J. Paul Getty once said the formula for success was: rise early, work hard and strike oil. Having done just that he proceeded to try and give much of his new found wealth away.
One effort that stands out today is the Getty Villa in Malibu, CA. Built in the 1970’s to recreate a Roman villa, it is now used to house the Getty collection of antiquities. It is set back in the hills of the southern part of Malibu and enjoys the weather you would expect. We have visited it three or four times and always find something new to like.
In addition to the art and sculpture, there are gardens and fountains to enjoy and all of it can be introduced to you by docents who give excellent guided tours. The admission is free but parking is $15 per car. We always take the bus so it is free to us.
In addition to everything else, there is a short movie on how the Villa came to be and the requisite restaurant and gift shop. Occasionally, they will have plays from ancient Greece or Rome performed in the amphitheater that is the first thing you see when you arrive.
If you plan to go, you should obtain a ticket for the date and time you want
to attend by going to their web site and booking it. You are expected to have a ticket to get in even though they are free. You will be glad you did.