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Culture Lover's Guide to Los Angeles

From the Walk of Fame to LA's museums, here's where to go.

One of LA's popular museums
Hi, I'm Jen!

Jen is a Tahoe-based writer who loves traveling, food, and adventures. She has written about food and drink for the likes of Mashed, Tasting Table, and Getaway Reno/Tahoe. Jen spent 20 years living in China and Hong Kong, and has traveled to more than 75 countries. When she’s not out exploring the world or the great outdoors, you can find her curled up with a good book.

Los Angeles offers many attractions and activities for the culture lover, whether you prefer fine arts, museums, music, or food. Here are some of the top ways to soak up some culture in the City of Angels.

Immerse Yourself in Fine Art

The gardens and outdoor pool of the Getty Villa.
The Getty Villa is home to ornate gardens and sculptors.Photo Credit: Rolf_52 / Shutterstock

Los Angeles is home to a large number of world-class art museums. Must-see options include the Getty Center and the Getty Villa; Los Angeles County Museum of Art; the Broad; the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; the Huntington Library, Art Collection, and Botanical Gardens, and the Norton Simon Museum. In addition to their artwork, some of these museums are notable for their design and architecture.

Explore Hollywood History

Stars along the Walk of Fame in LA.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a tourist hotspot.Photo Credit: kjarrett / Shutterstock

For many, Los Angeles is synonymous with Hollywood and the movie business. Learn all about the movie industry and see top attractions, such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, the Egyptian Theatre, and the Hollywood Sign on a guided Hollywood history tour. Add on a studio visit to go behind the scenes and learn more about how your favorite shows and movies are made.

Visit a museum

The exterior of the Automobile Museum in Los Angeles with traffic going by.
Consider visiting one of the many museums in LA for a day of learning and fun.Photo Credit: Sergii Figurnyi / Shutterstock

Besides fine art, Los Angeles is home to a large number of fascinating museums on a wide variety of topics. Go back in time at the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum, see classic cars at the Petersen Automotive Museum, get a taste of cowboy culture at the Autry Museum of the American West, view dinosaur bones at the Natural History Museum of LA County, and get close to celestial objects at the Griffith Observatory.

Check out the music scene

Outside the Greek Theatre in LA.
The Greek Theatre is a popular visit.

Los Angeles is renowned for its music scene and plenty of big acts grace its stages. Get tickets to shows at small, intimate clubs where some big names got their start, to shows at outdoor amphitheaters such as the Hollywood Bowl and the Greek Theater. Or, see performances at modern architectural icons such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Visit as part of a sightseeing tour, or better yet, catch a show at one of these storied venues.

Dive into the food scene

A colorful fish taco truck in LA.
LA has a thriving food truck scene.Photo Credit: Idealphotographer / Shutterstock

The food scene in Los Angeles reflects its multicultural roots, with an array of ethnic flavors. Let your taste buds sample the range, from a thriving food truck scene to the freshest seafood from a seaside stall. Food tours make it easy to find and taste hidden gems.

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