If you come to Los Angeles, you really should visit both the Getty Villa (on the coast) and the Getty Museum (in the Sepulveda pass off the 405). If you're interested in history, art, architecture, that is.

The Getty Museum has a nice collection of Impressionist paintings, and I suppose that is one reason to visit it. But, in my opinion, the real art of the Getty is the building complex and grounds. The museum is a work of art.

Every corner you turn, every new angle, reveals a hidden surprise, a wonderful visual gift. From the freeway it seems like just another blocky contemporary building, but roam around the structure and the grounds, and you will have a daylong art immersion experience.

Not inside, so much--I found the galleries confusing and at times irritating--but the outside, the architecture itself. Bring a lunch, or buy one at the cafe or restaurant (pricy but delicious) and make a day of it.

I didn't take the guided tour of the buildings and grounds, but next time I may do just that.

Word of advice: make your visit during nice weather. In the summer and early fall, the white marble reflects and concentrates the heat, and there is little incentive to leave the air-conditioned building.