Los Angeles Family Vacation Ideas

Attractions, activities & things to Do for a trip to LA

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

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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

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

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

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Things to do in The South Bay Los Angeles

Looking for new areas of Los Angeles to explore? Well, you’ve come to the right place then! Lucky for you, Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis with so many areas to discover, each one better than the next. Whether you’re a seasoned visitor or just want to get a true taste of the city, this spot has so much to offer those visiting the City of Angels. Besides being to some of the best natural sights in L.A., the South Bay also boasts a strong museum game and a fantastic shopping and dining scene, too. Above all else, this laidback friendly neighborhood has a live like the locals vibe, offering a more authentic way to experience the city. If you’re not familiar with the area and need some handy advice, have no fear - we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite things to do in the region. How many of these classic South Bay attractions will you try? Check Out the Museums Los Angeles is primarily known for its exciting entertainment attractions and wonderful outdoorsy adventures. Yet beyond the sweeping landscapes and film sets, the city boasts a well-rounded museum scene, just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re new to the city or a seasoned visitor just looking to try something different, the South Bay is undoubtedly the place to be. There are countless museums to suit all types of interests here - all you have to do is pick your favorite! For artsy types visiting the area, we suggest heading over to the El Segundo Museum of Art. Breaking away from the typical gallery experience, this spot is less of a stuffy establishment and more of a welcoming whimsical art laboratory with a focus on education. Unique, quaint and thought-provoking all at the same time - hey, what’s not to love? But if art isn’t your jam, the South Bay is also home to some great history museums to check out. We recommend the Computer History Museum and the International Printing Museum, with one of the largest collections of kind in the United States. In addition, the area is known for its automotive and aviation institutions - if you’re a total electronics geek, The Western Museum of Flight should take your fancy. With so much to be discovered, it’s no wonder that South Bay is growing in growing in popularity each and every day! Spend Time in Nature In Los Angeles there’s a beach to suit everyone, and we mean everyone. Even just within the South Bay, there are a number of options to choose from for those who are looking to soak up the sun. The beaches here are a little less touristy than the shores of Santa Monica or Venice, but no less beautiful or fun. For first-time visitors to the South Bay, we recommend heading over to Hermosa City Beach, where you’ll find a sun-soaked shoreline complete with a bustling boardwalk, quaint stores and tempting eateries. Exciting activities to do here include swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, scuba diving and more. Volleyball tournaments and surf festivals also take place here throughout the year, so be sure to check those out. Another popular outdoor attraction in the area is Redondo County Beach, known for its carefree and laidback atmosphere. This spot is a great option for nature lovers, with Hopkins Wilderness Park and whale watching and nature cruises to be enjoyed. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated, we suggest heading over to Manhattan County Beach. Here you’ll an upscale and pristine stretch with unique shopping, a wonderful pier and lots of bar and restaurant options serving up locally-sourced fresh seafood. Each spot has something a little bit different to offer, so there’s no harm in checking them all out whilst you’re there! For those who just can’t get enough of the outdoors, why not check out Sand Dune Park? Though this is one of the city’s lesser-known attractions of its kind, it’s a great way to soak up the city’s innate beauty. The park features a 100-foot high sand dune, making it a popular spot for families with young children. Visit any day of the week, and you’ll find kids running, jumping, playing and having a blast at this wonderful natural space. Near the slope, there’s also a children’s playground as well as other facilities including picnic areas and restrooms. The park also includes the Manhattan Beach Sand Dune Nature Preserve, with some great hiking trails with scenic flora, so be sure to check that out, too. Exhibiting the awesome natural attributes of the city, this space is perfect for any outdoorsy types visiting the area. Just remember to bring lots of sunscreen and water with you! Enjoy the Wonderful Architecture Another one of our favorite things to do in South Bay is visit the Wayfarers Chapel. Though visiting a chapel perhaps isn’t your usual tourist activity, this spot stands out for its unique architectural features. Designed by renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright way back in 1951, the structure very much still stands the test of time, drawing in guests from near and far to its peaceful oceanside position. Though it is billed as ‘’the Glass Church’’, its warm wood and stone features complement its organic surroundings. Take time to admire its tasteful wooden beams and the light glimmering through the windows, and then step outside to enjoy the towering redwoods and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Undoubtedly beautiful and thoroughly serene, this stop offers something a little different from your typical L.A. attraction - but that’s what we love about it! No doubt, the South Bay is the perfect place for exploring a different side to the city. With its wonderful history, stunning beaches and fantastic museums to check out, this lesser-known area of Los Angeles has much to offer its visitors. Maximize your travel experience 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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San Diego to San Francisco Road Trip Itinerary - A California Vacation for Tons of Fun

