The warm sand and cool surf are quite the contrast for us New Englanders for this time of the year. So it should not be a surprise to anyone that, while in L.A., we spent much of our time near the beach. Another reason may be because it was an easy walk from the office. We would have been happy to have spent our entire time hanging out at the pier, but thought we should avail ourselves to other L.A. experiences while we were here.

One strong recommendation was to go check out the Getty Center. The Getty Center is situated atop a hill in Santa Monica Mountain adjacent to the San Diego Freeway. This enormous complex was designed by architect Richard Meier, its construction took 12 years to complete, and the final cost came in at $300/square inch (yes...inch). However, the results were spectacular in every respect. The buildings are stunnng yet approachable, the lines are flowing and rhythmic, and the space is expansive but well structured and often intimate.

Surprises and delights can be found around every corner and at the top of every stairs. It was impossible not to be taken in and be taken aback by the stunning architectural beauty of this place.

We would expect the Getty Center to have beautiful galleries and exhibit halls, but we were pleasantly surprised to find there was also a wonderful restaurant on its premises. It has a creative menu and was a great place for a leisurely Sunday brunch. The food was delicious but the service can be a bit slow during their busy times.

In the heart of the Getty Center is the Central Garden created by artist Robert Irwin. This 134,000-square-foot circular garden features a natural ravine and tree-lined walkway that guides the visitor through an extraordinary experience of sights, sounds, and scents.

In addition to the Central Garden, the Getty Center features abundant landscaping for public enjoyment, including a cactus garden at the South Promontory, fountains in the Museum Courtyard and the Central Plaza, shaded hideaways, and spectacular views of the Santa Monica Mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and Los Angeles. If you are visiting L.A., the Getty Center is one spot you should not miss. [Permalink] -Getty Center