Few cities mix art, history, and pop culture quite like Los Angeles—and nowhere brings it together better than Museum Row on the Miracle Mile. Stretching along Wilshire Boulevard, this short, walkable district is packed with some of the city’s most fascinating museums, stunning architecture, and photo-worthy landmarks. It’s where Ice Age fossils meet classic cars, modern art, and movie magic—all within a few blocks.
In this complete guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about exploring Museum Row: what it is, what to see, local travel tips, and how to plan your visit like a pro. We’ll walk you through the high —from the bubbling tar pits of prehistory to the gleaming red curves of the Petersen Automotive Museum—and share insider advice to make the most of your time.
And when you’re ready to see even more of Los Angeles beyond the Miracle Mile, Hollywood Bus Tours makes it easy. Our half-day and celebrity homes tour covers Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica—so you can experience LA’s icons and hidden corners in one unforgettable day.
What Is Museum Row?
If Los Angeles has a cultural crossroads, it’s Museum Row. This stretch of Wilshire Boulevard between Fairfax Avenue and La Brea Avenue is home to the city’s most concentrated collection of world-class museums and galleries. It’s where science, art, film, and design sit side by side—each telling a different story of Los Angeles.
The area’s name, the Miracle Mile, dates back to the 1920s when developer A.W. Ross transformed what was once open farmland into a thriving boulevard of shops and showrooms. It became a “miracle” of urban planning and Art Deco architecture designed for the automobile age. Today, those same wide sidewalks, striking façades, and iconic landmarks make it one of LA’s most walkable and photogenic neighborhoods.
Within just a few blocks, you can stand beside Ice Age fossils and see bubbling tar pits at the La Brea Tar Pits, admire vintage cars at the Petersen Automotive Museum, and see world-renowned works of art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). It’s a perfect blend of old and new—where history meets creativity in the heart of the city.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong Angeleno rediscovering your hometown, Museum Row captures the essence of Los Angeles: diverse, dynamic, and full of stories waiting to be explored.
6 Must-See Stops on Museum Row in Los Angeles
1. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
The centerpiece of Museum Row, LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, housing more than 150,000 works that span from ancient times to the present. You’ll find everything from Renaissance paintings to contemporary installations and global collections representing every corner of the world.
Outside the museum, Chris Burden’s Urban Light, a glowing grid of 202 restored street lamps, has become one of Los Angeles’ most photographed landmarks. Inside, explore the Broad Contemporary Art Museum, Resnick Exhibition Pavilion, and the Pavilion for Japanese Art, each showcasing rotating exhibitions that highlight different eras and cultures.
Pro Tip: Visit around sunset when Urban Light begins to glow—perfect lighting for photos before crowds peak.
2. La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
Just steps from LACMA, the La Brea Tar Pits Museum is one of the most fascinating stops on the Miracle Mile. It’s the world’s only active urban Ice Age fossil excavation site, where scientists continue to unearth fossils of the Colombian mammoth and saber-toothed cat, as well as dire wolves trapped in tar more than 10,000 years ago.
Visitors can walk around bubbling pits, see open excavation sites, and watch real paleontologists at work through observation windows. Inside the museum, interactive exhibits bring prehistoric Los Angeles to life.
Pro Tip: You don’t need a ticket to enjoy the outdoor displays—perfect for quick visits or families with kids.
3. Petersen Automotive Museum
Across Wilshire Boulevard, the Petersen Automotive Museum celebrates car culture in spectacular fashion. Its striking red-and-silver exterior, wrapped in flowing steel ribbons, is a Los Angeles landmark on its own.
Inside, three floors of exhibits showcase over 300 vehicles—from antique models and concept cars to famous movie cars like the 1989 Batmobile and Back to the Future’s DeLorean. The museum explores automotive history, technology, and design while showing how Los Angeles helped shape car culture worldwide.
Pro Tip: Even if you’re not a car enthusiast, start in the Hollywood Gallery—it’s a fun look at vehicles that starred on screen.
4. Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
At the corner of Wilshire and Fairfax, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures honors Hollywood’s global influence. Operated by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, it houses displays dedicated to the art and science of filmmaking, from early silent films to modern blockbusters.
Highlights include the Stories of Cinema exhibition, behind-the-scenes artifacts, and the state-of-the-art David Geffen Theater. The museum occupies the historic May Company Building, restored with a modern glass-and-steel sphere that now holds the Dolby Family Terrace—offering panoramic views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills.
Pro Tip: Time your visit for golden hour—the terrace view of the city is one of the best photo ops on Wilshire Blvd.
5. Craft Contemporary
Across from the Tar Pits, Craft Contemporary offers a refreshing change of pace. Focused on modern craft, folk art, and design, the museum showcases innovative, often interactive displays that blur the line between art and everyday life.
The galleries highlight both emerging and established artists working in ceramics, textiles, glass, and mixed media. The intimate setting and rotating exhibits make it an ideal short stop to round out your Museum Row visit.
Pro Tip: Check the calendar for hands-on workshops—locals love them, and visitors are always welcome to join.
6. The Original Farmers Market and The Grove
A short walk north from Wilshire to Fairfax Avenue and 3rd Street brings you to the Original Farmers Market and The Grove, two of LA’s favorite hangouts for food and shopping. The Farmers Market dates back to the 1930s and today hosts more than 100 stalls offering everything from tacos and doughnuts to gourmet cheeses. Next door, The Grove adds open-air shopping, a dancing fountain, and great people-watching.
Pro Tip: The Farmers Market is the perfect lunch stop between museums—or a relaxed dinner spot before joining a Hollywood evening tour.
The Farmers Market and The Grove are featured stops on our Half Day Best of LA Tour—a guest favorite that combines Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica!
Sample Museum Row Itinerary on the Miracle Mile
No matter how much time you have in L.A, Museum Row on the Miracle Mile is worth a stop. This stretch of museums along Wilshire Boulevard between Fairfax Avenue and La Brea Avenue fits easily into any itinerary—whether you’re snapping a few photos, exploring galleries, or spending the whole day immersed in LA’s creative energy.
Here are a few sample itineraries for every traveler:
Quick Visit (1–2 Hours)
Perfect for a short stop or when you’re combining Museum Row with a city tour.
- Start at the La Brea Tar Pits to see outdoor fossil exhibits and bubbling tar pools.
- Walk next door to LACMA for photos at Urban Light and a quick loop through the sculpture garden.
- Cross Wilshire Blvd to admire the red-and-silver architecture of the Petersen Automotive Museum.
- End with coffee or a snack at The Original Farmers Market, a few blocks north at 3rd and Fairfax.
Half-Day Adventure (3–4 Hours)
A balanced pace for travelers who want to enjoy the highlights without feeling rushed.
- Begin at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum for a look inside the excavation exhibits.
- Continue to LACMA for the Broad Contemporary Art Museum or Pavilion for Japanese Art.
- Visit the Petersen Automotive Museum to see vintage and movie cars.
- Wrap up at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures for the Stories of Cinema exhibition and terrace views.
- Lunch or early dinner at one of the many dining options at The Farmers Market or The Grove nearby.
Full-Day Experience (5–6 Hours)
Ideal for art lovers or anyone wanting to dive deep into LA culture.
- Start with Craft Contemporary and the La Brea Tar Pits, then spend late morning exploring LACMA’s rotating exhibitions.
- Break for lunch at The Farmers Market.
- In the afternoon, tour the Petersen Automotive Museum and Academy Museum, timing your visit for sunset at the rooftop terrace.
- Pair your evening with our Half Day Best of LA Tour, which includes The Farmers Market stop—perfect for seeing Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica in one seamless day.
Travel Tips for Visiting Museum Row on Wilshire Boulevard
Getting There
- Location: Museum Row runs along Wilshire Boulevard between Fairfax Avenue and La Brea Avenue in the heart of the Miracle Mile in Los Angeles.
