The Getty Center

8/28/2014

cool picnic area bring some food and hang out listen to music tour the exhibits its a beautiful venue I cant believe We dont come here more often.

Food vendors are decent price wasnt too bad and the coffe stand was actually really nice

Cons;

PARKING PARKING PARKING SUCKS arghhhhhhh geez LA drivers and tourist in town ALL suck the the parking lot is soo tight no to mention (i am a CLASS A driver) so i know how to swing a rig but JESUS LORD help me in this parking lot

10/20/2013

Loved this place !!! So much to do and so many things to see. Beautiful views, sculptures, paintings, and art.

The only thing I would recommend is going early in the day so you can get a chance to see everything and also before it gets dark so you can see the beautiful garden. Overall it's an amazing place for family and kids as well. I would definitely recommend it for anyone.

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• See all photos from Gigi H. for The Getty Center

7/1/2013

This was my second visit.  I am always more impressed with the beauty of the massive contemporary structure and design,  than the art exhibits inside. The tram ride up is very efficient,  with long lines - which move pretty quickly.

The views up the Getty Center is quite spectacular! Located in prime real estate region of West Los Angels. Free admission to all,  just pay for parking in the structure, then free tram ride up and down the hill.

A must see,  massive,  and very memborable!

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  Creative and interesting for a date idea, something different...

  Creative and interesting for a date idea, something different...
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  Spectacular views overlooking city and ocean, prime real estate!

  Spectacular views overlooking city and ocean, prime real estate!
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  Serene outdoor sitting area to relax and enjoy on a nicer day out!

  Serene outdoor sitting area to relax and enjoy on a nicer day out!
• See all photos from Nine S. for The Getty Center

8/30/2014

entry fee is free, parking is $15..  and i believe there is NO option to park somewhere else and walk over as to get to the tram, you have to get into the parking structure and go up the elevators..  the tram goes to the actual getty center

so upon arrival after the tram ride, there are maps at the front building to help guide ppl..  the front building also has a gift shop and restrooms..  from there, explore away..  it'll take some time to explore all the wings as they are multilevel..  so be prepared for a few hrs

also, some exhibits don't allow cameras..  and NO exhibits allow holding any drinks..  even bottled water

8/6/2013

Wow, a must visit for anyone visiting LA!

While admission is free, the $15 parking effectively serves as your cost of admittance...totally worthwhile.  A tram takes you up to the entrance that'll lead to a beautiful open courtyard surrounded by several pavilions housing art, sculptures, vintage furniture and loads of other cool sights.  The garden's also a lot of fun to stroll through or lay back on the grass if you like.  Lastly, there's the gorgeous view of LA from multiple vantage points.

While lectures, shows and different exhibitions that rotate in and out throughout the year, there will almost always be something new to check out.  Carpool with a few friends, set aside at least a few hours of your day and soak it all in.

6/7/2014

The the Getty is extremely diligent in their racial profiling technique. They were careful to gently sidle and silently follow me around the gift shop and galleries with dexterity. I admire their commitment to reproducing racism, covertly through their extensive art collection and overtly through the congenial feeling all the staff managed to impart upon me during my visit.

3/10/2014

What is not to love about a free museum of arts with amazing views, plus a lavish garden where you can get lost and read a book...and even take a nap.

For everyone that lives in LA for at least 3 years this is a must for all ages...

6/16/2014

Very beautiful place!! It does take lots of time to get through it all if you fancy the place. A must see though. Go online for hours of op and exhibits etc.

12/4/2014

I never get tired of this place.  Beautiful inside and out with a stunning collection of art and paintings.  The garden is amazing also.

1/5/2014

This place is a must see! The museum is huge and is filled with things to see. I would recommend getting here early and alloting yourself 3 to 4 hours to spend here. I would also very highly recommend that you checked in and ask for an ipod guide.  This ipod is very useful.  Most of the paintings and sculptures have a number code. If you input the code into your iPod, you are able to listen to a 1 to 2 minutes description of what the painting is about. I loved having this tool because it enables you to go at your own pace and only get more information on the paintings you are most interested in.
Tips: parking is $15, free admission, restaurants and cafes are on the premises

12/2/2013

SO many annoying people. Pretty grounds and a decent view, but not worth the crowds. Sadly, trying to look at the art was annoying, what with the power-tripping excuse for guards that walk around telling you to step back (if you don't look like you know anything about the artwork). Note that you can be significantly further away than the next person down, if you look like me, you'll be repeatedly scolded for simply looking at the art. Age/race/baller profiling? Possibly. You must be a gentle, inquisitive-looking, preferably older white person to get away with up-close art viewing. I was about to throw a fit at one point. Had to work hard to remind myself that it isn't worth my time. I'd say that applies to this entire place.

