Disneyland vs Universal Studios Hollywood - Comparing the two popular Southern California theme parks

Both are amusement parks with themes from popular movies; movies which each theme park owns exclusive rights to represent.

By Casey Makovich
Disney and Universal

We’ve put together a list of the key similarities and differences between the two attractions broken down by:

  • General Admission Price
  • Skip the Line Options
  • Park Themes
  • Location of the Parks
  • Attractions and Rides
  • Conclusion: an At-a-Glance Comparison

Should I visit Disneyland or Universal Studios Hollywood?

You'll save on admission to Universal Studios Hollywood plus dozens of other top LA area attractions with a pass for Los Angeles! General admission tickets are included on our All-Inclusive 3, 4, 5, or 7-Day Passes.

Please note, tickets to Disneyland are separately ticketed and not included on the Go Los Angeles pass.

If you're a fan of rollercoasters and theme parks, check out our guide to the best LA attractions for thrill-seekers. You may want to visit Six Flags Magic Mountain or Knott's Berry Farm.

What is the price of General Admission at Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland?

  • Universal Studios Hollywood: General Admission ranges from $105-$116, depending on the day.
  • Disneyland: General Admission ranges from $97-$124, depending on the day.

How do you skip the line at Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland?

Both parks offer ways to 'Skip the Line' at popular attractions and rides and minimize waiting time in lines.

Universal Studios Hollywood: Front of Line upgrades are available for around $70-$150, depending on the day. This is in addition to general admission. Front of Line lets visitors skip to the front of the line at each ride or attraction once.

Disneyland: select rides and attractions feature FASTPASS on a first-come, first-serve basis at no additional cost. However, quantities are limited. FASTPASS kiosks are located near the main entrances of major attractions. They dispense timed tickets tied to your admission ticket that let you come back at an assigned time for an expedited wait in a shorter line.

 

What are the park themes of Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland?

Both parks cater to the whole family with attractions specifically designed for young kids, teens, and adults. But which is better? Depending on the main purpose of your trip, one park might be better suited to your travel group than the other.

Universal Studios Hollywood features attractions inspired by popular films. Plus, it has tours of the working studio included with the park's general admission. Families with kids ranging from toddler age to young adult. While there are rides and attractions geared towards younger kids, the majority of the park's attractions are suitable for a slightly more mature audience than Disneyland. Most rides have a minimum height requirement of 40" or more. If you are visiting SoCal with young kids, we highly recommend a trip to LEGOLAND California.

Disneyland themes exclusively revolve around characters and setting from the Disney movie franchise with a large emphasis on their animated films, Mickey, and Minnie Mouse. Families with kids ranging from toddler age to young adult and nostalgic millennials. While there are rides and attractions geared towards all ages, the majority of the park's attractions are suitable for ages 2-10. Disneyland also targets loyal Disney fans, particularly 'budding princes and princesses.'

 

Where is Universal Studios Hollywood? Where is Disneyland?

Both parks are located in California. Universal Studios Hollywood is located right in Hollywood, outside of Los Angeles and Disneyland is located in Anaheim, CA which is about a 50-minute drive south of Los Angeles. How big is each park? Disneyland is a larger park with a greater number of attractions and rides, but Universal Studios Hollywood is expanding at a faster pace.

 

How long does it take to visit Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland?

Both parks require about a full day to experience all of the attractions. Universal Studios Hollywood a little less, Disneyland at least a full day, especially if visiting during a peak time or on the weekend. If visiting with younger kids, you may want to break up the day and visit over a two or three day period, especially at Disneyland as there are more attractions geared towards younger kids.

 

What attractions & rides are at Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland?

Universal Studios Hollywood:

Universal Studios Hollywood is arranged around its major attractions, which can be themed areas, rides, or activities.

 

Jurassic World – The Ride

Jurassic World has just opened in Universal Studios Hollywood. Based on the popular movie franchise, this area includes lots of new rides, dining options and shops, including...

