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Visiting Some of the Best Wineries in Sonoma Valley California

Elena Sullivan — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:43:12 +0000

When travelling to San Francisco and its surrounding areas, a visit to a winery can add a certain element of beauty and aesthetics to the journey and I think it’s something that sometimes is surprisingly important when creating a harmonious impression of a place. If, like me, you enjoy adding a little beauty, atmosphere and those understated details that make a trip feel special, then read until the end. In this article, I will take you through three wineries in Sonoma Valley, California that inspire precisely that kind of feeling … places where wine, landscape and a sense of beauty come together naturally.

“In vino veritas” the classic Latin phrase meaning “in wine, there is truth” – is familiar to many wine lovers and to anyone who enjoys those long conversations about life that somehow seem to become more interesting after the first glass.

Buttery Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon, gracefully poured into delicate wine glasses, have an almost innocent ability to help thoughts find the right words (Yes!!! Exactly like that :)). The body relaxes, the conversation becomes warmer, and even our gestures seem to acquire a more measured and friendly rhythm. Perhaps this is why philosophising about life feels particularly pleasant in such a relaxed state. Somehow, the truth becomes just a little easier to find – and perhaps a little easier to accept.

Wine is one of those drinks that can be enjoyed for a very long time when approached in the right spirit. It is a journey without a final destination, where the pleasure lies in the taste, the aroma and the conversations that flow almost as naturally as the wine being poured into the glass. A Sonoma Valley wine tasting can therefore become about much more than simply tasting different varieties. It can be about slowing down, noticing your surroundings and allowing yourself a few hours in which there is nowhere else you need to be.

And Sonoma Valley, California seems almost destined for this kind of experience. Its fertile soils and favourable climate provide ideal conditions for growing varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Cabernet Sauvignon. The valley is shaped by shifting microclimates, from the cooler, bay-breezed southern end to the warmer pockets further north, creating a remarkable diversity of conditions for winemaking. Given this combination of landscape, climate and fertile ground, it was perhaps only a matter of time before a thriving wine industry developed here.

Today, the wineries of Sonoma Valley offer much more than a glass of wine. They are places where architecture, gardens, vineyards, food and hospitality can become part of the experience and this is exactly what makes me want to visit Sonoma Valley. So, rather than simply making a list of the best wineries in Sonoma Valley, I want to share three places that caught my attention for the atmosphere and beauty they bring to the experience of wine.

A Brief History of Sonoma Valley in California

Before Sonoma Valley, California became known for its vineyards and elegant tasting rooms, the valley was home to Indigenous peoples, including the Miwok, Patwin, Pomo and Wappo, who had lived here for thousands of years. The story of wine began much later, in the early 19th century, when Franciscan missionaries planted the first grapevines at Mission San Francisco Solano in 1823–1824.

The real transformation came in the middle of the 19th century. In 1857, Hungarian immigrant Agoston Haraszthy founded Buena Vista Winery, introducing European vine cuttings and experimenting with new winemaking techniques. His work helped establish Sonoma as one of the foundations of California’s modern wine industry, and Buena Vista is still considered one of the most historically significant wineries in Sonoma Valley.

Sonoma’s history has never really disappeared beneath the vineyards. It is still visible in old buildings, historic estates, wine caves and even in the character of the wineries themselves. Walking through the valley today, it is easy to feel that you are moving between different chapters of the same story, from the early mission vineyards to the pioneering winemakers of the 1800s and, finally, to the sophisticated wine country that attracts visitors today.

Perhaps this is part of what makes it so enjoyable to visit Sonoma Valley. Today, with more than 100 wineries across the valley, that history has evolved into a destination where wine, architecture, nature and slow living come together making a Sonoma Valley wine tasting feel like a small journey through California’s past as much as an opportunity to discover its wines.

Three Wineries Worth Visiting in Sonoma Valley, California

All three wineries we visited have a completely different style, interior and personality, and naturally, each one creates a slightly different feeling. I have arranged them in the order in which we discovered them. We had no particular plan and no wine tastings booked in advance. Instead, we simply decided to drive along the road through Sonoma Valley and stop at the wineries that, for one visual reason or another, immediately made us want to pull over and explore.

