Best Places for School Trips in Los Angeles

Here are five of our favorites for engaging young minds, from museums to natural phenomena.

By Go City Expert
Published: July 18, 2024
Los Angeles Venice Beach

For lots of us, school trips are among our best memories of childhood. If you're a parent or teacher planning a field trip in Los Angeles for your class, then you'll want to ensure their experience is a truly memorable one. While Hollywood may seem like the prime attraction, there are plenty of other cultural attractions for school groups to enjoy. Check out our favorite Los Angeles school trip ideas, including...

  • Aquarium of the Pacific
  • L.A. Zoo & Botanical Gardens
  • California Science Center
  • La Brea Tar Pits & Museum
  • Natural History Museum

Aquarium of the Pacific

Aquarium of the Pacific

Located in Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific is a top-tier field trip attraction for local students and California. With its unique focus on the marine life of the Pacific, this aquarium houses creatures from a wide variety of climates, from the chilly North Pacific to the vibrant Tropical Pacific. The Aquarium of the Pacific also offers specialized programming and tours for visiting students, so be sure to inquire about their tailored offerings when planning your trip. 

Getting In: Aquarium of the Pacific tickets are included on all Los Angeles passes.

L.A. Zoo & Botanical Gardens

L.A Zoo

Another field trip classic is the zoo! The L.A. Zoo is within the gorgeous, sprawling Griffith Park (famously also home to the Hollywood sign). At this zoo, you'll encounter creatures from all across the world and many different species of reptiles, mammals, birds, invertebrates, and more. Some of our favorites include black bears, Sumatran tigers, and Komodo dragons. Visitors will also get the opportunity to experience the bountiful botanical collections scattered throughout the grounds. 

Getting In: L.A. Zoo & Botanical Gardens tickets are included on all Los Angeles passes.

California Science Center

California Science Center

One of the most exciting scientific institutions on the West Coast, the California Science Center encompasses exhibits and artifacts that cover multiple areas of scientific inquiry. For example, your students can explore exhibits with themes of "Air & Space," "Ecosystems," and more. A highlight of many trips is the Space Shuttle Endeavour, an exhibition that includes the ship, plus plenty of space tech. Popular IMAX films are also on offer here, including "Journey to Space 3D," "Pandas 3D," and "Mysteries of Egypt."

Getting In: Please note that admission to the California Science Center is free for all guests, and the Go City Los Angeles pass holders can get free IMAX tickets.

La Brea Tar Pits & Museum

La Brea tar pits

Field trips with a scientific focus might also want to consider the La Brea Tar Pits and its accompanying museum. The Tar Pits themselves constitute one of the pre-eminent Ice Age excavation sites. It's the perfect destination for any aspiring paleontologists in your class. The Page Museum highlights the processes and practices that go into a paleontological dig. You'll also see some of the coolest fossils that have been excavated at this site. 

Getting In: La Brea Tar Pits & Museum tickets are included on all Los Angeles passes.

Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum LA

This Exposition Park standout is another ideal destination for science-oriented field trips. The Natural History Museum boasts an impressive collection of natural and cultural artifacts ranging from Ancient Latin American art to seashells. You'll also find popular exhibits including "Age of Mammals," "Gems and Minerals," and "Insect Zoo." Likewise, "Butterfly Pavilion" is an excellent temporary exhibit that school groups always enjoy. Plus, their brand new "Dinosaur Hall" features one of the best collections of fossils with more than 300 genuine fossils.

Getting In: Natural History Museum tickets are included on all Los Angeles passes.

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Go City Expert
Go City Travel Expert

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