San Diego to San Francisco Road Trip Itinerary - A California Vacation for Tons of Fun

Published: July 18, 2024

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There are so many amazing things to see and do in California that we know it can be overwhelming when planning out your vacation. That's where we come in! Our local experts put together a California road trip itinerary covering a ton of fun family attractions from San Diego to San Francisco! Best yet, visiting these attractions with Go City Cards will allow you to save up to 55% on attraction admission. Enjoy! This itinerary includes family favorite attractions like:

SeaWorld® San Diego
LEGOLAND® California
Universal Studios Hollywood
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Aquarium of the Bay
and more!

You Can Save on Attraction Admission

Admission to these top California attractions are available on our Passes. Go City Cards give you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose as you go from dozens of top attractions to create a vacation tailored to your family's interests. Remember, this California itinerary is just one of many ways to experience this beautiful region.

Must-Do Activities in San Diego: SeaWorld San Diego

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Discover a world beneath the waves through the rides, exhibits, and shows at SeaWorld in San Diego. Whether it's taking a journey to Atlantis, marveling at the talent of dolphins at the Dolphin Days show, or spending time with nearly 300 penguins of all shapes and sizes, SeaWorld is filled with nearly endless possibilities and experiences where you are guaranteed to learn a lot. This enchanting world is great for all ages and has everything from thrilling rides to calming creatures to exciting shows, so there's never a dull moment! They also periodically host special events at SeaWorld (some of which are included with admission), including annual events like fireworks for holidays, special events around Christmas and Halloween, evening events for adults, and the popular Seven Seas Food Festival. Check their events calendar before your visit to see if any of these fun events will be going on during your vacation!

San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the world, and with good reason. Their immense appeal is due to the impressive collection of varying species within the 100 acres of the Zoo. There are more than 3,700 rare and endangered animals living and prospering just next to the city of San Diego. In order to take full advantage of your time at the Zoo and to meet as many of the animals as possible, there are recommended guided bus tours so you you can easily target areas of particular interest. The San Diego Zoo is also a leader in animal care and conservation around the world and are particularly known for their excellent work with the endangered Giant Pandas. With your visit to this Zoo, you will have the opportunity to learn about an incredible amount of animals and the amazing work being done to help them around the world. Getting In: San Diego Zoo tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card.

LEGOLAND® California

Upon entering the LEGO® world, you'll find an endless combinations of LEGO-related activities and fun for the whole family to share. At LEGOLAND California, there are more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions all along the themes of your favorite LEGO characters, games, and movies. The SEA LIFE® Aquarium in LEGOLAND is the home to more than 5,000 creatures that you can experience alongside your LEGO characters and friends. Don't forget about the LEGOLAND Water Park! This attraction offers more than 7 slides and other watery adventures to explore, and is a great family-oriented place that all ages will fully enjoy. NEW for Summer 2018 at LEGOLAND is the much-anticipated LEGO CITY: Deep Sea Adventure. This submarine-style ride sees you hunting for treasure alongside real sharks, rays, and fish. If you're lucky, you'll even get to see a shipwreck with LEGO divers! Getting In: LEGOLAND California tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card.

USS Midway Museum

During this interactive experience you'll explore 50 years of history aboard the longest-serving Navy aircraft carrier of the 20th century. You even have the opportunity to go on a flight simulator! On this historic aircraft you will be exposed to over 60 exhibits (for example, sleeping quarters and the flight control room) with a self-guided audio tour and 29 restored aircraft. Along this trip, you will meet museum docents ready to share personal stories enhancing the adventure even more. This exciting experience has something for everyone and is a captivating way to learn more about American history.

San Diego Harbor Tour or Whale Watch

Experience San Diego off the main land and take a trip through the coastal waters to explore a side of the city you have not seen before. Choose the Harbor tour, full of many incredible sites of the city and information about the mainland, or the Whale Watch Cruise to adventure further beyond the coastal waters and explore the wildlife and amazing creatures that are neighbors to this city. Both tours are exciting and captivating and great trips for the whole family! Plus, you'll learn so much about the city and its waterfront neighborhood.

