Los Angeles Family Vacation Ideas

UPDATED AUGUST 2024
By Katie Sagal
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Los Angeles is a great city for families to visit. Whether you’re interested in Hollywood and pop culture, or the great outdoors there’s something the whole family will love here. After all, if there's something LA does really well, it's entertainment.

If you’re planning a family trip to LA, check out our edit of the top kid-friendly attractions in the region, curated by industry experts and representing some of our personal favorites.

Our top Los Angeles family vacation ideas include:

  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Knott’s Berry Farm & Soak City
  • Pacific Park
  • Aquarium of the Pacific
  • Natural History Museum
  • Bike Rentals
  • California Science Center & IMAX
  • Harbor Cruise
  • Griffith Park & LA Zoo
  • Walk of Fame & Hollywood Attractions

Universal Studios Hollywood

One of the most popular family attractions in Los Angeles, Universal Studios Hollywood combines the best of a studio tour with all the fun of a theme park. Everything is turned up to 11 here!

First, enjoy behind-the-scenes tours of real backlots, sound stages, and more. Then, hit up their phenomenal rides and attractions, from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem and beyond. Last, but not least, save some time to explore Universal CityWalk, a shopping and dining destination that complements the park itself.

Knott’s Berry Farm & Knott’s Soak City

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If you’re really in the mood for some amusement park fun, then a visit to Knott’s Berry Farm is in order. America’s first theme park is still going strong, with delightful park characters, exhilarating coasters, and a nice selection of children’s rides.

Check out the newly opened HangTime rollercoaster at Knott's, the steepest coaster in California. It plunges over the water, creating some cool thrills for riders. Visit their sister park, Knott’s Soak City, on a particularly hot day. They’re right next to each other, so it would be easy to visit them both on the same day.

Pacific Park

Pacific Park is the perfect beachside attraction for the whole family to enjoy. It's more of a classic amusement park, where you can hop aboard charming rides like their solar-powered Ferris Wheel. Then, get your thrills on with the West Coaster, a steel roller coaster right at the water’s edge.

There are also many gentler rides for the little ones, like Inkie’s Wave Jumper and Inkie’s Pirate Ship. Come for the rides, stay for the cotton candy and carnival-style games.

Aquarium of the Pacific

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With its specific focus on the marine life of the vast Pacific Ocean, the top-notch Aquarium of the Pacific is perfect for the animal lovers in your family. See over a thousand fish from the coral reefs in the Tropical Pacific and look out for the mysterious giant Pacific octopus in the chilly Northern Pacific.

The Aquarium of the Pacific has over 100 exhibits scattered across their 19 major habitats. Highlights include Jellies, Shark Lagoon, June Keyes Penguin Habitat, and more.

Natural History Museum

Featuring an expansive collection of natural and cultural artifacts from throughout history and across the globe, the Natural History Museum in Downtown LA is a great family attraction.

Exhibitions highlight biodiversity and cultural change in fascinating ways. Walk through halls of dinosaur fossils, gemstones and minerals, and ancient Latin American archaeological treasures. A visit here is sure to inspire curiosity in everyone in the family!

Griffith Park & LA Zoo

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LA's sprawling Griffith Park is the perfect family destination, with plenty of trails for hiking or cycling, spaces for picnics or Frisbee-tossing, and many attractions of its own. The Griffith Observatory is a fascinating scientific institution where visitors can delve into the cosmos through interactive exhibits, telescopes, and engaging live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium Theater.

The LA Zoo & Botanical Gardens are enchanting and educational, home to mammals, birds, and reptiles from around the world, including several rare and endangered species. Even if you don't have time to visit the attractions here, take a drive through the park to soak up the nature.

Bike rentals

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Stay active and enjoy the weather with a bike ride! Whether you want to explore Griffith Park or the bike-friendly, sunny boardwalks of Santa Monica, there are plenty of options for you to pedal around. There is a wide selection of rental options in Santa Monica, including rollerblade rentals for some retro fun your kids will love.

Get your bikes, skates, boards, and more at Perry’s Beach Café. They also sell a tasty selection of food and drinks for lunch, so why not make an entire afternoon of it?

California Science Center & IMAX

If you’re already planning on going to the Natural History Museum, a nice complement is the California Science Center IMAX, also located in Exposition Park. They offer permanent exhibits on a variety of topics, like Air & Space, Ecosystems, Creative World, and more.

Their special exhibitions are awesome, too, and include things like the Space Shuttle Endeavour and Body Worlds: Pulse. Special exhibitions change over time and may not be there at the time of your visit, so check the calendar before you go.

Harbor cruise or whale watching

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Head out onto the water for a fun way to soak up the sunny weather in L.A. Boarding a Harbor Cruise from Long Beach is an excellent way to go sightseeing along the waterfront and enjoy relaxing breezes. Or, opt for a whale watch for a specialized focus on these majestic creatures. Both tours provide plenty of opportunities to see local marine life and are narrated by marine mammal educators from the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Walk of Fame & Hollywood attractions

Hollywood

You simply can’t visit LA. without some nod to their Hollywood attractions. If you want something low-key, fun, and free, head to the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard. Look for your favorite actor or artist’s star, and take a photo with it. There are also plenty of other Hollywood attractions to enjoy if you want to further your adventures, like the TCL Chinese Theatre or the Egyptian Theatre, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, and celebrity home tours.

If you prefer to look out over Tinseltown from above, take a Hollywood Sign hike and enjoy the vista over the city, from the most recognizable icon in LA!

