Last minute decision to visit the Natural History Museum, I've never been and I've lived in Los…read moreAngeles all my life. Parking was a bit small but there were spots available, it was a flat fee of $20. It's next door to the Lucas Narrative Museum that's opening in September and it looks amazing. It was $18 for an adult ticket and the overall experience was enjoyable, the exhibits were fun and informative. Some things were being shifted around but nothing that took away from the overall experience. I'd definitely recommend it if you've never been, especially for children as they were having a blast exploring.

A MUST DO IN LOS ANGELES! Adults and children alike will…read morethoroughly enjoy this museum! There is so much to see and you won't get bored. We love the Butterfly garden that becomes a spider garden in the fall! Don't miss the IMAX movies they add to the fun experience.

It was a great place for a date…read more Clean fun silly and somewhere I'd definitely take her to again

we love going to these little pop-up stuff that we see on social media or on Google and everything…read moreand this time we went to bubble world in Montebello. It wasn't that far of a drive for us and parking. There was a lot of parking and it was free and I believe you had to purchase your times to go and you wait in line and then you also have to sign like a waiver or something We love seeing all these high technology and everything. It was so cool so much opportunities for photos and a lot of things to do with your kids and they seem super entertained. I think we went in and it took probably a good hour or so to see everything and do everything so if you were ever in the area, then totally check it out just kidding. The exhibit was closed now LOL

Looking for something fun to do over the weekend? Admission to the Broad is free and Parking is…read more$19. Accessible by the metro, a stroll the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Living in Los Angeles, it's kind of rare to feel like a tourist in your own city. The Broad is a stunning gallery that has amazing pieces on display! We definitely booked tickets for Takashi Murakami and decided to double up on the Infinity Room. It was so fun and please do not sleep on the gift shop. The Takashi pins are nice gifts!

5.8.26 Tickets are…read morerecommended and can be reserved on their website, though walk-ins are accepted. Options include General Admission or General Admission with access to the Infinity Mirrored Room (reservations for this open the last Wednesday of each month). I mistakenly booked only General Admission and was disappointed to find that the Infinity Room was fully booked at my time slot. General admission includes access to the museum's third-floor galleries. I typically gravitate toward art museums over history or science museums, and this one delivered. The collection features primarily paintings, along with several portraits and sculptures--engaging and thought-provoking throughout. There is a parking garage located beneath the museum. Rates are $19 for the first three hours with museum validation, $7 for each additional 15 minutes, with a $29 daily maximum. There's also a $19 flat rate after 5 pm on weeknights and all day on weekends.

There are 3 parking options: Tower Plaza Parking Structure (602 Anton Boulevard), Irvine Parking…read more(3201 Avenue of the Arts), and The MET Parking (535 Anton Boulevard). I chose the Tower Plaza Parking Structure (near the Westin Hotel), which was just a short walk to the museum, while the other options are a bit farther. Parking is paid, about $6 per hour. Once you arrive, check-in is quick and no reservation is needed. Admission is free, and they provide a sticker that you'll need to wear throughout your visit. The museum is two floors, featuring a variety of sections and artists. The architecture itself is beautiful and perfect for photos, and the artwork is unique and enjoyable to explore. Overall, it's a great experience, especially since it's free. Tip(s): - Park at Tower Plaza Parking Structure (near Westin Hotel) and just walk to the museum - Free entry - Restrooms available - No appointments needed

To be honest, it was mildly surprising to learn that Orange County has its own museum of art, if…read moreonly because not many of the counties in the Bay Area do, other than SF. Yet, at the same time, given the size and population of OC, it also makes perfect sense. Either way, I can't say I ever would've guessed it would be this nice, though! Just a shame that their exhibits didn't really blow us away... Located in the burgeoning arts and theater district of Costa Mesa, just down the road from South Coast Plaza, OCMA is such a gorgeous looking building. Sure, it helps that it's only a few years old, but the look of this place is no less impressive. Right out in front, there's a 65-foot art piece in the middle of the plaza that helps connect all of the neighboring buildings. Inside, there's a fairly large gallery space on the ground level with rotating exhibits, an upper level that appears to hold their more permanent collection of pieces, a coffee shop right next to the gift shop, and a rooftop restaurant with a large open area/garden. Sadly, though, as nice as the museum's design and amenities may be, though, much of the artwork was just okay. While the artwork upstairs was fine, the featured exhibits didn't really speak to us. Obviously, art is subjective, but one included pieces that appear to have just been drawn with a spirograph. The other consisted of several photographic series, whose commentary on social media I can appreciate, but felt exceedingly voyeuristic in nature - one following/semi-stalking a fellow after a chance encounter, another of strangers invited to sleep in the artist's bed so they could be photographed/documented, and a third showing the belongings of guests at the hotel she worked at. Artwork aside, the thing that I like most about OCMA is how admission is entirely free. So, in that sense, it's impossible to be too disappointed with the experience and/or what we saw. However, one thing to note is that you do have to pay if you park at any of the nearby garages, which are all unaffiliated with OCMA. For example, at the one on the other side of the Segerstrom Center, it cost us about $10 for two hours or so. Alternatively, South Coast Plaza is just a few blocks over and parking there is free, but I don't know how aggressive they are with towing and it feels like a big gamble just to save a few bucks. All in all, even though none of the exhibits were really our flavor, we still had a good time checking out OCMA. Oddly, there weren't many other visitors here when we arrived, but it did seem to get busier as the day wore on (there was a big group walking in as we were walking out) and we certainly didn't mind not having to deal with a bunch of crowds around. Plus, as nice as the museum looks, it's actually fairly small compared to others I've been to elsewhere. Since the featured exhibits have so much influence on the experience, I absolutely wouldn't mind coming back to see whatever they happen to have featured down the line. The ones they had when we were here may not have interested us, but the next ones might! Plus, it doesn't hurt that admission is free! All in all, THREE AND A HALF STARS rounded down.

