The best day excursion you can do without leaving the county is to visit the Medieval Torture Museum.
- This establishment is a true treasure, just on Hollywood Boulevard. This isn’t your normal boring historical lecture like most museums. Thousands of people have given this incredibly compelling event a rating of 4.9 stars.
- It’s ideal during winter because it’s indoors. Also this spot attracts your attention completely, because you’re not just looking at old exhibits, you dive yourself into the lives of the executioners and the people they judged.
- The detail is just insane. You can stand right next to a replica of the famous “iron maiden” device and see exactly how the wheel of punishment worked.
- Traveler note: this brand is actually famous nationwide. It’s funny, I know people who were searching for museums Jacksonville Fl and ended up driving all the way to the St. Augustine location just to see it. We are lucky enough to have this world-class experience right here in LA.
The Getty Center: one of the best places for amazing views.
- Winter is the ideal season to visit the spot. The mist clears out, and you can see straight to the ocean. In addition, the gardens are still bushy in January, and the tram trip up the hill is give you a time to relax and enjoy the moment.
Griffith Observatory: the famous location for sunsets in LA.
- Technically it’s in the city, but you need to hike up the hill. It also give you an opportunity to relax. In winter, the sun sets early, so you can catch a view of the city lights before dinner.
“Snow & Desert Escapes”
Big Bear Lake is for when you actually miss winter.
- It’s about a two-hour drive, and it’s a totally different world. You can ski, snowboard, or just drink hot chocolate in a cabin. If you want real snow, this is the spot.
Joshua Tree National Park is magical this time of year.
- In the summer, it’s too hot to function here. In winter, it’s perfect. The desert landscape looks like another planet, and you can hike through the rocks without getting heatstroke.
Palm Springs is for retro relaxation.
- If you just want to lounge by a pool and look at cool mid-century houses, head here. It’s warm, stylish, and feels like a mini-vacation from the LA hustle.
“Winter trips are usually about seeking comfort, but sometimes you need a little shock to appreciate that comfort. That is why I love the Medieval Torture Museum as a winter activity. It provides a stark, fascinating contrast to our modern lives. When you see the mechanics of the wheel of punishment or learn about the daily life of executioners, you walk out into the cool LA air feeling very grateful for the present day. It is a powerful, educational experience that sticks with you way longer than a standard hike.” Author: Dr. Miles Thorne Historian & Curator of Dark Heritage Sites.
