If this is your first time visiting, it's a must to visit! They have beautiful architecture and historical statues, objects, etc. The admission is free, but parking is $25 on the weekend. You must reserve a ticket on their website. It took me around 3 hours to complete everything, but the villa is quite small, but with so many artifacts to look and read through. Overall, great museum to visit! Tip(s): - Parking is $25 on weekend - Admission is free, but must pay parking - Reserve tickets online read more

The Getty Villa was the highlight of our visit to Malibu. From the outside, it doesn't look particularly large, but once you take a couple of elevators, you'll discover just how expansive it is. Admission is free, but parking costs $25. However, if you leave within two hours of entering the parking garage, parking is free. After parking, simply follow the signs to the main entrance. The grounds are beautifully maintained, with stunning views from the upper levels. There are plenty of fascinating artifacts and exhibits to explore, and the villa has many rooms to wander through, so plan to spend a few hours if you want to see everything. There is also a charming café and a gift shop. The gift shop has a lovely selection of unique jewelry, especially earrings, that are worth checking out. read more

Absolutely loved the Getty Villa. Half a century ago, J. Paul Getty rebuilt this Roman-style villa on the Malibu coast, inspired by the ancient Villa of the Papyri, to showcase his collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. The architecture is beautiful -- Roman frescoes, marble columns, peaceful gardens, and sculptures throughout the villa make you feel like you've stepped back in time. The cliffside location is also incredible, especially around sunset when you can enjoy the view of the Pacific with California's golden sky. What I love most is how calm and timeless this place feels. The architecture and the collection are elegant, understated, and never overwhelming. Admission is free (reservation required), and parking is $25 per vehicle. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Malibu or looking for a peaceful cultural experience. read more

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The Getty Villa is both an educational center and an art museum located at the eastern end of the Malibu coast in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, California. As one of the two campuses of the J. Paul Getty Museum, it is dedicated to the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. Its collection includes 44,000 Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities dating from 6,500 BC to 400 AD, featuring notable pieces such as the Lansdowne Heracles and the Victorious Youth. The Getty Villa was founded by businessman and art collector J. Paul Getty (1892-1976). We visited the Getty Villa on June 8, 2026, and found it to be an excellent family-friendly destination. Admission is free, with only a $25 parking fee, making it an affordable outing. The museum's collection is truly breathtaking, showcasing everything from sculptures and mummies to jewelry and sarcophagi - each piece telling a remarkable story. We spent about two hours exploring on our own, which seemed just right, taking time to read the exhibits and capture photos. The gift shop offered a variety of unique items, and we stopped at the Café for a small snack. While the Café was a bit overpriced, it was still a nice break. Overall, the Getty Villa is a wonderful and memorable place to visit. It's inspiring to see how Getty chose to share such extraordinary art and history with the public. Highly recommended! read more

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Such a beautiful museum. The grounds are so picturesque and there are lots of galleries to view as you walk around. It's near the beach and you can plan an entire day in Malibu if you're up for it. Tickets are free, you just have to reserve them online. Parking is $25 and you pay as you exit. I was able to pay at the guest services desk on the way out. Perfect summertime activity! read more

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The place... amazing. Wok will spend some hours there. But the Cafe was also amazing. We ordered the burgers and a couple of soft drinks. $65. Not cheap. Things we're taking a long time and just when we thought we would hunt our food down a server appologozed for the delay and gifted us some free hummus. Nice. The. Jew he's were fantastic and the staff was very accomodating and over all a great day. read more

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Visited the villa again. It's still amazed me of how far they've gone to maintain and up keep their art pieces. I think I can make it my annual art trip. read more

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We traveled 145 Miles North to the GETTY VILLA, a place where we had never been before. It was quite the sight to behold set high on the hill overlooking the ocean in MALIBU, CA. It was originally meant to be the home of John Paul Getty. As you drive along PCH, follow the signs carefully when you're told to take next right. It has an impressive three or four level parking garage. We arrived at 9:30 AM, and they let us in early to see the gardens and pool. I would say my favorite part of the place was the Greek Pool. We were let in at 10:00 AM, we focused on the 2 Main Exhibitions. We spent about another hour or so in the museum. As we walked through the museum, I kept thinking about what Michelle Williams's character Gayle Getty implied at the end of the Movie ALL OF THE MONEY IN THE WORLD. After the billionaire passed, they were finding MASTERPIECES under stairwells, under beds, practically tripping over themselves. I felt the same way. STUFF, and more Stuff!!! I want to thank everyone for their help in guiding us around. read more