1/24/2014

I love The Getty! First of all, it's free. Parking is kind of expensive, but I guess it's not so bad considering there is no entry fee. The grounds are beautiful! I suggest bringing a picnic lunch. They have a lot of free/awesome things to do. I took a drawing class and really enjoyed it. I definitely recommend this whether you're visiting or living in LA.  Would be a cool place to rent out for a private party or something.

2/18/2014

What a beautiful place! The parking will cost you atleast 15 bucks, but if you stay for less than 59 minutes then it's free! I love the garden and you can see a whole bunch of people having an actual picnic there. I sure wish I made like Yogi bear and brought Booboo along with a basket full of treats! Unfortunately the traffic cut my time way short here, so I shall be back to check out the exhibits!!!

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  Pretty garden!

  Pretty garden!

1/4/2014

I've been living in LA my whole entire life, and I finally got the chance to visit the Getty Center today. And I must say, it was an absolutely amazing experience!  I dragged my mom & sisters along too, and they loved it. The architecture is amazing, the exhibits are amazing, the views of LA are amazing, pretty much EVERYTHING about this place is amazing.

I had to subtract a star because I felt like the security was a little too overbearing which took some of the fun out of looking at the exhibits because they were literally breathing down your neck, which was highly annoying. But other than that, a great time was had by all...

11/4/2013

I agree with Airik regarding the fact that L.A. is underrated in regards to art museums.  The Getty Center is absolutely immaculate and it's contents, gorgeous and thought-provocative.

Their grounds are absolutely lovely and on a smog-free day, the ocean as well as downtown L.A. can be seen from the Getty.  My friend who went with me agreed that we would have to come back at least one more time in order to see everything that the museum has on display. We were there for almost four hours and only saw one third of it's displayed contents.

There was a lady there who, upon seeing my visage, looked as though she was about to have a heart attack (she was another attendee) so out of concern, I asked her if I should call for medical assistance.  She backed away from me whilst screaming "Nooo!  Nooo! Noooooo!!!"  It was very surreal, as her screams reverberated through the rooms and her screams reminded me of a horror film type of scream.  I didn't know what to think, but a little while later, someone informed me that the lady had been terrified of my blue lipstick and purple mohawk.  Just amazing.  A woman visits an art museum to see art, and then is afraid of someone's artsy hair design.  I thought it very odd.

8/1/2012

So beautiful. The architecture, manicured gardens, exhibits and views to die for.

So worth a visit if you have never been. I could spend an entire day strolling around or just laying on the grass.

8/13/2013

You would think that having lived in SoCal my whole life, my family would have taken me to the Getty Center. Nope. 21 years since I came into this world, with a little encouragement from a friend, we decided to go to the Getty. I'm glad I did.

Currently, construction is being done on the 405 near the entrance to the parking of the Getty. No Admission; this thing is free people. Parking is $15 before 5pm, and $10 after 5pm. Summer hours currently run until 9pm. The underground parking structure has you walk up to the Tram Station of the Getty which will take you up to the center itself. The architecture of the center is amazing to admire, and I loved looking at it and wondering how.

I'm not too big on art or sculptures or architecture, but I do know how to admire and recognize something as unique, beautiful, and pretty much amazing. No, i'm not talking about a girl [though that does fit too ;)], I'm talking about the amazing pieces that you can find at the Getty. Again, I don't know much about art, but it was a true pondering moment at each piece I stood in front of. Not really analyzing it, but more thinking to myself: "woah, that is pretty crazy and looks frikkin real." It's an experience that you should try out.

