Los Angeles Family Vacation Ideas

Published: July 18, 2024

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

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

sea-otter-swimming-aquarium-pacific-monterey

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

griffith-observatory-park-los-angeles-skyline

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

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

female-photographer-taking-pictures-humpback-whale

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

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 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

Discover {{destinationFullName}} itineraries

Continue reading

Blog

Los Angels in March

Springtime in L.A. is full of excitement. When the flowers begin to bloom, the city awakens with a myriad of fantastic activities and events of all kinds. From the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame and Santa Monica Pier to funky Venice Beach, L.A. has much to offer its visitors. Coming out of the wintertime, daytime high temperatures range from the upper 50s to the low 70s, so you’ll only need a light jacket. March is one of the best times of the year for exploring L.A. since the crowds are minimal, the days are longer, and you’ll be able to find easier admission into the city’s top attractions. So, without further ado, here is our roundup of some of the best things to do in L.A. for springtime. How many of these great springtime activities will you try? See the Sites Whilst L.A. can be pretty beautiful in the springtime, the West Coast is also susceptible to the odd rainy day. Still, just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all that the city has to offer. Though L.A. has a lot of fantastic indoor attractions, one of our favorite spots has got to be the Huntington Library. This place is actually a three-pronged attack, with a jaw-dropping main library, a fantastic art gallery and stunning botanic garden. The institute’s library houses over 430,000 rare books, original manuscripts, and historic documents. Meanwhile, the gallery is a total dream for art lovers, with 1,200 pieces dating way back to the 15th century. And as if that wasn’t enough, the Huntington Library’s botanic garden is known for showcasing 150 plant varieties on its 120 acres. A thoroughly one-of-a-kind experience, this one is a total must-see. No doubt Los Angeles has a lot to offer for cinephiles and pop culture lovers. Still, no attraction could be quite as iconic as the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This spot draws in around 10 million visitors each year - and it’s easy to see why! Established way back in 1960, this attraction now spans over 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard, with over 2,000 stars and counting. If you’re going to find a particular star of your favorite celebrity or artist, use the Walk of Fame’s online Star Search tool to help you. We recommend checking out some of the other fantastic attractions in the area whilst you’re there, such as the TCL Chinese Theatre, El Captain Theatre, and Madame Tussauds Hollywood. Oh, and don’t forget to bring a camera! Explore the City If you’re looking for a total crowdpleaser, look no further than Santa Monica Pier. Since opening to the public in 1909, this historic attraction has been drawing in visitors from near and far. Perhaps the pier’s most popular attraction is Pacific Park, a theme park complete with shopping, restaurants, as well as an arcade. Or, if you’re looking to just relax a little, why not head over to the Santa Monica farmers’ market? A great stop for all foodies, we love this spot for its delicious eats and laid-back atmosphere. This place works to showcase California’s rich agricultural heritage through a wide array of local vendors. And of course, it wouldn’t be a pier if you couldn’t try your hand at a little bit of fishing. With so much to see and do, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a sunny day in Los Angeles. Los Angeles is a sprawling seaside metropolis, made up of countless exciting neighborhoods to explore. Still, when the sun comes out, one of our favorite places to check out has got to be Venice. Well-recognized for its bohemian spirit, nowhere quite says ‘’California’’ like this famed beachfront neighborhood. One of the most popular things to do here is hit the beach - that is, Venice Beach, of course. Still, that’s far from all that Venice has to offer. Another great activity in the area is the Venice Canals, where you can take a scenic stroll along charming beach houses, bunches of ducklings and romantic bridges. There’s also The Mosaic Tile House - once a rather simple and drab space, this spot has now been alchemized into an undoubtedly unique attraction now open to the public. As quirky as it is fun, we love Venice for its laidback and unassuming atmosphere. Soak Up the Atmosphere One of the best things about travel has got to be exploring the local food scene. Thankfully, you won’t have much trouble with that in L.A. - as one of America’s biggest food cities, Los Angeles comes to life in the springtime, with a whole host different events to choose from. Standing out as one of our favorites, Knott’s Boysenberry Festival kicks off right in the middle of March each year, with a unique lineup of seasonal dishes to take your fancy. To highlight the berry that started it all, the dishes focus on boysenberries in some way. There are also local crafters, live music and shows to be enjoyed. In addition, there are special activities and games for younger guests - so nobody feels left out! We love this event because it offers something a little different from your typical food festival. Of course, it just wouldn’t be an article about things to do in March without mentioning St. Paddy’s Day. There are a heck of a lot of ways to celebrate this traditional Irish holiday, but if you’re looking for a parade, we recommend heading down to Hermosa Beach, where you’ll find an exciting celebration of Irish culture. Other family-friendly activities include the St. Patrick’s Day Market and the Original Farmers’ Market. Still, there’s no shame in partying the day away on March 17th. For the best way to let loose, we suggest checking out the annual block party and pub crawl. Or, check out Tam O Shanter’s can’t miss event, with live music, green beer and plenty of fun and games. So as far as St. Patrick’s Day celebrations go, I guess you could say that Los Angeles has it covered. Los Angeles is an exciting city any time of the year; still, our favorite season has got to be the springtime. 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

Blog

10+ Things to Do in Los Angeles for Adults During Your Vacation (Ideas for Couples & Groups of Friends)

