Exposition Park is one of Los Angeles’ most culturally dense neighborhoods, packed into a walkable footprint just south of Downtown. Unlike sprawling theme parks or isolated museums, this historic district places world-class science, art, sports, and nature within steps of one another. It is a destination where a family can hold a space shuttle fragment in the morning and stroll through a sunken rose garden by noon.
The park itself dates back to 1872 and has evolved into a public commons that feels both academic and recreational. Visitors often arrive for a single iconic institution, only to discover that the surrounding lawns and pathways lead to several other unexpected treasures. Because parking and traffic can be challenging, the best way to experience the area is on foot, treating the entire park as an open-air itinerary.
Local residents know that Exposition Park rewards slow exploration. Early mornings offer quiet garden walks and unobstructed photos of historic facades, while afternoons bring energy from students, families, and sports fans. The proximity of the Expo/Vermont and Expo Park/USC Metro stations also makes this one of the most transit-friendly cultural hubs in Southern California.
Whether you are planning a first visit or returning after years away, this guide focuses on the museums and attractions that deliver the strongest combination of education, beauty, and practical visitor experience. It is written for travelers who want to maximize a single day without rushing, as well as for locals looking to rediscover a landmark they may have overlooked.
Below, you will find a curated list of the best indoor and outdoor experiences in Exposition Park. Each entry includes what makes it worth your time, who it is best suited for, and how to plan around peak hours. After the list, you will also find insider tips on parking, free admission days, dining, and navigating the park efficiently.
Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
| Address | One Lucas Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90037 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is such a unique and impressive place to visit! The building itself is beautiful, and there is so much to see inside. I really enjoyed how the exhibits bring storytelling to life through art, film, animation, and popular culture. There’s a great variety, so even if you’re not normally a museum person, there’s something interesting around every corner.
The exhibits are thoughtfully put together, and I especially enjoyed seeing the connection between art and the stories we grew up with. It’s a great place to take your time exploring, and I definitely recommend giving yourself several hours to really experience everything.
Overall, it was a fun, visually impressive, and memorable visit. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in Los Angeles!
*Star Wars fans: This is a must see*
Reproductions of artwork by Ralph McQuarrie, Doug Chiang, Ryan Church for the Original and Prequel trilogies.
Life-size creations of various vehicles — these alone are worth coming to the museum as a hardcore Star Wars fan. Best to arrive early to avoid the long queue for the Star Wars gallery.
The museum’s stunning collection of work is not limited to just Star Wars. Beautiful artwork for fantasy, scifi, manga, comics, westerns, history, and individual artists. All artwork is on the fourth floor.
On the ground floor, the museum has a theatre on one side and a cafe + store on the other side flanking the main lobby.
On the second floor is a library *filled* with really fascinating books. I spent almost an hour in here browsing and only the bottom section of the three tier library was opened. I sincerely hope they open the two top tiers for members to browse!
The library overlooks the outdoor garden which flows from the second floor down to the ground floor. The sculpture garden is massive.
The fifth (top) floor has a smaller section of murals, including a massive 1934 Fresco reproduction of ‘Man, Controller of the Universe’ by Diego Rivera.
Also on the top floor is Skywalker Grill, which is *RESERVATION ONLY.* This is a bit of a bummer for members, as reservations are already booked out until November. But I will be back for the Grill.
Parking is below ground, with easy access to the museum entrance.
The Lucas Museum is sure to inspire the next generation of filmmakers. Thank you George Lucas!
It was truly something out of this world! So well done and the staff were amazing. Had a small issue and Storm went above and beyond to help me with a solution. Remember it’s brand new and will have a few links like any other new place opening. Just know you’re in a magical place that took so much energy to make. This is a must see when in LA or to even travel for
A great building with someone’s (George’s) private art collection. The member previews were disappointingly crowded with very long lines to get into the cinema exhibit. Some of the art is really incredible, but there’s no rhyme or reason as to the curation and it comes off feeling like visiting your rich arty friend’s house. Even the art descriptions themselves could have been expanded to describe how the art was collected or sourced. We came from the East Coast for the opening and were pretty underwhelmed.