There are so many amazing things to see and do in California that we know it can be overwhelming when planning out your vacation. That's where we come in! Our local experts put together a California road trip itinerary covering a ton of fun family attractions from San Diego to San Francisco! Best yet, visiting these attractions with Go City Cards will allow you to save up to 55% on attraction admission. Enjoy! This itinerary includes family favorite attractions like: SeaWorld® San Diego LEGOLAND® California Universal Studios Hollywood Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Aquarium of the Bay and more! You Can Save on Attraction Admission Admission to these top California attractions are available on our Passes. Go City Cards give you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose as you go from dozens of top attractions to create a vacation tailored to your family's interests. Remember, this California itinerary is just one of many ways to experience this beautiful region. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. LEGOLAND® California Upon entering the LEGO® world, you'll find an endless combinations of LEGO-related activities and fun for the whole family to share. At LEGOLAND California, there are more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions all along the themes of your favorite LEGO characters, games, and movies. The SEA LIFE® Aquarium in LEGOLAND is the home to more than 5,000 creatures that you can experience alongside your LEGO characters and friends. Don't forget about the LEGOLAND Water Park! This attraction offers more than 7 slides and other watery adventures to explore, and is a great family-oriented place that all ages will fully enjoy. NEW for Summer 2018 at LEGOLAND is the much-anticipated LEGO CITY: Deep Sea Adventure. This submarine-style ride sees you hunting for treasure alongside real sharks, rays, and fish. If you're lucky, you'll even get to see a shipwreck with LEGO divers! Getting In: LEGOLAND California tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card. Fun San Diego Area Options to Add to Your California Road Trip Itinerary: There are plenty of other fun options to choose from in the San Diego area, including these activities, many of which are included on the Go San Diego Card. San Diego Zoo Safari Park - This sister attraction to the San Diego Zoo recreates a real African safari right outside the city. Pick a custom safari adventure for a specific journey, or take a trip around the park on the African Tram to see a little bit of everything! This park is a great experience for all ages and will transport you halfway across the world without getting on a plane. Belmont Park - This amazing beachfront amusement park offers endless fun for the whole family alongside a beautiful ocean view. From laser tag to countless rides to adventures in the waves, Belmont Park has an incredible amount of activities that will keep you busy all day long. More Time in Balboa Park - From museums to performances to restaurants to beautiful gardens, this Park has an incredible collection of exciting interesting and beautiful experiences. Many of the museums are also included with the Go San Diego Card, appealing to those interested in art, natural history, air & space, anthropology, and much more. Visit La Jolla - La Jolla, San Diego's jewel by the sea, is the most popular beach in California. This beautiful peninsula beach with spectacular views has many outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy. This is a great destination with so much to do and a view that will take your breath away. Visit Torrey Pines - Torrey Pines is a natural state reserve located within the city limits of San Diego. It's comprised of 2,000 acres of preserved wilderness, untouched since the first development of the city. This expanse of wild land gives visitors an idea of what California must have looked like when it was first discovered by early settlers. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood The Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Hollywood brings you through one of the busiest movie studios in L.A. The tour includes the opportunity to visit several soundstages and backlots, as well as the exterior sets of classic Warner Bros. productions. Then, visit the interior of a current set and see what the team is working on at that moment and how the magic happens. Next, visit the Archived Exhibits of the preserved sets, costumes, and everything that went into some of the most famous movies. The tour will also include a visit to the Warner Bros. Prop Department (the largest in the world), as well as a visit to "Stage 48: Script to Stage" which will provide an interactive journey of how the creation process really happens. Getting In: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Hollywood Movie Star Homes Tour This tour will bring you to the homes of 45 famous L.A. residents, while providing a glimpse into the lives of many of your favorite celebrities that you hear so much about. Your narrated trip, conducted in a comfortable air conditioned tour bus, reveals all the popular places celebrities can be found in the city. If you're lucky, you may spot more then just houses -- so bring your camera! This 3 hour experience is also a great opportunity to become more familiar with the layout of the city in a fun and exciting way. Getting In: Hollywood Movie Star Homes Tour tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Fun LA Area Options to Add to Your California Road Trip Itinerary: There are plenty of other fun options to choose from in the Los Angeles area, including these activities, many of which are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. OUE Skyspace LA - The exhilarating OUE Skyspace in Los Angeles is the tallest open air observation deck in California and will give you a spectacular 360 degree view of the city from almost 1,000 feet above the streets. The deck is amazing both in the day and at night, so you can't really go wrong with a visit here. Other Great Theme Parks - If the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier wasn't enough for your thrill-seeking family, there are many other great theme park options in the area including: Six Flags Magic Mountain, Knott's Berry Farm, and Knott's Soak City Waterpark. All have great rides and games and everything you need for a day of complete and exciting family fun! Aquarium of the Pacific - Experience sea life up close through countless engaging exhibits. The incredible creatures of the sea will amaze the whole family, and you'll all learn more about the ocean and the organisms that live in it then you could have ever imagined. Sony Picture Studio Tour - This 2-hour guided walking tour of the Sony Picture Studio will allow you to visit historic sound stages and get to experience what a real working studio is like. Griffith Observatory - At this gateway to the sky, you will be able to look through the famous Griffith Observatory telescope, experience exhibits, see a live show and enjoy the incredible views of the city of L.A. and the famous Hollywood sign. Hop On Hop Off San Francisco Tour This easy and convenient bus tour is a great way to see a lot of the city and orient yourself quickly. Your guided adventure will take you through all the main parts of the city including Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, the Ferry Building, and so much more. The best part of this bus tour is its flexibility. If you see something that interests you, like the great shops in the Ferry Building, you can just hop off the bus, take your time looking around, and then catch another bus when you are ready to move on. This is a truly great way to see the city and experience all it has to offer. Getting In: Hop on Hop Off Big Bus San Francisco Tour tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card. Fun San Fran Area Options to Add to Your California Road Trip Itinerary: There are plenty of other fun options to choose from in the San Francisco area, including these activities, many of which included on the Go San Francisco Card or the Build Your Own Pass. Golden Gate Park - The Golden Gate Park is home to the de Young museum and the California Academy of Sciences and many more attractions. This beautiful park is made up of large grassy spaces (great for picnics), incredible gardens, lakes, museums, and more. Fisherman's Wharf - On Fisherman's Wharf you'll find lots of activity and excitement. From the street performers to the fresh seafood stands, there isn't a dull moment at this iconic place. Other Cruise Options (Escape From The Rock, Golden Gate Bay Cruise) - If you're interested in spending more time on the San Francisco Bay, there are other great cruise options. Some of these options include the Escape From the Rock boat trip (a trip to Alcatraz, the prison of the San Francisco coast) and the Golden Gate Bay Cruise (which will take you around the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge for great views and an unforgettable experience). Wine Country Tours - Wine Country Tours will take you outside the city of San Francisco and into the rolling hills of the surrounding country. On a Wine Country Tour, you will find yourself on a beautiful vineyard and with the opportunity to explore everything it has to offer. Blazing Saddles Bike Rental - Explore the city on your own time with a bike rental. One of the best ways to use this bike rental is to take a ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. At any of the Blazing Saddles Bike Rental locations, the employees will direct you to the fastest route to the Golden Gate Bridge. This unforgettable and thrilling experience will provide you with amazing views of the city and the bay. Let's Recap This California itinerary was designed to be a fun San Diego to San Francisco road trip packed full of the west coast's top attractions and things to do. Remember, many of these great attraction options and more are available on our California attractions pass options, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these fun options to your California vacation itinerary!