Los Angeles has a well-deserved reputation as a popular adult vacation destination. With everything from sunny, sandy beaches to top-notch attractions in Hollywood and beyond, L.A.'s got plenty to appeal to travelers. In addition to many museums, amusement parks, gardens, monuments, and more, you’ll also find award-winning cuisine and exciting nightlife to enjoy as a couple or with a group of friends. If you’re looking for things to do in Los Angeles for adults, check out our list of the top activities that couples and groups of friends will enjoy, including... Universal Studios Hollywood GRAMMY Museum Madame Tussauds Hollywood Aquarium of the Pacific Knott's Berry Farm Hollywood Tours Whale Watch L.A. Zoo & Botanical Gardens and more! Universal Studios Hollywood You can’t visit Hollywood without spending some time at Universal Studios Hollywood. It combines the best of an awe-inspiring studio tour with a dizzying theme park. Go behind the scenes of one of the most famous movie studios in all of Hollywood, and keep an eye out for celebs wandering about on their way to work. Then, head to the theme park! Whether you’re a fan of Harry Potter, The Simpsons, or the Fast & Furious franchise, you’ll find a ride to delight and thrill you. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is especially popular with those of us who grew up with the books. GRAMMY Museum Madame Tussauds Hollywood Another top attraction for the fans of celebrity culture is Madame Tussauds Hollywood. One of the most expansive instances of this franchise, this Madame T’s features over 100 lifelike wax figures. Different themed areas include “Movie Stars,” “Hollywood Icons,” “Pop Stars,” “Sports Stars,” and the special Marvel Superheroes 4D Experience. Get that perfect Insta snap with your favorite celebrity, from Kylie Jenner in her Met Gala dress to Zac Efron in his role as a Baywatch lifeguard. Aquarium of the Pacific This is one for the animal lovers in your party. The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach has both a beautiful location and an astonishing collection of marine life. Although the focus of this aquarium is specifically on the ocean life of the Pacific, you’ll find tremendous variety between the warm waters of Baja California and the chilly waters of the Northern Pacific and more. Shark Lagoon is a particularly cool exhibit, which allows you to come face-to-face with these awe-inspiring predators. Amusement parks Thrill-seekers have plenty of options in addition to Universal Studios if they’re looking for more fun in Los Angeles. For example, Knott’s Berry Farm is the original theme park (America’s first, in fact!), and has a bunch of history but plenty of modern rides and flair. They also host frequent special events themed around holidays, including their own Boysenberry Festival, so keep an eye on the Knott's Berry Farm event calendar before you visit. If you’re in Santa Monica, Pacific Park is another top option, with the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel – perfect for a romantic moment. Hollywood tours If you want to see more of the city with a specific focus on Hollywood and celebrity culture, check out a themed tour. The Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes Tour focuses on the lesser-known spots and hidden gems of Hollywood, as well as the top destinations like the Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre. Whale Watch by Newport Landing Take the opportunity to encounter some of the world’s most majestic creatures on a Whale Watch Tour at Newport Landing. Head out to a nearby marine sanctuary for an almost guaranteed glimpse of these amazing animals, with a wide variety of other ocean life sure to be around as well. Keep an eye out for California Gray Whales, Giant Blue Whales, Orcas, Minke Whales, and the iconic Humpback Whales. Don't forget to bundle up, though — even with the temperate weather it will be cooler out on the water. Planning to visit lots of Los Angeles attractions? With Go City® you won't miss a thing, plus with a pass you can save up to 50% compared to buying individual entry to everything you want to do - winning! ☀️Compare Los Angeles passes☀️ L.A. Zoo & Botanical Gardens Exploring Griffith Park makes for a romantic afternoon or a fun daytime trip with friends. Head to the LA Zoo & Botanical Gardens if you’re interested in more animal encounters, and be sure to check out the accompanying Botanical Gardens for a tour of the world’s flora. You could also pop by the famed Griffith Observatory, picnic, bike, or generally enjoy the park as you’d like. Los Angeles area museums Culture buffs will find much to love that stretches beyond Hollywood people and things. Especially if you appreciate natural history and the outdoors, there are plenty of top-notch museums for you to explore. The La Brea Tar Pits are most famous as one of the richest Ice Age excavation sites in the entire world, with a vast array of the known plants and animals from the period having been discovered right in those tar pits. The Natural History Museum is a great accompaniment, featuring mammal and dinosaur fossils, plus striking gems and minerals, and archaeological artifacts from Latin America. Other popular museums include the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Petersen Automotive Museum. Additional studio tours If you loved the behind-the-scenes studio aspect of Universal, then take the opportunity to tour some other active studios, like Warner Bros. or Sony Pictures. At Warner Bros. Studio, you’ll get to enjoy an excursion around a massive backlot where famous flicks such as Casablanca were created, and TV shows like Friends and The Big Bang Theory were made. With the Sony Pictures Studio Tour, you’ll get a guided two-hour trek through the studio that brought you such a variety of art from The Wizard of Oz to Jeopardy! Los Angeles bike rentals Get active with your partner or friends and hop aboard a bike. L.A. may seem pretty sprawling, but there are plenty of great places for bike rides, including the expansive and gorgeous Griffith Park in Santa Monica. Spend some time pedaling along the boardwalk past the ocean waves and beachy crowds, too. You could also opt for some rollerblade rentals and go old school. A fun opportunity to be competitive with your friends to see who can remember how to rollerblade the best! L.A. dining With so many celebrities in town, you have to know that the dining scene in L.A. is killer. Because the city is so spread out, you’ll find multiple neighborhoods with distinct culinary identities, and there's so much to explore on your own. Some of the most popular areas for dining include DTLA/Arts District, Venice, Hollywood and San Gabriel/Pasadena. Want to save money on those bucket-list attractions? Check out passes from Go City and you could save yourself up to 50% on your must-sees – perfect! So go grab an LA pass and make the most of it! ☀️Compare Los Angeles passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️

Katie Sagal

Blog

Chillin’ in Los Angeles: The Best Ways to Survive a Heatwave

Don’t let the LA sun slow you down—discover the coolest spots to chill.

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.