You must see Travis Newport Beach at least once? 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 Balboa Fun Zone is a family destination located on East Bay Avenue on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach. Built in 1936 by Al Anderson, the attraction began with a small beach and a Ferris Wheel. The area was rebuilt in 1986 but went into decline until a new owner began reviving the Fun Zone in 1994. Today the area includes Balboa Village with its beach, boardwalks, hotel, restaurants and shops. Amusement rides include an 18 foot tall bungee ride called Ocean Motion, the Ferris Wheel, Fish Pipe, Burt the Bull Shark, and many others. Other attractions include the historic 1905 Balboa Pavilion, arcades, harbor cruises, and more. Read more information 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.
A pool of black tar in the middle of a green city park is an unexpected sight in Los Angeles, but the famous La Brea Tar Pits have provided a treasure trove of archeological finds for the nearby George C. Page Museum. Excavations of the prehistoric site have resulted in one of the largest collections of Ice Age fossils in the world. The oldest of the approximately 100 tons of bones hauled out of the pits date back 38,000 years. Complete skeletons of animals like saber-toothed cats, dire wolves and mastodons are on display in the museum. In the Paleontology Laboratory, visitors can watch scientists working on the latest finds.
One of the most iconic Los Angeles landmarks, the Getty’s dramatic travertine structure is a bona fide L.A. monument. It houses a world-class art collection, including works by medieval masters, as well as Monets, Van Goghs, Gauguins, and so on. Remarkably, admission to this 1.2-million-square-foot museum is free, and includes access to the gorgeous gardens, where you can enjoy incredible views over West Los Angeles. Check the online event calendar for something special every day, including hands-on art experiences for kids, art demos, and garden concerts. A cafe and a smartly curated gift shop round out the experience. Sunset Boulevard is one of the hottest L.A. tourist attractions, especially for those who appreciate glamorous nightlife. After the sun goes down, the lights turn on and the pretty people come out, all vying to slip past the velvet rope. (For your best chance at getting in, dress impeccably and bring plenty of cash.) These are some of the world’s most famous nightclubs, and most are devastatingly trendy, but West Hollywood does offer a scene for devoted rockers, too: the Whiskey A Go Go, the Viper Room, and the Roxy. Discover more information on Travis Newport Beach.