The Garden and Picnic/Grass area was my favorite part. It was so serene and beautiful, and definitely a Photo Op place. Others recommended bringing a picnic up there, which I WISH I did. I'm not sure what the rules are on that, but people were laid out in blankets and legitimately having picnics! So do it. Because everyone else is.

Would I go back again? Yes. The Friday I went, it was at 2:00pm, and it didn't seem too packed. I would try the picnic thing out.
Who would I go with? Honestly, anyone. Take a full car. It's only $15 for parking.
Advice? I'm bad at advice. But..definitely check out the Garden. Take pics. Photo Op the hellz outta that.

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  North View looking down into the Garden

  North View looking down into the Garden
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  South View within the Garden

  South View within the Garden

2/16/2014

I usually hate museums but damn this one is amaze-balls!! This place is huge and everything here is ridiculously nice! Even if your like me and not a huge fan of museums, I highly recommend that you come here to see the building itself. It's on a mountain/hill so when you're there, you get a crazy view of LA. I personally wasn't a huge fan of the museum artifacts but everything else about it was LEGIT! There's a pretty big cafeteria here and the food was surprisingly good for a museum. But the best part about this museum is that it's FREE!! I came here from the Bay Area and would definitely come back again

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  Garden area

  Garden area

8/28/2014

Beautiful museum with amazing outdoor spaces and views.  Always at the top of my list to take out of town guests.

3/23/2014

My family loves this museum. We just got there last friday and didn't get the chance to look around more because of the time. Next time, we'll be goind there on Saturdays to make sure we can look around for more. Thanks Getty Museum for letting me see the paintings for me ro start on my Art class homework :))

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  :D

  :D
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  Love the picnic place near the Tram :))

  Love the picnic place near the Tram :))

7/9/2013

I have to say the actual museum is really the thing on display here.  An amazing bit of work, the entire layout and the views are spectacular.  One thing that struck me also was how much better the air was.  After being away from LA for 20 years to come back and be able to see the beach at Santa Monica from the Getty was striking.  All during my stay it seemed that the smog was a whole lot better than when I was a kid and in college, making the views around town and this place amazing.

I think I almost liked the gardens better than some of the collection.  Although the current exhibit of photography by Japanese artists was fascinating and well done.  But of course the crown jewel did seem to be van Gough's Irises.  So pick a clear day and head up to the Getty, it will remind you why that area can be so amazing.

6/22/2014

Had a lot of fun.  Marked down 1 star because I called ahead and asked if they had EV charging available and they said, "Sure, just let the parking officer know where you pull in to the garage, and he will direct you to the EV charging parking area."

We get there and the EV charging station is 2 EV only parking spots with 2 household 110v outlets.  Got a 15% charge after 5 hours at the museum. They should really let people that drive 60 miles to get here that there isn't EV charging, at least until they get a real charging station.  So I'm sitting at a real charging station for the next hour just so I can get home.

6/6/2014

Construction maI remember the old Getty and the tough parking and I was never able to get in to see the famed Irises which remain one of my favorite paintings, so when the construction ended and the new Getty opened, I was ready to go for it, but time slipped by and I just never made it up there. This year on my birthday I decided a day in LA was a nice treat while playing legitimate hooky from work. The parking is the only thing that cost yu money; after you park you take an elevator to the museum entry courtyard and let the adventure begin. They have probably the nicest new gardens in LA and they offer plenty of shade and tables for you to enjoy a picnic lunch or purchase snacks and drinks form them to enjoy. The shade is harder to come by in the courtyard areas; therefore they offer umbrellas' to use for portable shade and plenty of them in stands around each doorway to each building. There are several buildings and each has a different floor filled with treasures. There are plenty of free tours including a museum highlight tour that tells you exactly what you need to see while there. The snack bars offer wine and beer and plenty of non alcoholic drinks and audio tours are available on iphones that are also free to rent with a license held at the desk. The staff is friendly and kind and the air conditioning has to the best in the state, in fact it was a blazing 1200 degrees and I looked pretty foolish carrying a sweater till I entered the buildings and the other patrons practically tackled me to get a hold of the warm garment. There is art for everyone, weather it is a specific era or style they have it all and you can easily spend a week adventuring around. I recommend a plan of attack and being satisfied with not seeing everything. The panoramic views on the decks can't be missed and even in the LA smog you can see the city to the ocean with ease. Although there is some congestion right now form road work, bear with it, it is worth the trip.kes it a bit tough to enter plan ahead and exit sunset

