Los Angeles Family Vacation Ideas

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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Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a fantastic destination that everybody should experience at least once in a lifetime. Still, choosing a place to stay can be a laborious task. The city is so massive and spread out, with iconic sites around every corner. From world-famous landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame to Santa Monica Pier and the Getty Villa, the city will always leave you wanting more. For dynamism, cultural impact and sheer diversity, the city is really hard to beat. Still overwhelmed by the prospect of exploring a new city? Don’t worry! In this article, we’ll break down the best areas in Los Angeles to stay in and share some of our top travel tips. Santa Monica For those who want to be near the beach without missing out on the vibrant city atmosphere, we recommend staying in Santa Monica. This spot is perfect for both families and solo travellers alike, with a wide variety of exciting attractions and activities to choose from. The neighborhood is of course home to the iconic Santa Monica Pier, but that’s not all there is to see here. For nature lovers, we highly recommend heading over to the Santa Monica Mountains for a hike. But if nature isn’t quite your thing, don’t worry - the area is home to some of the best shopping in SoCal, with Montana Avenue and Main Street District right at your fingertips. Stay here, and you’ll also be surrounded by tons of great bars, restaurants, and entertainment. The neighborhood is super walkable and scenic, but if you want to go a little further out, we would recommend calling for a cab or taking advantage of some of the city’s great public transport options. Hollywood If you’re looking to be in the center of all the action, Hollywood would be the best bet. A once gritty, urban neighbourhood-turned major tourist hub, this spot now showcases iconic sights at every turn. Hollywood Boulevard, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Walk of Fame, and Universal Studios - you name it, Hollywood’s got it! In addition, the neighborhood is bordered by West Hollywood and Fairfax, the Hollywood Hills, and East Hollywood, granting access to some of the best shopping, dining and entertainment in town. If you’re a foodie, we recommend heading over to East Hollywood, where you’ll find a fantastic array of restaurants in Little Armenia and Thai Town. Or, if it’s high-energy nightlife that you’re after, West Hollywood is the place to be. From spirited cabaret shows to fun comedy clubs, you’ll never be bored here. Since the neighborhood is so popular, you’ll find that there is a wide range of accommodation both in style and budget to choose from. We recommend booking quite far in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the spring or summertime. Beverly Hills For a truly luxurious stay in La La Land, what could be a better choice than Beverly Hills? As you might have guessed, this area is pretty extraordinary, so we recommend exploring it on foot as much as you can. Wandering through the neighborhood, you’ll be able to view some schmancy mansions in a wide variety of architectural styles and carefully-manicured gardens. Still, this notably glamorous place has much more to offer outside of its evident beauty. Living up to its famous zip code, this spot is home to some great attractions - here, you can visit the Beverly Hills sign, the Greystone Mansion, and the Virginia Robinson Gardens. Still, one of our favorite spots has got to be the Spadena House, a quirky only-in-Los Angeles attraction. Standing as a distinctive example of storybook style-architecture, this spot has served as a filming location for many fantasy films over the years. Though it is now a private residence, visitors are welcome to visit and take guided tours to marvel over its wholly unique interiors. The neighborhood is also home to one of the best shopping destinations in L.A., Rodeo Drive. Even if you’re not a big spender, this pristine thoroughfare is perfect for a casual day of window shopping and grabbing a bite to eat. And of course, the area boasts some of the swankiest hotels in all of Los Angeles, including the Beverly Hilton and the wonderful Beverly Hills Hotel. Though the area is obviously pretty pricey, we promise that staying here is well worth it. Malibu Another one of our favorite places to stay in the city has got to be Malibu. A little more grown-up than Santa Monica, Malibu is perfect for romantic getaways or solo travellers, known for its beautiful beachfront and aura of relaxed chic. Aside from serving as a prime destination for soaking up the sun, the district is great for shopping addicts, with Malibu Country Mart, Point Dume Village and Promenade at Westlake drawing in the crowds at weekends. Come nightfall, we highly suggest checking out some of the area’s wonderful waterfront restaurants. Here you’ll be able to find locally-sourced fresh seafood in a wide variety of dishes. From oysters and classic lobster rolls to delicious sushi and coconut shrimp, this place is a total dream for food lovers. Come nightfall, sip a cocktail on the beach, enjoy jazz nights and rooftop theater. Combining SoCal’s laidback nature with a touch of sophistication, this spot has much to offer all visitors. Los Angeles is a fantastic destination to visit with so many great places to stay in. We recommend taking a little time to think about your itinerary so that you can be certain that your accommodation fits just right! Maximize your travel experience with an 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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Los Angeles in September

