Los Angeles Guide

Los Angeles Museum Tours

Explore Getty Center, LACMA, and world-class art and cultural museums!

58+ tours
From $25
2-4 hours
Los Angeles Museum Tours

Experience Los Angeles's exceptional museum scene rivaling any world capital! LA museums include The Getty Center (stunning architecture, European art, gardens with city views - FREE!), LACMA (largest art museum in western US with iconic Urban Light installation), The Broad (contemporary art), Natural History Museum (dinosaurs and gems), California Science Center (Space Shuttle Endeavour!), Grammy Museum, Petersen Automotive Museum, and Museum of Tolerance. Tours provide expert guides, skip-the-line access, and thematic explorations. LA's museums showcase everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary art, Hollywood history to natural science. Many museums are free or low-cost. It's cultural wealth often overlooked!

Featured Museum Tours Tours

Discover our top picks for museum tours in Los Angeles

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Admission
From $18
Free Cancellation

Delve into the natural world of past and present with admission to Los Angeles County's Natural History Museum. Encounter extraordinary dinosaurs, experience impressive nature, explore intriguing dioramas, and marvel at one of the most impressive gem and mineral collections in the world. The museum also features a seasonal Butterfly and Spider Pavilion and is home to one of the top fossil collections in California. Perfect for families as well as solo travelers, it's both an entertaining and educational way to spend an afternoon. Ticket value from online travel agencies cannot be applied to purchasing a museum membership.

4.5(106)
3h
View Details
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
From $25
Free Cancellation

Experience the magic of cinema through the lens of those who participate in the creative, collaborative process of filmmaking. The museum is conveniently located on Wilshire Blvd in Hollywood! Experience Steven Spielberg’s Jaws (1975) like never before. Jaws: The Exhibition celebrates the film’s 50th anniversary and revisits Jaws scene by scene, through original objects, behind-the-scenes revelations, and interactive moments. You can also see Barbie to Anna Karenina: The Cinematic Worlds of Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer, an immersive and experiential look at the works of one of the most distinctive production design teams working today. Director's Inspiration: Bong Joon Ho is the first exhibition dedicated to the internationally acclaimed, Oscar®–winning film director, offering a focused spotlight on Bong Joon Ho’s creative process, filmography, and cinematic influences.

4.1(43)
2h
View Details
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum Admission Ticket with Excavator Tour
From $18
Free CancellationSkip The Line

Discover the curiosities of one of L.A.'s most unusual attractions: La Brea Tar Pits and Museum with this admission ticket. Enjoy this unique experience which helps unlock the local mysteries of the Ice Age. Visit an active Ice Age dig site and watch paleontologists excavate millions of fossils before your eyes. From viewing saber-toothed cats, mammoths, dire wolves, giant sloths, and watching scientists work on excavated fossil bones — it's all done right inside the museum. Ticket value from online travel agencies cannot be applied to purchasing a museum membership.

4.5(193)
2h
View Details
Hollywood Medieval Torture Museum Ticket with Ghost Hunting
From $31.99
Free Cancellation

The Torture Museum Ticket includes admission to the unique exhibition that covers more than 7,000 sqft, audioguide (available in English and Spanish) and the Ghost Hunting Experience.

4.9(115)
45 min
View Details
Skip the Line: General Admission Museum of Tolerance Ticket
From $20.52

The Museum of Tolerance (MOT) is the educational arm of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, an internationally renowned Jewish human rights organization. The only museum of its kind in the world, the MOT is dedicated to challenging visitors to understand the Holocaust in both historic and contemporary contexts and confront all forms of prejudice and discrimination in our world today. Established in 1993, the MOT has welcomed over five million visitors, mostly middle and high school students. Visitors become witnesses to history and explore the dynamics of bigotry and discrimination that are still embedded in society today. Through interactive exhibits, special events, and customized programs for youths and adults, the Museum engages visitors’ hearts and minds, while challenging them to assume personal responsibility for positive change. Perhaps no other institution offers such a motivational mix of historical discovery and personal empowerment.