I went to the preview and the party. They were pretty unprepared for a crowd and the staff didn't know how to guide they kept giving us wrong directions.
Everything is in the higher levels so you had to use an elevator which is really inconvenient since there's only so many and too many people. It got packed quickly you couldn't even enter the elevator lobby.
The party was worse since people were coming in at the same time instead of time slots. YOU COULDN'T GO ANYWHERE it was soooo packed. They had snacks and drinks but we didn't get anything they ran out well before not even water. They had to open up all the service elevators and fire stairs since there elevators were not enough. If you had came late like the invite said you would've been stuck in lines the whole time. If you were lucky you got experience the 5th floor, which was at capacity the whole time so we got in at the end of the night 🫠
The party was worse than the day. They did better for the creators day and they got better merch!!!
Pretty disappointed to be a member right now.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
| Address | 900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (213) 763-3466 |
I had an amazing experience at the Natural History Museum. From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the stunning architecture and the welcoming atmosphere. The exhibits were beautifully curated, informative, and engaging for all ages.
The dinosaur section was definitely a highlight—seeing the life-sized skeletons up close was unforgettable. I also loved how interactive many of the displays were, making it easy to learn while having fun. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to answer questions.
Everything was well-organized, clean, and easy to navigate, which made the visit even more enjoyable. Whether you're going with family, friends, or even solo, this museum is a must-see. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, educational, and memorable experience!
We had a great first experience at NHM of Los Angeles. Upon entering the dinosaur hall, we were greeted by a wonderful docent named Jane. It was a real treat to be led around the dinosaur exhibits by someone so knowledgeable and informative. I realize this type of experience may not be the norm but my 7 year old son and I truly enjoyed it. Thank you Jane!
We also bought tickets to see the 3D movie T. Rex. Nice theater with comfortable seating and a good show.
I would definitely come back to explore other areas that we missed today.
Founded in 1913 and located within Exposition Park, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) is the largest natural history museum in the western United States.
It houses over 35 million specimens and artifacts spanning 4.5 billion years of history.
The original 1913 Spanish Renaissance Revival building itself is an architectural masterpiece imbued with a sense of classical epic grandeur.
Spent most of my time here at the Dinosaur Hall. This is the world's only museum display featuring fossil skeletons of a T. rex across three distinct growth stages—baby, juvenile, and adult.
Watching the three differently sized T. rexes gathered around a prey skeleton creates an intensely captivating visual experience.
And was lucky to bump into a wedding (people were getting ready to commence it after the 5pm closing time), while not so surprised, as architecturally, the entire building is an amazing masterpiece itself, so not just the display contents but the structure.
Oh man this place is amazing. They have dinosaurs fossils, reconstructed dinosaurs from fossils, animals from different countries, a new Orca exhibit, and more. Level I there is like a little science center type deal for kids to interact with (although I as an adult interacted to). Level II is the primary museum, thats where you'll find all the main attractions I listed above. Level III is birds of the world. I think they have almost every type of bird discovered. The place is really cool, its not too pricey, and its a really interesting place to visit. Whether you are visiting from out of State or Town, or whether you live here in Los Angeles. This place is an amazing place to visit with or without kids.
The Natural History Museum in Los Angeles is an absolute must-visit. We took our three-year-old, and he was completely amazed by the massive dinosaur skeletons—it's a total dream for toddlers. While he loved the dinos, I was personally blown away by the Gem and Mineral hall. The collection is so stunning that there simply was not enough time for me to press my face up against all the displays I wanted to see. Whether you're going for the kids or your own curiosity, you could easily spend all day here and still want more!
Exposition Park
| Address | 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (213) 744-2294 |
Although flowers are in bloom it's a little bit lackluster compared to when I went many years ago. But it's always nice to go to since it's right next to the History museum and the science Center. I will say I wish there was less graffiti on the art decorations near the entrance by the metro.
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is one of the few stadiums in the world to have hosted the Olympic Games twice, in 1932 and 1984. It will also be a major venue for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, making it the first stadium in history to host events for three Summer Olympics. In addition, it will serve as one of the main venues for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
What An Incredible Place to take in some great sights, take a long walk with a loved one through the rose garden, and marvel at the History that surrounds this place.