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Roman, Greek and Etruscan art spanning 4000 plus years right here in Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles with breathtaking views of the gorgeous Pacific? Free admission? No way!! After driving past the world renowned Getty Villa so many times on the 405 Freeway I finally made it to this absolutely stunning gem. I was joined by my three very curious and ready to travel and conquer the world granddaughters who had read up on this. No guide needed. This replica of a First Century Roman Country house that was buried under Mt Vesuvius also had a coincidental close call with the recent fires In the area and came back stronger. Behold the lovely Roman style gardens that feature plants and herbs from the Mediterranean; the mosaic floors and the classical fountains in this calm and serene environment. There are over 1400 spectacular pieces of art( pottery, jewelry, statues and sculptures) plus an outdoor theater for special events and plays. Please do set aside 2 and a 1/2 to 3 hours to truly enjoy the entire experience. You also have to just sit in the gardens and take in the fresh air and the views. Goose bumps and conversations for days. Online timed reservations that are gratis. Parking is $25 and drops $10 after 3 pm.( you have to wrap things up by 4:30 pm). Closed on Tuesdays. There is a nice cafe on the villa campus. There is something for every age group. This truly was a WOW experience. read more

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This had been on my bucket list for years! So after the recent remodel, I had to check it out. Admission is free but you do need to book a timed-entry entrance via the website and parking is $25. My friend and I signed up for a tour which was well worth it. The grounds and exhibits are beautiful. Lots of opportunities for ig pics. Lots of books in the gift shop too. There's a cute family area where one can make their own hieroglyphics, even fun for an adult! Due to timing, we decided to check out the food at the café rather than drive out to a different location. My burger was decent albeit expensive. Would i eat here again, probably not but it's not a bad option dining al fresco. read more

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As an LA native, this remains at the top of my family's favorite museums in our entire city and we love bringing over friends and family here when they come to visit to impress them with its stunning beauty. Built to be a 1:1 replica of a destroyed villa from Mt. Vesuvius at Herculaneum, Mr. Getty really did his thing with this one!! I personally find the architecture of this museum to be its best part because it feels like you've been transported back into Ancient Rome before the eruption. The museum itself contains antiquities from Ancient Greece, Rome, and other societies both pre-dating the two civilizations from the same region as well as those that existed at the same time in different regions (Egypt) in an effort to put antiquity in context. Parking here is $25 and the gift shop always contains some fun gems. read more

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Awesome place to visit on a Sunday morning. I got the FREE tickets online to secure the time spot. You need to present the tickets at the first stop. You can bring your own lunch/snacks. They will inspect your bag and go through security style screening. The Villa is on multiple levels and it is handicap friendly. There are multiple lifts to take you to the various places in the Villa. The Villa has a middle garden with galleries all around it. Everyone working here is super friendly and attentive. The parking price is $25.00, and you can pay at the exit where you got screened to enter. There are also pay machines by the elevator. Make sure to download the app and bring headphones so you can listen to the information. You cannot use the app without the headphones. They have a cafe and restaurant at the museum. I will definitely return. read more

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A beautiful and organized museum. FREE - reserve your tix online with lots of available time slots to choose from. Parking is $25..worth it! We took the architecture and garden tour and our guide Bonnie was so nice and knowledgeable! You listen through earpieces so you don't have to struggle to hear. Highly recommend. The museum architecture is based on a Pompeii villa and is filled with lots of artifacts from Pompeii. From storage vessels to jewelry, plaster paintings, and sculptures. With two levels of rooms to explore, You can get lost in the amazing details!! The gardens are beautifully maintained. You a get lost in all the marble details- spectacular! Great way to spend your day. read more

The Getty Villa - Map of the grounds - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Pacific Palisades, California

Getty Villa is a wonderful experience and great activity if you are looking for something to do. Tickets are free, but you must make a reservation online in advance. However upon arrival, nobody ever scanned or asked for the tickets. Parking is in a very large structure, you will take a series of elevators to reach the entrance. This part was a bit confusing, as there is no staff directing visitors are giving out maps. We initially felt unsure of where to go and just started exploring on our own. Thankfully, we came across a very nice staff member who provided guidance and offered a private tour! Learning about the statue of Hercules and learning about its history was especially beautiful and interesting. The property itself is large and hard to see in one visit . The gardens are definitely the standout feature! It includes fountains, plenty of flowers and amazing sent through. There are also great photo spots, including areas on higher floors that offer great views. Overall, this was a great enjoyable experience ! I would highly recommend the Getty Villa if you're looking for something memorable and cost-effective. read more

