The Getty Museum is as interesting for its setting as for its art collection. Set into a hillside, accessible by a tram that goes straight up, the museum has works from Old World masters such as Rubens to Impressionists including Monet, Renoir, Cézanne and Van Gogh. Visit the new sculpture gardens, which feature works by Miró and Moore. Tours of the galleries, gardens and architecture are offered daily.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art has seven buildings including the new open-air pavilion, the BP Grand Entrance and the Broad Contemporary Art Museum, with works by Richard Serra, Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns. In other parts of the museum, find Islamic art, Asian art, and paintings by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.
The original Disneyland is in the greater Los Angeles area, in Anaheim. There are now two parks: Disneyland Park, with "It's a Small World" and Main Street USA, and California Adventure, with its "Soarin' Over California" and "Tower of Terror" attractions. Explore the Downtown Disney District for shopping and dining.
The Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by Frank Gehry, is the home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. December offerings typically include holiday-themed concerts, but the Philharmonic does not always play in the days immediately surrounding Christmas. Be sure to check concert schedules and ticket availability in advance.
The famous luxury shopping strip Rodeo Drive is a great place to finish your holiday shopping, or just window shop (and people watch). Jimmy Choo and Prada are among the boutiques.
The Grove is an open-air mall with American Girl Place, Barney's New York CO-OP, and Michael Kors. Be sure to check out the adjacent Farmers Market, open daily.
Grab some Rollerblades and head to the boardwalk at Venice Beach, where joggers, skateboarders and power walkers all converge. You can rent bikes, blades, even surfboards here. Muscle Beach is where you can see body builders.