I've been bringing my son to this dinosaur park since he was 1yr old (he's six now) & it's still…read moreone of his favorite places. We drive a little over an hour & a half to get there and it's always worth it. Especially since it's located inside of the mall & the beach is pretty close by. The park is perfect for any dinosaur lover. My son & my nephews have an amazing time every visit. It's an incredible spot for birthday parties -- fun, interactive & memorable. The owner, Manny, is truly one of the kindest people you'll meet. His customer service is unmatched ... you can tell he really cares about families having a great experience. We'll definitely continue coming here for years to come. Highly recommend!

I recently visited Wonders of Dinosaurs with my family to take my three-year-old nephew, and…read moreunfortunately it was not worth the money. The space has two floors -- one floor is strictly jumping castles, and the other floor has mini rides and mini golf. The issue is that the rides and mini golf cost additional money on top of the admission price ($2 per ride). It's about $30 for a child and $10 for an adult just to get in, so having to pay extra for most of the activities felt excessive. There was also only one employee working the entire floor with the rides and mini golf, which made things feel understaffed and unorganized. Cleanliness was another big concern. There were crumbs and dirt all over the floors, and the men's restroom changing station was very dirty -- the baby changing platform was especially unpleasant. Overall, this place did not feel like a good value for the price. I wouldn't recommend it, especially considering the additional costs and lack of cleanliness.

Wow what a hidden gem!! The Raymond M Alf Museum of Paleontology is tucked away in Claremont on the…read moreWebb school campus. Since it is a high school, you must show your IDs at the gate to be given a badge to get onto campus. The museum is closed Sunday-Tuesday. Wednesday -Friday from 11am-5pm, and Saturday from 11am-5pm. Admission Pricing (March 2026): $12 General $9 Youth/Senior $9 Student with ID FREE 4 and under FREE CA teachers, EBT & WIC cardholders This museum is 2 levels. The top is a chronological walk through history and the bottom level is more of a hands-on interactive play area for kids. We spent about an hour at this museum. We had so much fun exploring history. In order we went through the Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic periods. The fossils and skeletons were so fascinating. This would have been such a great spot for a field trip back in grade school. I had a lot of fun exploring history and taking selfies. Highly recommended for those who enjoy dinosaurs, fossils, or history!

Chaperoned a field trip with my kid and it was a very informative and fun experience. It's close to…read moreour school and with two levels of artifacts, plus a guided tour, we learned so much info! There's even time for kids to play and even sketch. Only 60 or 70 people at a time though. We couldn't bring more than two classes of kids to the trip.

Needed a last minute outing to keep the kids busy so naturally, I googled my options. This…read morelocation was pretty convenient so off we went. Tickets were pretty easy to purchase online. I thought it was a timed entry but it is not...or it wasn't when we went. I followed the parking sign on the wall which led me to a lot just a little north of the museum. It was $20 to park there. Had I had more time to plan, I may have parked somewhere else as I felt that was a bit steep. I'm assuming metered parking would be hard to find in that location as it is in the heart of Hollywood. I thought it would be similar to the Museum of Illusions in New York, but rather than a museum feel, this was purely just photo ops. You can rent tripods at the front for $10. They also provide free lockers for your bags and stuff- which I would highly recommend. I didn't take up the offer in the beginning but soon realized that was a better option. I would also like to highly recommend and thank Tim! He showed us the ropes of how to take photos and he took some photos for us. He was friendly, professional and patient with my two young kids. He definitely knows his way around an iPhone camera and showed me some tricks I didn't even know. Tim's photos came out a lot better than mine as you need to find the perfect angle for the pictures to have that illusion effect. The tickets I purchased online also allowed us to go to the giant house next door and the upside down house. Tim came to the rescue again and took some amazing photos for us in the upside down house. It was a fun experience for all of us and I would definitely recommend visiting this location. If you see Tim, ask him for some pointers! Thank you, Tim!