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This review is just for the bathrooms. I feel like its getting harder and harder to find a working diaper changing station anywhere. The Getty Villa has the nicest dipaer changing station I've even seen. 10/10, no notes, would change diaper here again. read more

The Getty Villa - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Pacific Palisades, California

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* I've had the pleasure of visiting the Getty Villa on several occasions. * If you're interested in art, museums, historical artifacts, neat exotic cultural architecture or an amazing unique garden setting, you'll love it. * It's a bit off the beaten trail, but well worth the short detour to check out the exhibits. read more

Fun experience. Take the tours to get the real deal information on what you're actually seeing. It's definitely a learning experience and I have taken back with me more knowledge than what I had going into this museum. staff are friendly. parking is $25. Admission is free'ish read more

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The villa has an extensive collection of art ranging from Roman to the Egyptian and Greek, Etruscan, Persian, etc. the gardens are beautiful with the Roman feel full of herbs and grape vines, beautiful giant trees, and rose bushes. There's also a beautiful amphitheater and a nice little gift shop. Admission is free with a reservation and parking is $25. Definitely worth a visit. read more

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The Getty Villa is a pleasant retreat combining a replica of an Italian villa, a large collection of antiquities, and rotating exhibits. The museum does an excellent job of making its collection accessible through informative signage in everyday language. It goes way beyond statuary and showcases things like mosaics, frescoes, glassworks, coins, lamps, vessels, platters, jewelry, and funerary art. Yet while it is well-curated and substantial, it is a manageable size for a single visit. The Villa and gardens are enchanting, especially when coastal breezes waft through the porticos. Make sure to look up and admire the ceilings! You can see the ocean in the distance from certain vantage points, too. I didn't realize until after I'd lathered on sunscreen that they provide shade umbrellas. If you burn easily like me, I recommend grabbing one. One disappointment is that the Egyptian Book of the Dead exhibit was very small. It was still well-done, and I can't complain about getting to see the few items up close, for free. But, if this is your main reason for coming, just be aware that it's nowhere near as big as some exhibits you'd see at the larger Getty Center. Food was as expected: reasonable quality and taste with a museum mark-up. The staff at the cafe were surprisingly friendly. Overall, an enriching and relaxing day out. read more

Parking is $25 but we got free parking passes that they gave out at various civic events like CicLAvia. Museum and grounds are free but you need timed entry that you can reserve online. They won't let you onsite without reservations. The Villa is quite pretty especially on a nice day with the ocean views. The Greek/Roman arts on exhibit are great, with some Egyptian rotating exhibits now in spring 2026. read more

i used to think the getty was a little touristy for a native californian as i, but that all changed when i came here on a blissful sunday in january. it was winter, almost 5pm, golden hour, and the sunlight was everywhere. liquid gold, californian sun, covering every inch of the beautiful estate gardens overlooking the majestic pacific. the beauty of that hour, of the moment we shared here. my heart will be talking about it for ages. read more

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If you are a tourist coming to LA or you just want to go on a cute date with your partner or a family outing, come here. It's a very pretty place to go on a stroll and learn about different ancient artifacts and statues. It's super pretty and interesting to come here. The gardens are my favorite. Very very pretty!! The room with statues is my favorite room! If you have kids, they have a kids play area where you can decorate a piece of paper with stencils. It is a free place just have to pay for parking. read more

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The Getty Villa has been a destination for art appreciation since 1952, more than 3 quarters of a century ago. Smaller than her big sister, The Getty Center, but still hitting hard with its carefully curated pieces from across Rome, Greece, and Etruria. The intimate atmosphere is a true highlight of the Villa, with its feelings of visiting a Mediterranean estate in the rolling hills of the countryside, overlooking the ocean with breath stealing vistas and photo opportunities. Please do not visit the Villa with the idea to rush through; that is not the point of smaller installations like this. I find that allowing extra time for your visit will bring about more deep and thoughtful rumination's later on as you reflect upon what you witnessed during your tour. That hand-painted terracota vase with funerary scenes that caught your eye? It was crafted in Athens more than 700 years before Christ was born. Or how about the Roman statue of Venus Gentrix? Lovingly created just shy of a millennium ago, her shape has been recreated again & again over the many centuries. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Admission Price: Free! Café: Perfect for refreshments & lite bites. I really enjoyed their Kristy marshmallow square that was big enough for 3 people to share. Parking: $25 (standard), $15 (after 3pm), $10 (after 6pm). A "Pay Once, Park Twice" deal allows same-day parking at both the Villa & Getty Center for one fee.  Tickets: Book online at getty.edu to register for your reserved admission. This is required, just as it is for the Center , to keep foot traffic light and allow for better guest enjoyment. Volunteer Docents: These ulvolunteers undergo extensive training to provide educational, interactive experiences, helping to engage the public in art, science, and history. Feel free to pick their brains to ask any question you may have about the Villa! I wish that I had the chance to visit this location more often! I suffer from mobility issues due to a broken back and chronic pain. This location is very friendly to those like me that need ramps, lifts, and extra places to take a small rest around the estate. There is also plentiful spaces for handicapped parking immediately next to the entrance elevators. read more

