Gardena Getaway: 2-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Morning visit to the South Coast Botanic Garden - this magnificent garden in Rolling Hills Estates features over 2,500 species of plants and a lake with koi fish. After lunch, head to the J. Paul Getty Museum in nearby Los Angeles. The museum showcases artwork from prehistoric times to the 20th century, and the architecture alone is worth the trip.
• Day 2: Start your day by venturing to the Manhattan Beach Pier for a scenic view of the Pacific Ocean. Then, visit the Japanese Garden in nearby Van Nuys, an oasis of tranquility with waterfalls and greenery. In the evening, enjoy a performance at the El Camino College Center for the Arts, which hosts a diverse range of performances from dance to theater.

Time and Costs Estimates

• South Coast Botanic Garden (2-3 hours, $9)
• J. Paul Getty Museum (4 hours, free entrance but $20 parking fee)
• Manhattan Beach Pier (1-2 hours, free)
• Japanese Garden ($5, 1-2 hours)
• El Camino College Center for the Arts (cost and time vary based on the performance, check website for details)
• Total Estimated Costs: $34 (+ parking fee at the Getty Museum)

Transportation

While renting a car is recommended for exploring the greater Los Angeles area, there is a Bus Rapid Transit system serving the Gardena area with lines that connect to nearby cities. Uber and Lyft services are also readily available. Keep in mind that traffic can be heavy during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in nearby San Pedro, where you can see sea life up close and learn about marine ecology. For a night out, check out The Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach for hilarious stand-up comedy.

If you have less time, skip the Getty Museum and save yourself the parking fee. Also, consider visiting the Redondo Beach Pier instead of Manhattan Beach Pier, as it offers similar views and an adjacent beach.