Self-Guided Tour of Westwood in Los Angeles with Fun Facts and Best Photo Ops

Discover Westwood in Los Angeles with a Self-Guided Tour for Only $20

This self-guided tour of Westwood in Los Angeles offers an affordable way to explore some of the neighborhood’s most interesting spots at your own pace. Priced at $20 per group (up to 10 people), it provides a flexible experience that lasts approximately 3 to 5 hours. With its focus on hidden gems, delicious local eateries, and photo-worthy spots, this tour is perfect for those who enjoy discovering a city’s more personal side without the constraints of a traditional guided experience.

The tour includes a detailed PDF that guides you from a central starting point along Santa Monica Boulevard to notable locations like UCLA’s botanical gardens, modern art museums, and iconic movie theaters. Since this is a self-guided adventure, it suits independent explorers who appreciate the freedom to spend more time at their favorite spots or skip areas that don’t interest them. Keep in mind, there’s no physical guide or food included, so planning ahead for meals or drinks is recommended.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $20 per group (up to 10 people)
• Flexible scheduling: begin and end the tour whenever it suits you
• Approximately 3 to 5 hours of exploration
• Visits include famous sites like UCLA gardens, the Getty Center, and Hollywood’s Regency Village Theatre
• The tour is self-guided with a PDF map and descriptions, no physical guide
• Focus on photo opportunities, local cafes, and cultural attractions

Starting Point at Cafe Chez Marie on Santa Monica Boulevard

The tour begins at Cafe Chez Marie, a popular Westwood spot offering French, Moroccan, and American cuisine. The café is notably the first eatery in the US to combine these cuisines, making it a flavorful and historic starting point. The 15-minute stop is ideal for grabbing a coffee or snack before heading out, and it’s located conveniently on Santa Monica Boulevard.

The tour’s flexibility allows you to start here at any time, making it a suitable option for different schedules. From this central location, you can easily access the other stops on foot or via nearby public transportation.

Exploring the Los Angeles California Temple

The Los Angeles California Temple, the second-largest temple belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is a striking Modernist-style building that’s worth a quick visit. Even if you’re not religious, the architecture and peaceful surroundings make it a memorable sight. The 15-minute stop offers ample time to admire the structure and take photos.

This stop highlights Westwood’s mix of cultural and spiritual landmarks, adding a unique perspective to the neighborhood’s diverse character. Its proximity to other attractions makes it easy to include in your self-guided route.

Paying Respects at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park

A visit to Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park reveals the final resting places of many Hollywood legends and influential figures from the entertainment industry. The 20-minute stop provides an opportunity to see the graves of notable stars from the past, offering a quieter, more reflective experience amidst the bustling city.

This cemetery challenges the stereotype of LA as solely glamourous, providing a moment of history and fame’s quieter side. It’s a popular stop for those interested in Tinseltown’s legacy and is easy to reach from other Westwood attractions.

Enjoying Modern Art at the Hammer Museum

The Hammer Museum, founded in 1990 by Arnold Hammer, specializes in modern art, including photography, design, installations, and comic art. The 15-minute visit allows you to browse its rotating exhibitions and unique collections, which are all free of charge.

This museum’s contemporary focus offers a stark contrast to more traditional art venues, making it a fresh experience for art lovers. Its location in Westwood makes it an accessible highlight on your self-guided route.

Hollywood’s Iconic Regency Village Theatre

The Regency Village Theatre stands as one of Westwood’s most famous landmarks, known for hosting premieres of major films like Shrek and Harry Potter series. While the 10-minute stop does not include ticket purchases, it provides a chance to admire the historic almost 90-year-old cinema.

This theater captures Hollywood’s glitz and glamour and is a must-see for film buffs. Its outdoor marquee and classic architecture make it a great photo opportunity during your walk.

Serenity at UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden

The UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden is a tranquil oasis where you can stroll among diverse flowers and plants or simply relax in a peaceful setting. The 20-minute stop lets you enjoy the lush scenery and perhaps find a quiet spot to sit and take photos.

This garden exemplifies Westwood’s blend of natural beauty and academic prestige, as it’s part of the UCLA campus. It’s an ideal place to unwind and connect with nature amidst your urban exploration.

Cultural Treasures at the Fowler Museum at UCLA

The Fowler Museum, also at UCLA, showcases world art, ethnography, and archaeology. The 15-minute visit presents artefacts from Asia, Africa, and the Americas, offering a glimpse into diverse cultures and histories.

Since the museum does not include admission in the tour package, visitors may want to check opening hours or plan longer visits if interested. Its position on the UCLA campus makes it an accessible cultural stop during your self-guided journey.

Artistic Masterpieces at Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden

The Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden is renowned as one of the most impressive sculpture parks in the U.S. It features works by Matisse, Rodin, Arp, and Miro, making it a highlight for art enthusiasts. The 15-minute stop allows close inspection of these masterpieces in a lush outdoor setting.

This sculpture garden offers a rare chance to see significant works outside a traditional museum environment. Its combination of nature and art makes it a favorite among visitors seeking inspiring photo ops.

The Getty Center’s Architectural and Artistic Marvels

The Getty Center is one of the world’s leading arts institutions, hosting European and American art from various periods. The 20-minute stop lets visitors admire the stunning architecture, exhibitions, and beautiful gardens.

While the visit is brief, the Getty Center’s impressive collection and design make it a worthwhile inclusion. Admission is free, but plan your time wisely to maximize the experience within the allotted time.

Practicalities and Logistics

The self-guided PDF provides clear directions and interesting facts for each stop, making it easy to navigate the neighborhood independently. The meeting point at Cafe Chez Marie is accessible via public transportation, and the tour is designed for most travelers, including those with mobility considerations.

Since the tour is private, only your group participates, allowing for a personalized pace. It’s important to note that food and drinks are not included, so bringing snacks or planning meal breaks along the route is advisable.

Final Thoughts on the Westwood Self-Guided Tour

At just $20, this tour offers remarkable value for discovering Westwood’s diverse sights. The flexibility to start and end at your preferred times makes it suitable for various schedules. With highlights like UCLA’s botanical gardens, modern art at the Hammer Museum, and Hollywood’s historic theaters**, it appeals to a wide range of interests.

The lack of a physical guide is offset by comprehensive PDFs, providing enough detail for an engaging exploration. The tour’s focus on photo opportunities and local flavor makes it especially appealing for those who enjoy capturing their journey.

However, travelers should prepare for the approximate 3- to 5-hour duration and bring their own snacks or drinks. Since it’s designed as a self-guided experience, it’s best suited for independent explorers who appreciate a personalized and unhurried visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Yes, the tour is accessible to most travelers and can be enjoyed by families, especially those interested in art, architecture, and local culture.

Do I need to download anything before starting?
Yes, a self-guided PDF is provided, which includes detailed directions, fun facts, and photo tips to help you navigate Westwood independently.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Absolutely, the tour is customizable to your schedule, allowing you to begin and end whenever it suits you.

Are there any age or physical activity restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but the tour involves walking between stops, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Are the attractions included in the tour ticket fee?
Most stops are free of charge, but museums like the Fowler Museum may not include admission in the package.

Is this tour available on weekends?
Yes, the tour can be scheduled any day, based on your preferred start time.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable footwear, camera or smartphone for photos, and snacks or drinks if desired, as these are not included.

How long should I allocate for the full tour?
Plan for 3 to 5 hours depending on how long you wish to spend at each site.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not included, but the starting point on Santa Monica Boulevard is accessible via public transit.

Can I extend the tour if I want to see more sites?
Yes, since it’s self-guided, you can add extra stops or spend more time at locations that pique your interest.