What's also so Incredible are the free museums that surround this place.
Don't miss this California Gem!!
I loved the open air feel of this place. So much to see and do. We attended a wine🍷 tasting here which was phenomenal 😋.
Exposition Park is a fantastic place to spend the day, with beautiful green spaces, well-kept grounds, and plenty to see and do. Whether you’re visiting the museums, relaxing on the lawn, or taking a walk, the park offers something for everyone. Clean, spacious, and definitely worth a visit!
California Science Center
| Address | 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (323) 724-3623 |
I recently visited the California Science Center and had a really great experience. It's amazing that admission is free (except for the IMAX and Space Shuttle Endeavour exhibit) for how much there is to see.
The highlights were definitely the Space Shuttle Endeavour, the ecosystems with the kelp forest, and all the hands-on exhibits for kids. Everything is very interactive, well maintained, and educational without being boring. Staff were friendly and helpful.
Overall, highly recommend, especially if you have kids. You can easily spend 3-4 hours here. We will definitely be back.
This place is absolutely amazing and perfect for a day out with the family!
Getting to see the actual Space Shuttle Endeavour up close is a mind-blowing experience and worth the visit all on its own. The permanent exhibits are completely free to enter, which is a fantastic bonus. They have tons of interactive, hands-on science displays for kids, plus a really cool aquarium section with a walk-through tunnel.
Everything is super clean, well organized, and the staff are incredibly friendly. Definitely budget a few hours to see everything. Highly recommend!
California Science Center is honestly one of the most interesting museums in Los Angeles, especially if you enjoy science, space, and interactive exhibits. There’s a huge variety of things to explore, from aerospace displays to hands-on exhibits that make the experience feel engaging instead of just walking past information boards.
The highlight for me was definitely seeing the Space Shuttle Space Shuttle Endeavour. Seeing it in person is genuinely impressive because you don’t realize how massive it is until you’re standing next to it.
I also liked that the museum feels enjoyable for both adults and kids. The space is large, well organized, and easy to spend several hours exploring without getting bored. Definitely one of the best educational attractions in LA
Took the girls today and it was great! We got to the mummy 3d movie which was amazing. It wasn’t packed at all. Everything was good. The girls liked everything. It’s also pretty clean. The staff was amazing in answering all the questions we had. Will be going back soon.
Awesome learning environment for all ages, great for family outings. I am local, and I never tire of visiting. The Science Center never runs out of interesting expos, and this time it was the Mummy Exhibit. Again, awesome learning experience for all. My only three observations: some of the exhibits need revamping, they seem to have run out of real estate so they can't expand their operations, and finally they close way too early. Otherwise, it is a great place to visit, the staff is very nice and accommodating.
Space Shuttle Endeavour
| Address | 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (323) 724-3623 |
Seeing the Space Shuttle Endeavour in person was honestly incredible. Photos really don’t prepare you for the actual size of the shuttle — standing next to it makes you realize how massive and historically important it is.
The entire hangar has an impressive atmosphere, especially if you’re interested in space exploration, engineering, or NASA history. Being able to see a real shuttle this close feels surreal, and the exhibits around it help make the experience even more immersive.
I also liked that the space feels accessible both for adults and kids. Even if you’re not deeply into aerospace, it’s still hard not to be impressed by the scale and history behind it. Definitely one of the most memorable museum experiences in Los Angeles
Great exhibits here. Plenty of things to see and do. When finished they will have the entire shuttle upright and pointed to the sky. This is a must see attraction as it has a place in US history and the space program from nasa there’s isn’t that many place quite like this so it’s a must see attraction in my opinion. Metro station is nearby and a father cheaper way to get in and out of exposition park.
$3 to see one of human history's greatest technological and engineering achievement. Give your kids the benefit of seeing this, it might inspire them to reach higher.
The Shuttle exhibit is a really well done and for the price, there is no reason to miss this. They have a gift shop in there. Don't miss the External Tank outside. Excellent visit!
Today Tuesday 30 January 24th we came to visit Exposition Park and the future location of the Samuel or shine Space Center where the Space Shuttle Endeavor will be mounted in a vertical position inside a Center building!