Fun San Diego Area Options to Add to Your California Road Trip Itinerary:

There are plenty of other fun options to choose from in the San Diego area, including these activities, many of which are included on the Go San Diego Card. San Diego Zoo Safari Park - This sister attraction to the San Diego Zoo recreates a real African safari right outside the city. Pick a custom safari adventure for a specific journey, or take a trip around the park on the African Tram to see a little bit of everything! This park is a great experience for all ages and will transport you halfway across the world without getting on a plane. Belmont Park - This amazing beachfront amusement park offers endless fun for the whole family alongside a beautiful ocean view. From laser tag to countless rides to adventures in the waves, Belmont Park has an incredible amount of activities that will keep you busy all day long. More Time in Balboa Park - From museums to performances to restaurants to beautiful gardens, this Park has an incredible collection of exciting interesting and beautiful experiences. Many of the museums are also included with the Go San Diego Card, appealing to those interested in art, natural history, air & space, anthropology, and much more. Visit La Jolla - La Jolla, San Diego's jewel by the sea, is the most popular beach in California. This beautiful peninsula beach with spectacular views has many outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy. This is a great destination with so much to do and a view that will take your breath away. Visit Torrey Pines - Torrey Pines is a natural state reserve located within the city limits of San Diego. It's comprised of 2,000 acres of preserved wilderness, untouched since the first development of the city. This expanse of wild land gives visitors an idea of what California must have looked like when it was first discovered by early settlers.

Must Do Activities in Los Angeles: Universal Studios Hollywood

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Experience this world famous amusement park from studio tours to themed rides and shows with all of your favorite Universal Studios movies and characters. A few of the must see rides, shows, and attractions include...

The Walking Dead Attraction
The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM
Studio Tour
Fast & Furious – Supercharged
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Jurassic Park: The Ride
And many more!

Only Universal Studios lets you ride the movies and go behind the scenes of a real working movie studio. A visit to Universal Studios Hollywood will provide interactive fun for the whole family that you'll never forget. Getting In: Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are included on 3, 5, and 7-Day Go Los Angeles Cards.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Hollywood brings you through one of the busiest movie studios in L.A. The tour includes the opportunity to visit several soundstages and backlots, as well as the exterior sets of classic Warner Bros. productions. Then, visit the interior of a current set and see what the team is working on at that moment and how the magic happens. Next, visit the Archived Exhibits of the preserved sets, costumes, and everything that went into some of the most famous movies. The tour will also include a visit to the Warner Bros. Prop Department (the largest in the world), as well as a visit to "Stage 48: Script to Stage" which will provide an interactive journey of how the creation process really happens. Getting In: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card.

Hollywood Movie Star Homes Tour

This tour will bring you to the homes of 45 famous L.A. residents, while providing a glimpse into the lives of many of your favorite celebrities that you hear so much about. Your narrated trip, conducted in a comfortable air conditioned tour bus, reveals all the popular places celebrities can be found in the city. If you're lucky, you may spot more then just houses -- so bring your camera! This 3 hour experience is also a great opportunity to become more familiar with the layout of the city in a fun and exciting way.

Pacific Park - Santa Monica Pier

This fun-filled pier has all the activities you could possibly want! Whether you're traveling with kids looking to get their adventure on, or a group of friends who love a little bit of nostalgia and lots of shopping and dining, this is the place for you. There are exciting and thrilling rides, endless amounts of games, countless food options, and outlets and seaside shopping for the whole family. The options are practically limitless, and there's truly something for everyone. Combine that with a breathtaking view, and you've got one amazing day in store! The best way to take in the expansive ocean and beautiful coastline is to take a ride on the Pacific Wheel, the only solar-powered Ferris wheel in the world, which will give you a spectacular view from more than 130 feet above the Pier.

Harbor Cruise or Whale Watch

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Both the Harbor Cruise and the Whale Watch experience will take you beyond the California coastline and into the incredible surrounding ocean for an informative and captivating journey. The Whale Watch Cruise provides the opportunity to witness sea life and sea animals in their natural habitats, all while learning from an expert employee of the Aquarium of the Pacific. The other option, the Harbor Cruise, is a 45-minute guided excursion along the L.A. Harbor, where you will see and learn about famous landmarks, buildings, and many more exciting places. Both of these adventures are great options for the whole family and will keep everyone excited, interested, and learning a lot the whole time!

