The Getty Villa: Explore Los Angeles’s Best Kept Secret

There are quite a few things that come to mind when I think travel to Los Angeles. There’s the famous Hollywood sign, its historic boulevard, Griffith Observatory, the many beaches nearby, and even the Getty Museum is often recommended. However, what’s often left off these lists, and my favorite place in LA so far, is the Getty Villa.

Elissa has grown up in the LA suburbs her whole life, and she insisted on showing me the Getty Villa on my first trip to southern California two summers ago. It’s been her favorite place all her life, and she knew I’d appreciate the Italian inspired museum! And I did. In fact, when I went to stay with her on a layover from Korea to Philadelphia this year, all I wanted to do was go back

The Getty Villa was originally designed after its namesake, J. Paul Getty, ran out of room for his illustrious art collection. With architects and even an archeologist, he made plans to create the villa based off of the Villa dei Papyri in Italy. Since Papyri was mostly destroyed after the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, they took inspiration from other, similar country homes from that era. Inside the villa, you can find different exhibits and galleries from ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan times.

It’s gone under a few renovations, the most recent ending in 2006. Each renovation has taken an incredible amount of time on the detail of this replica so that it truly feels like you’re walking around a first century Roman home. The garden area is especially gorgeous to explore in the afternoon.needn’t worry about overcrowding even as the villa grows in popularity. While tickets are free, you must sign up for a specific time to enter. This way they can regulate how many people come in and come out.

You needn’t worry about overcrowding even as the villa grows in popularity. While tickets are free, you must sign up online for a specific time to enter. This way they can regulate how many people come in and come out.

More Information on the Getty Villa

• How to Get There | Use these directions to drive: N Sepulveda Blvd & Getty Center Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90049. #1 tip to planning a SoCal visit, rent a car. It’s possible to take public transport, but it’ll be much more complicated (tips here).
• Opening Times: Sunday-Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
• Costs: Entrance is free, but parking is $15 before 3:00 p.m. and $10 after. You can pay once and park twice through the day.
• Booking: Use this page to schedule what time you plan to go.
• There’s free Wi-Fi as well. I don’t believe my or Elissa’s cellphones got reception.

Have you ever been to the Getty Villa or Getty Museum? It’s definitely something I feel like I’ll return to on subsequent LA trips!

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