- By Car: Each museum has its own parking structure, and additional lots are located along Wilshire. Expect paid parking ranging from $10–$20 for the day.
- Public Transit: The Metro 20 and 720 bus lines stop right along Wilshire Blvd. If you’re coming from Downtown Los Angeles or Beverly Hills, it’s a quick and direct ride.
- Ride Share Tip: Have your driver drop you near the corner of Wilshire and Fairfax—it’s central to all the museums.
Best Time to Visit
- Morning Hours: Weekdays before 11 a.m. offer lighter crowds and easier parking.
- Evenings: Visit Urban Light on the street from LACMA around sunset—when the lamps glow and the sky still holds color.
- Weather: Most of the walk is outdoors, so bring water, sunglasses, and sunscreen, especially during summer months.
Tickets and Exhibitions
- Outdoor spaces like Urban Light and the La Brea Tar Pits grounds are free to visit.
- Indoor galleries, special exhibitions, and film screenings at the Academy Museum require paid admission.
- Buy tickets online in advance to skip lines and guarantee entry for timed exhibits.
- Check each museum’s website for free museum admission days—many offer them monthly for locals and visitors.
Accessibility and Family Tips
- Sidewalks along Wilshire Blvd are wide and accessible, with crosswalks and shaded rest stops.
- All major museums are wheelchair-accessible and stroller-friendly.
- The La Brea Tar Pits and Petersen Automotive Museum are favorites for families—hands-on, educational, and easy to navigate.
- The Original Farmers Market nearby has kid-friendly dining and rest areas, making it a perfect midday break spot.
Local Tips
- Bring water: The stretch between museums is exposed to the sun.
- Lunch like a local: Stop at The Farmers Market for classic LA eats or grab coffee at The Grove.
- Look up: The Art Deco and Streamline Moderne architecture along Wilshire is part of the Miracle Mile’s charm.
- Plan your photos: Urban Light at dusk and the Academy Museum terrace at golden hour are two of LA’s best photo spots.
- Combine experiences: If you want to see more of Los Angeles in the same day, our Half Day Best of LA Tour includes The Farmers Market stop and continues through Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica.
Frequently Asked Questions About Museum Row in Los Angeles
How long does it take to see Museum Row?
It depends on your pace and interests. You can walk the entire stretch of Wilshire Boulevard between Fairfax and La Brea Avenue in about 20 minutes, but most visitors spend three to four hours exploring the museums and nearby attractions.
Can I walk from Museum Row to The Original Farmers Market?
Yes. It’s about a 10–15 minute walk from Wilshire and Fairfax to 3rd Street and Fairfax Avenue. The route is shaded and easy, making it a popular lunch stop before continuing your day.
Is Museum Row good for families?
Absolutely. The La Brea Tar Pits and Petersen Automotive Museum are especially kid-friendly, with interactive exhibits and open spaces to explore. Families also love ending the day at The Farmers Market for casual dining and treats.
What’s the best time of day to visit Museum Row?
Morning or late afternoon. Early hours mean lighter crowds and cooler weather, while evening brings beautiful light for photos—especially at Urban Light and the Academy Museum terrace.
Is Museum Row accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
Yes. All major museums are wheelchair-accessible, and sidewalks between each location are wide, level, and well-maintained. Elevators and ramps are available throughout.
Experience More of Los Angeles with Hollywood Bus Tours
After exploring museums and architecture, let us take you beyond the Miracle Mile. Our Half Day Best of LA Tour covers Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica in one smooth route—complete with photo stops, local insights, and plenty of time at The Original Farmers Market.
Prefer something a little more star-studded? Our Celebrity Homes Tour cruises through the neighborhoods where A-listers live, shop, and hang out—always led by guides who know the city’s stories inside and out.
Both tours are designed for modern travelers who want to see the best of Los Angeles without wasting time in traffic or trying to plan it all alone. We’ll handle the driving so you can focus on the views, the photos, and the experience.
Book your tour today and see why thousands of guests call it the easiest—and most entertaining—way to experience Los Angeles.