Fun LA Area Options to Add to Your California Road Trip Itinerary:

There are plenty of other fun options to choose from in the Los Angeles area, including these activities, many of which are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. OUE Skyspace LA - The exhilarating OUE Skyspace in Los Angeles is the tallest open air observation deck in California and will give you a spectacular 360 degree view of the city from almost 1,000 feet above the streets. The deck is amazing both in the day and at night, so you can't really go wrong with a visit here. Other Great Theme Parks - If the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier wasn't enough for your thrill-seeking family, there are many other great theme park options in the area including: Six Flags Magic Mountain, Knott's Berry Farm, and Knott's Soak City Waterpark. All have great rides and games and everything you need for a day of complete and exciting family fun! Aquarium of the Pacific - Experience sea life up close through countless engaging exhibits. The incredible creatures of the sea will amaze the whole family, and you'll all learn more about the ocean and the organisms that live in it then you could have ever imagined. Sony Picture Studio Tour - This 2-hour guided walking tour of the Sony Picture Studio will allow you to visit historic sound stages and get to experience what a real working studio is like. Griffith Observatory - At this gateway to the sky, you will be able to look through the famous Griffith Observatory telescope, experience exhibits, see a live show and enjoy the incredible views of the city of L.A. and the famous Hollywood sign.

Must Do Activities in San Francisco: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

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Renovated relatively recently, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art boasts many new exhibits and greatly increased its size, making it the largest museum of its kind in the entire world and a must-see attraction. This fantastic institution wants to make sure the museum is available to everyone, so they've created 45,000 square feet of art-filled space that's open to the public, free of charge. Of course, you won't want to leave without seeing what else they have in store for art lovers! The museum is always changing and has so many possibilities for exploring and learning that it is one of the most highly recommended attractions of the city. Keep an eye on their events calendar to see what's coming up in the way of special programming or temporary exhibits, too.

Aquarium of the Bay

Located in the incredibly popular Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood, the Aquarium of the Bay is an excellent attraction option for animal lovers. As you step into their amazing exhibits, you really get a feel for the incredible world beneath the surface. With all of the shows, exhibitions, and talks available throughout the day, you'll learn so much about the ocean and its many fascinating inhabitants.

Hop On Hop Off San Francisco Tour

This easy and convenient bus tour is a great way to see a lot of the city and orient yourself quickly. Your guided adventure will take you through all the main parts of the city including Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, the Ferry Building, and so much more. The best part of this bus tour is its flexibility. If you see something that interests you, like the great shops in the Ferry Building, you can just hop off the bus, take your time looking around, and then catch another bus when you are ready to move on. This is a truly great way to see the city and experience all it has to offer.

California Academy of Sciences

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This scientific and educational institution is located in San Francisco's beautiful Golden Gate Park. The California Academy of Sciences has a vast array of exhibits and information explaining life on earth. They also boast a planetarium, an aquarium, and a natural history museum all under one green roof. The California Academy of Sciences is also environmentally conscious and not only advocates for sustainable living, but also leads by example with its living roof.

Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise

This San Francisco Bay cruise is a great way to see and learn about all the waterfront sights and more from an ocean view. This cruise is the only Bay cruise that will take you under two of San Francisco's most famous bridges -- the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge. You'll be surrounded by amazing views on all sides, while being treated to interesting information about your surroundings. This is truly a great way to see the city, the coast, and bridges in an efficient amount of time.

