Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Los Angeles | NTA contact: Rowena Adalid | academymuseum.org
Set to open later this year, the attraction on Wilshire and Fairfax will be dedicated to the art and science of movies. In addition to seeing the museum’s signature permanent installment, “Where Dreams Are Made: A Journey Inside the Movies,” guests can see other exhibits that draw from a vast collection of movie items.
Bowers Museum
Santa Ana | Amanda Schobert | bowers.org
Founded in 1936, the Bowers Museum is one of the oldest museums in the Los Angeles/Orange County area. Its vast holdings include Native American, Pre-Columbian, Asian and African art. In addition to taking a docent-led tour, groups can enjoy workshops, special events, lectures, films, teen programs and more.
Catalina Channel Express
San Pedro | Carol Elliott | catalinaexpress.com
Catalina Express provides the most frequent departures to Catalina Island. From its ports in Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point, the company runs up to 30 daily departures throughout the year for the one-hour voyages, and it also offers ecotours that showcase the island’s abundant wildlife.
Hornblower Cruises & Events
Estelle Miller | hornblower.com
In its 38-year history, Hornblower has provided a variety of tours, ranging from dinner and harbor excursions to nature-based and special-event cruises, from its many California ports. In the Los Angeles area, the company’s sightseeing tours depart from Long Beach, Newport Beach and Marina del Rey.
The Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens
San Marino | Jane Sandmeier | huntington.org
This magnificent attraction—part museum, part botanical garden and part library—houses one of the world’s finest collections of British paintings. Tours highlight the art, as well as the library’s vast holdings. Groups also can see thousands of seasonal blooms in the Huntington’s 16 specialty gardens.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Los Angeles | Jennifer Greenebaum | nhm.org
Boasting an extensive collection of more than 35 million natural and cultural history artifacts, the museum is a popular place for both local and out-of-town guests. Groups can check out numerous exhibits on themed tours, enjoy special events and take part in workshops when they visit.
OUE Skyspace LA
Los Angeles | Heather Jones | oue-skyspace.com
OUE Skyspace offers magnificent vistas of Los Angeles from its 70th-floor observation terraces. Beyond the views, travelers can learn about the city’s history through interactive displays, grab a cocktail at the Skyspace Bar and ride Skyslide, a 45-foot fully enclosed slide that goes along the side of US Bank Tower.
Pacific Battleship Center
San Pedro | Jonathan Williams | pacificbattleship.com
The USS Iowa was one of the fastest and most powerful ships ever to sail the world’s oceans. During a visit to the coastal center in the Los Angeles area, groups can take guided tours of the famous battleship and find out about her service from World War II through the Cold War.
Pirate’s Dinner Adventure
Buena Park | Anna Castillo | piratesdinneradventure.com
Join the cast and crew for a fantasy-filled adventure that takes place each night of the week, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday. In addition to seeing Pirate’s Dinner Adventure regular show, “Legend of the Loch Ness Monster,” groups enjoy a four-course meal before the curtain rises.
The Queen Mary
Long Beach | Sandra Richardson | queenmary.com
When launched in 1936, the Queen Mary was an ocean liner of unmatched luxury and speed. After serving in World War II, the ship docked permanently in Long Beach in 1967. Groups can tour this floating museum, learn more about its fascinating history and spend the night in one of the 347 staterooms.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Simi Valley | Melanie Salvesen | reaganlibrary.com
Located north of L.A. in Simi Valley, this attraction is one of California’s most beautiful and unique destinations. Visitors can see a full-size replica of the White House Oval Office as it was during Reagan’s presidency and walk onboard the actual Air Force One aircraft that transported seven U.S. presidents.
Top photo: The Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens
Photo by huntington.org
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