The Getty Center is a stunning mountaintop museum that is one of our favorite museums in the world, with incredible architecture, outdoor areas, gardens, views, and noted contemporary art (Renaissance to present). Entry is FREE, with timed tickets that must be signed up for on their website. There are cafe's at the complex where you can enjoy a nice lunch on the terraces, or alternatively bring your own food. On any given day you'll find museum-goers browsing the exhibits, locals reading a book in the lawn, and artists sketching new works in the gardens. Parking is $20
The Getty Villa in Malibu is the sister museum to the Getty Center. Modeled to the exact specifications of an ancient Roman villa in Herculaneum (nearby Pompeii), it is dedicated to showcasing Ancient Roman, Greek and Etruscan art. It is a special place for Shelby & Demitrio, where Demitrio proposed to Shelby! Like the Getty Center, entry is FREE with timed tickets available on the Getty website, while parking is $20 per vehicle.
The Griffith Observatory is a landmark public observatory offering beautiful views of the city, from the downtown skyline to the Pacific Ocean, and the Hollywood Sign just up the face of the same mountain, along with exhibits about science and astronomy. We love parking below at Griffith Park and hiking up to the Observatory! Entry, hike and parking FREE
The Santa Monica Pier is the popular historic oceanfront structure as seen in the movies, featuring lively crowds gathering for the amusement park, aquarium, restaurants, concession stands, arcade, and views of the coast. You can check it out for an afternoon, or make a full day of it by going to the beach, walking right up to the pier, and later grabbing a bite to eat or shopping at the 3rd St Promenade just a few blocks from the beach!
Universal Studios Hollywood is a movie themed amusement park and working film studio offering thrilling rides, live shows, and BTS looks at real movie production. Our favorite attraction is one unique to this park, which is the Studio Tour; a full tour of Universal's sets and studios, included with the park ticket! Plus, Demitrio's favorite ride at any amusement park, Harry Potter & The Forbidden Journey!
The Malibu Pier is just a walk up the Pacific Coastal Highway from our wedding site, The Adamson House. If you're staying in the area, enjoy a brunch on the Pier at Malibu Farms Cafe, hit the beach below, watch (or participate) at Surfriders Beach, go fishing off the pier itself, and enjoy the incredible views and atmosphere!
In September, 2025, Demitrio played a show on the Pier, when he and Shelby saw the Adamson House just up the coastline, and were awestruck. The next weekend, they went to see it, and thus picked the site of the wedding!
A beautiful beach to soak up the sun and enjoy the lovely views of Malibu