The area is still under construction and it was cool to see the space shuttle mounted to the external storage tank and rocket boosters! Now they just got to build the building around it and no word yet on when the center will open!
It is worth a trip down to Exposition Park to see the shuttle and its current condition as likely the rest of the building will be going up very very soon and you won't be able to see any of it until it opens back up!
AMAZING exhibit with lots of information about all sorts of space missions. With 135 placards of information along the walls, this place will keep you entertained for over an hour if you so choose. The shuttle is GIANT and truly mind blowing. The gift shop is actually pretty cute, and the little jackets are adorable. This is definitely worth going to the science center. Once again, admission is FREE.
California African American Museum
| Address | 600 State Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (213) 744-7432 |
The museum is interesting, but kind of small and you can see everything very fast. It's good if you want to have a fast glimpse of the history and see some exhibits. The entry is free and there is no need for a booking. All in all it was an interesting experience.
The California African American Museum is a beautiful and inspiring space that highlights the incredible work of Black artists, architects, and visionaries. It was smaller than I expected, but very well maintained and thoughtfully curated. Each exhibit was engaging and educational, with a great mix of history and modern artistry. I truly enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to anyone visiting the area. A wonderful celebration of culture and creativity!
We thoroughly enjoyed this museum. We went there two days in a row. The Willie Birch: Stories to Tell exhibit was my favorite. The Free and Queer: Black Californian Roots of Gay Liberation was interesting. And of course it’s also a pleasure to learning more about Langston Hughes. We will be back soon.
I didn't notice this place when I walked past the Douglas DC-8 plane. It felt like the park office of the entire venue. It's a museum. So glad I went to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which showcases individuals in history. I felt like its very limited in terms on what they have in terms with subjects like racism, slavery or least mentioned of the riots of 65 & 92 well that was my expectations since I previously listed one in DC felt like had one in Cali.
The building is alright. I found myself wanting to experience it and I did staff very friendly and kind would give it a try while you can before you visit the History and Science in that location.
Nice museum not crowded. Free entry and parking was $20. Tuesday morning super clean staff was nice and helpful. The Exhibits changes check website if your looking for a a certain exhibition.
Exposition Park Rose Garden
| Address | 701 State Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (213) 763-0114 |
Very pretty area to rest and take in the beauty of the flowers. Could use a little more tlc but it does look really nice. The fountain was working when I went, very nice. There are teens vaping and unhoused but it’s a public park 🤷 they host weddings and private events from what I understand. The atmosphere is very nice. If there were security it might help deter the drugs and graffiti. The flowers do appear to be well-maintained, if a little sparse. Overall a nice visit, pleasant.
It's very nice for a relaxing walk and they also have 2 gazebos to sit down and enjoy the smell of all the different roses they have. The garde is pretty well maintained and it smell very good. The fountain was not working at this time, or maybe just not started at the time of my visit.
Free entry park located behind the California Science Center in LA. The rose garden is beautiful and well maintained. It’s clean, calm, and a perfect place to relax for some time.
A nice place to sit, people watch and observe the roses. Perfect for a picnic date or family hang out. Great for kids. Journal. Write poetry. Take photos of flowers.
Beautiful park, full of beautiful roses. Brings back memories. The best park to take wedding pictures or any special type of event. Most importantly its dog friendly 🐕
USC Fisher Museum of Art
| Address | 823 W Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90089 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (213) 740-4561 |
Outstanding presentation of the Founding Father's documents in celebration of the 250th birthday of American Independence. This exhibit was curated by the National Archives in conjunction with the USC Libraries and Fisher Gallery.
fairly small museum with different works of art, particularly a series on lynching. the art was good and i liked the space, just not a ton to look at. also the gate leading up to it was closed so you gotta go around through usc. free admission tho!
Beautifully curated exhibits and events, a more warm and helpful welcome from the security and skeleton shift, and a wonderful feel make this a must-visit and real adventure.
Beautiful, hidden gem. We visited from Vancouver and really enjoyed the vast array of artifacts on display here. The staff are very friendly, and knowledgeable. Good mix of traditional museum pieces and more avant-garde exhibits. If you’re at USC this is a must visit place, plus its free!
Some pretty incredible student work on display right now, as well as an exhibit of local LA artists.