Ledson Winery

Ledson Winery was our first stop, which somehow made the whole experience feel wonderfully spontaneous and uncomplicated. And for my first tasting, I chose a Chardonnay, which I slowly savoured while sitting at a wooden table in the courtyard, looking out over the vineyards glowing in the warm California sunshine.

The main building immediately catches your attention. Designed to resemble a castle, it has a slightly theatrical, almost fairytale quality, and the elevated aesthetic continues inside. Wood is one of the dominant elements of the interior, creating a natural connection with the surrounding landscape and, somehow, with the idea of wine itself. There is something particularly pleasant about sitting in a place where the architecture, the vineyard and the wine seem to belong to the same visual story.

Ledson is also a winery with a remarkably broad selection of wines. Alongside Chardonnay, its portfolio includes Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc and several other varieties. The winery produces wines from different areas of California, including Sonoma Valley, Russian River Valley, Napa Valley & Anderson Valley.

As for my choice, the Chardonnay felt particularly appropriate for that warm afternoon, a wine to sip slowly rather than rush through (sounds as romantic as it truly was!). Ledson currently offers several Chardonnay styles, from richer, oak-influenced expressions to fresher versions with brighter acidity, so it is a good place to explore how differently the same grape variety can express itself.

And perhaps this is what I enjoyed most about our first Sonoma Valley wine tasting: there was no pressure to turn it into a serious wine exercise. We simply arrived, chose a wine, found a beautiful place to sit and allowed the afternoon to unfold at its own pace. Sometimes, when you visit Sonoma Valley, that is really all you need.

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

Located not far from Ledson Winery, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards immediately felt very different. Its style is more casual and colonial, with a quieter, more grounded character and none of the outward grandeur of Ledson. The winery’s mission-style architecture and surrounding vineyards give it a distinctly Californian sense of place, while the atmosphere feels very welcoming.

When we stepped into the courtyard, where tables are arranged for wine tastings and the estate also hosts weddings and private events, I was struck by the view. The mountains seemed to surround the winery like a soft, undulating border, creating a beautiful natural frame for the vineyards. It’s that view that makes you want to sit down for a little longer than planned and simply take it in.

Here, my choice was Pinot Noir – light, aromatic and wonderfully easy to drink. St. Francis describes its Sonoma County Pinot Noir with notes of red cherry, pomegranate, strawberry and raspberry, complemented by hints of baking spice, chamomile tea, orange peel and cinnamon. The wine has a soft, silky texture with enough acidity to keep it fresh, which makes it particularly pleasant to enjoy slowly while taking in the scenery.

St. Francis has been making wine for more than 55 years and today produces a broad portfolio of Sonoma County wines, with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Zinfandel among its best-known varieties, alongside other reds and whites. The estate is also fully certified sustainable, with vineyards across Sonoma County. For visitors, there are several ways to experience the winery, from an Artisan wine tasting to wine-and-food pairings and vineyard experiences. St. Francis was a completely different kind of Sonoma Valley wine tasting experience from our first stop. It felt less theatrical and more connected to the landscape surrounded by vineyards and mountains.

Little Vineyards Family Winery

Little Vineyards Family Winery was the last winery we visited that day and it felt the most personal. Its name is reflected quite clearly in the character of the place: the atmosphere is more intimate, relaxed and family-oriented, with a strong rustic style running through the interiors. There is nothing overly formal about it and that is exactly what makes it so inviting.

Music runs like a golden thread through the details of the winery. Guitars hang on the walls, while shelves are filled with CDs and vinyl records, alongside books about wine. It feels less like a traditional tasting room and more like someone’s wonderfully eclectic home, a place where wine, music and conversation naturally belong together. Live performances are also regularly held in the backyard, adding another layer of warmth and personality to the experience.

The whole atmosphere seems to invite you to slow down, relax & talk. And maybe this is not the most essential part of a wine tasting but for me it is one of those seemingly small details that can make the entire experience feel more memorable. After all, wine is not only about what is in the glass; it is also about the mood, the people and the conversations that happen along the way.