Fun San Fran Area Options to Add to Your California Road Trip Itinerary:

There are plenty of other fun options to choose from in the San Francisco area, including these activities, many of which included on the Go San Francisco Card or the Build Your Own Pass. Golden Gate Park - The Golden Gate Park is home to the de Young museum and the California Academy of Sciences and many more attractions. This beautiful park is made up of large grassy spaces (great for picnics), incredible gardens, lakes, museums, and more. Fisherman's Wharf - On Fisherman's Wharf you'll find lots of activity and excitement. From the street performers to the fresh seafood stands, there isn't a dull moment at this iconic place. Other Cruise Options (Escape From The Rock, Golden Gate Bay Cruise) - If you're interested in spending more time on the San Francisco Bay, there are other great cruise options. Some of these options include the Escape From the Rock boat trip (a trip to Alcatraz, the prison of the San Francisco coast) and the Golden Gate Bay Cruise (which will take you around the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge for great views and an unforgettable experience). Wine Country Tours - Wine Country Tours will take you outside the city of San Francisco and into the rolling hills of the surrounding country. On a Wine Country Tour, you will find yourself on a beautiful vineyard and with the opportunity to explore everything it has to offer. Blazing Saddles Bike Rental - Explore the city on your own time with a bike rental. One of the best ways to use this bike rental is to take a ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. At any of the Blazing Saddles Bike Rental locations, the employees will direct you to the fastest route to the Golden Gate Bridge. This unforgettable and thrilling experience will provide you with amazing views of the city and the bay.

Let's Recap

This California itinerary was designed to be a fun San Diego to San Francisco road trip packed full of the west coast's top attractions and things to do. Remember, many of these great attraction options and more are available on our California attractions pass options, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these fun options to your California vacation itinerary!

Go City Expert

Go City Travel Expert

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Best Aquariums in Los Angeles

If you're looking for the best aquariums to visit in Los Angeles, check out our picks and make it an underwater adventure to remember! Including: Which U.S. city has the largest aquarium? What is the biggest Aquarium in L.A.? How many aquariums are in L.A.? Best Aquariums in Los Angeles Which U.S. city has the largest aquarium? You may be surprised to find out that the biggest aquarium in the U.S. is found in Atlanta. It's called the Georgia Aquarium, and it features a mind-boggling 10 million gallons of water! What is the biggest Aquarium in L.A.? The Aquarium of the Pacific is L.A.'s largest aquarium - more on that down below! How many aquariums are in L.A.? Los Angeles features four aquariums around the city, and we cover each and every one here! We've also added a few non-aquarium choices, just to spice things up, because we're kind. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Aquarium of the Pacific If you fancy spending the day in L.A.'s largest aquarium, hanging out with more than 11,000 animals, then Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the best aquariums in Los Angeles! The aquarium's centerpiece is its comprehensive portrayal of the Pacific Ocean, the Earth's largest body of water, stretching from the vibrant coral reefs of the tropics to the icy waters of the north. It's the only place to see so much coral and so many coral-residing creatures up close, so prepare for an explosion of colorful, exotic fish! There's also the Shark Lagoon, where you can pet - yes, pet - some of the many sharks that call it home, the Blue Cavern kelp forest tank, an aviary featuring hundreds of birds, and an entire penguin colony to marvel at. Brilliant stuff. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Heal The Bay Heal The Bay's aquarium is a hidden gem, often overlooked because it's nestled beneath the Santa Monica Pier, but underwater lovers shouldn't miss it! This family-friendly aquarium is part underwater showcase, part learning experience, featuring more than 100 different species of fish that call Santa Monica Bay home. Every Tuesday and Friday at 2.30PM, you can check out feeding events where you and your little ones will learn all about the fish and what they eat. And then on Sundays at 3.30PM, they have a shark feeding showcase, which is a little more on the gruesome side, but still fascinating nonetheless. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Situated a short stroll from the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is a smaller facility that offers the most comprehensive insight into local marine life. The main exhibit hall alone boasts nearly 40 individual tanks featuring local marvels. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is more hands-on than some of the others on this list, with a touch pool that lets you get up close with the safer side of L.A.'s underwater life. The Exploration Center and Aquatic Nursery explore the aquarium's research into local life, as well as its breeding initiatives for certain dwindling species. After you're done exploring, you'll find Cabrillo Coastal Park right outside, featuring pristine beaches, the Point Fermin tidepools, and an excellent birdwatching location within the Salinas de San Pedro salt marsh. For a nature-filled day out, you know where to go. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Roundhouse Aquarium Only slightly bigger than many people's flats, the Roundhouse Aquarium is bite-sized fun that can be seen in no time at all. That doesn't mean it's not worth a visit, though! See sanddabs and juvenile rays as they gracefully glide in circular patterns within the sandy-bottom tank. Look, but don't touch - they don't do that here. Still, you'll get plenty of snaps of these wonderful creatures up close, so why not? For an extra dose of excitement, make sure to visit on Saturdays at 12.30PM, when you'll see leopard and horn sharks feeding. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: California Science Center So yes, technically, the California Science Center isn't an aquarium, but on the other hand, it does have a fully-functioning kelp tank, includes a walkthrough tunnel where you can see plenty of underwater wonders up close, and even has dive shows where the audience can ask the divers questions pre-dive. You'll also find a Deep Sea exhibit, where you can control mock-ups of underwater robots, all while learning about deep sea exploration and how it has progressed in the last 200 years. And while you can come for the underwater goodness, you can stay for all the other sciency stuff! See the Space Shuttle Endeavor up close, learn all about the progression of space travel, and even explore creepy crawlies in the Rot Room. Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour Yes, this is another non-aquarium option, but it's the only way you'll get up close and personal with some of the ocean's most revered creatures! If the weather's good, take a whale and dolphin watching tour and see them up close. Board a 65-foot double-decker ship, which includes seating on both decks, sunbeds, and even a snack bar if you need to refuel. Then, sit back, and enjoy the experience. With any luck, you'll see humpback whales, orcas (also known as "killer whales"), and, if you really luck out, a blue whale. Seals and dolphins are also often sighted in L.A.'s waters, so keep an eye out and your camera on standby. The ship itself is luxurious and comfortable, certainly taking the sting out of any missed sightings. And, with your captain narrating the trip, you'll learn more about all of the above, as well as local conservation efforts and migration patterns. An all-round good time if the sun stays put! And that's everything you need to know about the best aquariums in Los Angeles, as well as all the other underwater highlights you'll find in the city! Of course, there's much more to Los Angeles than what you find beneath the surface, so go with Go City to make sure you see it all! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you'll see all the city's best bits for one low price.