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My husband knows how much I love museums, so he planned our Valentine's Day date at the Getty Villa and it could not have been more perfect. It felt thoughtful, intimate, and a little cinematic from the start. From the beautifully curated entrance to the textured cement walls and stunning open air design, I was completely blown away. Every step felt intentional. The history, the architecture, the symmetry, the attention to detail. It's one of those places where you can feel the artistry before you even read a single plaque. We used the Getty app for the guided tour, which was incredibly simple to follow. Each exhibit has a small number next to a play button, so you just match your location in the app and press play. It made the experience immersive without feeling overwhelming. I loved being able to listen to the stories behind the artifacts while standing right in front of them. We took the most beautiful photos and spent time sitting by the fountain, just taking it all in. The view overlooking the Pacific Ocean truly elevates the entire experience. It feels sophisticated but relaxed. And yes, it is absolutely high heel friendly. You can wear your finest linens and feel perfectly at home. We stayed just under two hours and covered almost every inch without feeling rushed. It was the sweetest Valentine's date and such a refined way to spend the afternoon. We will definitely be returning. read more

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Gorgeous museum space and lovely outdoor gardens. The museum is full of ancient sculptures and history. It's great for a free thing to do, we just paid to park after reserving our ticket online. read more

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Amazing visit today with my grandson and husband. Byron was so professional and kind in the cafe. He made our lunch a wonderful experience . The staff in the shop were stellar as well. Soooooo much better than last time. They are new staff and we loved the upgrade! I bought 2 rings, 1 pair of earrings, pencils, key rings, plushies, 2 journals and a game. It was fun like before the last crew. Thank u. The greater we met upon first arriving was so knowledgeable and so charming. The security crew was magnificent ! Usually the female was so rude rooting around in my purses with a filthy object. I finally sipped bring a purse. Today I had to bring my sketch pad, water color pencils and the check in was a breeze . Such nice polite staff. I don't know what happened to all the rude staff but I'm sure glad they are gone! Good job HR. Excellent training . read more

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As there are thousands of activities in LA to choose from, the Getty Villa may get overlooked a bit but it's definitely worth the trip. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous and the museum has a lot of interesting artifacts and information. As a whole, everything was done very well. There are a few things you should know before you go: 1. The museum is free however parking is $25 (card only). This should not come as a surprise as almost nothing is free these days. 2. While there are plenty of stairs to climb, there are elevators and ramps everywhere so it's accessible for wheelchairs or walkers. 3. As per Mr. Getty, the museum & villa is a replica and display his collection of ancient artifacts. Keep in mind Mr. Getty had a vision, please try to appreciate that. 4. There is a cafe on site. It is on the pricey side. If you don't want to pay a higher amount for a meal or snack, then don't eat there, just plan accordingly. 5. This museum is not kid friendly. There is too much reading, nothing interactive or hands on. Anyone under the age of 12 especially will be bored out of their mind. I would highly recommend not bringing your children. 6. My only negative is the staff aren't the friendliest of folk. Mostly they just ignore you but it's best to set your expectations low. read more

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This place has so much to offer whether it's classical art, architecture, food, or wine. It really has everything. The views are breathtaking and feels like a nice getaway from the world. They also have a great gift shop with very friendly workers inside. read more

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Incredible tourist destination right off the PCH. The history of the Getty family is fascinating, add into that the Roman history recreated at the Villa and you get magic. We came on a dreary, overcast day in LA. Locals told us both Getty excursions are worth it. You can see the ocean from up at the top. We did the garden and architecture guided tour, which led us through the Villa itself (a replication of a villa in Herculaneum, buried by a volcano around 79 BCE) and the surrounding gardens. I was particularly wowed by a pomegranate tree. Not sure I'd ever seen one before. Beautiful, twisted trunk. The bay laurel trees are stunning, too. The surrounding buildings and architecture are very well done. Modern, but complimentary to the villa. Entry is free, but parking is $25. Carpool and do it. I totally recommend doing the guided tours. You can just walk yourself around but learning the historical significance of everything makes the feat of this place all the more impressive. read more

