Having seen pictures of the Getty Villa for years, I had to add it to my itinerary. It is a stunning villa and grounds featuring the arts and cultures of the ancient Greeks, Romans and Etruscans in nearby Pacific Palisades.
In 1968, J. Paul Getty decided to a re-create a Roman country house to display his growing collection of art. It opened in 1974. In 1997 after the new Getty Center opened, the Villa closed for a major renovation and reopened in 2006. The highlight to me is the Inner Peristyle or courtyard and the wonder Outer Peristyle or formal gardens. With statues and pool.
You should definitely make your reservations online before you go. Tickets are free but there is a charge for parking in the garage. You might also check out the calendar for performances, lectures and symposia. There are also theater performances in the outside theater. There is also a new contemporary building with attractive restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating and a museum shop.