Book and typography lovers of all ages will enjoy a visit to the International Printing Museum in Carson, Calif., about a half-hour drive south of downtown Los Angeles. This hidden gem contains one of the world's largest collections of antique printing presses.
Best and worst time to go to the International Printing Museum
The best time to visit the museum is when it is having a special event, such as the Independence Day Celebration in July or the Dickens Holiday Celebration in December. There really isn't a worst time to go, since the museum is rarely crowded.
Must see/do at the International Printing Museum
Your tour guide will demonstrate how each press works. Don't pass up the opportunity to operate at least one of the presses to gain an appreciation of the painstaking work involved in printing BC (before computers).
See if you can recognize the classic printing presses that have been featured in classic TV shows like "The Waltons" and "Bonanza," and, more recently, in movies including "Seven Pounds" and "Inception."
Don't miss a production by the "Luddite Players" in the museum's theater, featuring historical figures like Ben Franklin, Mark Twain and Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Admission to the International Printing Museum
Admission prices are around $10 for adults, and $8 for students and seniors.
Note that the museum is only open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can make an appointment to tour the museum Tuesday through Friday by calling 310-515-7166.
Parking and public transportation to the International Printing Museum
It's easiest to get here by car, and the museum has plenty of free parking. By bus from downtown Los Angeles, take the Torrance Express 4 from Union Station and exit at Torrance Boulevard and Vermont Avenue.
Food at the International Printing Museum
Food isn't served at the museum, but there are places to eat less than a mile away, including the Alpine Village Restaurant (lunch and dinner from about $10 to $30) and In-N-Out Burger (around $8 and under).
Insider tip for visitors to the International Printing Museum
For a separate admission fee of around $10, visitors can access the museum's Book Arts Institute, which features hands-on letterpress and type labs, as well as a library of more than 8,000 books about printing.
Author's bio: Laura Goldman is a freelance writer, lifelong Angeleno and almost-lifelong bibliophile. Follow her on Twitter and visit her blog, i Still Love Dogs.