The Getty Center sits on a hilltop in Brentwood, above the I-405 freeway, with art, gardens and long views over the city and the ocean. Admission is free, but you need a timed reservation, and parking is the main cost. This guide covers how to book, what to pay, how the tram works and how to plan your time, using the Getty’s own visitor information from October 2026.
In this guide
It is part of our Los Angeles attractions guide. For other museums, see our best museums in Los Angeles list.
Getty Center at a glance
- Admission Free, with a timed-entry reservation
- Hours Tuesday to Friday and Sunday 10am to 6:30pm; Saturday 10am to 9pm
- Closed Mondays, plus New Year’s Day, July 4, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
- Parking $25 per car; $15 after 3pm; $10 after 6pm; free Saturdays after 6pm
- Entrance North Sepulveda Boulevard at Getty Center Drive
- Bus Metro 761 stops at the entrance
- Architect Richard Meier; opened December 1997
Reservations
Entry is free, and every visitor needs a timed-entry reservation. Book on the Getty website. You choose an arrival time and can stay until closing once you are in. Weekend afternoons and holiday periods book up first, so reserve a few days ahead if your dates are fixed. Early closures apply on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Parking and the tram
Parking rates
The parking structure is at the base of the hill, off North Sepulveda Boulevard at Getty Center Drive. Parking costs $25 per car, $15 after 3pm and $10 after 6pm. It is free on Saturdays after 6pm, which makes a Saturday evening the cheapest time to drive. Payment is cashless. Military members and veterans park free through November 11, 2026.
If you plan to visit the Getty Villa the same day, ask about the same-day parking offer that covers both sites. It is not valid on Mondays or Tuesdays. The drive between the two takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
The tram
From the parking structure, a free, driverless tram climbs the hill to the arrival plaza in about 3 to 5 minutes. With waiting, allow 15 to 20 minutes from your car to the museum entrance on busy days. The tram is wheelchair accessible. There is also a walking path up the hill, but most people ride.
Getting there without a car
Metro bus 761 runs along Sepulveda and stops at the entrance. From there, walk to the tram station. Bike parking is free. See our LA Metro guide for fares and the $5 daily cap.
What to see
The collection
The museum covers European paintings, drawings, sculpture and decorative arts, along with photographs and manuscripts. The buildings are arranged as several pavilions around a courtyard, so it is easy to dip into one or two. Some pavilion galleries are closed for renovation in 2026, and the Getty site lists which ones.
The Central Garden
The Central Garden is a work of art by Robert Irwin. A tree-lined path zigzags down across a stream to a plaza with bougainvillea arbors and a maze of azaleas set in a pool. It looks different in each season and is the place most visitors remember.
The views
Terraces on the south side look out over the city, and on clear days you can see the ocean and Downtown. Late afternoon light is soft and warm, and on Saturdays the center stays open until 9pm, so you can watch the sunset from the terraces.
Architecture
Richard Meier designed the campus, which opened in December 1997. Much of it is clad in rough-cut travertine stone. Free architecture and garden tours run on many days. Check the day’s schedule when you arrive.
Food
The Getty Center has a full-service restaurant, a cafe, a garden terrace cafe and food carts. You can also bring your own food and eat at the outdoor picnic spots. Food is not allowed in the galleries.
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings are the quietest time at the Getty. Saturday evenings draw a different crowd, since the center stays open until 9pm and parking is free after 6pm. Sunday afternoons and school holidays are the busiest. In winter, the sun sets early, so plan your garden and terrace time for mid-afternoon. On days with Santa Ana winds, the air is often very clear, and the view can reach the ocean and the mountains at once.
Coming from other parts of town
From Santa Monica or Westwood, the Getty is a short drive north on the I-405 or Sepulveda, though traffic on the 405 can be slow at almost any hour. From Hollywood or Downtown, allow extra time and avoid the weekday evening rush when you leave. Metro bus 761 connects with the Westwood area and the Valley side of the pass. If you are staying near a rail line, combining the E Line with a bus or rideshare is usually easier than driving.
Planning your time
Allow at least three hours. That gives you time for the tram, the garden, a meal or coffee, and a few galleries. Art lovers can spend a full day. Weekday mornings are calmest.
Before you go
- Reserve a timed entry on the Getty website.
- Plan for I-405 and Sepulveda lane closures, which are common.
- Arrive on a Saturday after 6pm for free parking.
- Bring a layer. The hilltop is breezy, especially in the evening.
- Check which pavilions are closed for renovation before you set your heart on a work.
The Getty Villa
The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades is the Getty’s second museum, devoted to Greek, Roman and Etruscan art. It reopened in June 2025. Admission is free with a timed reservation. It is open from 10am to 5pm and closed on Tuesdays. The Villa sits just off the coast, so it pairs well with a beach day. See our Santa Monica guide and Malibu beaches guide.
Research library
The Getty Research Institute library, on the same campus, is open to researchers Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 5pm. It is separate from the museum visit.
Pairing it with other stops
The Getty is close to Brentwood, Westwood and the Hammer Museum, which is also free. For more free ideas, see our free things to do in Los Angeles list and our main list of things to do in Los Angeles.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Getty Center free?
Yes. Admission is free, but you need a timed-entry reservation. Parking costs $25 per car, with lower rates after 3pm and 6pm.
When is parking free at the Getty Center?
Parking is free on Saturdays after 6pm. Military members and veterans park free through November 11, 2026.
What days is the Getty Center closed?
It is closed Mondays, and on New Year’s Day, July 4, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
How long is the tram ride?
The ride itself takes about 3 to 5 minutes. With waiting, allow 15 to 20 minutes on busy days.
Can you take public transportation to the Getty Center?
Yes. Metro bus 761 stops at the entrance on Sepulveda Boulevard.
Can I bring food to the Getty?
Yes. You can bring a picnic and eat outdoors. Food is not allowed in the galleries.
Official sources: Getty Center visitor information; Getty Villa; LA Metro.
Photo credits
Featured image: Zak Ferris (via Unsplash) / Wikimedia Commons, CC0