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Great museum, parking structure with lots of space. The elevators and getting around just got a bit confusing. They have a nice cafe and coffee truck with coffees and matcha. Not too busy even during a holiday weekend. read more

The Getty Villa - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Pacific Palisades, California

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Amazing place was not expecting it to be this good. Also, the views were wonderful. The staff was very helpful. Also very informative. This is good to spend at least four hours. I also recommend the tours. read more

The Getty Villa - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Pacific Palisades, California

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What a beautiful place. Come early and start with a cup of coffee from the coffee cart and maybe a croissant. The cafe has a wide variety of dishes perfect for a quick lunch. It's so peaceful and the gardens are breathtaking. Highly recommend it. read more

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Set on PCH close to the beach, this place is gorgeous inside and out! I thoroughly enjoyed my day and visit here. So much art and history and a beautiful grounds area! I really enjoyed the beautiful plants, waterfalls, outdoor areas like the coliseum replica, and the overall beauty of the place. NICE to step outside in between my day learning or grab a bit to eat and sit outside. I enjoyed my visit here much more than the Getty Museum, but I think that's just because the grounds were so nature-y and breath taking all around :) Lot's of beautiful artifacts here. I recommend coming when they open so you have plenty of time to enjoy it and are not rushed. I came on a weekday and did online reservation tickets for timed entry, even though it was free. Parking is about $25. The address in google maps takes you to the old gate, and then you have to go all the way around as they wont let you u turn or come in that way so FYI. Do register for tickets online as they can fill up and turn people away. read more

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Came to check out the Book of the Dead exhibit and it was our first time here but we will definitely be back. The exhibit itself was informed, interesting and well laid out. The grounds of the museum were breathtaking. One could easily spend the entire day here between the various exhibits, the cafe, gardens and views. Seriously if you're in LA do not sleep on this museum. Yes the parking is $25 but admission is free. read more

What a unique experience -- definitely worth checking out at least once! Admission is free, though parking is a bit pricey at $25 per car. I spent about an hour exploring the entire Villa; it's not very large, but you'll get to see plenty of interesting exhibits and learn about its history. Make sure to snap a photo by the iconic large fountain! Not sure I'd come back since I feel like I've seen everything, but I'd totally recommend it to anyone looking for a free (well, sort of) or more affordable activity in LA. read more

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It's free except parking but hey it's still worth it if in Malibu Really great villa which who doesn't have an open amphitheater in their house? This place does! Connected to the other Getty since it's the same person who has this villa turned into a museum along with the money he had to continue its growth It's a fun side trek when in the area read more

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The Getty Villa is absolutely beautiful. The architecture, gardens, and ocean views make it feel like you've stepped into another country. It's a peaceful place to spend a few hours exploring, whether you're into history or just want a scenic day out. Parking is $25 in the on-site structure, but admission is free with a reservation, making it well worth the visit. read more

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The Getty Villa is free admission with 25 dollars parking. Located at beautiful Santa Monica with backdrop of the ocean. read more

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I visited the getty villa in 2026 and I was really looking forward to it because I was told there was lots of statue art here, but there really isnt that many statue pieces. You can barely see the ocean through the trees. I was pretty underwhelmed. The getty center is better. read more

Not sure if this is unpopular/controversial opinion, but definitely my favorite of the two Gettys! May be a bit further of a drive, especially with me coming from Long Beach, but I'll use any excuse to take a cruise up PCH. The only price you have to pay is $25 flat for all day parking, otherwise grab free tickets online from their official website, reservations are open for entrance by 30 minute time slots. Open every day except Tuesdays, we came on Christmas Eve which was still fully staffed albeit with holiday hours. The Getty Villa is Jay Getty's loving homage to the opulent Roman architecture of old, making the house and its gorgeous courtyards as much of the attraction of the museum as the ancient artifacts they store. There's a rotating featured exhibit on the second floor, which is currently displaying burial items from a newly uncovered Mycenaean tomb for the first time in the United States. My personal favorites were the Hall of Colored Marbles and the Outer Peristyle - we came on a rainy day, but when the sky finally opened up, seeing all that garden symmetry with the ocean in the background was just too beautiful for words. read more

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