An awesome place : Travis Newport Beach and local celebrities? Known by locals as “The Back Bay,” Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserves is a large coastal wetland or estuary. Consisting of approximately 1,000 acres, it is one of the largest coastal wetland areas in southern California. The preserve is a popular place for bird watching because it is an important stopover for some 35,000 birds that are traveling on the Pacific Flyway, the major north-south migration path that extends from Alaska to Patagonia. In addition to bird watching, other popular activities include biking, hiking, and horseback riding. The park also features the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center which is a great place to visit with kids.
Undoubtedly among Santa Monica’s most iconic landmarks and one of LA’s top attractions, Santa Monica Pier dates back over 100 years. Home to the Pacific Park amusement park, the pier is recognizable for its solar-paneled Ferris wheel and rollercoaster, and it also boasts an original 1920s carousel hippodrome and the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. Though open all year round, the pier comes into its own during the summer months when it plays host to concerts, movie screenings and other activities, many of which are free to the public.
The Environmental Nature Center is a group of 15 California native plant environments. Founded in 1972, the 3.5 acre center features walking trails, wildlife habitats, and plant ecosystems such as desert, fresh water march, oak woodland, redwood forest, and many more. Nicknamed “The ENC,” the center is known for its strong focus on eduction. Some of the features and programs of the center include a butterfly habitat, summer nature camps, school programs, and a Nature Museum that gives children the opportunity to explore and touch things that come from nature. The center can be rented for meetings, parties, and weddings. Read more details on Travis Newport Beach.
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art lays claim to being the largest art museum in the western United States, with almost 130,000 pieces spanning from antiquity through to modern times. Of particular note are the outstanding collections of Asian, Latin American, and Islamic Art. The huge complex consists of a number of separate buildings that have been acquired and renovated over the years.The most recent expansion, known as the Transformation, saw the opening of several new buildings on the western half of the campus, designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop. Venice Beach deserves its reputation as a place to see and be seen, making it perfect for people walking, although the vibe here is a little unusual. This stretch of golden sand and the Venice Beach Boardwalk are always thronged with people walking, cycling, rollerblading, and jogging. Eclectic shops and street performers of all kinds line the walkway. The Skate Park, also just off the beach, is frequented by some of the area’s best skateboarders, and nearby are a number of creative art installations. At the appropriately named Muscle Beach, people pump iron in the hot California sun. Food stalls selling everything from shaved ice to kettle corn and funnel cakes make you feel like you’re walking through fair grounds. This is not a typical family beach, but it’s well worth a visit.
The oil magnate Jean Paul Getty was considered one of the richest men in the world when he established the J. Paul Getty Trust in 1953. Today, the world’s wealthiest art institution funds several institutions, including the stunning billion-dollar Getty Center perched high atop L.A.’s Brentwood Hills. A sleek hover-train funicular whisks visitors up to the museum where an extraordinary collection of artwork from the Middle Ages to the present awaits, including masterpieces like van Gogh’s “Irises,” Monet’s “Wheatstack” and “The Abduction of Europa” by Rembrandt. Outside, sculpture-ornamented gardens offer panoramic views of the Los Angeles Basin.
Tashichho Dzong: Another large monastery and fortress, this one is located on the outskirts of the country’s summer capital Thimpu, on the western bank of the Wan Chu River. This is traditionally the seat of the Dhama Raja, head of Bhutan’s civil government, an office held by the king since the monarchy was established in 1907. See extra info at Travis Newport Beach.