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5 top attractions in Travis Newport Beach and local celebrities? The Orange County Museum of Art focuses on the art of California from the early 20th century to the present and is one of the top Newport Beach attractions. The collection contains more than 3,000 objects including paintings, photography, and sculptures. The museum also features new art media including digital, installation, and video art. The Orange County Museum of Art is one of the best things to do in Newport Beach, California for art lovers. Exhibitions of contemporary art are regularly mounted at the museum and it hosts many events including lectures and activities for children. The museum is well-known for its education outreach programs including a film series called Cinema Orange, Free Second Sundays, School Tours for children, Studio Sundays, Third Thursdays lectures, and more. Things to do in Orange County.

Undoubtedly among Santa Monica’s most iconic landmarks and one of LA’s top attractions, Santa Monica Pier dates back over 100 years. Home to the Pacific Park amusement park, the pier is recognizable for its solar-paneled Ferris wheel and rollercoaster, and it also boasts an original 1920s carousel hippodrome and the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. Though open all year round, the pier comes into its own during the summer months when it plays host to concerts, movie screenings and other activities, many of which are free to the public.

The Balboa Village is a historic amusement area on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach. The village is made up of a bayside boardwalk called Bayfront Boardwalk and a second boardwalk called the Ocean Boardwalk on the other side of the peninsula. The boardwalks are popular places to stroll and to take in the sights: they are lined with activities, restaurants, and shops. Nearby are the yachts of Newport Harbor and the Balboa Pier. Shops include art galleries, boutiques, and specialty shops, while restaurants range from Italian to Japanese. There are ocean activities as well as amusement park rides. See extra details on Travis Newport Beach.

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art lays claim to being the largest art museum in the western United States, with almost 130,000 pieces spanning from antiquity through to modern times. Of particular note are the outstanding collections of Asian, Latin American, and Islamic Art. The huge complex consists of a number of separate buildings that have been acquired and renovated over the years.The most recent expansion, known as the Transformation, saw the opening of several new buildings on the western half of the campus, designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop. Venice Beach deserves its reputation as a place to see and be seen, making it perfect for people walking, although the vibe here is a little unusual. This stretch of golden sand and the Venice Beach Boardwalk are always thronged with people walking, cycling, rollerblading, and jogging. Eclectic shops and street performers of all kinds line the walkway. The Skate Park, also just off the beach, is frequented by some of the area’s best skateboarders, and nearby are a number of creative art installations. At the appropriately named Muscle Beach, people pump iron in the hot California sun. Food stalls selling everything from shaved ice to kettle corn and funnel cakes make you feel like you’re walking through fair grounds. This is not a typical family beach, but it’s well worth a visit.

A pool of black tar in the middle of a green city park is an unexpected sight in Los Angeles, but the famous La Brea Tar Pits have provided a treasure trove of archeological finds for the nearby George C. Page Museum. Excavations of the prehistoric site have resulted in one of the largest collections of Ice Age fossils in the world. The oldest of the approximately 100 tons of bones hauled out of the pits date back 38,000 years. Complete skeletons of animals like saber-toothed cats, dire wolves and mastodons are on display in the museum. In the Paleontology Laboratory, visitors can watch scientists working on the latest finds.

Let’s be real—many people who travel to Southern California come primarily for Disneyland, “The happiest place on Earth.” Walt Disney’s inaugural theme park is more than 60 years old now, but its magic and excitement always feel brand-new. In 2001, an army of Imagineers added a second park to the resort, California Adventure, extending the fun with 30-plus more rides and attractions. At both of these Los Angeles attractions, Disney fans of all ages meet beloved characters, smile and scream aboard rides, cheer on parades, and get exhilarated by fireworks. Through it all, enchanting fantasy experiences make you feel like you’re right in your favorite Disney or Pixar movie. The theme parks—both prime Los Angeles tourist attractions—are surrounded by the lively Downtown Disney shopping district and many fantastic hotels. See additional info on Travis Newport Beach.