Coastal Los Angeles - Tourist Attractions / Parks

Most people are drawn to Coastal Los Angeles for its sandy beaches and temperate surf, but that's to sell short the region's assorted cultural charms. The World famous Getty Museum is a top fine arts facility, worth a detour for the collection as much as architecture; the associated Getty Villa in Malibu is more historical in focus, showcasing art and artifacts from ancient Greece and Rome. You can also catch smaller exhibits at the Long Beach Museum of Art and the Santa Monica Museum of Art or check out the latest offerings up for sale in Venice Beach.  Come early afternoon there's a veritable sea of happy hours to consider in preparation for evenings out at a coastal performance venue or hopping club.  Not enough fish in these seas? Try a trip to a local aquarium, two of which are to be found between Long Beach and San Pedro.