10/14/2014

I LOVE the Getty. Free admission but $15 to park. The views are fantastic. This museum is big and there's lots of walking between galleries (which I like). Take a walk in the beautiful gardens, have a picnic on the lawn, and see beautiful art. For example, I saw a couple Monet paintings (Haystacks, Ruen Cathedral), Van Gogh (Irises) and a Degas (the Ballerina) and lots of exquisite oil paintings and some pencil sketches. They are currently having a Ruben exhibit which is small but totally worth it of Ruben's paintings and tapestry recreations. It's a really nice way to spend the day!

3/30/2013

If you live in Los Angeles and you have never been to The Getty Center you are missing out and should rush over immediately when you have a day off work. This museum is more than that.

The view is splendid and the art is wonderful. I'm not a huge art person, I wouldn't be able to be to say oh this art piece is by this artist and it is dated in the 17th century. You really don't have to be and all the information can be read either through the website or in person.

One of my favorite spots in Los Angeles just to relax and chill out for the day. You will enjoy it with the company of friends or with your significant other. Great place to go if you are coming to Los Angeles.

Highly recommend going here if you are only able to visit one museum on your vacation. It is amazing, beautiful and you will want to keep coming back. Oh yeah and don't forget to take your camera for some pictures !

12/2/2013

Lovely place to catch a rare Rainbow over LA while hanging out with a wild dear sitting under a tree checking out the Rainbow too.  The views from the mountains to the ocean is spectacular.  $15 parking not bad for all the exhibits, views and gardens. Some of the exhibit areas can use some Febreeze but other than that can't wait to take a date here.  Restaurant, cafe and food carts are available. Ample places to sit and people watch.

5/9/2013

Here we are again, I feel the chemicals kicking in
It's getting heavy and I want to run and hide
I want to run and hide
I do it every time, you're killing me now
And I won't be denied by you, the animal inside of you at...THE GETTY CENTER! - Neon Trees (animal)

I came here with one of my closest friends from college and I was so glad that she was excited when we arrived since I took her here by surprise. I very much enjoy LA but when we took the tram up the hill away from the hustle and bustle of city life, we knew at that moment when we stepped off and saw the view in front of us that we were in for a special moment. The weather was just perfect in the late afternoon (sunny with a slight breeze) and there was a sense of sereneness that overcame us.

We started off by going straight to the garden area. THE GARDEN PICTURE YOU SEE ON YELP IS NOT LIFESIZE!! HAHA omg I was in for a huge surprise as it looked like from the pictures that it was an actual garden maze type thing that you could walk through and get lost in...that is indeed NOT the case. Nevertheless, it made for a great photo op.

We went through three or four exhibits (not sure how many they have altogether) and it got our creative juices going. We talked about inventions ideas, different artists that she was into, and although neither of us are huge historian geeks, we were able to appreciate french architecture together, which was my favorite exhibit.

Give yourself three hours and you should be good at the Getty Center. We were there for about an hour and a half (closes at 5:30) and there was still a lot more we could've saw. The views of west LA were cool and we kept going to the roofs of all the buildings to get different views overlooking LA. We actually took a lot of pictures and compared to see who's was better. I used to take photography so you know hands down who's was going to be better...her's of course lol

2/3/2014

I am a cheapskate I love places that allow me to spend little to nothing for what I'd probably pay a little more for.  I love museums, though I am not an art fanatic. The Getty Center is pretty awesome, especially for what you are paying. If you get a ride here and don't bring your car, you and your fellow museum explorers are basically enjoying the place for free, though I have not seen where the pedestrian entrance is, so I can't even say for sure. And even if you don't, carpooling with a few people amounts to a few bucks each.

The tram ride from the parking lot to the museum was fun! I felt like a kid riding the tram ride at Disneyland. You get a great view of LA from high up.
The Getty Center is a great place to go on those days you don't really feel like spending much money or if you're on a budget. A lot of students come here. I can imagine it being a great spot for young broke college kids (even better if they are Art History Majors) to come.