  1. Raptor encounter: meet Blue the velociraptor and a triceratops
  2. DinoPlay: DinoPlay is a fun, interactive play area for smaller children
  3. Jurassic Cafe: A Costa Rican inspired lunch spot.
  4. Jurassic Outfitters: Clothing and jewellery store – perfect for gifts or souvenirs
  5. Isla Nu-Bar: A tropical tiki cocktail bar.
  • WaterWorld®: inspired by the hit movie, this 20-minute stunt show features water-packed fun with explosions, surprises, and more
  • Shrek 4-DTM: enter Lord Farquaad's dungeon and make your way to the 4-D theater for an exclusive Shrek experience. It features moving seats, water, wind, mist, and other special effects that will make you feel like you're fully immersed in the story
  • The Walking Dead Attraction: prepare to fight for your survival in a post-apocalyptic world based on the popular TV show. (Parental advisory).
  • Despicable Me Minion Mayhem: transform yourself into a Minion and help Gru and his daughters in their latest scheme.
  • Super Silly Fun Land: this outdoor family play zone features a wacky, Minion-inspired playground. It has water play features, climbing structures, slides, and more.
  • Universal Plaza: central area in the park featuring shops, cafés, and dining and seating areas.

The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM:

  1. Harry Potter and the Forbidden JourneyTM: follow Harry, Ron, and Hermione on a journey through the castle grounds as you dodge obstacles and surprises along the way.
  2. Flight of the HippogriffTM: hop on the back of a Hippogriff on this family-friendly coaster and soar around Hagrid's hut and through the pumpkin patch.
  • The Simpsons RideTM: a cinematic experience featuring Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie and a hilarious visit to Krustyland.
  • Special Effects Show: learn all about what really goes on to create 'Hollywood Magic' in your favorite movies with a behind-the-scenes look at special effect technology and some of the best stunt performers in the business.
  • Universal's Animal Actors: watch real animals in this live show re-enact some of your favorite scenes from The Secret Life of Pets.
  • Jurassic Park®--The Ride: this water ride travels through terrain inspired by the hit movie, Jurassic World, where you'll narrowly miss dinosaurs, including a 50-foot T-Rex.
  • Revenge of the MummySM - The Ride: this fast moving coaster ride travels through scenes from Revenge of the Mummy with hair-raising special effects and unexpected surprises along the way.
  • TransformersTM: The Ride-3D: combining 3D theater technology with motion simulation, you'll be fully immersed in a battle of epic proportions as you fight alongside Optimus to save the human race.

Studio Tour:

Go behind-the-scenes of many of your favorite TV shows and movies on this real, working studio backlot tour in an open-air tour bus.

  1. King Kong 360 3-D: the world's largest 3-D experience takes you on a heart-pounding struggle between King Kong and a massive T-Rex.
  2. Fast & Furious - Supercharged: at the end of the tour, your bus will get involved in a high-speed chase in the world of fast cars and international crime cartels.

Disneyland:

Disneyland features a central 'kingdom' that the park revolves around with 8 themed areas: Main Street, U.S.A.: Main Street ushers visitors into the park and features a variety of shops, cafés, theaters, and more. Adventureland:

  • Enchanted Tiki Room: presented by Dole®, the Enchanted Tiki Room is a 15-minute musical celebration featuring tropical birds, tiki gods, and colorful flowers
  • Indiana JonesTM Adventure: fast-paced thrill ride that navigates rough terrain through a cursed temple starring Indiana Jones
  • Jungle Cruise: a gentle, guided water cruise through some of the world's most remote rivers
  • Tarzan's TreehouseTM: a tour of Tarzan's jungle home that requires navigating suspense bridges and stairs up in Tarzan's larger-than-life tree

New Orleans Square:

  • Haunted Mansion: one of Disney's most iconic attractions. This hair-raising ride features a slow moving coaster that takes you on a tour of a haunted mansion full of paranormal activity, ghosts, ghouls, and more frightening surprises
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: embark on a treacherous voyage on the seas on a 15-minute water ride with small drops

Critter Country:

  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: this slow moving coaster travels through Hundred Acre Wood through scenes from Pooh's adventures
  • Splash Mountain: follow the adventures of Br'er Rabbit as he tries to escape Br'er Bear and Br'er Fox. Enjoy a 5 story drop ending in a big splash

Frontierland:

  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: a high-speed coaster that travels through cursed southwestern mines in search for gold

Frontierland Shootin' Exposition:

  • Practice your target shooting skills at this rustic shooting range. It features replica .54-caliber Hawkins buffalo rifles set amid a southwestern landscape.

