Levitated Mass at LACMA in Los Angeles, California

Standing on LACMA’s campus in Los Angeles, Levitated Mass is one of those artworks that stops you in your tracks, not because it’s flashy, but because it’s overwhelming in the most elemental way. Created by renowned American artist Michael Heizer, this monumental installation is a defining example of land art and minimalism, where scale, gravity, and space do most of the talking.

At the heart of the piece is a 340-ton granite boulder, suspended above a long, narrow concrete trench. Visitors are invited to walk down into the trench, gradually descending below ground level and passing directly beneath the massive stone. As you move through the space, the weight of the boulder above you becomes impossible to ignore. The experience is quiet, contemplative, and strangely humbling, encouraging awareness of your own body in relation to the immense natural mass overhead.

The story behind Levitated Mass is just as compelling as the artwork itself. The boulder’s slow, multi-night journey from a quarry in Riverside County to Los Angeles became a public spectacle, with crowds lining streets to witness its passage. That journey helped turn the sculpture into a shared civic event long before it was installed. Free to visit and open to all, Levitated Mass remains one of LACMA’s most powerful and memorable outdoor works.

Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California

Perched high on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, Griffith Observatory is one of the most recognizable and beloved landmarks in Los Angeles, California. Offering sweeping views of the city below, the Pacific Ocean in the distance, and the iconic Hollywood Sign nearby, the observatory blends science, architecture, and cinematic history into a uniquely LA experience. Since opening in 1935, it has served as a public gateway to the cosmos, staying true to its mission of making astronomy accessible to everyone.

The observatory’s Art Deco design gives it a timeless presence, with its copper domes and white façade standing out against the rugged landscape of Griffith Park. Inside, visitors can explore a range of engaging exhibits that explain everything from planetary motion and solar eclipses to the scale of the universe and humanity’s place within it. The Samuel Oschin Planetarium is a major highlight, featuring immersive shows that combine cutting-edge visuals with compelling storytelling about space and science.

One of the most popular attractions is the Zeiss refracting telescope, which allows guests to observe the Moon, planets, and brighter celestial objects during evening hours. Even during the day, the observatory’s terraces provide unforgettable panoramas, making it a favorite spot for photographers, hikers, and tourists alike.

Beyond science, Griffith Observatory holds a special place in popular culture, appearing in countless films and television shows, from classic Hollywood movies to modern blockbusters. Free to the public and open year-round, it remains both an educational institution and a symbol of Los Angeles’ enduring fascination with the stars.

Griffith Observatory construction ca. 1930s

James Dean in Rebel Without A Cause (1955)

Griffith Observatory construction ca. 1930s

Santa Cruz Wharf in Santa Cruz, California

The Santa Cruz Wharf stretches gracefully into the Monterey Bay, offering a timeless blend of coastal beauty, history, and everyday California life. Built in 1914, it stands as the longest pier on the West Coast that is still open to vehicular traffic, a testament to its enduring role in the city’s identity. Walking along the wharf, visitors are greeted by the rhythmic sound of waves below and the salty air that defines the Central Coast.

One of the wharf’s most iconic features is its wildlife. Sea lions famously lounge beneath the planks, barking and basking in the sun, while pelicans glide effortlessly overhead and otters occasionally appear in the kelp beds nearby. These moments of unscripted nature give the wharf a lively, ever-changing atmosphere. Fishermen line the railings with poles in hand, continuing a tradition that connects modern visitors with Santa Cruz’s maritime past.

The wharf is also a destination for food lovers. Seafood restaurants serve fresh clam chowder, fish and chips, and locally caught crab, best enjoyed while watching the fog roll in or the sun dip below the horizon. Small shops sell souvenirs, candy, and coastal curios, adding to the nostalgic charm.

At sunset, the Santa Cruz Wharf becomes especially magical. The lights glow warmly, the water reflects the sky’s changing colors, and the nearby Boardwalk comes alive in the distance. Whether visited for a leisurely stroll, a meal by the sea, or a moment of quiet reflection, the Santa Cruz Wharf remains a beloved landmark where ocean, history, and community meet.