4.1(14)
1h
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Museum Row Tour: Space, Dinosaurs and Sports at Exposition Park
From $34
Free Cancellation

What do the Olympics, Space Shuttle, Tyrannosaurus Rex and Pope all have in common? Exposition Park. Come discover the vast and storied history of a beloved Los Angeles landmark on an expertly guided tour of the California Science Center, Natural History Museum and more. Exposition Park may seem like just another collection of metropolitan museums, but it's actually an epicenter of history and culture. During this 1.5 hour walking tour we will explore themes of nature, science, history, and astronomy as the guide takes you on a journey through space and time. Fun for the whole family or avid museumgoer! Come join us and elevate your museum experience to gain deeper insights of this beautiful and often overlooked part of LA with our knowledgeable and friendly tour guides.

5.0(4)
1h 30m
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Museum Row Tour: The Fast & The Fossilized on Wilshire Blvd
From $34
Free Cancellation

Discover the stories behind Wilshire Boulevard’s Miracle Mile on this engaging tour showcasing four remarkable museums. Your expert guide will lead you through their outdoor spaces, revealing the surprising connections between cars, art, film, and natural history in Los Angeles. We begin at the La Brea Tar Pits, where you’ll step back in time to see active fossil digs and remains of Ice Age giants like woolly mammoths and giant sloths. At LACMA, capture the perfect shot at “Urban Light,” LA’s most photographed landmark and learn about the largest art museum in the western United States. Then, marvel at the Petersen Automotive Museum’s stunning collection, from rare prototypes to legendary Batmobiles, a true car enthusiasts dream! Finally, we finish at the entrance of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, where you’ll get a taste of cinematic history and get to marvel at this historic Streamline Moderne landmark built in 1939 as a May Company department store.

5.0(15)
1h 30m
View Details
Joshua Tree, Richard Nixon Library and Museum Day Tour from LA
💸Special Offer
$227From $213.38
Free CancellationNew🔥Likely to Sell Out

Discover the Soul of Southern California in One Unforgettable Day! Journey from the buzz of Los Angeles to the serene beauty of Joshua Tree National Park, where the Mojave and Colorado deserts collide in a surreal landscape of twisted Joshua trees, massive boulders, and endless sky. Capture stunning photos, breathe in the desert air, and feel the magic of nature’s quiet power. Then shift gears and step into history at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. Explore rare artifacts, presidential archives, and immersive exhibits that bring America’s past to life. This tour blends awe-inspiring wilderness with rich historical insight—perfect for travelers craving both adventure and depth.

5.0(1)
8h
View Details
Private Tour to Getty Museum and Griffith Observatory
From $375
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Spend 4 hours seeing the city’s highlights, including your pickup and drop off. Your first stop at Griffith Observatory is nestled on Mount Hollywood. Griffith Observatory has some of the best views of the city. It has a planetarium and various exhibits. Take as many videos and pictures as you'd like. Your driver guide will then take you to the Getty Museum where you can spend 2 hours exploring the museum and modern outdoor sculptures.

5.0(2)
4h
View Details

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Why Choose Museum Tours in Los Angeles?

Getty Center

World-class museum with FREE admission and stunning architecture!

LACMA

Largest art museum in western US with iconic Urban Light!

The Broad

Contemporary art museum featuring Infinity Mirrors - FREE!

Space Shuttle

See actual Space Shuttle Endeavour at California Science Center!

Types of Museum Tours in Los Angeles

Getty Center Tour

Guided tour of art, architecture, and gardens at hilltop museum.

2-3 hoursFree admissionExpert guideArt & gardensMust-visit

LACMA Tour

Explore LA County Museum with diverse art collections.

2-3 hoursLargest WestUrban LightVaried artIconic

Museum Row Tour

Visit multiple Wilshire Boulevard museums in one day.

Full dayMultiple museumsLACMA + moreComprehensiveEfficient

Contemporary Art Tour

The Broad, MOCA, and LA contemporary art scene.

3-4 hoursModern artMultiple venuesCutting-edgeTrendy

What to Expect on Your Los Angeles Museum Tours

Duration

Single museum: 2-3 hours. Multiple museums: Full day recommended.

