Embark on a self-guided tour of Westwood in Los Angeles and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic neighborhood. Designed for the adventurous traveler seeking an authentic experience, this tour takes you to 10 must-see places, from historical sites to nature nooks, offering the perfect blend of culture, history, and Instagrammable moments.
During this 3 to 5-hour tour, you can anticipate a fascinating journey filled with captivating stories and fun facts about Westwood. Take your time exploring each location at your own pace, with the freedom to start and finish whenever you choose. Get ready for an abundance of photo opportunities as you discover the most picturesque spots in the neighborhood.
This self-guided tour in Westwood is perfect for anyone looking to escape the typical tourist destinations and delve into the real heart of Los Angeles. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply a traveler seeking unique experiences, this tour caters to a wide range of interests. From solo adventurers to couples and groups of friends, all are welcome to uncover the hidden gems of Westwood.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Westwood, exploring its charming streets and iconic landmarks. This self-guided tour offers the flexibility and freedom to design your own itinerary, allowing you to spend more time at the places that intrigue you the most. With fascinating historical sites, a world-class art museum, and picturesque gardens, Westwood offers a diverse range of experiences that will leave you with lasting memories of your time in Los Angeles.
Before embarking on this self-guided tour, it's important to note that morning time is recommended, as it allows you to make the most of the attractions' opening hours. Additionally, keep in mind that transportation to the Getty Center will require a taxi. Plan for around 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the Getty Center and be prepared for a bit of walking throughout the tour. Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning architecture, impressive sculptures, and beautiful gardens along the way.
Travelers who have experienced this self-guided tour in Westwood rave about the unique insights and hidden gems they discovered. They praise the flexibility of the tour, allowing them to explore at their own pace and spend extra time at their favorite locations. Many reviewers highlight the stunning architecture, captivating stories, and historical significance of the sites visited. Overall, travelers express their satisfaction and recommend this tour to anyone looking to truly experience the authentic side of Los Angeles.
Cafe Chez Marie
One of the most popular places to eat in Westwood, Cafe Chez Marie is the first eatery in the US to incorporate French, Moroccan and American cuisine into its menu. But it’s not just the food that’s a big hit. The cafe is housed in an original 1930s French Normandy cottage and it really is one of the most charming settings in the whole city.
Los Angeles California Temple
The second largest temple belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, the Los Angeles California Temple is a cool building to see even if you’re not religious. Built in the Modernist style, it’s made from a mix of white Portland cement and crushed quartz, giving it a shiny appearance. The statue of the angel Moroni which sits atop the church can be seen for miles around.
Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park
While you may think that LA is all about celeb-spotting in the flesh, if you want to see the really big names of the yesteryears, head to Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park. Some of Tinseltown’s biggest celebrities have been lain to rest here, including Marilyn Monroe, Roy Orbison, Frank Zappa and Truman Capote.
Hammer Museum
Founded by industrialist Arnold Hammer in 1990, the Hammer Museum is the place to go for modern art. Whether you’re interested in photography, design, installations, or comic art, you can be sure that the Hammer Museum will have something for you. Best of all, it’s free to enter!
Regency Village Theatre
One of the neighborhood’s iconic landmarks, the Fox Theater is one of the leading movie premiere theaters, having hosted a huge number of premieres in its almost 90-year life, including Shrek, all the Harry Potter movies, Independence Day and Venom. With its legendary art deco Fox sign, Spanish Mission-style tower, and carved winged lions, it’s an impressive sight to see.
Admission Not Included
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden
Whether you want to stroll around and admire the wonderful flowers and plants or simply find a spot to sit and relax, the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardens is one of the most serene places in Westwood. It is highly recommended that you take the self-guided tour, which will help you spot some of the best plant specimens in the gardens, such as the weeping myrtle from Western Australia and the dragon tree from the Canary Islands.
Fowler Museum at UCLA
Located on the UCLA campus, the Fowler Museum is a fantastic museum specialising in world art, ethnography and archaeology. Here you can see artefacts from Asia, Africa, and the Americas, both past and present. Displaying everything from animal figurines to Mexican ceramics, you will definitely leave the Fowler Museum feeling like you have learned something new.
Admission Not Included
Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden
One of the most impressive sculpture gardens in the whole country, the Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden is home to amazing pieces by some of the world’s top sculptors. Matisse, Rodin, Arp, and Miro all have examples of their work on display, plus the five-acre garden makes for a pleasant stroll.
The Getty Center
As one of the world’s biggest arts centers, the Getty Center has some amazing exhibitions to check out. From European and American art both past and present to stunning architecture, it’s really not hard to see why the Getty is so famous around the world. Also check out the beautiful gardens, which never look the same twice! You should be aware that you will need to take a taxi to get to the Getty Center. Opening hours are 10am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 9pm on Saturday. As it’s such a huge complex, you’ll need around two to three hours to see everything. Because of the distance, it’s an attraction you would probably think about visiting only if you have the energy.