Hike in Runyon Canyon

Runyon Canyon view

Runyon Canyon is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Los Angeles and for good reason, there are multiple trails of varying lengths and difficulties that all offer mesmerizing views. Trails vary in length from 0.8 to 3.3 miles, which will be the perfect vacation hike without taking up your entire day.

Runyon Canyon is famous among locals and tourists alike; many visitors bring their dogs. You might just see some celebrities while getting your morning jog in as the trails in Runyon Canyon are a favorite of Hollywood's stars.

Save on admission to top Los Angeles attractions with Go City®  

Discover our full line-up of Los Angeles attractions including the Hollywood Sign Tour, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm, and more.  

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel 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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Best Museums in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the best. Known for its many famous landmarks and sun-kissed shorelines, the city is one of the most popular visitor destinations in the United States. Still, no visit to La La Land is complete without checking out its fantastic selection of museums. Yup, that’s right - contrary to what some might say, Los Angeles is teeming with wonderful cultural amenities of all kinds. From ancient history to modern art, there’s a little something for everybody here. So, if you’re heading over to the City of Angels and aren’t quite sure how to spend your time, check out our guide to the best museums in the area. However you choose to explore LA, we’re sure you’ll have a blast! See the Sights If you’re a seasoned visitor to Los Angeles, you just might be familiar with the Hollywood Sign and Universal Studios. Still, there’s a lot more to unpack here for cinephiles and pop culture lovers. If you’re looking to learn more about Hollywood history, there’s no better place to be than the Academic Museum of Motion Pictures. Located on the Museum Row in Miracle Mile, this unique attraction is dedicated to the fascinating history and incredible impact of the film industry. The institute works to provide deeper insight into the creative process; the art and technology of film; and the fascinating background of the artform. Though young, the museum holds over 13 million objects, including costumes, sketches, film reels, props and more. A thoroughly fascinating cultural experience, this spot is great for those of all ages. When you hear L.A., the first thing that springs to mind is usually all of the glitz and glam. So it only makes sense then that the city provides a number of great cultural institutions dedicated to the entertainment industry. Standing out against the number of museums dedicated to television and film, the Grammy Museum works to provide a comprehensive look into the music business. A total dream space for music buffs, this spot consists of four floors worth of historical artefacts, interactive music stations and recording booths. In addition, the museum hosts special talks, programs and concerts. We love this place because it works to educate visitors about the history and significance of American music in a fun and engaging way. Another one of our favorite museums to visit in L.A. has got to be The Broad. As one of the most famous art museums in the city, the institute is probably just as recognizable for its distinct and striking structure as it is for its revered collection.Inside, visitors can enjoy a fantastic collection from some of the world’s most popular modern artists. Highlights include Jeff Koons’ Balloon Dog and Roy Lichtenstein’s ‘’I... I’m Sorry!’’ In addition, the museum is known for housing Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room, an animated twinkling starfield and total magnet for selfie-lovers. Get Cultured If you’re looking for art and culture in Los Angeles, you won’t have to look much further than the Getty Center. A wonderful estate perched atop a hill in Brentwood, the center provides art, architecture and nature all wrapped into one wonderfully unique experience. The circular concrete and steel structure is a total sight to behold, whilst the museum’s location and surrounding gardens provide spectacular 360-degree views of Los Angeles. Inside, visitors can enjoy a wonderful mixture of ancient and modern art. Expect to see everything from classical paintings and historic carvings to surrealist works and contemporary installations. We recommend setting aside a good few hours for the Getty - trust us when we say that you won’t want to rush this one! As the West Coast’s answer to the Morgan Library, the Huntington Library definitely doesn’t disappoint. This spot is actually a triple whammy, with a world-class library, wonderful art museum and stunning botanical garden all wrapped up into one fantastic attraction. We suggest making enough time so that you can see everything. With over 430,000 rare books, historical documents and one-of-a-kind manuscripts, the library is a total dream for bibliophiles. Meanwhile, the art gallery displays one of the best collections of 18th and 19-century British art in the country. And as the museum’s crown jewel, the institute’s botanical garden most certainly doesn’t disappoint, with over 150,000 plant varieties on its 120 acres. With its superb repository and old-world vibe, this spot is perfect for anybody who wants to get in a bit of education on their travels. Learn Something New No doubt Los Angeles has a lot of great museums dedicated to the arts. Still, that’s not all there is to see here. Perfect for those visitors of a curious mind, the California Science Center is filled with educational and engaging exhibits pertaining to the world around us. Billed as the west coast’s largest hands-on science center, this spot works well to break down complicated ideas for a broad audience. There are four major exhibit areas covering the natural world, biology, innovation and invention and space travel. Special highlights include the Space Shuttle Endeavor, the High Wire Bicycle, and the ice wall. We love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. Whilst museums come in all shapes and sizes, few are quite as iconic as the Natural History Museum. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just plain curious, this spot has so much to offer. The institute’s repository is wildly impressive, with over 35 million specimens and artefacts spanning over 4.5 billion years of history. Marvel at the full-size t-rex skeletons, see some incredible gemstones, or play with microscopes and dig for fossils in the Discovery Center. Pro tip: if you’re in the area during the springtime, be sure to check out the butterfly pavilion. Though the bones are old, this spot is always introducing new exhibits to be enjoyed. A real treasure trove of discovery, you know know what you’ll find next among the beautiful dioramas and interactive displays. The best vacations always include a trip to the museum - and thankfully in Los Angeles, you won’t be short of choice! Explore the city 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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