Things to do in Tulare County
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Top 10 attractions in Tulare County
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory is located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. This white-domed building, completed in 1935, is a classic spot in Los Angeles for watching sunsets and night views. The observation deck offers an expansive view, overlooking the Los Angeles Basin, the downtown skyline in the distance, and the Pacific coastline, while facing the nearby "Hollywood" sign. At dusk, the sun sinks toward the coastline, and as night falls, the city lights gradually fill the entire basin, creating a particularly magnificent scene. Films such as "Transformers" and "La La Land" have been shot here. The museum is packed with highlights: the Foucault pendulum hanging in the central hall swings continuously, periodically knocking down wooden pegs on its surrounding rail, visually demonstrating Earth's rotation. The dome is encircled by astronomical-themed murals painted by artist Hugo Ballin. The lower exhibition hall features a model of the solar system's planets suspended from the ceiling, while a massive photo wall spanning tens of meters displays millions of galaxies, accompanied by a statue of Einstein pointing toward it. In the central dome theater, visitors can recline in their seats and follow the live guide to explore the stars and the cosmos. During daytime visits, travelers can observe real-time solar images through the solar telescope in the exhibition hall. On clear nights, the rooftop Zeiss refracting telescope is open to the public for stargazing, and millions of travelers have gazed at the stars through it since its construction. To catch both sunset and night views in one trip, it's recommended to head up the mountain early, allowing ample time for exhibitions and waiting for nightfall. Weekends and holidays draw large crowds, often causing traffic congestion on the mountain road.United States · Los Angeles
Griffith Park
Griffith Park spans the eastern end of theSanta Monica Mountainsand is one of the largest urban wilderness parks in the United States. Large areas of the park retain their original chaparral landscape, with California oaks and native sage covering the hillsides. While hiking, you may often encounter wildlife such as coyotes, deer, and even bobcats. The park was donated to the citizens of Los Angeles by Welsh-born industrialist Griffith in 1896, with the wish that it be shared by people of all races, creeds, and colors. The park brings together several unique destinations: theLos Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the Autry Museum of the American West, the Travel Town Museum, The Greek Theatre open-air performance venue, and the Griffith Observatory on the mountain, while theHollywood Signitself is also located within the park. The network of hiking trails running throughout the park is one of its main features. Visitors can hike along the mountain trails to the top of the Hollywood Hills to take in views of both the Hollywood Sign and the Los Angeles city skyline. At sunset, golden light spills over the hillsides, and the city lights gradually twinkle on below. The park also features golf courses and equestrian trails, where you can ride along mountain paths and experience this urban wilderness at a different pace than hiking.United States · Los Angeles
The Getty
The Getty is perched on the hills of Brentwood and was funded by the estate of oil tycoon J. Paul Getty. The complex was designed by architect Richard Meier and features large areas of white travertine as its facade material. Visitors must take a cable car from the parking lot at the foot of the hill to the hilltop campus, where they can overlook the Los Angeles cityscape along the way. The museum's collection focuses on European art from before the 20th century, covering various categories such as paintings, drawings, manuscripts, sculpture, and decorative arts, while also possessing a photography collection that spans from the 1830s to the present. The museum also houses a large number of illuminated manuscripts from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, as well as authentic works by European masters from the 14th to the 19th centuries, covering important art movements such as the Italian Renaissance, the Dutch Golden Age, and French Neoclassicism. The decorative arts gallery displays furniture, tapestries, and glassware from different periods in Europe. Central Garden is another major highlight of The Getty. The garden organizes space from an artist's perspective, with a stream cascading from a height, passing through the shade of London plane trees, and flowing into a sunken plaza. In the center of the plaza is an azalea maze, surrounded by large plant sculptures with steel frames adorned with bougainvillea. The garden is planted with hundreds of species of plants, among which one can also see the bird of paradise, the official flower of Los Angeles.United States · Los Angeles
Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is an iconic sidewalk view in the Hollywood district of Los Angeles, stretching over ten blocks along Hollywood Boulevard and extending three more blocks along Vine Street, with the main section alone spanning approx. two km. Since the first stars were embedded in the pavement in 1960, over 2,800 pink five-pointed badges have been laid, each with brass borders and engraved copper lettering for names—from actors, directors, and singers to hosts, and even fictional characters like Mickey Mouse and Godzilla, all finding their own star here. Below each star is a brass emblem denoting its category: a movie camera for film, a TV for television, a record for music, a microphone for radio, comedy and tragedy masks for theater and live performances, and recently, a trophy for sports and entertainment. The distribution of stars is deliberate, with the most popular ones clustered near the TCL Chinese Theatre, while Oscar winners' stars gather around the Dolby Theatre. The Chinese Theatre's forecourt also features handprints and footprints of numerous celebrities, worth a visit. The entire Walk has only one exception: boxing legend Muhammad Ali's star is not on the ground but mounted on the wall of the Dolby Theatre, as he didn't want anyone stepping on his name. At the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, four round Apollo moon landing commemorative plaques are embedded, often overlooked as hidden gems. To find your favorite star among nearly 3,000—whether it's Michael Jackson or Marilyn Monroe—it's best to check the exact location beforehand. Street performers dressed as superheroes or cartoon characters often greet travelers for photos, usually asking for gratuities afterward, so consider this before posing. Also, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas. Star ceremonies are held irregularly throughout the year, and if you happen to catch a new honoree's unveiling, you might witness a lively event.United States · Los Angeles
Hollywood
Hollywood is world-famous for its thriving film and entertainment industry. In the early 20th century, the abundant sunshine and dry, arid climate of Southern California were extremely favorable for filmmaking, leading many film production companies to relocate to the area; Paramount Pictures still maintains its headquarters here today. The "HOLLYWOOD" sign, spelled out in 9 huge white letters on the mountain, is an iconic visual symbol of the entire area. This sign was initially a promotional billboard for the real estate project "Hollywoodland," but the "land" at the end was later removed, becoming the version familiar to people today. Hollywood Boulevard is the heart of the district. The Hollywood Walk of Fame extends along the boulevard and Vine Street, with over 2,500 five-pointed stars embedded in the sidewalk, each inscribed with the name of an entertainment industry figure, ranging from classic movie stars to contemporary musicians. The concrete forecourt of the TCL Chinese Theatre preserves the handprints and footprints of numerous stars, which is a distinct commemorative system from the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Dolby Theatre, adjacent to theTCL Chinese Theatre, is the long-time home of the Academy Awards ceremony. Sunset Blvd runs through the area, lined with tall, straight rows of palm trees, a quintessential classic street scene.United States · Los Angeles
Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica State Beachis located on the western coast of Los Angeles, United States, and is a classic seaside vacation attraction that combines natural scenery, a relaxing atmosphere, and historical and cultural features. Stepping onto this coast, the first things that catch your eye are the stretches of golden sand, the wide and gentle coastline, and the endless Pacific Ocean. With waves gently lapping the shore and the sea breeze blowing, visitors can stroll or relax on the soft sand, soaking up the unique sunshine and laid-back vibe of Southern California. Strolling along the wooden pier, you can feel a strong sense of retro seaside charm. You can often encounter live performances by street artists on the pier, where music, laughter, and the sound of waves intertwine, adding a lively and free artistic atmosphere to the pier. Whether you are strolling on the beach, cycling along the ocean, or soaking up the lively atmosphere on the pier, you can experience typical California coastal culture.United States · Santa Monica
CA-1
CA-1 is a highly iconic coastal self-drive route on the West Coast of the United States, stretching over 1,000 km along the Pacific coastline and connecting coastal towns from the San Francisco Bay Area, Monterey, Big Sur, San Simeon, and Morro Bay all the way to Los Angeles. Its highlight is concentrated in the Big Sur section between Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and San Simeon: the road winds along steep cliffs, with the surging Pacific Ocean on one side and mountains and redwood forests on the other. There are many scenic parking areas along the way where you can pull over at any time to enjoy the sea breeze and watch the waves crash against the cliffs. There are several highly recognizable scenes along this section: the Bixby Bridge, which spans the canyon, is an elegantly designed concrete arch bridge, and there are almost always vehicles parked at the bridgehead for photos; McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park drops directly from the cliff top onto the beach in the cove, making it a rare beach waterfall in California; the sand at Pfeiffer Beach has a faint purple hue due to the weathering of manganese garnet in the cliffs; further south in the San Simeon area, groups of northern elephant seals can be seen sunbathing on the beach year-round, and you can also visit Hearst Castle on the mountain nearby. The Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey at the northern end and the town of Carmel-By-The-Sea also have their own unique charm.United States · Monterey County
University of Southern California
University of Southern Californiawas founded in 1880 and is one of the oldest private research universities on the West Coast of the United States. As an important cultural and educational landmark in Los Angeles, this university not only possesses a profound academic heritage but has also become a popular destination for visitors due to its beautiful campus environment, rich architectural heritage, and strong film culture. The campus is primarily characterized by Romanesque red-brick architecture, with arched windows, a classic clock tower, and tall palm trees lining the roads, all of which create a typical campus view. Strolling through the campus, you can feel the unique charm of the fusion between a traditional university atmosphere and a modern urban environment, making it a perfect place to slow down and appreciate the architectural details and campus scenery. Whether you are admiring the classic campus architecture, exploring the film culture, or taking a leisurely walk among the greenery, you can feel the unique charm of this century-old prestigious university.United States · Los Angeles
Long Beach
Long Beach is located south of Los Angeles, California, United States, and is a coastal city known for its seaside scenery, port culture, and leisure lifestyle. Named for its long, wide beaches, it has a mild, typical Mediterranean climate, making it suitable for enjoying the ocean all year round. This beach area retains the bustling atmosphere of a modern port city while offering a laid-back and comfortable seaside lifestyle, making it one of the distinctive travel destinations in Southern California. The unique charm of this beach lies in its diverse urban environment. On one side is a busy deep-water port, where giant ships come and go and container transport is bustling, showcasing the modern power of an international port city. On the other side is a waterfront area full of a leisure atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along the coastal promenade and enjoy the ocean views.United States · Long Beach
Solvang
Solvangis a unique town full of Nordic charm, located in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, California, United States. Entering the town feels like stepping into a small European city far from the U.S. West Coast, where the streets, architecture, and lifestyle all showcase a unique exotic charm. What makes this town eye-catching is the fairytale-like architectural environment, with numerous half-timbered buildings lining the streets, featuring a combination of white walls, wooden beams, and red spires. The town's street layout is compact and perfect for exploring on foot, allowing visitors to stroll while admiring the various exquisite architectural details. The town is home to many wine tasting rooms, where visitors can stop by while shopping to taste local wines and experience the unique, relaxed atmosphere of the California wine region.United States · Solvang
Free things to do in Tulare County
Griffith Observatory
United States · Los AngelesGriffith Park
United States · Los AngelesThe Getty
United States · Los AngelesHollywood Walk of Fame
United States · Los AngelesHollywood
United States · Los AngelesSanta Monica State Beach
United States · Santa MonicaCA-1
United States · Monterey CountyUniversity of Southern California
United States · Los AngelesLong Beach
United States · Long BeachSolvang
United States · Solvang
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What travellers say about Tulare County
notmaxp29 August 2026
5.0
Business Hours:Address:Tips:Reasons to Recommend:Reasons to Recommend: Griffith observatory please
Griffith Observatory
yangduoduo1729 January 2021
4.0
A very suitable place to enjoy the night view of Los Angeles, you can overlook the night view of the entire Los Angeles, but it is often crowded here, so you have to squeeze out a spot by yourself~ It was a bit foggy when we came, and the weather was not very good, but you can still enjoy a good night view. It is said that this is the filming location of the movie Lalaland. Friends who are interested can come to make a pilgrimage!
Griffith Park
学校🏫5 June 2025
5.0
Getty Center: The art temple on the top of a hill in Los Angeles is definitely worth a special visit!
Even if you are only slightly interested in art, the Getty Center is still a place that will make your trip worthwhile. It is far more than a museum, but more like a mountaintop cultural paradise that combines architectural wonders, top art collections and beautiful scenery.
Core highlights not to be missed
1. The building itself is a masterpiece of art: the pure white building complex designed by the master architect Richard Meier has simple and smooth lines and a modern feel. Take the iconic cable train slowly up the mountain, full of ritual, and the city scenery of Los Angeles gradually unfolds in front of you, and you are already intoxicated before entering the museum.
2. Hall-level art collection: *The core attraction! From the manuscripts of Renaissance masters, the shocking large paintings of Rubens in the Baroque period, to Van Gogh's vibrant "Irises" (the brushstrokes are breathtaking when seen up close), Monet's charming impressionist landscapes, Cezanne's solid still lifes... The key chapters of Western art history are vividly presented here, with extremely high quality and free to visit (only parking fees are charged).
3. The tranquil and elegant Central Garden: The Central Garden designed by Robert Irving is an oasis in the hustle and bustle. The winding paths, carefully matched plants, gurgling streams and unique water platform maze are full of natural interest and design ingenuity. It is a great place to stroll, relax and relax.
4. The unparalleled viewing platform: Located on the top of Santa Monica Mountain, the view is extremely wide. Standing on the terrace, you can see the city skyline of Los Angeles, the rolling mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean. When the weather is fine, the bustling city and the magnificent nature blend at this moment, especially at sunset, the scenery is particularly shocking.
Is it worth going? Without a doubt, it is highly recommended!
Art lovers must pilgrimage: the quality and breadth of the collection are enough to make people linger.
Architecture and landscape control will fall in love: the perfect dialogue between modern architecture and nature and urban landscape.
Visitors who seek unique experiences: the top of the mountain location, the small train, free high-quality art, the beautiful garden and the view, the combination experience is unique.
Practical tips: Parking is expensive (about $20, $15 after 3pm), so it is recommended to book a parking space on the official website in advance. Reserve at least 3-4 hours to enjoy the experience. Bring a camera, the sunset view is not to be missed!
Summary: The Getty Center combines top art, outstanding architecture, exquisite gardening and magnificent landscapes, providing a high-quality cultural experience full of aesthetic enjoyment and spiritual relaxation that far exceeds ordinary museums. It is not only a cultural landmark in Los Angeles, but also a must-see for anyone visiting Los Angeles.
The Getty
Yeasky 1518 January 2025
4.0
[Price/performance] is not an absolute advantage.
[Fun] is definitely OK. There are no good attractions around.
[Scenery] is also the usual American scenery, with blue sky and white clouds.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
JojoinSG28 August 2023
5.0
Hollywood is a sight to see in the day. Lots of souvenir shops and photo moments but according to my friend it is not a place to be in the night. I am glad I got to see it.
Hollywood
YoYo_1I8Q7O5O1 January 2026
5.0
Santa Monica Beach always has a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere. The Ferris wheel on the pier glows warmly at dusk, its silhouette against the pinkish-purple sky. On the beach, you'll often see people walking their dogs, families playing frisbee, and the air is filled with the mingled aromas of sea salt and fried food from roadside stalls. The waves are gentle, perfect for beginners to try their hand at surfing. The old-fashioned amusement park at the end of the pier is always bustling, with the clatter of basketball machines and pinball machines. Here, it's easy to lose track of time—look at the sea, feel the breeze, and life seems to slow down to the rhythm of the Pacific Ocean.
Santa Monica State Beach
生长在海边的果果29 May 2025
5.0
精华路段是旧金山到洛杉矶的这段，并且一定要从旧金山往洛杉矶开，因为右侧道路临海，这个方向开视线好，景色美不胜收。真的是最美公路。我们开了3天，第一天旧金山到蒙特雷，第二天到皮斯莫海滩，第三天到洛杉矶，一路走走停停，边走边玩，海景无敌，好多国内没见过的花花，真美。途经主要景点有半月湾，鸽点灯塔，蒙特雷小镇，卡梅尔小镇，17英里海湾，大苏尔麦克维瀑布，比克斯比河大桥，象海豹滩，皮斯莫海滩，索尔万丹麦小镇，圣芭芭拉，圣莫妮卡海滩等
CA-1
洛城夏季25 February 2026
5.0
The University of Southern California (USC) main campus, University Park Campus, is located southwest of downtown Los Angeles, covering approximately 226 acres, adjacent to Exposition Park and Memorial Stadium.
• Architectural Style: Classic red-brick Romanesque Revival; the campus resembles a historic park, with iconic buildings including the Doheny Library, the Bovard Administration Building, and the iconic Tommy Trojan statue (the school's symbol).
• Atmosphere: An oasis in the city, pedestrian-friendly with abundant green spaces, lawns, and fountains; restricted vehicular traffic; fast-paced and vibrant lifestyle.
• Student Life: Over 1,000 clubs and societies; a very high proportion of international students (over 12,000 international students worldwide); a strong sense of belonging within the Trojan Family; close to Hollywood, frequent filming locations. There is also a smaller Health Sciences Campus focusing on medicine.
Overall: A top-tier West Coast campus combining classic elegance with Los Angeles vibrancy.
University of Southern California
翱翔的大鲨鱼2 January 2020
4.0
Long Beach is a famous place in Southern California. It is a small town in the Los Angeles area with a long coastline and many private cruise ship docks. It is a famous holiday destination in Southern California. The place is very beautiful and its name is true.
Long Beach
raskolnikov2 December 2022
4.0
I very good preview to an actual trip in Copenhagen. The place gives you a good idea of what to expect.
Solvang
