The gorgeous site and view of Los Angeles, Santa Monica Mountains, and Pacific ocean from the Getty Center is worth the trip here. The Center houses the Getty collection of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present and incorporates over 500 plants in a 134,000 square foot garden in its middle. This Center Garden includes a natural ravine, tree lined walkway, a stream that cascades down a waterfall on its way to a pool featuring beds of azaleas that seem to float on the surface of the water. In addition, you may visit a cactus garden on the south promontory.
Make a day of a visit by having lunch on a large veranda with a great view. Visit the well stocked gift shop full of interesting items, some of which are garden related. There are many free tours including ones on the gardens and architecture of the Center. Check the daily listing as you enter the Center.
Admission to the Getty Center is free but there is a substantial charge for parking. Reservations are not needed. A free video, free tours of the museum, collections, and the gardens are available. Closed on Mondays and major holidays.
The official Getty Center website can be found here: http://www.getty.edu
