Reservations are needed for this lovely little garden tucked into the middle of the CSULB campus,…read moreso we made ours the night before and grabbed a 12:00 PM Sunday spot. One thing to know before you go: check the operating hours. The garden was closing at 1:00 that day, so our visit was shorter than we would have liked. About 15 minutes before closing they started rounding everyone up, which was completely understandable, but next time I'd definitely book earlier. We brought Billy's mom and dad with us, and his father is 92 amazing years old, so we're always paying attention to how much walking, stress, parking drama, or general nonsense an outing involves. This one was about as easy as it gets. There's paid parking right next to the garden. I think we paid around $6.50, and the payment system was simple enough. Once you're inside, it's just beautiful. Little bridges, waterfalls, colorful koi everywhere (bonus! tons of baby koi this time!) lilies on the pond, flowers, and these bright red dragonflies flying around that completely caught my attention. There were families, students, people sketching, people feeding the fish, just a really nice mix of people quietly enjoying the space. What I especially like is that you don't have to make a whole production out of it. You can stroll, sit for a while, watch the koi, cross a bridge, look at the water, and just enjoy being somewhere pretty. Small, peaceful, easy, and genuinely lovely. It makes for a really nice family outing, and it's one of those places that's good to keep in your back pocket when you want to do something without committing to an entire day.

Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is a peaceful hidden gem tucked inside California State…read moreUniversity, Long Beach. I walked into a space that is smaller than some larger Japanese gardens, but the layout feels carefully planned with winding paths, traditional landscaping, a koi pond, waterfalls, bridges, and quiet corners throughout. It is the type of place where taking your time matters more than trying to see everything quickly, and the smaller size actually makes the experience feel more intimate. The garden feels like a world apart from the campus surrounding it, and the transition from the university grounds to the garden is immediate and effective. The koi pond is easily the centerpiece of the garden and one of the most enjoyable parts to spend time around. I found myself lingering by the water, watching the fish move through the pond as the sunlight filtered through the trees. The fish are large and active, and the surrounding greenery, stone features, and water elements create a very relaxing atmosphere. The garden does a good job balancing natural scenery with traditional Japanese design, with each section offering a slightly different view and feeling as I walked through. The bridges and stone lanterns add to the sense of place, and the sound of the waterfalls creates a calming background that stays with you as you move through the space. What I liked most about this garden is how calm it feels despite being located on a college campus. It feels separated from the surrounding area once you enter, making it a nice place for a quiet walk, photography, or just taking a break. The landscaping is well maintained, and the entire space has a slower pace that encourages you to actually stop and appreciate the details rather than rushing through. The garden's design rewards a slow approach, with each turn in the path offering a slightly different perspective on the pond, the plants, and the stonework. The visit is fairly quick since the garden is compact, but it works well as a relaxing stop rather than a destination that takes up an entire afternoon. Reservations are required, so it is worth checking availability before going. Admission is free, although parking is an extra cost and can be the main inconvenience, especially during busy campus hours. The garden's location on campus makes it accessible, but the parking situation can require a bit of patience. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is a beautiful spot if you are looking for a peaceful escape rather than a large attraction. The koi pond, thoughtful design, and quiet atmosphere make it a place worth visiting, especially on a nice day when you can take your time walking through the garden. It offers a brief but meaningful pause from the surrounding city and campus life, and the care that has gone into maintaining the space is evident in every corner.

Wow, this place was incredible. I'd been wanting to visit this particular museum for years and it…read morewas so worth the wait! There's a parking garage and staff to help you find a spot and direct you up to the museum. Once you get upstairs there's a nice courtyard with trees, some food vendors and the museum is right there. We walked in and the museum staff was right there at the front answering questions and directing you on where to go. I love that admission is free! We had booked our tickets in advance though, to be safe. We had a 12pm slot for the Infinity mirror room and had a little time before it started so we went up to the main level to check out some art really quick. We went back down to stand in line and it moved fairly quickly. You only get 60 seconds in the Infinity mirror room, and there signs and staff letting you know so you can prepare yourself while in line. This exhibit was really cool, I wish we could have gotten more time in there but I'm glad they limit it so everyone can see it. You could spend a while in there, it's so beautiful. The rest of the museum was absolutely incredible. I'd never seen Basquiat in real life. I fell in love with his art. The other artists here were incredible too. I genuinely enjoyed exploring this exhibit and taking in all the art and sights. It was such a fun museum! Unique art, fun installations. I cannot wait to go back soon!