At Little Vineyards, my choice was Petite Sirah, a bold and richly flavoured red that felt like an interesting contrast to the lighter Pinot Noir I had chosen at St. Francis. The winery also specialises in Zinfandel, one of the varieties for which Little Vineyards is particularly known. Their portfolio includes a selection of estate-grown and Sonoma Valley wines, with both red and white varieties available for tasting.

Looking back, I think the three wineries made a surprisingly harmonious sequence. Ledson offered the grand architecture and a sense of theatrical beauty; St. Francis brought us closer to the surrounding mountains and landscape; and Little Vineyards ended the day with music, rustic details and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Three completely different interpretations of Sonoma Valley wine tasting, which is perhaps exactly what makes visiting the best wineries in Sonoma Valley so enjoyable.

A Day in Sonoma Valley

This day turned out to be wonderfully balanced, full of new experiences, yet at the same time deeply relaxing (mmm…maybe wine has something to do with it!), perhaps because the experience itself was centred around wine. Driving along the sun-drenched roads of Sonoma Valley, surrounded by warm air and vineyards stretching into the distance, somehow feels like entering another reality, one where it becomes remarkably easy to dream about the future.

It was just one day a tiny moment in the scale of the universe and yet, within that single day, it was impossible to fully comprehend the efforts of generations of people who have worked this land, carefully cultivating it and passing their knowledge from one generation to the next. All I could really do was pause for a moment and appreciate the beauty around me, and the richness of the aromas and flavours that are ultimately the result of all those years of work.

The favourable climate and fertile soils of Sonoma Valley, California continue to do their part, helping preserve this extraordinary corner of California for everyone who comes here wanting to discover the flavours of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and so many other wines. So, perhaps there is nothing more to do than slow down, raise a glass and enjoy the moment!

Salud!

All images in this article were taken by Elena Sullivan, ArsVie Photo Studio and are protected by copyright. If you are interested in using any of the them, please contact me for permission. Thank you for understanding!

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Timeless elegance Palace of Fine Art San Francisco California

Elena Sullivan — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 01:03:28 +0000

There is something elegantly captivating about the phrase Palace of Fine Arts. It immediately elevates expectations and creates a certain feeling as you prepare to immerse yourself in a space filled with graceful, elevated visuals.

This beautiful place, located in San Francisco, California, perfectly lives up to its name, offering an experience that blends art, beauty, and history in an inspiring setting.

Palace of Fine Arts San Francisco California

The Palace of Fine Arts, located in the picturesque Marina District of San Francisco, was originally constructed for the 1915 Panama–Pacific International Exposition. Its purpose was to serve as a grand exhibition space for works of art, showcasing the creative achievements of the time.

Designed by architect Bernard Maybeck, the structure was intended to embody the spirit of classical architecture, evoking a sense of timeless beauty and grandeur. With its towering colonnades, elegant rotunda, and tranquil lagoon, the Palace became a centerpiece of the exposition and a lasting symbol of the city’s artistic and cultural heritage.

Though it was initially meant to be temporary, the community’s admiration for its design led to its preservation and restoration, ensuring that it would continue to serve as a beloved landmark and gathering space for generations to come.

Architect Bernard Maybeck envisioned the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco as more than just an exhibition space; he designed it to embody the timeless beauty of ancient Roman ruins, reflecting a deeper philosophical vision.

Maybeck sought to evoke a sense of reflection and nostalgia in those who visited, reminding them of the enduring power of art amidst the passage of time.

By drawing inspiration from classical architecture, with its crumbling facades and weathered forms, he aimed to create a space where the past and present could meet in harmony. But his vision went beyond mere historical homage.

He believed that the Palace’s beauty would uplift the human spirit, providing a moment of peace and inspiration amid the rapidly changing world of the early 20th century.

By the 1960s, the Palace of Fine Arts had significantly deteriorated, its original materials—primarily wood and plaster—unable to withstand the test of time. Though it had been constructed as a temporary structure for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, its beauty and cultural significance had earned it a lasting place in San Francisco’s heart.

Recognizing the need to preserve its architectural legacy, a full reconstruction took place in 1965, ensuring the landmark would endure for future generations.

The restoration was carried out with great care, using durable concrete to replace the fragile materials of the original structure. This ensured that the Palace would not only withstand the elements but continue to evoke the same timeless elegance envisioned by architect Bernard Maybeck.

This commitment to maintaining Maybeck’s artistic vision while modernizing the structure’s materials allowed the Palace of Fine Arts to retain its role as a beloved city landmark.

The Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco stands beside a small artificial lagoon, which adds to its serene and majestic ambiance. A long, scenic walkway encircles the central rotunda, offering visitors beautiful views of both the water and the surrounding architecture.

The lagoon was carefully designed to reflect the grandeur of the building, creating a mirror-like image that enhances the overall beauty of the site. This thoughtful integration of nature and architecture is reminiscent of classic European landmarks, where water features were often used to heighten a sense of peace and timelessness. The shimmering reflection in the lagoon invites visitors to pause, admire the artistry, and enjoy a quiet moment of reflection amidst the hustle of the city.

The rotunda’s dome at the Palace of Fine Arts was designed to serve as a temple to the arts, symbolizing the enduring importance of creativity, beauty, and human achievement. Towering over the serene lagoon, the dome stands as a tribute to the power of artistic expression throughout history. The original rotunda featured eight large insets beneath its dome, each adorned with murals by the renowned artist Robert Reid.

These murals symbolized the journey of Art, capturing its evolution and the various ways it has shaped and reflected human experience. Reid’s work added a profound layer of meaning to the space, emphasizing the transformative power of art in society and its ability to inspire wonder, reflection, and progress.

Palace of Fine Arts Address:

3601 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123

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My postcards of California San Francisco best places to visit on a first trip

Elena Sullivan — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 19:14:37 +0000

When I first dreamed of visiting the U.S., New York City and Los Angeles were at the top of my must-see list. As a teenager, the movie industry had a big influence on me, so naturally, iconic cities like New York and Los Angeles captured my imagination.

Now, in my forties, having visited both and recently enjoying my San Francisco vacation, I’ve created a new list—”Cities I Want to Visit Again”—and San Francisco is right at the top.

Its mix of culture, natural beauty, and creativity left a lasting impression, far beyond the bright lights of Hollywood or the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan.

It’s a city that pulls you in with its charm and leaves you wanting more—something I hadn’t expected when I first began my journey of exploring the U.S.

After spending a week in San Francisco California, I realized it’s a city that can both amuse and amaze you every single day. There’s truly something for everyone here. From the colorful Victorian and Edwardian-style houses to colossal landmarks like the Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco is full of architectural gems.

And of course, the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most iconic structures in the world, never fails to leave an impression. It’s a place where history, beauty, and culture intertwine in the most captivating way.

We rented a car from Hertz and planned to explore San Francisco extensively, which is why we didn’t book a single hotel for our stay. Instead, we booked a new hotel each day based on our daily route.

It was a new experience for me, but it turned out to be quite convenient. This way, we weren’t tied to one location and could move around freely, with our suitcases always in the trunk. Plus, if the weather changed, we could easily switch up our outfits as needed.

At the end of the article, you’ll find details about the hotels we stayed at and the app we used to find the best prices.

Best places to visit in San Francisco California

Golden Gate Bridge
Alcatraz Island
Fisherman’s Wharf
Golden Gate Park
Chinatown
Lombard Street
The Painted Ladies
Coit Tower
The Mission District
The Ferry Building
The Palace of Fine Arts

Golden Gate Bridge

One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, with stunning views of the bay. The Golden Gate Bridge was at the top of my list “Places to visit in San Francisco”, and it truly lives up to its reputation. It’s magnificent, impressive, and monumental. I found myself standing in admiration for a long time, taking in its incredible strength and magnificence. As someone who loves art and is passionate about sharing its beauty, I couldn’t help but be equally captivated by the bridge’s engineering marvel.

The blend of science and mathematics involved in its construction is as impressive as its visual appeal. It made me realize that creating something truly remarkable—something that endures through the ages—requires a fusion of scientific precision and artistic vision. The Golden Gate Bridge is a perfect example of how these two disciplines can come together to create a timeless masterpiece.

Alcatraz Island – Explore the infamous former prison, which housed notorious criminals. The ferry ride offers incredible views of the city and the bay.

Fisherman’s Wharf – A bustling waterfront area with seafood restaurants, street performers, shops, and the famous sea lions lounging at Pier 39.

Golden Gate Park – Larger than Central Park, this green oasis features gardens, museums, and tranquil spaces like the Japanese Tea Garden and the de Young Museum.

Chinatown – The oldest and one of the most vibrant Chinatowns in North America. Explore its colorful streets, authentic food, and unique shops.

Lombard Street – Known as the “crookedest street in the world,” this famous zigzag road is a must-see for its quirky design and views.

The Painted Ladies – another iconinc place to visit in San Francisco. These iconic Victorian houses, often recognized from postcards and TV shows, offer a perfect photo op against the San Francisco skyline.

Coit Tower – Located atop Telegraph Hill, the tower offers 360-degree views of the city and features historic murals inside.

The Mission District – Famous for its vibrant street art, including the murals on Clarion Alley, and home to some of the best Mexican food in the city.

Twin Peaks – For panoramic views of the entire city, head to these two hills, especially at sunrise or sunset for a breathtaking experience.

The Ferry Building – A foodie’s paradise, with gourmet food stalls and local vendors.

The Palace of Fine Arts

It’s a breathtaking example of San Francisco’s architectural splendor. Originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, this majestic structure features a grand rotunda, classical columns, and a serene lagoon that reflects its beauty. The combination of Roman and Greek architectural styles creates a timeless elegance that feels both monumental and intimate.

It’s a perfect spot for leisurely strolls, photography, or simply soaking in the serene atmosphere. The Palace of Fine Arts stands as a testament to the city’s dedication to preserving its historical and artistic heritage, offering a peaceful retreat amid the hustle and bustle of San Francisco.

From a photographer’s perspective, San Francisco is pure eye-candy. I could easily spend days wandering the city, capturing its vibrant scenes. The light and angles change constantly, offering fresh and intriguing photo opportunities.

From the lively streets and charming cafes to the iconic cable cars and unique urban landscapes, everything in San Francisco California invites exploration through the lens.

The city’s distinctive character and diverse visual elements make it a must-photograph destination for any travel photographer.

Transportation time traveling between iconic places to visit in San Francisco

On one of our days in San Francisco, we experienced an immersive tour of the city’s diverse transportation options, using five different types in total. It felt like we were time traveling through different eras of transit.

One of the highlights was riding the iconic cable car, a nostalgic glimpse into San Francisco’s past. As we clattered up and down the steep streets, gripping the wooden railings, it was easy to imagine what life was like in the early 1900s when these cars were a primary mode of travel.

In contrast, we also tried WAYMO, a self-driving car that felt like something straight out of the future. Gliding smoothly through the city without a human driver, it was both thrilling and surreal to witness cutting-edge technology in action, a glimpse of what transportation might soon look like everywhere.

Our day wasn’t complete without hopping on BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), the local subway system, which whisked us under the city, offering a quick and efficient way to move between neighborhoods.

Another interesting experience was riding the SF Muni trolleybus, part of San Francisco’s Municipal Railway system. Initially, it seemed like a regular bus, but at some point, it transformed into a subway tram and descended underground, blending the boundaries between street-level and subway transit. It was my first time encountering a vehicle that could seamlessly switch between road and tunnel travel, and it added an unexpected twist to our journey.

Lastly, we took a regular car for part of the day, which, compared to everything else, felt almost too ordinary. But experiencing such a variety of transport modes in one day highlighted just how innovative and historically rich San Francisco’s transit system is.

A Photographer’s View of California San Francisco Street Lifestyle

One of the things I love most about traveling is observing the variety of lifestyles that come alive on the streets. It’s there that you can truly witness the diversity of a city—through the unique clothing styles people wear, the rhythm of their conversations, and even the distinct scents that fill the air. In San Francisco California, this diversity is particularly striking.

The city is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions, all coexisting within its vibrant neighborhoods.

San Francisco’s openness made it a photographer’s dream. Random strangers walking by or sitting in cafes became unintentional muses, each telling a unique story through their expressions, gestures, and interactions with their surroundings.

The diversity here isn’t just something you see—it’s something you feel, hear, and breathe in, making every street corner an opportunity to capture a moment of this dynamic urban mosaic.

I left wanting more from San Francisco, feeling as though the city had only shown me a glimpse of its many wonders. Each corner I turned, each landmark I visited, left me with a sense of anticipation for what lay beyond.

Hotels we used during this trip to California San Francisco

Hotel app we used:

Kayak – a travel app designed to help users find and book flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. It aggregates information from various travel sites to provide users with a comprehensive view of available options, allowing them to compare prices and find the best deals.

AirBnb in Walnut Creek. For the first two weeks, we stayed at a beautiful house in Walnut Creek, owned by a good friend of my husband. The area is gorgeous, and the house itself feels like a treehouse. Its wooden exterior blends seamlessly with the surrounding trees and flowers, giving it a cozy, cabin-in-the-woods vibe. It’s incredibly peaceful and serene—a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. They offer one room for rent on Airbnb, which is quite spacious and features a fully equipped kitchen, a big fridge, a dining table, and a cozy sitting area with chairs and a TV. The highlight of this room is the stunning view you get when you step outside. It’s a truly special location that makes the stay unforgettable.

Budget Inn Rohnert Park, CA —well, the name says it all! That night, we were exhausted and needed somewhere super close in Sonoma County just for one night. It served its purpose perfectly: a no-frills place to sleep. The room had just the basics—a bed, a restroom with a shower, a TV, and a rather noisy air conditioner. It was the only time we used the HotWire app to find a hotel. After that, we switched to Kayak for last-minute bookings because it offered more options and better discounts.

Country Inn and Suites by Radisson in Vallejo, CA. A welcoming hotel with modern amenities, including a pool and complimentary breakfast. The property appears new and well-maintained, creating a comfortable and enjoyable stay. I particularly appreciated the clean and updated facilities, making it a pleasant experience overall.

Hilton Garden Inn Emeryville. A modern hotel with a well-maintained environment and a range of facilities to enhance your stay. Parking is $25, and while the hotel store offers some food options, it could benefit from a wider selection. Breakfast is not included and costs an additional $25. Also, there was no soap near the sink, which was a bit inconvenient. Overall, it’s a solid choice but with some room for improvement in terms of value and convenience.

Holiday Inn Walnut Creek. A well-maintained hotel offering comfortable accommodations in a convenient location. The rooms are basic but clean and tidy, providing a straightforward and pleasant stay. The reception staff is friendly and welcoming, adding a personal touch to the overall experience.

Best Western Plus Grosvenor Airport Hotel. A hotel offering convenient access to the airport. The accommodations are basic, and while functional, the property shows signs of wear and age. It’s a practical choice for a short stay, with the added benefit of inexpensive parking.

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Summer trip and places to visit in LA California

Elena Sullivan — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 13:32:06 +0000

Visiting Los Angeles, California, was one of my childhood dreams. Growing up in a distant country where many things were limited, including dreaming big, made LA especially alluring. The freedom to be who you want and create without restrictions was always in my mind when I thought about California and LA. Maybe it was the stark difference from my hometown or the allure of Hollywood’s entertainment industry, but life always seemed more interesting there. Does that make people happier? That’s a philosophical question that could take hundreds of pages to discuss. For now, I can say that traveling to Los Angeles made me happy because there’s a certain magic in seeing a childhood dream come true.

For my anniversary, my husband organized a summer trip to Los Angeles, California. I love celebrating my birthdays by traveling, exploring new cities, taking photos, and satisfying my curiosity with myriad questions. That year was no exception. I travel to wonder and feel amused, to get inspired by new surroundings and different lifestyles, and to remind myself of the kaleidoscopic beauty found in nature, cultures, architecture, art, and food.

We departed from Atlanta International Airport and, in four hours, landed at LAX. After renting a car from Hertz, we headed straight to our hotel, The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, located downtown. This hotel is famous for being a filming location for many Hollywood movies, including Interstellar, Rain Man, Blade Runner, and True Lies. We stayed on the 27th floor, enjoying a view of skyscrapers and distant mountains with the iconic Hollywood sign.

Love videos? Here is the vlog about my summer trip to Los Angeles.