I almost think that some people come here just to take pictures. Everywhere you turn, people are snap~ snap~ snapping away taking pictures of paintings, artifacts, of each other, of selfies, the views, etc. And who can blame them? Inside the buildings, there is so much to see and take pictures of. Outside, the gardens, the ponds, the fountains, the view of LA all make lovely background for taking pics of one another.

Sometimes I get annoyed when there are unruly children running around, acting all crazy where they shouldn't be. I haven't seen many children here, but the ones that came were pretty well behaved. But of course, that probably won't always be the case.

I like the tranquility of the place. They have tables outside where you can just sit and enjoy the view. Quiet, calm places with nice views, - my kind of place!
The restaurants seem to close at different times. And when they're closed, your only option would be the coffee cart. If you are looking for food, they offer sandwiches, soup, and such. It's pricy, but if you are really really hungry, that's probably your only option when the restaurants are closed. Or, maybe you can pack your lunch to bring here if you plan on being here all day lol. No food/drinks are allowed inside, but if you have it tucked inside your bag, who will know, right (unless it is something really pungent)?

behgopa.com

6/20/2014

I took the bus here from UCLA as did many other people as the bus stop was full on the return back. It has a great collection, and the gardens are really romantic to sit with a date on. Bring your own water because they charge $3 for a bottle there.

11/29/2013

This is an absolute must see while you're in L.A.! The well manicured lawns expertly cared with the rest of the amazing landscaping intertwined with sculptures as well as the incredible view make this a stand-out for these things alone. Throw in priceless works of art by the masters along with ample parking and a tram ride that takes you up and down the hill...did I mention the awesome architecture? Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the grounds!

4/23/2013

Whenever I have visitors come to LA from out of town, I always take them to The Getty (Center). Despite coming here many times in my life, I am still not sick of this place. They always have interesting new exhibitions going on and walking through their Central Garden never gets old. Like Randy B. and others have pointed out, the architecture here, the views, the standing collection... all of it is amazing and definitely worth multiple visits. And admission is free! With parking currently at $15/car which is a pretty sweet deal if you carpool. It's pretty easy to get to, even if you do have to deal with the evil 405. And make sure to bring your camera since you're allowed to take (non-flash) pictures of all their permament exhibits (as long as they don't have a no-photography icon on the description).

The Getty has changing exhibits on the plaza level in their North Pavilion, West Pavilion, and Research Institute, as well as on the upper level of their Exhibitions Pavilion. On my most recent visit, I came with my mum and my aunt visiting from Korea as they wanted to see the "Looking East: Ruben's Encounter with Asia" exhibit, which will be at the West Pavilion through June 9, 2013. We also got to check out several of their other changing exhibits such as "Untold Stories: Collecting and Transforming Medieval Manuscripts" (North Pavilion) and "Japan's Modern Divide: The Photographs of Hiroshi Hamaya and Kansuke Yamamoto" (West Pavilion, L2). I checked out all four (N, E, S, W) Pavilions (didn't get to the Exhibitions one) as well as the Central Garden and it took me about 5 hours (including having lunch at the Restaurant). This is definitely a place where you can spend a lot of time and not realise it since there is just so much to look at!

Here are some of the galleries you can find in the different pavilions (list not exhaustive):
-- North: Italian Paintings, Northern European Paintings, Sacred Art, Glass and Ceramics in Europe
-- East: Dutch and Flemish Paintings, French Paintings, European Sculture and Decorative Arts
-- South: French Tapestries, French and German Decorative Arts, French Porcelain, European Paintings, Pastels and Watercolors
-- West: European Paintings, European Art and Design, Neoclassical Sculpture, Romanticism to Symbolism

You can also look through my pictures to see some of the pieces that they have here. Make sure to visit the gift shop before you leave and come back often since they also have lectures, film screenings, and live performances as well :)

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  Getty Center Courtyard Fountains

  Getty Center Courtyard Fountains
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  Central Garden

  Central Garden
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  A Young Girl Defending Herself against Eros

  A Young Girl Defending Herself against Eros
• See all photos from Esther K. for The Getty Center

10/13/2013

Try and find a more beautiful well stocked museum in So CA. I dare you. I love it here!!

