A Day of Art in Los Angeles: Getty Center, Urban Light at LACMA and More

Los Angeles has world-class museums spread across the city. Here is how to string the best of them into one relaxed day.

Start at the Getty Center

Most art days in Los Angeles begin on the hilltop at the Getty Center, where panoramic city views, European masterpieces, sculpture gardens and striking modern architecture share one campus. Give it unhurried time. It rewards wandering as much as it rewards looking at any single painting.

Drive through Brentwood and UCLA to the Hammer Museum

From the Getty the route runs through Brentwood and past the UCLA campus to the Hammer Museum, known for bold contemporary exhibitions. It is a smaller, more intimate stop, and a good change of pace after the scale of the Getty.

See Ice Age fossils at the La Brea Tar Pits

Next come the La Brea Tar Pits, where you can see Ice Age fossils and active tar pits in the middle of the city. It is one of the most surprising places in Los Angeles, and it sits right beside the art museums.

Stop at Urban Light at LACMA

Just outside the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the rows of vintage street lamps at Urban Light are one of the most photographed art pieces in Los Angeles. It makes a perfect photo stop.

Lunch at the Original Farmers Market

The Original Farmers Market, at Third Street and Fairfax Avenue, opened in 1934 and is a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. It is home to local favorites such as Pampas Grill Churrascaria, the Gumbo Pot and Du-par's Restaurant & Bakery. Grab a meal, sample classic LA flavors, or simply enjoy the historic atmosphere before moving on.

Finish with the Beverly Hills Sign and Rodeo Drive

An optional last stop at the Beverly Hills Sign and a stroll along Rodeo Drive, time permitting, makes a fun end to the day.

Planning tips

• Museum hours, ticketing and exhibitions change, and some museums close on certain weekdays, so check each museum's current information before you go.
• Pick two or three museums, not six. Art days work best with time to linger.
• Decide what you care about most. On a private tour you can add, skip or extend any stop.

See it without the driving

Our Los Angeles Art & Museum Tour takes about 5 hours and is private for up to 5 guests, in a luxury zero-emissions vehicle with an expert local guide. It is fully customizable, and it starts with a complimentary pre-tour consultation so we can shape the day around your interests.

Sources: Water and Power Museum: The Original Farmers Market