I really enjoy the atmosphere, the space is very nice and well curated. You can enter from either outside of the campus or inside from the lawn. I believe it's free for everyone, but definitely free for students.
The Broad
| Address | 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (213) 232-6200 |
If you find yourself in Los Angeles, you absolutely must go—without a doubt! First of all, as soon as you plan your trip, I highly recommend getting free general admission tickets from their website. Why? Because without a ticket in advance, you’re likely to face long lines, especially on weekends.
Where do I even begin? Every section is legendary! Honestly, stop reading this, grab your ticket, head over there, and enjoy the art. Highly recommended! Oh, and of course, you know you aren't supposed to touch the artworks, right? If you do try to touch them, the staff in the room will politely warn you.
You’ll also find plenty of great spots for taking photos.
Parking cost $19. I can’t believe I have never been here living in LA. This is a really cool art museum. I loved the table and chair set up because as a tall person I have never felt short! The art is interesting. They have multiple different types throughout the museum. Michael Jackson sculpture, the blue, balloon, dog sculpture, the notes to your mom room, the writing in blue room, All very cool. Some of the stuff in here though I just did not want to see….
Great experience at the museum. I had not looked up the museum, but of course was familiar with the name so I did not have any expectations of the art.
As I was walking in the museum, I noticed work that looked to be Basquiat and was pleasantly surprised that I was correct. I also love the work from Warhol and was appreciative to see it in person.
Overall, it was a great experience and provided great photo ops. I also appreciate the fact that it was free and easy to get into. We had to get tickets, although it was free entry however this process was seamless. I would recommend getting them ahead of time, however, because sometimes sell out.
Visiting The Broad was an absolutely incredible experience from start to finish! This contemporary art museum features a stunning collection of breathtaking, world-class modern masterpieces that will completely captivate any art lover. The architectural design of the building itself is a spectacular work of art, setting the perfect tone before you even step through the doors.
The absolute best part about visiting this museum is that general admission is completely free! It is such a wonderful gift to the community and makes accessing amazing cultural experiences available to everyone. However, because it is incredibly popular, you absolutely must book your tickets online well ahead of time. General admission tickets open up monthly, and they tend to disappear very quickly, so planning your visit in advance is essential to secure your preferred date and time slot.
Once inside, everything is beautifully curated, spacious, and easy to navigate. The staff members are welcoming, highly knowledgeable, and always ready to help guide you through the galleries. Whether you are a local resident or a tourist exploring the city, this museum is a must-visit destination. It is an absolute 5-star
The Broad Museum in Downtown Los Angeles is a must-visit attraction. This architectural marvel of a museum offers free admission, but you must book your tickets online in advance to choose your preferred time slot. They also have a special exhibition that incurs a small fee. The museum features an impressive collection of contemporary art, featuring renowned artists like Warhol, Murakami, and Basquiat. Their bookstore is a treasure trove of vibrant and delightful gifts for yourself and your loved ones. It’s an excellent place to spend hours exploring and admiring the art. Another exciting aspect is the nearby Walt Disney Museum, which resembles the Getty Museum. It’s a fascinating sight to behold as you leave the Broad Museum.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
| Address | 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | (323) 857-6000 |
LACMA was one of the highlights of my trip to LA. The museum is large, with a wide variety of art to explore. I especially loved the live performance. It was so creative and engaging that I ended up staying for almost an hour just for the show. The artists were incredibly talented. The nearby La Brea Tar Pits added a unique touch to the experience. I'm so glad I visited!
David Geffen Galleries at Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) were impressive. The building is massive and extends above Wilshire Boulevard.
The art museum is located on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, near the La Brea Tar Pits. There are active digs next to the museum. It was nice to walk around and explore them. Impressionism at LACMA was outstanding as well. Particularly Nymphéas by Claude Monet was inspiring to see. Los Angeles County Museum of Art is a great place to visit in Los Angeles.
LACMA is definitely worth visiting! After the renovation, three buildings are now open, and there’s already so much to see. The museum features an impressive collection of famous artworks, and the galleries are spacious, clean, and well organized.