I recently visited the Museum of Illusions and had mixed feelings about the experience. It was fun…read moreoverall, especially if you enjoy taking pictures. There are several photo-friendly illusion setups that make for some cool and creative shots. We bought the bundle deal and also visited the Upside Down House and the Giant House. While those were interesting to see, there still wasn't much to do at either location besides taking pictures. One thing I really appreciated was the front cashier--He was very nice and welcoming, which made the check-in experience pleasant. However, I don't think the visit was quite worth the price. It felt a bit too expensive for what it offers, especially considering the bundle included all three exhibits. The experiences are fun for photos, but they're fairly short and limited in activities. For the amount you pay, it would be nice if there were more interactive things to do or more areas to explore. Overall, it's a good spot if you're really into taking fun illusion photos, but if you're expecting a longer or more activity-filled experience, it may feel a bit overpriced.

June 26 & July 5, 2025 | Catalina Island Avalon | The Catalina Island Museum is a great way to know…read moremore about the beautiful island, including its history! Experience | It was amazing learning more about Catalina Island: history, the famous people on the island, including Marilyn Monroe, as well as well-known Writers/Authors, incredible art pieces, sculptures, pottery, photography & even the blueprint of the spectacular Casino... and so much more! Lights, Camera, Action | There is also a sit down Theater inside the museum where you can watch a 15 minute movie about the history of Catalina Island! Tickets | $12 | Admission throughout the two-level museum, both indoor and outdoor! Stairs and elevator accessible! Gift Shop | Fun books, postcards, beautiful tiles, souvenirs, jewelry, figurines, Bath & body products ... The gift shop has it all! Overall | I enjoyed every moment at the museum, as Catalina Island Avalon is one of my favorite places! Exploring the museum is a great way to know more about the island and it's history!

Beautiful museum in Avalon surveying its history, from Native American settlements to the Civil War…read more(!), the great fire, the Wrigleys, WWII, the Beach Boys, and beyond! Has a nice gift shop with quality souvenirs, a theater with an enjoyable movie that gives you a great overview of the island's history, well laid-out exhibits, and galleries with local art and pottery. There is a large rooftop patio with a nice view, and one of my favorite plaques (by the elevator), which lists some of the local slang! (Eg, non-islanders live "overtown" on the mainland) A visit here will enrich your visit tenfold, giving you context to the paradise around you.

I spent the day there with my sister who just turned 86. I hadn't been there since I was a young…read moregirl and didn't remember the challenging hills, probably because they weren't challenging to me then. Pushing my sister in a wheel chair was good exercise for me but thank goodness for the golf cart people who were so kind and gave us rides to wherever we wanted to go. We got to see much more than we would have without them. Our lunch was so tasty at the 1919 Cafe, and even enjoyed a glass of wine on the patio. It was a wonderful day. The Museum and gardens where beautiful and inspiring!

Do not miss the opportunity to see the botanical gardens, and reserve the whole day to do so. You…read morecan spend a solid 5 hours here, maybe more if you take your time in the museum exhibits. This is the perfect place for a date, family day, solo discovery, or any occasion really. If you're a local, the pass is a good way to go. If you're just visiting, pay the regular admission, it's still worth it. Take advantage of free days whenever you can.

I had did some research before I stepped into this creative expression of fun collections. This…read moremuseum is definitely an art experience worth visiting with iconic figures and street art that paints Mr. Brainwash's (Thierry Guetta) main mantra for the museum, "Life Is Beautiful" which is dedicated to honoring imagination, joy, creativity and inspiration. It's his own work that is displayed but he also references artists work such as the famous Banksy and other artists. A friend told me that the documentary, Exit through the Gift Shop, is connected to this museum. I have yet to watch but will do so to gain more understanding. Apparently, it was free museum day because there were hosts at the door greeting and letting visitors in. That was nice. It wasn't too busy but a good crowd to where I had to wait for my turn to take photos. It's three levels including the rooftop where more artwork is held and a view overlooking Beverly Hills. They also have a gift shop with unique items for purchase. I bought a cutesy pen with an engraved quote on it. To add, I was instantly moved by the creativity and effort they put into this museum. It brought a lot of inspiration. The art work gave me ideas of how I would want a part of my home to look like. It was a fun visit and would recommend for anyone wanting to dig into their imagination and enjoys art. I am also a sucker for anything that brings out the inner child in me and this place fed it well. Thank you, Mr. Brainwash and staff. Ps. The museum might be closed now. Unsure if it's temporary or permanently but still wanted to share my experience. I visited it in January of this year.

Wow! Had a wonderful experience coming here before the museum officially CLOSES this Sunday! (Jan…read more18). All of the work of one artist, Mr. Brainwash, is showcased in this whimsical three story building located across from a parking garage that offers free 2 hour parking. The art pieces were like none other I've seen before from other art museums, yet at the same time, poke fun/homage to all types of classic art. There is a big focus on pop culture icons such as Kobe, Tupac, cartoon characters, and especially Disney characters. Their Disney collaboration is at the rooftop and overall the museum is a great spot for some unique photos and videos. It is truly a shame this museum is closing so soon (it will literally be demolished after all the art here is moved out!) but I'm so thankful my boyfriend and I were able to experience this before the museum closes. - restrooms located on every floor, well-maintained and clean - art pieces come in a variety of mediums, well-decorated space full of so many masterpieces - Qr codes next to some paintings that are available for purchase - free admission, you don't even need any tickets to walk in