also offers workshops for children. There are also exhibits that feature the creativity of Asian American artists. You can also learn about the history of the USS Iowa, which is the only west coast battleship. You can also purchase train-related items in the gift shop.
The Hollywood Museum also has a screening room. There is a movie magic exhibit where you can see some of the most famous movie costumes and props. It is also home to a private Pullman car. You can even see the iconic boxing gloves worn by Rocky.
If you love cars, you can also visit the Nethercutt Museum. This museum is home to a collection of 130 classic cars, including a classic locomotive. It also features mechanical musical instruments and antique furniture.
Rodeo Drive
Located in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Rodeo Drive is a famous shopping avenue. It is one of the most popular shopping districts in the world. Rodeo Drive is known for its high-end shops and restaurants. You can find some of the best luxury brands in the world here.
You can find everything you need from clothing to accessories in Rodeo Drive. It is known for its ultra-modern shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. Some of the best stores on Rodeo Drive include Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Gucci, Hermes, and Saint Laurent.
If you are not into shopping, you can visit the famous Gagosian Gallery. This fine arts gallery displays the works of renowned artists. There is also a contemporary art gallery called Mouche Gallery.
There are several guided tours that stop at Rodeo Drive. You can also rent a bicycle or take a guided bike tour.
The Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance takes place every year. It is free for the public and displays classic cars. This event was started in 2009 by a group of people who wanted to revitalize the economy.
There are several buildings along Rodeo Drive that were designed to resemble historic European towns. These buildings are equipped with gas lamps, balconies, and cobblestone. The buildings have different levels and ramps that help visitors move between them.
If you are in Los Angeles during Christmastime, you can take part in the Holiday Lighting Celebration. It is a festive event with live music, theatrical performances, and Christmas lights.
Beverly Hills
Located in the Greater Los Angeles area, Beverly Hills is a vibrant city that is packed with fascinating elements. From the iconic Beverly Hills Sign to the world-famous Rodeo Drive, there is a lot to see and do in the city.
The world-famous Rodeo Drive is a two-mile stretch of pavement, filled with upscale boutiques and restaurants. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Beverly Hills.
Rodeo Drive is home to many luxury retailers, as well as the world's most famous celebrities. There are also several landmarks, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The Beverly Hills Sign is a 40-foot design that is also a popular tourist attraction.
Beverly Hills is home to several interesting features, including a number of art galleries and museums. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art hosts frequent exhibitions, and is located near Santa Monica Boulevard. It is home to more than 120,000 pieces of art in its permanent collection.
The Wallis Annenberg Centre for the Performing Arts is a popular cultural venue in Beverly Hills. It features two buildings, including a restored 1933 Italianate-style Beverly Hills Post Office. Its Bram Goldsmith Theater has a 500-seat capacity. It also has a terrace and sculpture garden.
The Beverly Hills Botanical Gardens is a private park located in Beverly Hills. It is owned by Susan and Dan Gottlieb and is open to the public for special events.