Fantasyland:

  • Alice in Wonderland: follow the White Rabbit to his 'very important date' into the nonsensical world of Alice in Wonderland. You'll hop aboard a slow-moving caterpillar themed coaster.
  • Casey Jr. Circus Train: a kid-centric colorful train ride through Storybook Land.
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant: take flight with Dumbo on this spinny, high-flying ride geared towards younger kids.
  • It's a Small World: one of the most famous rides. This water-based ride travels through various parts of the world exploring different cultures and customs through animatronic dolls and catchy tunes.
  • King Arthur Carrousel: a classic theme park ride inspired by Knights of the Round Table.
  • Mad Tea Party: an Alice in Wonderland Unbirthday themed of the spinning tea cups ride.
  • Mr. Toad's Wild Ride: buckle up and get behind the wheel of an open-air, 2-seater buggy for a wild ride.
  • Peter Pan's Flight: fly to Never Land by way of London aboard a flying ship.
  • Pinocchio's Daring Journey: follow Pinocchio as he makes it back to Gepetto to become a real boy and avoid the evil puppet master, Stromboli.
  • Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough: explore Princess Aurora's castle and re-live scenes of Sleeping Beauty.
  • Snow White's Scary Adventures: follow Snow White as she ventures into the dark forest to avoid the evil Queen.
  • Storybookland Canal Boats: float along a mini tour of fairytale settings on a slow canal cruise

Mickey's Toontown:

  • Chip 'n Dale Treehouse: climb up the nutty treehouse home of Chip 'n Dale for an unbeatable view of Mickey's Toontown
  • Donald's Boat: take a tour of Donald Duck's "quacky" boat home
  • Gadget's Go Coaster: this small-scale thrill ride features small drops
  • Goofy's Playhouse: walk through Goofy's goofy house, featuring a loony layout and fun design elements
  • Mickey's House and Meet Mickey: head to Mickey's House for a chance to get a photo with Mickey Mouse
  • Minnie's House: go on a walk-through of Minnie's living room, kitchen, and bedroom
  • Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin: hop behind the wheel of a runaway taxi and navigate the loony streets of Toontown in pursuit of Roger Rabbit

Tomorrowland:

  • Astro Orbiter: a high-flying, spinny, space rocket-themed ride geared towards younger kids.
  • Autopia: buckle in and get ready to race on the Tomorrowland Speedway behind the wheel of a racecar.
  • Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters: practice your target shooting skills on this slow moving ride. It features glow lights in a dark, space-themed setting.
  • Disneyland Monorail: for a smooth ride with incredible views of the park, board the high-speed monorail.
  • Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage: climb aboard a submarine for an undersea expedition following Marlin and Dory on their journey to find Nemo.
  • Star Tours - The Adventures Continue: this motion-simulated 3D experience explores a galaxy far, far away aboard a Starspeeder 1000.
  • Hyperspace Mountain: this high-speed thrill ride darts around in outer space dodging dangerous extraterrestrial elements.
  • Star Wars Launch Bay: go behind the scenes of Rogue One and see your favorite characters from the Star Wars universe, including film props, video clips, and more in this exhibition.
  • Star Wars: Path of the Jedi: watch a video compilation of all the highlights of the Star Wars films and re-live Luke Skywalker's heroic tale.

Each area in Disneyland caters towards a diverse crowd with rides geared towards younger kids and rides geared towards older kids (and adults).

 

Conclusion & Comparison At-a-Glance:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Gr4eDBu_y/ Both parks are similar in that they offer entertainment for the whole family. But the experience at each park can be quite different. If you're trying to decide between the Universal Vs. Disney parks, do both. If you have to choose one, narrow your choice down to the following deciding factors:

  • Price: Universal Studios Hollywood is more affordable. Plus you can save on combined admission with a Go Los Angeles pass.
  • Age: Disneyland has more activities geared towards ages 2-10. Many of Universal Studios Hollywood's attractions require a minimum height of 40" or more.
  • Location: Universal Studios Hollywood is significantly closer to Los Angeles.
  • Time: Universal Studios Hollywood can be done in less than a day. Disneyland requires at least a full day, but is more manageable in two or more days.
  • Experience: If you've visited each respective park's sister park in Orlando or another location, they're arguably very similar. Perhaps you prefer a new theme park experience.
  • Theme: Disneyland features Disney's beloved characters, like Mickey Mouse and popular Disney Princesses, and stories. Universal Studios Hollywood features a variety of attractions inspired by various blockbuster movies, including The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM.

If you choose Universal Studios Hollywood, be sure to check out our helpful guide for top tips. Plus, check out the attractions near Universal Studios Hollywood.

Save on Admission at Universal Studios HollywoodTM

Save on combined admission to dozens of popular attractions in Los Angeles. Your pass will include Universal Studios Hollywood tickets, when you buy a All-Inclusive Pass for Los Angeles of 3 days or more.