Dom Bewley

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Visiting Los Angeles on a Budget - A Simple Way to Save on Your Vacation

It’s no secret that family vacations can get expensive in a hurry - airfares, hotels, attractions, dining... the list goes on and on. There are tons of fun family things to do, whether you want to get closer to nature in the Los Angeles sun or hop on a roller coaster. You can take in some history or visit a few of the most iconic studios in television and movies. Los Angeles truly has some of the most unique attractions in the world. Best yet, L.A. can be a great choice for budget-minded travelers, especially when you use a Go Los Angeles Card, which makes visiting Los Angeles on a budget a breeze. Save on Admission to Tourist Attractions Admission to many of these Los Angeles tourist attractions and are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Go Los Angeles Cards give you the flexibility to choose as you go from dozens of top attractions to create a vacation tailored to your family's interests. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. A few of the attractions include: Universal Studios Hollywood Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Madame Tussauds Hollywood Aquarium of the Pacific and more! Top Attractions to Visit for a Budget Friendly Trip Universal Studios Hollywood If you love the movies, Universal Studios in Hollywood is likely at the top of your “must see” list in Los Angeles—and it should be! Each attraction takes you up close and personal with some of Universal Studios’ biggest movies. Get ready for the ultimate Hollywood movie experience! Getting In: Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are included on 3, 5, and 7-Day Go Los Angeles Cards. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Image Credit: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Go behind the scenes of some of your favorite movies and shows with the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Hollywood. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a tour inside a real, working Hollywood Studio You’ll see props, costumes, and sets that are actually used currently and in prior shows and movies. Tour guests also get to see the Harry Potter Exhibit and a DC Comic Exhibit as well. Getting In: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Madame Tussauds Hollywood Madame Tussauds Hollywood’s famous wax museum lets you unbelievably close to wax versions of some of the most famous celebrities of all time. You will be in shock and awe when you see how life-like these figures can be. One of the guests’ favorite activities is taking photos with their most adored celebs, from crushes to idols. Even President Obama makes an appearance. Getting In: Madame Tussauds Hollywood tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Aquarium of the Pacific Image credit: Andrew Reitsma/Aquarium of the Pacific Explore the ocean depths at the Aquarium of the Pacific. See the beautiful creatures of the deep blue without ever leaving land. The Aquarium is a great way to see and observe many of the area’s natural wildlife, from sharks to birds. Children and adults alike will enjoy this educational and interesting stop. Some of the awe-inspiring exhibits cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Getting In: Aquarium of the Pacific tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Whale Watch or Harbor Cruise in Long Beach Get out on the water and see whales, dolphins, and other marine life up close, right off the coast of California. Experienced and knowledgeable marine mammal educators from the Aquarium of the Pacific narrate each tour providing valuable insight and interesting facts about the sea animals, their environment, and more. It’s a great way to spend some time during a gorgeous Los Angeles afternoon. Getting In: Long Beach Cruise tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Fun Options to Visit During Your Trip: Are you looking for some more exciting ideas to include during your trip? There is something for everyone in Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean it has to be expensive! There are plenty of other fun options to choose from, including these activities included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Knott's Berry Farm - Adventure seekers head to Knott’s Berry Farm for roller coasters and gravity-defying thrill rides. Children’s rides and family rides are also a plenty. Pacific Park- Santa Monica Pier - Take a ride on the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel or ride one of the exciting roller coasters at Pacific Park. You can also play games and get all of the traditional mouth-watering fair food available on the Santa Monica Pier. Sony Pictures Studio Tour - If you are looking for an adults-only option, the Sony Pictures Studio Tour provides behind the scenes looks at sets of many of your favorite shows and movies. Only children ages 12 and up are permitted. Perry's Beach Cafe and Rentals - If you want to get outdoors and work up a sweat, you can rent bikes, rollers skates, and much more from Perry’s Beach Café and Rentals! They also have beach gear for rent as well. Hollywood Museum - See some of the most iconic items from your favorite movies and shows—from famous props to jaw-dropping costumes. Get close to “old Hollywood” in a completely new way. Free Activities for a Budget Friendly Vacation The Beaches - Los Angeles is known for its beaches, and many are free and open to the public. Los Angeles is home to eight amazing beaches. Every visit to Los Angeles on a budget should include at least one beach visit! Griffith Observatory - Griffith Observatory offers unique views into the night sky and breathtaking views of the city high above Los Angeles. They also offer exhibits and live shows. Hike to the Hollywood Sign - The iconic Hollywood sign is just a hike away! The hike goes through the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains and offers amazing views of the city below. Although you cannot touch the sign, hiking directly to the sign is the closest you can get! La Brea Tar Pits - This exhibit is home to the most well-known fossil site. See the pit itself and check out their amazing fossil lab. The history and the excavation process will fascinate adults and kids alike. Explore Santa Monica Pier - No trip to Los Angeles is complete without a trip to the Santa Monic Pier for special events, concerts, and more. There is something for everyone on the pier! Let's Recap on Visiting Los Angeles on a Budget Don’t let your vacation budget limit your fun! Visiting Los Angeles on a budget is possible, and the Go Los Angeles Card can help, where you can save up to 55% on combined attraction admission vs paying at the gate. Remember, many of these great budget friendly attraction options and more are included on the Go Los Angeles Card, So when you are planning your trip, consider including some of these options to your Los Angeles vacation itinerary.