I visited The Broad again and saw that their permanent collection has remained mostly the same. It…read morewas a little crowded when I went on a Friday with mostly tourists browsing the paintings. The process for obtaining general admission was the same for me as I just had to reserve online. This museum is rather small despite its large exterior, so I'd recommend combining a visit here with The Museum of Contemporary Art across the street if you have time. Currently, there's an opportunity to engage in a wholesome activity outside because of Yoko Ono's "Wish Trees for Los Angeles" installation. You can't miss it because many people have tied their personal wishes on little white paper tags to the branches of the century-old olive trees outside The Broad. Most wishes were written in English, but I also saw some in Spanish, Korean, and Chinese. I'd highly recommend taking the time to read people's wishes and write one of your own. It helped me take time to focus on a few out of many things to feel grateful and hopeful for.

This museum is in a really nice location. It's right next to the beach and you can't beat that. I…read morebought my tickets online and they had a special for 50% off. There's also free parking next to the museum which is a plus. It was my first time at this museum and it's a pretty small museum. When I went, the second floor was closed because there was an event that night. I went to see the Robert Williams exhibit which is on the main floor and there was a lot to see. There's also a lower level with an exhibit for local high school artist which is cool. Although the museum was small I was there for almost an hour. I thought the description of the pieces were very detailed and helped me understand what I was looking at.

This is a review for LBMA as a wedding venue. Wow, what a fabulous event LBMA creates for a…read morecouple's special day. They are professional, flexible and very kind. I loved working with the staff to create the perfect day for my daughter Simone and her new husband Ujwal. The venue is lovely on a warm summer night with the palm trees and the setting sun over the Pacific. Worth every penny! The memories are forever.

Beautiful and serene. Pine Wind Garden is a hidden gem behind the Torrance Civic Center. This…read moreJapanese garden is a lovely spot that is quiet and a perfect place for relaxation and reflection. I've visited this garden after some classes I've taken at the Civic Center as well as after some events. I love the pretty landscaping, the koi pond and the waterfalls. There's plenty of stone pathways to walk around. It's so picturesque. This is one of my favorite gardens in the South Bay.

This place is an oasis. Small, personal, but comfortable. It is directly behind the Torrance Art…read moreMuseum. Please donate to the Museum if you go and they are open. Pine Wind Garden is aesthetically pleasing and a cool place to hangout in peace and quiet. Do not feed the fish. Respect the property and enjoy your stay.

The adobe and grounds are a really great place to visit and understand living in the period. Area…read morehistory is interesting and informative. The docents are full of information and friendly. Entry requires visitors to call the office once at the entrance and someone drives down to activate the opening of the entry gate and then they turn around and follow you back in. Since it is an active senior residence security is important.

I booked the Sunday tour as a Father's Day gift for my dad, and it turned out to be the perfect…read morechoice. The ranch is a hidden gem between Compton & Dominguez Hills. The ground & adobe are beautiful & well maintained. Professor Tony was absolutely incredible--patient, engaging, and deeply knowledgeable. Although we had a minor accident that delayed the start of the tour, she was incredibly understanding and accommodating. Despite the unexpected hiccup, my dad had an amazing time and even said this Adobe Ranch tour was his favorite out of all the ones he's experienced. We're truly grateful for such a memorable day!

Did you know... if you need to stay indoors, you can view awesome sculptures and more art…read moreinstallations on the Paramount Outdoor Art Museum link here. Perfect virtual art tour from wherever you are. Save on gas, stay safe and healthy. Enjoy! http://www.paramountcity.com/government/outdoor-art-museum#ad-image-9

Free admission for all with a suggested donation of $5, a small neighborhood museum with rotating…read moreexhibits that reflect current events.

