The Getty

"A sprawling Southern California city and the center of the nation’s film and television industry."

"Before heading into the heart of Los Angeles, stop at the Getty Center to get your culture fix. Oil tycoon and art collector J. Paul Getty originally built the Getty Villa in Malibu to house his collection of European art. His foundation continues to fund the museum and the Getty Center, designed by Richard Meier. Ride the tram up to the top of the hill and spend a few hours exploring the galleries and grounds — they have excellent views thanks to their elevated vantage point." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"The Getty has established itself as the nexus of Los Angeles art, and its palatial grounds reflect that. Perched atop a hill in the Brentwood neighborhood of West Los Angeles (with 360-degree views), the Richard Meier architected space is a perfect union of medieval castle and rigorous academia. Floating bridges connect marble buildings, and you're never too far from a burbling fountain. And of course, the garden, built by legendary Southern Californian artist Robert Irwin, is a magical place to reset once you've had art overload. The museum's collection is vaunted. In fact, few collections in the world match up to the mix of ancient and modern. Seeking 2500-year-old Etruscan statues? Van Gogh's Irises? Delicate and rare illuminated manuscripts? 20th century photography from the likes of Robert Mapplethorpe and Walker Evans? The Getty has it all." - Maxwell Williams

"The J. Paul Getty Museum is renowned for its collection of pre-20th-century European paintings and decorative artists, plus 19th- and 20th-century American photography and sculpture. The museum is also famous for its stunning 134,000-square-foot, Robert Irwin–designed garden. The privileged perch and fun tram ride up are compelling reasons to visit. Admission is free." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"An art museum with impressive collections and spectacular views from the Santa Monica Mountains." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeare