Getty Center Audio Guide Tour

Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one app

Instant access

Open your tour from the link we send. No app required.

Explore at your pace

Start, pause, and continue whenever you like.

Online or offline

Listen in your browser or download the tour in the app.

Top sights near Getty Center

Your free Santa Monica sightseeing self-guided audio tour is waiting.
Get free audio tours, travel Spotify playlists, and other goodies in your email.
By signing up, you agree to receive promotional emails on activities and insider tips. You can unsubscribe or withdraw your consent at any time with future effect. For more information, read our Privacy statement.

About Getty Center

Address

Getty Center Drive, 1200
Open in Google Maps

Opening hours

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Local time

Best time to visit

Visit in the morning or near sunset; spring and fall offer clear views and pleasant garden weather.

Crowd level

Extremely popular with 36,686 Google ratings; reserve entry 1–2 weeks ahead, especially weekends. The first morning slot is usually least crowded.

Directions

From Santa Monica, drive northeast to 1200 Getty Center Dr and take the tram from the parking area.

The Getty Center, perched above Los Angeles near Santa Monica, opened in 1997 as the main public campus of the J. Paul Getty Museum and related research institutions. Created to house and present major American and European art collections, it quickly became one of Southern California’s most important cultural landmarks. Beyond the galleries, the site is celebrated for its striking hilltop architecture, carefully manicured gardens, and sweeping views across Los Angeles to the Pacific on clear days. Its tram approach, landscaped grounds, and free museum access have helped make the Getty Center both an art destination and a beloved public space where architecture, nature, and visual culture come together.

Before you enter

  • Reserve your entry in advance, especially for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday visits.
  • Check opening hours carefully; Getty Center is closed on Mondays.
  • Allow extra time for parking, security, and the tram ride uphill.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking between galleries, terraces, and gardens.

What to expect

  • Expect panoramic Los Angeles views and, on clear days, glimpses toward the Pacific.
  • The tram ride from the parking area is part of the visit experience.
  • You’ll find art galleries, outdoor spaces, and peaceful landscaped gardens.
  • Friday and Saturday offer longer evening hours than most other days.

During your visit

  • Start with outdoor terraces for views, then explore galleries and gardens at a relaxed pace.
  • Bring sun protection; many viewpoints and paths are exposed.
  • Take breaks in the gardens if you want a quieter moment away from galleries.
  • Plan a few hours minimum to enjoy architecture, art, and scenery fully.

FAQ about Getty Center

Getty Center is located in Santa Monica, surrounded by many other great sights.

These tours cover Getty Center and other nearby highlights:

The most popular tours for Getty Center are:

Explore Getty Center at your own pace with these audio guides and self-guided tours:

Want to discover all there is to do in Santa Monica
Click here for a full list