Plan to spend at least a full day here if you want to enjoy everything at a relaxed pace. Even with plenty of visitors, it never felt too crowded or noisy, making it a wonderful place to appreciate the art. Highly recommended if you’re visiting Los Angeles!
This museum is absolutely incredible and a total must-visit if you are in LA!
The art collection here is massive and covers a bit of everything, so there's always something cool to see regardless of your taste. Of course, checking out the iconic "Urban Light" installation outside is a highlight and looks so beautiful, especially when the lamps are lit up in the evening. The whole campus has a really cool, open vibe and the staff were super helpful.
Definitely budget a few hours to really take it all in. Highly recommend stopping by!
I highly recommend this museum. It had been over 10 years since the last time I came and it beat my expectations!
Things to know:
-Parking cost $23 at the Pritzker Parking on 6th street. There will be a sign that says “LACMA” parking. I was thrown off because there was another sign that said “LOT FULL” but when I asked the parking attendant about finding more parking he pointed me to the same lot just on a lower floor. I did have to drive around the lot a few times until someone left (Max 10 minutes) And they offer FREE valet parking ( I didn’t know at the time) So when you see their parking attendants ask them about it. So essentially it is “full” you just have to wait a little because people are constantly leaving or ask for valet parking. This was around 5ish during a Jazz night.
-There are elevators that will take you to the entrance of the museum. Choose “Ground”.
-LA residents get in free after 3pm on weekdays. I showed them a bill with my current address and ID. In addition they ask for your email address.
-All staff, from the people that check you in, to the security guards offer professional customer service and are helpful if you have any questions (which greatly helps with my social anxiety😅)
-The David Geffen Galleries are huge. I was there for 2 hours and didn’t get to finish seeing all the art. Beautifully designed and the art was beautifully displayed. Even the wall colors were on point.
-You may need more than 4 hours if you enjoy taking in art. There is ALOT to see inside and outside.
-Bathrooms are clean and scattered throughout.
-Pay for your parking before you leave the kiosk. They will be by the elevators in the parking garage.
-Jazz nights get PACKED!!! So get there early, like before 5pm if you want a good seat. That includes if you’re bringing your own chair.
*I didn’t get any food or visit the store so I can’t speak on either one.
I will definitely be coming back to the finish exploring the rest of the museum.
Butterfly Pavillon
| Address | 900 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Truly stunning experience on my first visit. Witnessed the birth of a butterfly in real time as one emerged from it's chrysalis before my very eyes.
My wife and I had a brief lapse of reason and bought the annual membership just for the chance to see such things on every visit. Very inspiring!
It gets warm in the enclosure, as it is in direct sunlight; bring a bottle of water and comfortable clothes for walking. Bonus points if you have a self-propelled mobility scooter; just be cautious of the ground-dwelling beauties.
If you love butterflies, don't miss this exhibit at the Natural History Museum!
We took our three-year-old, who spent the entire time looking around in absolute wonder. The pavilion features an incredible variety of butterfly specimens fluttering all around you. Because they are so active and plentiful, it is incredibly easy to take great pictures—and you are just about guaranteed to have one land right on you! An absolute must-visit if you are at the museum.
Amazing natural exhibition in the butterfly pavillon. You can be as close as you can from diverse species of butterflies roaming and flying around the pavillon. A truly unique and learning experience for all ages. Learn how plants and flora are essential to contribute to a healthy environment for the butterflies but also for us humans.
This a fun filled for the entire family and it’s educational to all ages. I bought the tickets online a night before going to the Natural History Museum on Exposition and Vermont Avenue in California
Absolutely love it, especially if one or two chose to land on you for a short period time. 📢beware of stowaways 🦋 aka escape artists🦋!⚠️ 🤭
The Getty
| Address | 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Phone | (310) 440-7300 |
A stunningly beautiful modern museum with great views of Los Angeles. It's designed by architect Richard Meier and built with Italian travertine stone. The galleries need time to peruse. They house European art - paintings and sculptures. It's free to enter, but you need to reserve parking online. Nearly all of the outside areas are accessible. Students from nearby UCLA are known to come study here for a change of scene.
