Los Angeles, the most populous city in California, provides numerous activities and attractions for both residents and visitors to enjoy. Even if you haven't made specific plans while in LA, there are a number of random things for you to do and see, such as art galleries and museums, theme parks and zoos. Tourists may also enjoy visiting famous LA landmarks or experiencing the town while on a tour of the city.
The Getty Center is home to the Central Garden, J. Paul Getty Museum and Getty Research Institute. The Central Garden leads visitors on a journey of sight and scent as they make their way pass 500 varieties of plants on a tree-lined walkway that traverses a large stream. A cactus garden and other landscaping are also available for public enjoyment. The J. Paul Getty Museum offers visitors a look at a large collection of European sculptures, photographs, drawings, paintings and modern architecture that dates back to the 19th century. Visitors can also check out special exhibitions and collections at the Getty Research Institute.
If you're a thrill-seeker looking for excitement, visit Six Flags Magic Mountain — home to some of the fastest and largest coasters in the world. Besides massive coasters and thrill rides like "Goliath" and "Scream", the theme park also offers a variety of rides, entertainment and activities that the whole family can enjoy, such as "Daffy's Adventure Tours," "Grand Carousel," "Sky Tower," "Spooktacular Street Party", and "Yosemite Sam Sierra Falls." Special events and festivals held seasonally every year include "Fright Fest," "Dancefest," "Grad Nite," "Lifeteen" and "Jamz Holiday Championship". Restaurants and places to shop are also located near the rides and attractions.
The Staples Center is a multipurpose arena that plays host to a wide variety of special events throughout the year. Although the Staples Center is perhaps best known for being the home of basketball team, the Los Angeles Lakers, the arena is also the home of the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers, WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks and the NHL's Los Angeles Kings. In addition to home team sporting events, the Staples Center also hosts concerts, conventions, boxing matches and figure skating championships. The Staples Center has also been home to the annual Grammy Awards show since 2000.
Spend your afternoon visiting the more than 1,100 amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles at the Los Angeles Zoo. The large variety of animals represent more than 250 different species, according to the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association. Highlights of the zoo includes the "Campo Gorilla Reserve," which is home to two troops of gorillas; "Australia," which is home to echidnas, kangaroos, koalas and wallabies; "Red Ape Rain Forest," which is a Southeast Asian inspired rain forest and tropical habitat that houses orangutans and the "Winnick Family Children's Zoo" where children can explore caves and desert trails. Rare animals like snow leopards and Sumatran tigers can also be seen at the Los Angeles Zoo.
