Getty Villa

At the Getty Villa, view the artifacts in the halls and galleries—these range from preserved coins to statues and blown and colored glass. Continue to the gardens and pool lined with frescoes, statues, and fountains. You can top it off with a Mediterranean-inspired lunch at the on-site café, which features outdoor seating over the museum entrance and amphitheater.

• Admission is free, but requires booking a timed-entry ticket.

• On-site parking is available for all ticket holders for a fee; see the museum website for rules and restrictions.

• Walk-in visitors are not permitted to enter unless they arrive by public bus.

• A café, gift shop, and picnic area all offer relaxing views overlooking the Villa.

• Standard strollers and wheelchairs are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Views from the villa’s upper balcony overlook the Pacific Ocean.

The villa is near Coast Highway north of Malibu. Street parking isn’t available, and those without a reservation will be turned away. To avoid disappointment, be sure to make your on-site parking reservation ahead of time; same-day reservations are often available. Metro bus line 534 stops at Pacific Coast Highway and Coastline Drive, directly across from the Getty Villa entrance.

Getty Villa is open Wednesdays through Mondays during the day, but closed on Tuesdays. It also closes for several holidays. Docent-led tours depart multiple times daily.

Originally opened in 1974 as a museum to house oil tycoon J. Paul Getty’s extensive collection of ancient artifacts, the then-crumbling Villa was closed for renovations in 1997. Reopened in 2006, the Getty Villa has once again become a popular seaside destination, often combined with a visit to Santa Monica or Malibu.

Yes, general admission to the Getty Villa Museum is free. However, you need to reserve your tickets in advance, and a timed-entry system is in place. You have to pay to park at the museum—parking passes are US$20 per vehicle before 3pm and US$15 thereafter.

To take in the highlights of the Getty Villa Museum, you need around two hours, though it’s wise to plan a minimum of three hours to see everything. Not only are there more than 20 art galleries, but there’s also a garden, walkways, and a pool, plus places to enjoy lunch or high tea.

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks in the Getty Villa Museum, but you can’t take it into the galleries. You can enjoy it at the outside seating area or outdoor theater. Coolers and picnic boxes over 11 x 17 x 8 inches must be left at the coat check while visiting the museum.

There’s no dress code for the Getty Villa Museum, and there are no guidelines on what to wear. However, as with most public attractions, it’s best to dress appropriately and avoid clothing or accessories that could be considered offensive. Opt for comfy shoes, as there’s plenty to explore.

Yes, small backpacks, handbags, and purses are allowed inside the Getty Villa museum, subject to security inspection. Any bags, umbrellas, or items larger than 11 x 17 x 8 inches must be left at the coat check (located at the Entry Pavilion) before you enter the museum.

If you arrive before 3pm, parking at Getty Villa costs US$20 for all cars and motorcycles. For vehicles arriving after 3pm, the parking fee is reduced to US$15. It’s recommended to purchase your parking pass in advance online; you can only pay by credit card on-site.