This is the first place I went as a first time, Los Angeles visitor, and it was absolutely stunning. The grounds were huge and there was so much you could explore. While the architecture is impressive I think that the landscaping is some of the most beautiful I’ve seen. The backside also offered incredible views of Los Angeles. Of course the art collections were great as well. I think this is a must do activity if you’re visiting Los Angeles for the first time.
Stunning original artwork!
Perched on top of a landscaped mountain, the Getty Center truly delivers on its promise to provide relevant artwork.
The Center is full of inspiring artwork by incredible artists. It was easy to get inspired and swept away by the workmanship, vision and style of great craftspeople.
I was fortunate enough to get to see original artwork by Rene Magritte, Van Gogh and Claude Monet - some of my favorite artists.
The ride up on the tram is special (worth the wait) and the landscapes areas are really well maintained. The views of the valleys are spectacular.
The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable.
All in all - a very special experience.
Hands down one of the most incredible museum experiences in Southern California!
From the ride up the hill on the tram to the spectacular views of Los Angeles, the setting alone is worth the trip. The architecture and the Central Garden are absolutely gorgeous, and the art collection is world-class—seeing Van Gogh's Irises up close is unforgettable.
Best of all, general admission is completely free! Just make sure to reserve your timed entry ticket online in advance and be prepared to pay for parking. Plan to spend at least a few hours here exploring the galleries and walking through the outdoor gardens!
Another major LA tourist destination. Free admission but requires timed entry reservations online. Parking in the garage is $25 for the day and then you’ll take a free tram up to the Getty. Beautiful central garden with stunning views of the city skyline from above. A few of the exhibits were closed when we went but the collection of artwork we did see were nice. This place is huge and if everything was open would’ve taken many hours to walk through. I loved the garden and the variety of plants and flowers they had. Definitely a once and done type of thing. Relatively busy on a Wednesday morning.
Tips for Visiting Exposition Park
A little planning goes a long way in Exposition Park, especially because several major venues sit side by side but operate on different schedules. These practical tips will help you avoid common frustrations, save money, and create a more relaxed experience whether you are visiting solo, with children, or in a group.
Check for free admission days before booking
Several museums in Exposition Park offer free general admission on specific days or during certain hours. The California Science Center is always free for permanent exhibits, while other institutions may have monthly free evenings or bank-sponsored free weekends. Checking official museum calendars a week before your visit can save a family significant money.
Arrive early and park once
The parking structures around Exposition Park fill quickly on weekends and during USC events. Arriving before 10:00 a.m. gives you better parking options and shorter lines at popular exhibits. Once parked, leave your car in place and walk between attractions, as moving your vehicle often means losing your spot and paying twice.
Use the Metro Expo Line when possible
The Expo/Vermont and Expo Park/USC stations drop you within a short walk of the park’s main entrances. Taking Metro avoids parking fees entirely and eliminates the stress of event-day traffic. This is especially useful on Saturdays when the Natural History Museum and California Science Center see their largest crowds.
Pack layers and wear comfortable shoes
Exposition Park is an outdoor campus as much as an indoor museum district. You will likely walk several miles moving between buildings, gardens, and stadium areas. Mornings can be cool and overcast, while afternoons often turn warm and sunny. A light jacket and broken-in walking shoes make the day far more comfortable.
Bring your own snacks or plan a picnic
Food options inside the museums are limited and can be expensive. The park’s open lawns and rose garden are ideal for a casual picnic between exhibits. Packing water, fruit, and simple sandwiches lets you avoid long cafeteria lines and gives you a reason to sit and enjoy the park’s green space.
Check sports and event schedules before visiting
Exposition Park is home to major sports and entertainment venues. On game days or concert nights, surrounding streets close, parking becomes scarce, and the park feels completely different. If you are visiting primarily for museums, choose a non-event day or use transit to avoid the congestion.
The beauty of Exposition Park is that it does not demand a rigid itinerary. You can start with a single museum, wander through the garden, and still feel as though you have experienced something meaningful. The district rewards curiosity, and many of its best moments happen in the spaces between major attractions.
For visitors who appreciate science, history, athletics, and public gardens, few places in Los Angeles offer this much variety in such a compact area. Plan around the practical details, give yourself more time than you think you need, and let the park reveal itself at your own pace.
