Los Angeles

There are two branches located downtown, but there is another at the Pacific Design Center on Melrose Avenue. They feature rotating exhibits.

Since its inception in 1965, LACMA has been devoted to collecting works of art that span both history and geography—and represents Los Angeles’ uniquely diverse population. Today, the museum features particularly strong collections of Asian, Latin American, European, and American art, as well as a new contemporary museum on its campus, BCAM. With this expanded space for contemporary art, innovative collaborations with artists, and an ongoing transformation project, LACMA is creating a truly modern lens through which to view its rich encyclopedic collection—more than 100,000 works strong.

The Museum of Tolerance MOT is a multi-media museum designed to examine racism and prejudice in the United States and the world with a strong focus on the history of the Holocaust. It is sponsored by the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

Griffith Park

A former ostrich farm, this is the second largest park within a city in the whole country and in LA, where you'd least expect it!, and is a great place for hikes, picnics or hanging around with friends. The hiking trails lead up to Mulholland Drive, and provide great views of the city. One of the main hiking trails is located on Bronson Ave. The street will end leading up to the trail. Griffith park has several options for kids, including the L.A. Zoo, "Travel Town" which is a free exhibition of old trains and model trains with trains rides for children $3, the Autry western museum, pony rides, a golf course, driving range, horseback riding, a christmas light drive in December expect traffic, and The Space Observatory.

Exposition Park

is surrounded by Figueroa Street to the east, King Boulevard to the south, Vermont Avenue to the west, and Exposition Boulevard to the north. In 1909, California's Sixth District Agricultural Association and the county and city of Los Angeles agreed to transform Agricultural Park renamed Exposition Park in 1910 into an exposition building and armory. In return, the county would construct and operate a history and art museum and the city would maintain the grounds.

Mulholland Drive

This famous road is worth a drive if you have your own transport. It's the setting for endless movies and first kisses, and provides great views over the city. The easiest way to enter is to head north up Highland Ave into the Cahuenga Pass - you'll come to a turnoff to your left that is signed. Beware of speeding cars near this intersection.

Olvera Street

This is the historic center of LA and the city derives its name from the pueblo established here Nuestra Señora la Reina de Los Ángeles - Our Lady the Queen of the Angels. The oldest building in the city is located here and is open to visitors, as are a number of Mexican restaurants and shops; it is across the street from Union Station.