Things to do in downtown LA

After we checked in, my husband stayed at the hotel while I explored the nearby area and took photos. Although downtown Los Angeles is not as much of a tourist destination compared to New York, I enjoyed it, especially the tall buildings. I find them particularly attractive and interesting subjects for photography.

At the end of my walk, I visited the Los Angeles Central Library. As a book and library lover, I couldn’t miss this one. Inside, it’s well-organized, and on the second floor, there’s an impressive mural on the walls and ceiling. Artistic elements are everywhere throughout the library.

Things to do in downtown LA:

Visit Walt Disney Concert Hall
Explore the modern art museum The Broad
Hungry? Stop at Grand Central Market
Walk through the Bradbury Building
Enjoy Broadway musicals at the Music Center
Relax and have a snack at Grand Park
Experience a funicular ride at Angels Flight
Visit the downtown Arts District
Love reading? Stop by The Last Bookstore and Los Angeles Central Library
For music fans, Grammy Museum

Downtown LA is not only about tall buildings and cars but also about greenery, flowers, and parks.

Taking photos, recording videos, and slowly wandering around, I found myself in a park near City Hall with a courtyard of historical flags that looked very impressive. After that, I visited Grand Park, just a few minutes away, enjoyed a strawberry Frappuccino at Starbucks, and continued exploring Los Angeles.

One of the first things I noticed while walking around the streets of LA was the contrast to New York; there were only a few people walking around, unlike New York, which is always buzzing with active walkers.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

The Walt Disney Concert Hall is one of my favorite buildings from my six days in Los Angeles. Designed by Frank Gehry and opened in 2003, it is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, showcasing the best in classical, contemporary, and world music. It’s also one of the most acoustically sophisticated concert halls in the world and is considered an international landmark. As a first-time tourist in LA, I appreciated the stunning views of the surrounding area from several points within the building.

Later that day, while walking back to the hotel, I saw a bronze sculpture called “Peace on Earth.” It stands near the Ahmanson Theatre, whose entrance is adorned with a fountain—a nice, refreshing spot in the hot climate of LA.

Griffith Observatory is one more place to visit in LA

Griffith Observatory is another beautiful place to visit in LA. It’s one of the spots in Los Angeles where you can see the Hollywood sign. Although we didn’t go inside, we enjoyed walking around, looking at the various installations, and recalling the names of famous scientists associated with astronomy.

Opened in May 1935, Griffith Observatory offers free admission to the grounds and the main building. They also offer free telescope viewing, which starts around 7 PM when the weather permits. The observatory is a popular location for commercials and has been featured in several Hollywood movies, including the James Dean film “Rebel Without a Cause.”

Griffith Observatory is open:

Tuesday-Friday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Saturday-Sunday: 10 AM – 10 PM
Monday: Closed

Santa Monica Pier

Later that day, we drove to Santa Monica Pier, one of the most iconic tourist spots near LA. It’s crowded and noisy but also fun to walk around, enjoy people-watching, and observe the local life.

Santa Monica Pier, considered a historic landmark, first opened to the public in September 1909 as the first concrete pier on the West Coast. It quickly gained popularity among fishing enthusiasts. The pier is made up of two adjoining piers that originally had separate owners.

Today, it features a small amusement park, concession stands, and areas for scenic views and fishing. The entrance is free.

Gorgeous tall palm trees are one of the symbols of California. I loved observing and taking photos of them, especially on a sunset with a soft, warm light.

One day during our trip to Los Angeles, we stopped by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). As we walked around, listening to my husband’s stories about his student years in California, I felt a deeper connection to the local lifestyle.

One week was enough to enjoy Los Angeles and visit The Huntington Library, Getty Museum, and Botanical Gardens in Pasadena. After a wonderful trip like this, it’s always nice to return home. I love traveling; it’s entertaining and has been important for my personal growth. It becomes even better when you have a place you call home and can appreciate its beauty.

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The Getty Museum in Los Angeles.

Elena Sullivan — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 16:28:58 +0000

A museum is always on my “must-see places” list when I travel. So, during my summer trip to Los Angeles, one of the museums I visited was The Getty Museum, which is a part of the Getty Center. Initially, the Getty Museum started in J. Paul Getty’s house and extended into a center including Conservation and Research Institute, Foundation, and the Museum. In 1984, Richard Meier was chosen to be the architect, and the Center ultimately opened to the public on December 16, 1997. Nowadays, The Getty Museum in Los Angeles has over 1.8 million visitors annually, which makes it one of the most visited museums in the United States.

