The Getty Villa is a re-creation of an ancient Roman country house perched above the Pacific Coast Highway, and it is one of the most beautiful places in Los Angeles. It holds the Getty’s collection of Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities, surrounded by formal gardens, fountains and a long reflecting pool with ocean views.
Admission is free, but you need a timed reservation and there are no walk-ins. The Villa closed after the January 2025 Palisades fire and reopened on June 27, 2025; the buildings and collection were not damaged. This guide covers reservations, parking, how to get there and what to see.
In this guide
Planning to see both Getty museums? Read our Getty Center guide too.
Getty Villa at a glance
- Address: 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades
- Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Closed: Tuesdays, New Year’s Day, July 4, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
- Admission: free, with a timed-entry reservation; no walk-ups
- Parking: $25 per car, $15 after 3 p.m.
- Access: northbound PCH only (right turn into the entrance)
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
Reservations and tickets
Entry is free, but everyone needs a timed-entry reservation, made online on the Getty website or by phone at (310) 440-7300. Each person in your group needs a reservation, and weekend slots can book out days in advance.
Reservation tips
- Book as soon as your dates are set, especially for Saturdays and Sundays.
- Weekday mornings are the quietest times.
- Parking is not included in your reservation and is paid on arrival.
- If you are arriving by bus or rideshare, you still need a reservation.
Getting there and parking
Getting into the Villa takes a little planning because of how the entrance works.
- By car: the entrance is on the ocean side of Pacific Coast Highway. You must approach heading northbound in the right lane and turn right into the driveway. Left turns from southbound PCH are not allowed, and there is no entry from Coastline Drive. Since the fire, use PCH rather than Sunset Boulevard routes, and check road conditions before you set out.
- Parking: $25 per car, $15 after 3 p.m., paid on site. The garage is a short walk from the entrance pavilion.
- By bus: Metro Bus 134 stops on PCH at Coastline Drive, across from the entrance. There is no Metro rail station nearby.
What to see at the Getty Villa
The Villa is modeled on the Villa dei Papiri, a Roman country house buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Walking through it feels like stepping into the ancient Mediterranean.
The collection
About 1,200 of the Getty’s roughly 44,000 antiquities are on view at a time, arranged by themes such as gods and goddesses, heroes and daily life. Highlights include:
- The Lansdowne Herakles, a marble statue of the hero once owned by J. Paul Getty.
- The Victorious Youth, a rare ancient Greek bronze of a young athlete.
- Painted vases, jewelry, coins and mosaics from Greece, Italy and beyond.
- The Etruscan galleries, covering the culture that thrived in Italy before Rome.
Special exhibitions rotate; check the Getty website for what is on.
The gardens
The four gardens are as memorable as the art:
- The Outer Peristyle: a long reflecting pool lined with bronze sculptures, hedges and painted walls, framed by the ocean beyond.
- The Inner Peristyle: a quieter courtyard with a narrow pool and bronze statues.
- The Herb Garden: plants used in the ancient Mediterranean for food, medicine and rituals.
- The East Garden: a shaded spot with a fountain decorated with shells and mosaics.
The outdoor Barbara and Lawrence Fleischman Theater hosts summer performances of ancient Greek plays, a Getty tradition.
The Palisades fire and the Villa today
The January 2025 Palisades fire burned up to the edge of the Getty Villa property. Thanks to fire-resistant design, cleared brush and on-site water systems, the buildings and the collection came through intact. Some vegetation on the hillsides is still recovering. The surrounding Pacific Palisades community was heavily damaged, so drive with care and respect for residents and rebuilding work in the area.
Tips for visiting
- Allow two to three hours to see the galleries and gardens without rushing.
- Wear comfortable shoes for stairs and outdoor paths.
- Bring sun protection and a layer; the coast can be breezy.
- Food: the cafe serves Mediterranean-inspired lunches with views; picnics are allowed in a designated area.
- Free tours: check the daily schedule for free gallery and garden tours.
- Combine with the coast: Will Rogers State Beach and Malibu are a short drive up PCH. See our Malibu beaches guide.
Getty Villa vs. Getty Center
The Getty Center in Brentwood focuses on European painting, photography and modern architecture with city views. The Getty Villa focuses on ancient art in a Roman-style setting by the sea. Both are free with a reservation, and each charges for parking. If you only have time for one, choose the Center for paintings and views, and the Villa for history and gardens.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Getty Villa free?
Yes. Admission is free, but you need a timed-entry reservation. Parking costs $25, or $15 after 3 p.m.
Is the Getty Villa open after the Palisades fire?
Yes. The Villa reopened on June 27, 2025, and its buildings and collection were not damaged.
Can you walk in to the Getty Villa without a reservation?
No. Every visitor needs a timed reservation, including those arriving on foot or by bus.
How do you get into the Getty Villa?
Drive northbound on Pacific Coast Highway and turn right into the entrance. Left turns from southbound PCH are not allowed.
What day is the Getty Villa closed?
Tuesdays, plus New Year’s Day, July 4, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Photo credits
Featured image: Dave & Margie Hill / Kleerup / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.