5/28/2013

For those of you looking for a fun date or just a getaway for the day, grab your favorite book and a picnic, and head to the Getty! Parking is $13 and then you have free roam. They have plenty of shade and grass for a picnic near the garden.

This is also a great place to take people visiting LA. Plus you can get a parking pass if you want to drive out to the Malibu Getty and see both for just one parking fee... pretty cool! Thanks to those who keep the center going strong and beautifully!

6/24/2013

It was recommended I go when I visited LA for a weekend. I dragged two friends with me who are totally not art museum people. But I thought this was such a great thing to do.

1. Free! Except parking for $15. Why not do it. Plus parking is quite easy in their gigantic lot and then take the tram to the buildings.
2. Beautiful buildings - seriously. All white against wonderful scenery - clean and minimal. Lots of open space. Lots of places to sit and just soak up the sun.
3. Art - it wasn't all my type of art. but I did like the exhibit that was there about LA's architecture history and urban development. Very cool.

The only thing I disliked was our Architecture tour. I didn't feel like it was worth the time and I didn't learn that much from it.

1/14/2014

Free admission and $15 parking (may take a bit to find parking). But SO worth it! Such a beautiful place to visit!! We came a bit later after sunset so we didn't explore the gardens as some have suggested on yelp.  I was blown away by the endless rooms of amazing artwork and the architectural design of the Getty Center!  Gorgeous views of LA!!! Be prepared to spend a few hours walking around and enjoying everything.  

Tip: Come early so you can watch the sunset... or if you want to save a few dollars, Parking is $10 after 5pm.

8/8/2014

A rare gem of culture in Southern California. Wish there was as much amazing art as there is amazing architecture.

3/15/2013

Up until I came here last Saturday with a friend of mine from high school, The Griffith Observatory was my absolute favorite spot in all of LA.

Welp. My mind has been changed and I think will be extremely difficult to change it...Because I just bought the Getty and I'm moving in...Well in my imagination anyway...

Who knew a modern museum perched on a hill in Brentwood would be my new favorite place...oh wait. I like all of the above...So I suppose I would like this place by default. Yup. I do.

Many of my friends pleaded with me to visit this place...I had never known about it until Emi H and Michael C told me it was where I belonged. Well shit, I'm so glad I made time to peruse the gardens and take in the sweeping vistas of the city and beyond!

We came on the perfect day too..bright, sunny, and abso-freakin-loutely clear! We definitely saw all the way out to Riverside and OC. It rained the day before, clearing out the smog.

Anyways, this weekend, I'm moving into the terrace in the east building. If anyone wants to join me, you're totally welcome! I have tons of space here and would love it share it with someone who can appreciate this place as much as i do!

4/24/2013

The museum is designed by Richard Meier, and the central garden is designed by Robert Irwin. This place is at once stark, yet elegant, warm, and inviting. It has a wonderful inside/outside feel and is begging to be explored. I have been here multiple times and for different reasons - sometimes to intently study the art pieces, once to take my parents on an adventure and to enjoy the view, another time just for an idle lunch with a girlfriend on the terrace and to lounge on the grass, and yet another time with my small kids to give them some art exposure - and always to enjoy this scenic museum.

Parking at The Getty is $15, but entrance is free. The majority of the artwork is American and European, including a Gaugin and a Van Gogh. You can wander for hours inside looking at the artwork or explore the beautiful geometric cactus and succulent garden outside. There are also various activities for aspiring artists - a sketch class was available the last time I visited. This place provides a wonderful opportunity to experience LA and to soak in some amazing art and scenic views!

8/15/2014

Off the 405 - best kept secret in LA. Especially if you can make it for sunset-  spectacular!

8/4/2014

Great place for a business meeting. Ever since I was a kid I have always wanted to go here. Despite the long drive it was worth it. I never seen LA at such a nice angle before. I was so confused I thought this place was not free to visit, I guess it was all a myth. 15 dollars is such a great deal (parking cost). No place in Norcal can be like this. I even made my friend's first visit to California a memorable one. I really wish I could be here extra long but I could not because it was on a Saturday that I came here. No trip to LA is complete without this place. Don't forget to buy your lunch too