I would call this a hidden gem in Torrance. I had heard about it, but finally decided to visit…read more Best part, it's free. No charge. It's located in the civic center, in the back, so you can't see it off of the street. It's almost a game of hide and seek, where you need to find it. Even when I did finally find it, I wasn't sure I was at the right place or if it was even open. However, I was not disappointed when I finally walked inside. It's a teeny place. More like a gallery than what I would call a museum. Open floor plan. Great art though. An eclectic collection of paintings and mixed media when I visited. There were a couple other parties viewing the artwork. Not crowded. Parking: Free lot.

I recently visited Los Cerritos Rancho and had such a meaningful experience. From the moment I…read morearrived, I was warmly welcomed by the staff, who took the time to share the rich history of the landmark, including stories about the Bixby family. Walking through the home and gardens truly felt like stepping back in time. There's something incredibly special about being able to see and feel how people lived in the past--it creates a deep sense of connection and nostalgia that's hard to put into words. For me, the visit was also a moment of reflection--appreciating the lives and efforts of those who came before us, and how their contributions shaped the world we live in today. In such a fast-paced, modern era, it felt especially powerful to immerse myself in a place that preserves history so beautifully. I even remembered visiting here as a child, and coming back as an adult gave me a whole new appreciation for it. It's more than just a historical site--it's an experience that invites you to reflect, learn, and reconnect. I highly recommend visiting. It's a beautiful reminder that Long Beach is full of incredible history and hidden gems worth exploring.

Rancho Los Cerritos is a slightly hidden national historic landmark within Long Beach with…read moreGabrielino-Tongva roots. It was once a sheep ranch, cattle ranch, and even serves as an extension of our public library archives for local history. Entrance is free. Parking is free (and close to the entrance). There are volunteer-lead tours as well as printed maps to help you navigate the property. If you're planning to visit I'd set aside a half hour for everything. Bonus tip: they host events.

It's a free museum. How people gonna complain about free, especially in a prime area like Little…read moreTokyo. You got spare time to spend a lazy day? Go spend it regulating your blood sugar levels from that hearty ramen/sushi lunch by walking around the Geffen Contemporary. They definitely get some interesting work coming through here; from highly technical paintings to puzzling installations 'n shit that is so ugly, you can only call it a modern art masterpiece. Though among my favorites has always been Haruki Murakami and all the sculptures and prints around the concept of Super Flat and the marriage of pop art to a fine art setting.

I recently visited The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA and was genuinely moved by the current…read moreexhibition. The show reflects on the histories and legacies of post-Civil War America and how they still shape conversations today. It brings together decommissioned monuments -- many of them Confederate -- alongside contemporary works that were both borrowed and newly created for this exhibition. Seeing these monuments removed from their original outdoor settings and placed inside a gallery changes everything. Some are unmarred. Others are heavily vandalized. Each state of transformation tells its own story. It forces you to look at them not as background fixtures, but as objects with weight, history, and consequence. The contrast between the historical monuments and the contemporary responses is powerful. It's not an easy exhibition, and that's the point. It invites reflection, discomfort, and dialogue. If you're looking for something visually impressive and intellectually challenging, this is absolutely worth your time.

I went to the La Habra Children's Museum with my two sisters and my nephew, and we had such an…read moreamazing time! I took so many pictures because there were so many cute and fun moments. The dinosaur by the entrance was one of our favorites--my nephew loved it so much and was excited the whole time. One of the best parts was the stage and dress-up theater section. It was so engaging for the kids! They got to play, pretend, and really use their imagination. It was fun watching them interact, perform, and just be themselves. I also liked how social it was for children. Kids were playing together, sharing, and exploring as a group, which made the experience even better. It's not just fun, but also a great place for kids to build confidence and connect with others. Overall, such a fun and memorable day. Definitely a great spot for families with kids! Side not get camera ready! I took so many photos I only posted what I could for privacy reasons but such memorable experience!

So fun! Kids got to do a lot of different things, ride of a bus, farming, pick fruits from avocado…read moretrees, check out trains, see bears and lions. They loved the gabbys dollhouse treasure hunt too. They even had a STEAM learning area.