When I travel, I feel excited about everything, even a short ride on the tram that took me from the parking lot to the main entrance at the Getty Center. It took around five minutes, during which I could enjoy beautiful views of Los Angeles and enhance my expectations of my upcoming museum tour.

The Getty Museum in Los Angeles

The first thing I noticed arriving at the Center and walking around was the quality and color of the material used in the buildings. The architect Richard Meier featured travertine stone in his design due to its historical association with public architecture, color, and consistency. Travertine is a type of limestone found near cold and hot springs. It’s formed when limestone is dissolved in rainwater.

The travertine at the Getty Center is an estimated 8,000 to 80,000 years old and comes from a quarry in Bagni di Tivoli, Italy. For 2,000 years, this quarry supplied travertine used in Roman structures, including the Colosseum, and other buildings, such as Lincoln Center in New York. This connection to ancient Rome linked the Getty Center and the Roman-style Getty Villa.

After exploring the surrounding area of the Getty Museum, I entered the main building, where it felt very fresh.

Thanks to the invention of air conditioning, it makes summertime much more pleasing.

As a photographer, I followed my professional instincts and, first of all, visited a photography hall where at that moment, there was an exhibition called “Teen photographers respond.”

Every time I visit a museum, I wish to have more time to explore all the art pieces and read every annotation because that adds an enriching element to a museum experience – details about the “Who? Why? and When?”

I spend only four hours there, which is enough to get the general picture of the Getty Museum but not enough for a Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Getty’s museum collection contains more than 120,000 separate objects and is distributed in different sections. It includes paintings, drawings, illuminated manuscripts, sculptures, and decorative arts.

The Paintings collection has over 400 European paintings created before the 19th century. Among the best–known works are paintings by Pontormo, Rembrandt, Turner, Monet, and Van Gogh.

Like videos? Take a look at this one.

The Department of Sculpture and Decorative Arts in the Getty Museum has over 1700 objects dating from the 12th -20 th century.

The permanent collection in the Getty Museum is displayed throughout the four pavilions chronologically: the north houses the oldest art while the west houses the newest.

Gardens at the Getty Center in Los Angeles.

The open spaces in the Getty Museum are something admirable. For me, art is an expression of creative freedom, and at the Getty Center, architecture and landscaping are perfectly aligned to express that feeling of freedom.

The fountains add refreshing vibes to every space, and Getty Center is no exception. The inner courtyard of the Getty Museum features a Central fountain.

There are four gardens in the Getty Center —one at street level, the rest at the top of the hill—and an outdoor sculpture terrace.

The Cactus Garden shows a variety of cacti, succulents, and other plants from a desert terrain.

Located in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, The Getty Center’s 86 acres of landscaped gardens and terraces include the Central Garden, designed by California artist Robert Irwin. Since the Getty Center opened in 1997, the Central Garden has evolved as its plants have grown.

Central Garden is a piece of art; I would gladly spend a couple of hours sitting somewhere in a shade of a tree and reading a novel while occasionally admiring flowers. It might sound a little romantic, but it feels like a beautiful place to relax and enjoy a slow pace of life.

I have a tradition of buying little something in every museum I visit. This time it was a book by Linda Nochlin, “Why have there been no great women artists?” and earrings in the form of a rose, which became one of my favorites. Being enthusiastic about personal style, I knew this earring would work with many of my outfits. By the way, have you seen my article “Five benefits of finding personal style?” I discuss how dressing nice elevates confidence, self-image, and mood. For me, every museum experience becomes more interesting when I dress accordingly – nice and in compliance with my style.

The Getty Museum tickets:

Admission is free but requires an online reservation. If you go to the Getty Museum in a car, you must pay a parking fee.

Operating hours:

Tuesday-Friday 10AM – 5.30 PM

Saturday 10AM- 8PM

Sunday 10AM- 5.30PM

Monday – closed

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The Getty Museum in Los Angeles.

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