To take full advantage of living in the heart of Los Angeles, here are several places within 10 miles of UCLA that students should be sure to visit during the year.
1. Santa Monica Pier (6 miles)
Only 6 miles from campus, Santa Monica Pier is easily accessible by bus for students without cars. Santa Monica Pier is a great place for students to relax, play arcade games and take a stroll on the beach. Students can enjoy the sunset with friends after a long day of class and take a much-needed break after exam season. During spring quarter, many student organizations hold bonfire socials at Santa Monica State Beach for students to escape the books and enjoy the taste of s’mores as a treat for their hard work.
2. The Grove (5.5 miles)
Located 5.5 miles from campus, The Grove is also accessible by bus. The Grove has several stores for shopping, restaurants to satisfy cravings and a theater that provides a change of scenery for students looking to see a film away from Westwood Village. Students looking to hang out with friends at an affordable shopping center are sure to enjoy this outdoor mall. The Grove offers many attractions, including live entertainment on weekends, pop-up shops and art exhibitions. Students looking to get out of Westwood will certainly enjoy everything they can find at The Grove.
3. The Getty Center (1.5 miles)
The Getty Center is known for its art museum, architecture, gardens and views overlooking the city of Los Angeles. The Getty Center, located only 1.5 miles from campus, is situated on top of a mountain that looks over Westwood and West Los Angeles. Admission to the Getty Center is free, but attendees must reserve tickets for a specific time frame at least one day in advance. The Getty has an expansive art collection that includes pieces from Van Gogh to Rembrandt. Students who are interested in artwork or beautiful skyline views should consider visiting the Getty Center at least once, especially since it’s so close to campus.
4. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (5.5 miles)
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is an art museum located 5.5 miles from campus. LACMA is primarily known for its infamous forest of city streetlights, called Urban Light, where people flock to take pictures. The museum houses art ranging from modern works to historical pieces from ancient times. LACMA’s exhibitions are located in two buildings that contain artwork and sculptures from different time periods and geographic regions. Tickets are sold at a discounted rate for students before 3 p.m. on weekdays: $16 for residents of Los Angeles County and $21 for non-residents. Admission is free after 3 p.m. Nearby attractions include the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and the Petersen Automotive Museum.
5. Rodeo Drive (4 miles)
Rodeo Drive is a famous street in Beverly Hills known for its luxury stores and its reputation as being one of the most expensive streets in the world. Some of the stores one can visit here include Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana. Rodeo Drive is a hub for fashion, entertainment and luxury, with brand new collections every fall and winter, several pop-up exhibitions and famous street decorations. Students who wish to experience a luxurious part of Los Angeles should consider taking a stroll along Rodeo Drive to see all of the famous brands located on this 2-mile stretch.
