Getty Center
A free architectural marvel with stunning gardens and panoramic LA views, housing world-class art collections.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Getty Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free architectural marvel with stunning gardens and panoramic LA views, housing world-class art collections.
"The Getty Center is a free architectural masterpiece with breathtaking views and beautiful gardens."
🚗 Park Smart
Parking is paid, but discounts are available after 5 PM weekdays & 6 PM Saturdays. Consider carpooling!
🎟️ Book Timed Tickets
Free timed entry tickets are often required. Book online in advance to guarantee your spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Central Garden
Central Courtyard
A stunning, meticulously designed garden with vibrant flowers and tranquil water features. Perfect for a peaceful stroll or a picnic.

Architecture & Views
Entire Campus
The striking travertine architecture by Richard Meier offers breathtaking panoramic views of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean.

Art Collections
Museum Galleries
Explore a diverse collection of pre-20th-century European paintings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, and decorative arts.

Tram Ride
Entrance to Museum
Enjoy a scenic and fun tram ride up the hill to the museum, offering a unique perspective of the grounds and city.
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Paid Parking
Timed Entry & Best Arrival
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Smart
Parking is paid, but discounts are available after 5 PM weekdays & 6 PM Saturdays. Consider carpooling!
🎟️ Book Timed Tickets
Free timed entry tickets are often required. Book online in advance to guarantee your spot.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the expansive grounds and gardens.
🧺 Picnic Potential
Bring a picnic to enjoy in designated areas or the beautiful gardens. A great budget-friendly option!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Smart
Parking is paid, but discounts are available after 5 PM weekdays & 6 PM Saturdays. Consider carpooling!
🎟️ Book Timed Tickets
Free timed entry tickets are often required. Book online in advance to guarantee your spot.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the expansive grounds and gardens.
🧺 Picnic Potential
Bring a picnic to enjoy in designated areas or the beautiful gardens. A great budget-friendly option!
📸 Capture the Views
The architecture and panoramic city views are incredibly photogenic. Don't forget your camera!
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Kids love the tram ride and there are often family workshops.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Getty Center for its stunning architecture, breathtaking panoramic views of Los Angeles, and beautiful gardens, all offered with free admission. While the art collection is appreciated, many find the grounds and design to be the primary draw. Some note that parking can be expensive and timed tickets are often necessary.
"What a beautiful place. You need a couple of days here to go through at least most if it there are 4 wings (north, south, east, west). Each wing has vista decks with stunning views of the city. They have every kind of art you could want to see. The architecture is amazing and the grounds are incredible with outside art to enjoy as well. Lots of places to sit outside and relax and take in the surroundings.
There is plenty parking. You pay for parking and the admission is free tho you have to book tickets online. Once you park, you take the elevator up to a team that takes you to the main building. Pretty cool"
Liseli P.
"Absolutely beautiful place to spend a few hours. The art collection is incredible, but honestly the gardens and views are just as stunning. Everything feels well organized and easy to get around. Parking was simple, and the tram ride up makes it even more fun. Great spot whether you’re into art or just want a relaxing day with amazing scenery."
Chen Deng
"I went there with my toddler and it was great fun. The train ride is so fun for little kids and so are the many pools and water features. My little one particularly liked the gardens with the small creek running through - he spent a good 30 min throwing leaves in and watching them be carried downstream. Plenty of spaces to set up a picnic if you want to bring your own food. He also enjoyed some of the paintings (for 30 min or so), especially if I was providing a talking tour explaining what’s in each painting and pointing out the body parts on the portraits."
Oana Gusatu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended public transit route involves taking the E Line to Expo/Sepulveda station, then transferring to the 761 bus which stops directly at the Getty Center. Some Redditors also mention the 233 bus as an option. This is a cost-effective alternative to paying for parking.
Yes, parking is available at the Getty Center, but it is not free. The standard parking fee is $20. However, there are often discounted rates for parking after 5 PM on weekdays and 6 PM on Saturdays. Carpooling can also help reduce costs.
Traveling from Anaheim to the Getty Center can take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours by car, depending heavily on Los Angeles traffic. If using public transit, it will take significantly longer, potentially 2-3 hours, involving multiple transfers.
No, you cannot drive directly to the museum entrance. Visitors park in the parking structure and then take a free tram up the hill to the museum complex. This tram ride offers scenic views.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can drop off visitors at the tram plaza, which is the starting point for the tram ride up to the museum. This is a convenient option if you prefer not to drive or use public transit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Getty Center is free, but timed-entry tickets are often required, especially during busy periods. It's highly recommended to book these tickets online in advance to ensure entry.
Your timed entry ticket is typically valid for one hour before and one hour after your scheduled time. This provides flexibility for your arrival.
Yes, general admission to the Getty Center is completely free. The only cost you might incur is for parking if you choose to drive.
The Getty Center is generally open from 10 AM to 5:30 PM, with extended hours until 8 PM on Saturdays. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current hours, as they can vary seasonally or for special events.
While reservations are recommended and often required, some visitors have reported being able to make a reservation on their phone upon arrival if they didn't have one beforehand. However, to avoid any potential issues, booking in advance is the safest bet.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted in the galleries for personal use, but without flash. Some special exhibitions may have restrictions, so always look for signage. The exterior architecture and gardens are also excellent for photos.