The All-Inclusive Pass includes admission to your choice of as many other included Los Angeles attractions as you want. These include Universal Studios Hollywood, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm, Pacific Park - Santa Monica, Aquarium of the Pacific, and lots more. So grab a Los Angeles pass and save while you sightsee!

 

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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The Spectator's Guide to the Long Beach Marathon

The hours are ticking down to the 28th annual Long Beach International City Bank Marathon, which will take over the city on Sunday, October 7th. One of the most scenic and flat courses in America, the Long Beach Marathon draws tens of thousands of athletes and spectators each year. The course meanders through quaint seaside communities and urban landmarks, offering ocean views throughout 80% of the route. Although 23,000 athletes are expected to take part in the five events offered, only about 5,000 will be running the full marathon, making it a somewhat intimate event. Moreover, the certified marathon course is the perfect qualifier for other popular races, even the notorious Boston Marathon. As a spectator, you’ll appreciate Long Beach’s moderate Mediterranean climate and the spectacular views of the ocean and the cityscape along the race course. So whether you're a runner yourself, or just someone who loves excitement and good cheer, viewing the Long Beach Marathon is one of the truly unique things to do in Los Angeles. To make the most of your marathon experience, check out the guide below. Events Five separate athletic events will take place over the race weekend: the Marathon, Half-Marathon, 26.2 Mile Bike Tour, Run Forest Run 5k, and the Aquarium of the Pacific Kids Fun Run. The Kids Fun Run will take place on Saturday, October 6th, while all the other events will be held on the official race day (Sunday). The race day events will kick-off with the Bike Tour at 6 AM, followed by the Marathon and Half Marathon at 7AM and finally the Run Forest Run 5k at 8:30 AM. Fore more information on start times and specific waves, visit the Marathon’s official website. The Health & Fitness expo draws nearly 50,000 visitors each year, and is the perfect prelude to the race. A surplus of vendors and exhibitors will be on display, selling official Long Beach Marathon merchandise, including top-of-the-line performance gear, running caps, visors, headbands, and much more. The Finish Line Festival on Marina Green is THE place to be as exhausted runners cross the finish line. Celebrate with the athletes and enjoy a wide variety of vendors as well as a Beer Garden for those of age. Best Viewing Areas  The Long Beach Marathon boasts one of the most beautiful courses in the country. Start/Finish Line – As this is a loop course, you can catch the start and the end of the race without moving a muscle. You’ll also be able to enjoy the food, drinks, and other entertainment as the first runners cross the line. Situate yourself on Shoreline Drive between Linden and Pine. Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool (Mile 9) – Catch the runners here as they get into their groove. There’s a huge grass area to sit on while you wait for the runners. Colorado Lagoon (miles 14 and 22.5) – This is an ideal spot because you can catch the runners in two places, just by taking a quick walk along the grassy Lagoon. Cal State University (Mile 17-20) – If you want to be there for the runners as they “hit the wall,” find yourself a viewing spot by the California State Academy. Ocean Avenue between Livingston and Alamitos (Mile 24-26) – Cheer the runners on as they race to the finish on Ocean Avenue. You’ll also be able to catch the end of the half marathon from this spot. Accommodations Finding inexpensive accommodations on marathon weekend can be tricky. However, these hotels offer reasonable prices and still currently have vacancy. Best Western Golden Sails Hotel 6285 E Pacific Coast Highway Long Beach, California, 90803-4803 Phone: (562) 596-1631 Holiday Inn Downtown 1133 Atlantic Avenue Long Beach, California 90813 Phone: (562) 590-8858 Parking By far the most convenient place to park on race day is in the Convention Center/Arena/Terrace Theater parking lots. Although there is a $10 charge for parking, you will be located adjacent to the Long Beach Arena and will be within walking distance of the official start/finish line. Make Your Way Around LA While in Greater Los Angeles for the race day festivities, why not see what else the area has to offer? Spend the day before the marathon taking advantage of our Go Los Angeles Card including access to over 39 attractions for one low price. Some of the most popular attractions include the Warner Brothers Studio Tour, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, and Knotts Berry Farm—to name a few.
Go City Expert
Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles
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Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles

Are you heading to Los Angeles this year? Then you ought to check out the city's market scene. With a market for pretty much every need, you'll be well served! Today, we're talking about the best markets in LA's downtown district, so if you plan to stay in or around the area, this one's for you! From flower markets to farm-to-table grocers, we've got you covered. Including: Grand Central Market Downtown LA Farmer's Market Smorgasburg LA Wholesale Produce Market The Santee Alley ...and more! Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: Grand Central Market Hold on to your taste buds, because we're diving straight into a gastronomic wonderland. If you want nothing but the freshest fruit and veg, or some of the tastiest street food in the city, look no further than Grand Central Market. Taking up an enviable 30,000 square feet, it's one of the larger markets on this list. It's unsurprising, then, that it attracts plenty of food establishments from across the city to set up shop. Popular joints like Eggslut and Press Brothers have stalls where you can sample their culinary delights, but that just scratches the surface. Every cuisine under the sun is represented here under the sun, so go and see what other secrets await you at Grand Central Market. For foodies, it's one of the best markets in Downtown Los Angeles. Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: Downtown LA Farmers Market Even if you've never been to the Downtown Los Angeles Farmer's Market before, you may have seen it. A certain angry Brit is often there buying stuff on his cooking shows, so if you hear someone shouting expletives and spot a spikey mop of blonde hair, you'll know you're in the right place. But it's not just modern celebrities like Gordon Ramsey who have frequented the Downtown Los Angeles Farmer's Market. The Beatles, Marylin Monroe, and Frank Sinatra are just some of the many famous faces that have graced its stalls and halls. So, what brings all these recognizable people to the Downtown Los Angeles Farmer's Market? Well, it's likely the produce. Tons of family-run businesses set up shop here, offering top-quality, fresh produce to all who visit. If you live locally, or plan to stay in an Airbnb instead of a hotel, you won't find a better place to pick up ingredients. There are also recognizable brands like Starbucks there, if you need some creature comforts. Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: Smorgasburg If you're happy to hit up a market that only opens its doors once a week, then Smorgasburg is one of the best markets in Downtown Los Angeles. Just be prepared for crowds - after all, plenty of people likely have the exact same idea as you. If you do brave it, you'll find a market offering tons of food, drink, and a variety of specialty items collectors will die for. LA powerhouses like Baohaus, Daddy's Chicken Shack, and Big Mozz all have pop-up stalls at Smorgasburg, so your tastebuds are in for a treat. However, what's unique about Smorgasburg, and what makes it one of the best markets in Downtown Los Angeles, is that on every third Sunday of the month, the Record Fair and Vintage Market turns up. You'll find thousands of rare vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and merch for underground bands and artists. If you love discovering new talent, or just want to show off when they eventually blow up, then you owe it to yourself to go check it out. Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: LA Wholesale Produce Market Need a load of fresh produce in a pinch? Why go to a supermarket when you can get it fresh from the farm at the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market? Offering arguably the widest selection of locally-sourced produce in Downtown, it's a great place to buy early. If you arrive before today's produce is trucked in, you can get great deals on yesterday's produce they'll just throw out. So be savvy, set your alarm, and rise and shine for some sweet, sweet deals. Just be prepared to buy big - after all, it's a wholesale market. You'll need to buy in bulk - by the box. Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: The Santee Alley Calling all bargain hunters! Welcome to Santee Alley, where haggling is a sport, and finding a hidden gem is the ultimate victory. This bustling street market is like a maze of fashion chaos, and the perfect place to unleash your inner fashionista without maxing your credit cards. You'll find both recognizable labels and unique boutique items on offer, as well as handmade oddities from homebound seamsters. Fashion lovers will be in heaven, but really, you need to be prepared to barter. Every item has a hidden price, but you'll need to negotiate to get the best deal. If you don't have wheeling and dealing up your sleeve, prepare to pay a premium. Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: Original LA Flower Market And finally, if you're after flowers, then the Original Los Angeles Flower Market is a must-visit! Local florists, event planners, and flower enthusiasts flock to discover a wide array of flora. You'll find bunches of pretty much every flower imaginable here, from roses to chrysanthemums, and everything in between. Want to make a big impression on a first date? You know where to go. There's not much more to say, really. It's flowers. If you want or need flowers, this is your best bet. Just bear in mind that the Original Los Angeles Flower Market can get a little hectic on weekends. If you want to beat the rush of frothy-mouthed flower enthusiasts, best head there during the week. And those were our picks of the best markets in Downtown Los Angeles! If you're a local who wants some entertainment ideas, or on vacation and need some inspiration, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of LA's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
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Adventurous Things to do in Los Angeles

Looking for unexpected and unique experiences in Los Angeles - it shouldn’t be this difficult, right? Home to some of the West Coast’s most wonderful seascapes, scenic nature trails and iconic amusement parks, The City of Angels is a thriving and dynamic city bursting with great options to choose from. Really, the hardest part is narrowing things down. But don’t worry if you’re having trouble choosing, because we’ve rounded up our top points of interest and fun excursions in Los Angeles and are sharing them right below. So, note down your favorites and experience a different side to the city to make your trip an unforgettable one. However you choose to enjoy L.A., we’re sure you’ll have a blast! Explore Nature Los Angeles’ coastal seat makes an ideal destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Set along the magnificent jagged sea cliffs of San Pedro, White Point/Royal Palms Beach offers postcard-worthy scenery and spectacular ocean views. There are a lot of great things to do here, but our favorites has got to be inspecting the tide pools dotted along the coastline. Get up close here, and you’ll be able to see all sorts of wonderful marine creatures, from small fish and hermit crabs to sea stars and anemones. These wonderful sea basins are best explored at low tide, so that you can get a better look and stay dry at the same time. Still, if you thought that was all that there is to see here, you couldn’t be more wrong! Other popular activities at White Point/Royal Palms include hiking, surfing, scuba diving and much more. This spot is less touristy than other beaches in Los Angeles, so if you want to make it a day trip we suggest bringing food along with you - there’s a fantastic picnic area right near the bluff where you can take a break and soak up those panoramic ocean views. Offering a chance to see wildlife in its natural habitat and serene, picture-perfect views, this spot is hands down one of the best beaches that the city has to offer. Where New York has Central Park, L.A. has Griffith Park. Don’t get it twisted though - unlike Central Park, this vast greenspace is all-natural and well-recognized for its sweeping hilltops and unique gardens. Covering over 4,000 acres around the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, this large municipal park gives walkers a chance to explore the Californian landscape in all its glory. Meander along scenic nature trails and explore Southern California’s most wonderful natural attributes. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you go - visitors can expect to see lizards, hawks, deer and more. This spot is especially popular around dusk since it is home to the Griffith Observatory, which provides fantastic views of the Los Angeles Basin. Aside from its delightful splendor, Griffith Park is also home to some of the city’s top attractions. Catch a play or concert at the brilliant Greek Theatre, check out the animals at Los Angeles Zoo, or learn something new at the Autry Museum of the American West. Or, for something a little different, head over to the Old Los Angeles Zoo. Situated near the east side of the park, this historic abandoned attraction complete with old animal enclosures and ruins makes the perfect picnic spot. Home to some of the best scenery in Los Angeles, this place is well worth the visit. Take a Trip If you’re looking for a fun and spontaneous day trip in L.A., the Catalina Express Ferry should do just the trick. Set sail from Long Beach, San Pedro and admire the crystalline waters of the Pacific Ocean as you head over the beautiful island which lies just southwest of the city. Billed as ‘’a Hidden Paradise in Southern California’’, this rocky island is great place for relaxation and play. The city’s charming cultural hub, Avalon, is packed with engaging and interesting things to do, including the Catalina Island Museum, Catalina Casino, and Lover’s Cove. But if you’re hankering to get in touch with nature, the island presents more than its fair share of exciting activities. Explore Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, try your hand at fly fishing, or whiz through the air over Descanso Beach - the choice is yours! A thoroughly unique excursion, this place should rank way high up on any visitor’s itinerary. Have a Blast! Visiting a theme park is a great way to spend time with friends and family on vacation, And of course, there’s no better place to test your sense of bravery than at Six Flags Magic Mountain. As one of the most popular amusement parks in the United States, this spot draws in around 3 million visitors each year - and it’s easy to see why! With 19 rides and attractions to choose from, this spot holds the record for the largest number of rollercoasters in an amusement park. Perhaps not one for the faint-hearted, the attraction is well-recognized for its corkscrewing roller coasters and dizzying thrill rides. Fan favorites include X2, Goliath and Tatsu. In addition, Six Flags’ neighboring water park, Hurricane Harbor is a fantastic place to make a splash and cool off from the California heat in the summertime. A total crowdpleaser and quintessential L.A. attraction, this place is perfect for any visitor looking for an exciting day out. With a vibrant mix of cosmopolitan and nature attractions, Los Angeles has a little something to offer everybody. The perfect destination for the voracious traveller, the city offers everything from fun day trips to only-in-L.A.-experiences. 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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