Museums and Culture

If you've had enough of Hollywood and want more traditional culture, there's plenty of art and music in L.A. to satisfy a multitude of tastes. Here are some of the top museums and other cultural sites in Los Angeles. For more fun things to do, visit the Tourist Attractions, Unique Activities and Outdoor Recreation pages.

The Getty Center

Tour the collections of J. Paul Getty in a beautiful architectural wonder high above the city. The tram ride up the mountain to the museum and the colorful gardens you'll find at the top are worth the trip alone. For information and tickets, visit the Getty Center website. 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles

The Paley Center for Media

Learn about the history of these two broadcast mediums, or request your favorite show from their collection for viewing/listening on site. Formerly called the Museum of Television & Radio. For more information and tickets, visit the Paley Center for Media website. 465 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills

Hollywood Heritage Museum

The oldest motion picture museum in the world, showcasing archival photographs from the silent movie days of motion picture production, movie props, historic documents and other movie related memorabilia. Special weekly events include old film screenings and guest speakers from Hollywood's Golden Age. For more information, visit the Hollywood Heritage Musum website. 2010 Highland Avenue, Los Angeles

Petersen Automotive Museum

Explore the world of automobiles and the impact they've had on our culture. From automotive classics to concept cars, this museum is a delight for car-lovers. Visit the Petersen Automotive Museum website more for information. 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles

Museum of Contemporary Art

An eclectic collection of modern pieces, from de Kooning to Lichtenstein, housed in a warehouse-like building located in the heart of downtown. Admission is free on Thurdays. For more information, visit the MOCA website. 250 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles

Olvera Street

Get a taste of the city's Mexican heritage on this strip of old Los Angeles. Stroll past centuries-old buildings, be serenaded by mariachi bands and enjoy an authentic Mexican meal or snack from one of the street's restaurants or sidewalk vendors. For more information, visit the Olvera Street website. Olvera St. and Cesar Chavez Ave., Los Angeles

La Brea Tar Pits/LACMA

Watch as scientists dredge the legendary tar pits for fossils or just marvel at the stinky black goo that bubbles up in the middle of Los Angeles. For the more refined visitor, stroll through the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, one of L.A.'s most popular art museums. For more information, visit the La Brea Tar Pits or LACMA websites. 5801-5905 Wilshire Blvd.

Hollywood Bowl

From classical symphonies to movie scores to rock legends, the Hollywood Bowl offers a plethora of musical styles every summer. Tickets are very affordable and you can bring your own picnic dinner to eat under the stars. For more information, visit the Hollywood Bowl website. 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Take in L.A.'s finest orchestral music by the Los Angeles Philharmonic at this new classical downtown venue designed by architect Frank Gehry. One-hour audio tours of the center are available. For more information, visit the Disney Concert Hall website. 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

A house of worship, an architectural wonder and a tourist attraction all rolled into one, this recently-built modern cathedral reflects the diversity and history of Los Angeles. Tours include the 80-foot-tall pipe organ, a shrine to the Virgin of Guadalupe and a walk through the underground crypts. For more information, visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels website. 555 W Temple St, Los Angeles