The panoramic views of Los Angeles from the terraces are iconic. The Central Garden, the striking travertine architecture, and the various courtyards offer numerous photogenic opportunities.
No, drone photography is not permitted at the Getty Center due to safety and privacy regulations. Stick to handheld cameras and tripods (where permitted) for your shots.
Yes, the Getty Center frequently hosts photography exhibitions. For example, during Pride Month, they have featured exhibitions like 'Queer Lens' that explore queer history through photography.
A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is ideal for capturing both the architecture and art. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the expansive views and gardens. A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is also great for capturing the city lights in the evening.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Getty Center has several dining options, including a restaurant, a cafe, and a garden plaza. The restaurant offers more formal dining, while the cafe provides casual fare. The garden plaza is a great spot for a quick bite or coffee.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food for a picnic is a popular and encouraged option. There are beautiful areas, especially in the Central Garden, where you can enjoy your meal with a view.
Dining at the Getty Center can be moderately expensive, especially at the restaurant. Bringing your own picnic is a much more budget-friendly approach.
The Getty Center's dining facilities typically offer a range of options, including vegetarian choices. While specific vegan offerings can vary, it's advisable to check the current menu or inquire with staff upon arrival.
Yes, there is a cafe that serves coffee, as well as other beverages and light snacks. It's a good place to grab a pick-me-up while exploring the museum and grounds.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Getty Center boasts impressive art collections, stunning architecture by Richard Meier, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views of Los Angeles. You can explore galleries, wander through the Central Garden, ride the tram, and enjoy the overall ambiance.
Most visitors recommend allocating at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the Getty Center, especially if you plan to explore the art collections, gardens, and enjoy the views. Some art enthusiasts might spend even longer.
Yes, the Getty Center is very family-friendly. Children often enjoy the tram ride, and there are often free family workshops and activities available. The open spaces and gardens are also great for kids to explore.
The Getty Center focuses on pre-20th-century European art, photography, and architecture, with expansive grounds and city views. The Getty Villa, located in Malibu, is dedicated to ancient Greek and Roman art and artifacts, housed in a recreation of a Roman country house.
Yes, the Getty Center offers various guided tours, including architecture tours and collection highlights tours. These tours can provide deeper insights into the art and the building's design. Check their schedule for availability.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful gardens, which is a budget-friendly and enjoyable option for families. The variety of art and the stunning architecture can also spark curiosity and conversation with younger visitors. It's a place where learning and fun go hand-in-hand.
💰 Budget Travelers
Another excellent way to save money is by bringing your own picnic. The beautiful gardens offer numerous spots to enjoy your packed lunch, making for a delightful and inexpensive dining experience. This allows you to fully enjoy the Getty's offerings without breaking the bank.
couples
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the Central Garden, or enjoy a drink at the restaurant or cafe. The combination of art, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed atmosphere makes it a perfect place for couples to connect and create lasting memories.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture of Richard Meier
Meier's vision was to create a complex that felt both monumental and inviting. The layout of the Getty Center is organized around a central courtyard, with galleries, research facilities, and administrative offices radiating outwards. The extensive use of glass allows natural light to flood the interior spaces, enhancing the viewing of the artworks and offering constant glimpses of the stunning Los Angeles scenery. The design also incorporates sustainable features, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to museum construction.
Visitors often remark on the sheer beauty and grandeur of the architecture, with many suggesting it's as much a draw as the art collection itself. The way the buildings interact with the light throughout the day, from the soft morning glow to the dramatic sunset hues, is a spectacle in itself. The travertine stone, in particular, gives the complex a timeless quality, making it feel both contemporary and classic.
Exploring the Getty Gardens
Beyond the Central Garden, the Getty Center grounds offer several other landscaped areas, including the Cactus Garden and the Tree Court. These spaces provide different sensory experiences and offer unique perspectives of the architecture and the surrounding landscape. Many visitors find the gardens to be a highlight of their visit, often choosing to picnic here or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere.
The gardens are not just aesthetically pleasing; they are an integral part of the Getty Center's overall design, intended to complement the art and architecture. The careful selection of plants and the thoughtful arrangement of spaces create a harmonious environment that enhances the visitor's journey through the museum. It's a place where art, nature, and architecture converge beautifully.
The Getty's Art Collection
In addition to its European art, the Getty Center also boasts a significant collection of photography, spanning from the earliest daguerreotypes to contemporary works. They frequently host special exhibitions that showcase diverse photographic genres and artists, including those exploring social and cultural themes. For instance, exhibitions during Pride Month have highlighted queer history through photography.
While some visitors might focus more on the architecture and views, many Redditors emphasize that the art collection itself is substantial and has improved significantly over the years. The museum also offers various tours that can help visitors navigate and appreciate the diverse artworks on display.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit