A visit to Los Angeles is on the bucket list of millions of people, and you’re about to check it off yours! A city this massive and bustling is full of must-see attractions, but as you’re searching through the to-dos for ways to fill your itinerary, you’ll see that LA is more than a celebrity hotbed — it’s a cultural mecca, with dozens of impressive, world-renowned museums spread throughout the area.

Since many of the favorites are off the beaten path, consider grabbing a car rental at LAX when you fly in rather than opting for public transportation or rideshares. Sure, LA traffic can take some getting used to, but the freedom of having your own car more than makes up for rush hour, and you can visit any of these 7 must-visit museums without worrying about how you’ll get there!

1. Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens

Our first stop on the Los Angeles Museum Express itinerary is the Huntington Library. Yes, a library on a museum tour! This versatile attraction is more than books, although the collection is impressive enough to wow even non-bibliophiles. Here, you’ll explore the Huntington Botanical Gardens, a vast collection of artifacts, including art collections, historic furniture, and more. Reservations are required on weekends and highly suggested on weekdays.

2. The Getty Center

Only reached by a tram that takes you up a steep hill to this SoCal destination, the Getty Center is a massive collection of art obtained over decades by the J. Paul Getty Trust. In 1997, everything that didn’t fit in the Getty Villa was rolled over into this museum, and it has become a culture lover’s favorite place to visit since then. You have to use paid public parking to access this site, but admission is free.

3. Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Combine the celebrity reputation of Hollywood with culture and history, and you get the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. This goldmine of cinematic wonders rotates its objects throughout the year, so what you’ll find when you visit depends on when you go. Previously, favorite exhibitions featuring movies like Casablanca and The Godfather were displayed. But you’ll always see the shark from Jaws greeting you!

4. Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum boasts its claim as the first museum in the city, opening in 1913. Its grand architecture shouts its proud heritage, letting you know from first glance that you’re in for a spectacular experience. Six stories of glass encase fossils, artwork, nature gardens, and artifacts from the area’s origins through what we know as modern-day Los Angeles.

5. The Broad

A unique museum for those searching for something unusual, The Broad is known for its infinity mirror rooms. Yayoi Kusama designed the immersive effect, which attracts visitors from around the world. You’ll also find displays from many of your favorite post-war artists, keeping you enthralled as you explore this free museum.

6. Norton Simon Museum

Located in Pasadena, the Norton Simon Museum houses some of the highest-quality art in the world. From Rembrandt to Monet, there’s something for everyone. The collection includes sculptures showcasing South and Southeast Asian designs. A sculpture garden is the perfect way to unwind from a busy day. Even better, most people overlook this museum, so you won’t have to fight the crowds to get to your favorite piece.

7. Griffith Observatory

Finally, we can’t leave the Griffith Observatory off our list! This landmark destination sits atop a hill overlooking Los Angeles. Distracting you from the magnificent view are various exhibits, including a planetarium show, the Foucault pendulum, and a central rotunda with the famous mural created by Hugo Ballin that is nothing short of spectacular. Consider a visit here at night, when the views are particularly scenic.