There’s a lot to do in Los Angeles, especially in the fall. Though the West Coast may be lacking in scenic seasonal foliage, the area more than makes up for it with an exciting array of activities and events of all kinds. Explore the city on sightseeing tours, soak up culture at museums and galleries, or choose from the many free things to do. Trust us when we say that you’ll never be bored here - rather, you might struggle to fit it all in! Whether you’re a culture vulture, an artsy type, or a foodie, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Still daunted by the prospect of exploring a new city? Don’t worry, this L.A. bucket list is a good place to start, with a great mix of attractions and activities to keep you busy! Which classic fall L.A. activities will you try? See the Sites When exploring a new city, it’s always a good idea to check out the local galleries. Thankfully, Los Angeles is chock-a-block with fantastic cultural institutions, ranging from the big hitters to fun speciality museums. Still, one of our favorites has got to be the Getty Center for its impressive and broad repository. Combining art, architecture and nature all into one, this popular visitor attraction really is a total must-see. Perched atop a hill in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, the establishment offers spectacular 360-views of the city. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy one of the finest collections of artwork in the world - no really, we mean it! The Getty’s collection includes everything from historic manuscripts and Renaissance paintings to Baroque sculptures and 20th-century American photography. Highlights include Vincent van Gogh’s masterpiece Irises, Rembrandt van Rijn’s joyful self-portrait Rembrandt Laughing, and the Center for Photographs. In addition, the Central Garden is a total sight to behold. A thoroughly unforgettable cultural experience, the Getty Center is perfect for those who are looking to incorporate a little education into their travel experience. As the bustling epicenter of the American entertainment industry, L.A. has long been a significant draw for pop culture lovers and creative types alike. Those who are looking to dive into all of the glitz and glam will have countless attractions to choose from, though few are quite as iconic as the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Stretching for 1.3 miles down Hollywood Boulevard, this unique attraction draws in over 10 million visitors each year - and it’s easy to see why! Standing as one of Tinseltown’s most emblematic attractions, the Hollywood Walk of Fame has been representative of strong ambition, accomplishment and creative thought ever since its establishment way back in 1960. If you’re looking for the particular star of one of your favorite celebrities, we recommend using the Walk of Fame’s Star Search tool on their website to assist. As one of L.A.’s most beloved tourist hotspots, the Walk of Fame should rank high up on any first-timer’s itinerary. Explore the City Los Angeles is a wonderful city comprised of countless different neighborhoods. Though L.A. has districts for almost every area of interest, we especially love Venice for its artistic nature and laid-back personality. Of course, one of the top visitor attractions of Venice has got to be its world-famous beach. September is a great time to grab a lounge chair and soak up the sun, since the weather will still be warm, whilst the crowds should have just died down - just remember to bring plenty of sunscreen and water! And whilst the area is known for its fantastic beach, that’s not all that there is to do here. Another popular tourist activity in the area is walking the Venice Canals. Nestled between the Venice Boardwalk and the Abbot Kinney, this quiet spot provides a scenic tour of some of the neighborhood’s most charming beach houses. In addition, Venice is home to some of the city’s quirkiest attractions, including The Mosaic House and Muscle Beach. With so much to see and do here, this place is a total crowd-pleaser. Another one of our favorite places to visit in Los Angeles in September is the Santa Monica Pier. A quintessential West Coast attraction, the Santa Monica Pier has been drawing in visitors from near and far since its establishment way back in 1909. This spot is great for those travelling in groups, since there is a lot of choice for exciting activities to choose from. One of the pier’s most popular attractions has got to be Pacific Park, an admission-free amusement park with lots of exciting rides, restaurants, stores and more. Another great stop is of course, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, which features over 100+ local marine life and animal species. Or, if you’re looking to just kick back and relax, we highly suggest checking out the Santa Monica Pier Farmers’ Market. Celebrating California’s rich agricultural heritage, this spot is widely known for purveying fresh fruit and veggies as well as some seriously delicious eats. Grab a bite and enjoy your food whilst watching the sun set over the Pacific - what could be better than that? Try Something Unique As the entertainment capital of the world and home to the stars, Los Angeles presents countless places to catch a movie - and in many forms! Still, what better way to see a movie than set against California’s wonderful natural backdrop? With Street Food Cinema, spend time with your loved ones and watch the stars under the stars. This service is known for its impressive programming, with everything from new blockbusters and old classics to quirky indie movies to choose from. Don’t fill up before you head out because this place has lot of great food trucks serving up freshly-made dishes put together by local artisans. There are lounge chairs laid out to sit on, though we recommend bringing blankets to keep yourself warm if you’re going for a late-night show. With its laidback atmosphere and fun vibe, this is the perfect way to relax after a long day of exploring! Fall in Los Angeles can be a wonderful time of the year. 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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What is Los Angeles famous for?

Los Angeles has provided the backdrop to many blockbusters and anthems - but what makes it so special? Find out in our Tinseltown deep-dive.
Seren Morris

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