Getty Center

European art, gardens, architecture, and panoramic LA views - all FREE!

LACMA Urban Light

Iconic 202 restored street lamps installation - most Instagrammed LA spot!

Space Shuttle Endeavour

See actual Space Shuttle that flew 25 missions - incredible!

The Broad

Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms and contemporary masterpieces.

Diverse Collections

From ancient artifacts to space exploration to Hollywood history.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Getty Center FREE admission - only pay $20 parking (or take free shuttle)!

2

The Broad FREE but timed tickets required - book weeks ahead!

3

LACMA free 2nd Tuesday each month - very crowded but free!

4

California Science Center FREE including Space Shuttle exhibit!

5

Museum Row has 5+ museums on Wilshire Blvd - walkable area.

6

Getty Villa (separate from Getty Center) requires advance reservation.

7

Many museums closed Mondays - check schedules before planning.

8

Parking expensive at most museums - use public transit if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is the Getty Center free?

A: YES! Getty Center admission is FREE - only pay $20 parking ($15 after 3 PM). Take free shuttle from parking to museum. It has world-class art, Richard Meier architecture, gardens, and incredible LA views. Must-visit LA museum! Plan 2-3 hours minimum.

Q:What is the best museum in LA?

A: Getty Center (#1 - FREE, art, architecture, views). LACMA (largest, diverse). The Broad (contemporary art, FREE). Natural History Museum (families). Each excellent - choose based on interests! Getty Center most comprehensive and FREE!

Q:How much do LA museums cost?

A: Getty Center: FREE. The Broad: FREE. LACMA: $25. Natural History: $15. California Science Center: FREE! Petersen Automotive: $18. Many free/affordable museums in LA. Budget-friendly culture!

Q:What is Urban Light?

A: Urban Light is Chris Burden's iconic LACMA installation - 202 restored vintage street lamps. It's free, accessible 24/7, and most Instagrammed spot in LA! Visit at night when lit. Outside museum entrance. Essential LA photo op!

Q:Can you see the Space Shuttle in LA?

A: Yes! Space Shuttle Endeavour at California Science Center (FREE admission!). It flew 25 missions including International Space Station assembly. You walk underneath it - massive! Plan 2-3 hours for whole museum. Parking $15. Book timed entry online.

Q:Do you need tickets for The Broad?

A: YES! Free admission but timed tickets required. Book online weeks ahead - they go fast! Standby line exists but long waits (1-2 hours). Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms require separate timed tickets. Plan ahead for The Broad!

Q:How long to visit Getty Center?

A: 2-3 hours minimum for highlights. Art enthusiasts: 4-5 hours. Massive collection, gardens, multiple pavilions, and views. Arrive early (museum opens 10 AM). FREE admission worth leisurely visit. Don't rush - it's spectacular!

Q:Are LA museums worth visiting?

A: Absolutely! Getty Center, LACMA, and The Broad rival world-class museums. Many are FREE or affordable. LA's museum scene underrated - incredible collections, architecture, and variety. Essential LA cultural experience beyond Hollywood!

Don't Miss the Perfect Los Angeles Experience

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Why Visit Los Angeles?

Hollywood entertainment industry and celebrity culture

Beautiful beaches from Santa Monica to Venice

World-class museums and cultural institutions

Diverse neighborhoods and authentic cuisine

Perfect weather year-round

Perfect blend of entertainment and lifestyle

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Los Angeles enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Average temperatures range from 60°F (16°C) in winter to 85°F (29°C) in summer.

Best Months

March to May and September to November offer the best weather with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and perfect conditions for sightseeing.

Peak Season

June to August brings peak tourist season with warm weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.

Off Season

December to February offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with occasional rain.

Plan Your Los Angeles Trip

Transportation Tips

Public transportation includes Metro rail and buses. Renting a car is recommended for flexibility, and ride-sharing services are widely available.

Car Rental Deals in Los Angeles

Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.

Where to Stay

Find the perfect accommodation for your Los Angeles adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.

Best Hotel Deals in Los Angeles

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