9) Getty Center, Los Angeles
For much of the mid-20th century, oil baron and industrialist J. Paul Getty was considered the world’s richest man. The Museum that bears his name and houses the vast art collection he acquired sits atop a mountain just above the San Diego Freeway and overlooks most of West LA. The multi-building complex is an architectural marvel, designed by famed architect Richard Meier, and can only be reached by tram, which is accessible from the street level parking area. Parking at the Getty is $15 per car, but admission is free. The museum’s extensive holdings are augmented by world-class visiting exhibitions, and the view from the Center Plaza is spectacular. The permanent collection includes among its vast array, European artwork by master Renaissance painters as well as photographs and modern sculptures. The grounds also feature a central garden area, which is an ever-evolving artwork unto itself. The Getty also features a café and a restaurant, and is a great place to spend the day.