Go City Expert

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Los Angeles in October

Fall in Los Angeles is a wonderful time of the year. As the heat winds down, the fun really kicks off during October with a myriad of cool and interesting things to do. Whether you’re an art lover, a thrill-seeker, or a nature enthusiast, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. And of course, since this is October after all, the city comes to life with lots of fun seasonal activities and pop-up events. From spooktastic Halloween events at Disneyland to unique Oktoberfest events, there should be more than enough to keep you busy. This is also an especially good time of the year to visit L.A. since there should be cooler weather, smaller crowds, and a better chance of finding great deals on accommodation and travel. So, if you’re thinking about making the trip, have a read through our list of some of the best things to do in the city during this time of the year. We promise that you won’t be disappointed! Find Fun Activities Los Angeles is home to some of the best theme parks on the planet, but of course, none of them quite stand out like Disneyland! Since opening way back in 1955, this place has become one of the most visited theme parks in the world - and it’s easy to see why! A classic all-American vacation spot, Disneyland is home to some of the most iconic rides, including It’s a Small World, Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. Within the park there are over 30 rides, so you know that there’s always something to choose from. October is a great time to visit since the weather will be temperate and dry. During this time of the year, the park also hosts some fantastic seasonal events, including the Oogie Boogie Bash and Halloween Screams. Whether you’re a kid or just young at heart, this quintessential L.A. attraction is sure to leave you with a huge smile stretched across your face. Of course, it just wouldn’t be an article about things to do in October without mentioning Oktoberfest. In a sprawling city like Los Angeles, there are a lot of ways to celebrate this traditional Bavarian holiday - all you have to do is pick your favorite! If your ideal Oktoberfest involves kicking back with a beer on the beach (and let’s face it, why wouldn’t it be?), then the Old World Oktoberfest might just be your jam. Billed as ‘’Orange County’s Biggest Party since 1977’’, this event really hits the spot. Or, if you love the idea of bratwurst but have devoted yourself to clean living, why not check out the Vegan Oktoberfest? Complete with vegan breweries and plant-based vendors, this spot is perfect for all cruelty-free visitors. For something a little bit different, check out the San Gabriel Dumpling and Beer Fest. However you choose to enjoy Oktoberfest in L.A., we’re sure you’ll have a blast! Learn Something New Those looking for history and culture in Los Angeles won’t have to search very far. Though there are countless great cultural amenities to choose from whilst visiting L.A., we particularly love the Huntington Library for its world-class repository. Combining art, history and nature all in one, this beloved tourist attraction is well-recognized for its all-encompassing collection. A total dream for all bibliophiles, the institute’s library houses more than 430,000 rare books, original manuscripts and historic documents. Meanwhile, its art gallery houses one of the best collections of British art in the United States. Still, perhaps the institute’s main draw is its botanical garden, which is home to over 150 plant varieties on its 150 acres. There’s a whole to lot see and do here, so we recommend setting aside a good amount of time aside for your visit to ensure that you don’t miss a single thing! As the epicenter of the United States’ entertainment industry, Los Angeles is a fantastic visitor destination for pop culture lovers and creative types alike. There are countless museums and cultural institutions to choose from, though we particularly love the Grammy Museum. Standing out from all the other institutes in Los Angeles, this unique speciality institute provides a fun and fascinating look into the history and significance of American music. Though young, the museum’s collection is impressive, with historical instruments, iconic costumes, awards, and much more. There are interactive instrument stations and recording booths to enhance the experience. The institute’s 200-seat theater also hosts live events including performances, screenings and lectures. Working to honor a long history of innovation and creative thought, this spot is perfect for all music lovers. Get in Touch With Nature Seated along the western coastline, Los Angeles is well-recognized for its beautiful natural attributes. If you’re looking to take in some of the area’s most wonderful greenery, we recommend Descanso Gardens. Just a short trip from downtown, this lush forested area offers a much-needed respite from the bustling city. Over its vast 150 acres, visitors can enjoy an extraordinary living repository. The site is home to a fantastic collection of exotic and native flora - there are magnificent oak woodlands, a wide collection of fruit trees, and the largest concentration of camellia plants in the Western Hemisphere. This spot isn’t too difficult to walk through - overall, it should take about an hour explore the full space. Still, we recommend wearing your comfiest shoes and bringing plenty of water with you to stay comfortable. A treasure trove of natural beauty, this spot is a total must-see. With its soft breezes and cooler temperatures, Los Angeles is a pleasure to explore in autumntime! Whatever Tinseltown lacks for in foliage, the city more than makes up for with exciting events and activities of all kinds. From kicking back with a nice cold one at Oktoberfest to ambling through the beautiful Descanso Gardens, the City of Angels never falls short. Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

Sarah Harris

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