There are many reasons to visit the Getty Center in L.A.--to see the various art exhibits, enjoy the gardens, catch a sunset, check out the architecture...Also, there are socials on Friday evenings with live bands and a bunch of hip looking people. There are various tours you can take throughout the day and there are kids' activities at times as well. You no longer have to make a parking reservation which makes it easier to visit and while it costs $8 to park your car, admission to the Center is free.

Last time I was in Los Angles the Getty Museum was under construction, so I was keen to visit it a decade later and see the place for myself.
This is a wonderful structure. Tremendous location on the top of the mountain, easily accessed from the ample underground parking via the monorail and this has to be the best FREE no cost attraction in LA. Wonderfully landscaped and you can easily spend hours wandering the four seperate museum buildings looking at the various exhibits.
This is a must see for anyone contemplating a visit to LA. Who says there is no culture in SoCal?

If you are in West LA make a trip to the Getty Museum. Even kids who don't like museums are bound to find enjoyment in the view - from the dramatic of the Pacific to the urban sprawl of one of the ugliest cities in the US - to the gardens.
If you want to splurge, get a table for dinner at the restaurant. Beware a meal for 2 with a decent bottle of wine will be $200 but what a setting.

We spent a morning at the Getty Center last week and loved it. I am not a museum fan and went mainly for the setting and the gardens. The site is gorgeous and the architecture is stunning. The gardens were lovely (better than the Huntington Gardens we also saw on this trip) and well laid out. We did enjoy the art as well -- more than l thought l would! The staff is helpful and the place is well run. Well worth the $8 parking fee (free admission).