Exposition Park

Much of the majesty of past Olympics has faded, as has much of the polish on the Memorial Coliseum—sorry, Trojans fans—but Exposition Park still stands as one of LA's most significant institutions. You'll find green spaces scattered around the USC-adjacent property, but the most charming section resides in the fragrant Rose Garden. Rest in one of the gazebos or take a stroll around the central fountain, all the while admiring its beautiful brick neighbors. If you're up for the museum shuffle, take advantage of the free California African American Museum and California Science Center as well as the incredibly underpriced Natural History Museum, which harbors a handsome nature walk and a seasonal butterfly garden. With the introduction of light rail service on the Expo Line, the park has all the building blocks of a traditional urban museum campus—and people say LA has no culture...