Go City Expert

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Best Los Angeles Souvenirs

Wondering what to buy in Los Angeles or need gift ideas for family and friends? Well, you’ve come to the right place then! A sprawling and diverse metropolis, L.A. is one place where you can do some serious shopping. Buy souvenirs to remember your visit while making the memories last. From classic keepsakes to high-quality products, there’s a little something for everybody here. Read on for our top tips on L.A. souvenir shopping. Turn Souvenir Shopping into a Fun Activity Souvenir shopping can sometimes feel like a bit of a chore - but it doesn’t have to be this way. If you’re looking to avoid that experience, we recommend heading over to the Venice Boardwalk. Stretching for almost two miles across the pristine sands of the Pacific Ocean, this spot is perfect for soaking up the bohemian nature of the Venice area. A quintessential L.A. attraction, this boardwalk is known for its wide array of vendors selling original art, jewellery, t-shirts and much more. In addition, this spot is known for its hundreds of street performers of all kinds. Here, you’ll be able to see everything from break-dancing to broken glass walking, and everything in-between. Much more than just a place to pick up a little something to take home, this spot provides a great slice of L.A. life. If you’re anything like us, then your favorite part of travel is all of the food! For those who want to bring a taste of the city home with them, we suggest heading over to The Original Farmers’ Market. Though this stop is perhaps best known for its gourmet grocers and restaurants, we’re here to tell you that that’s not all there is to see here. Amongst all of the delicious eats, you can also pick up dried ethnic spices, speciality hot sauces, and a great bottle of Californian wine. If that’s not entirely your thing though, there are also stalls punting jewellery, clothes, housewares and fun novelties. Since the market is located in the Miracle Mile neighborhood, we suggest making a whole day of it by going to check out some of the world-class cultural amenities in the area - why not try out the Petersen Automotive Museum or the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum? Pick Something up at an Attraction Of course one of the best things about L.A. is its exquisite natural attributes. It only makes sense then for visitors to want to take home a little piece of the landscape. To do this, we recommend heading over to White Point/Royal Palms Beach, where you can soak up the sun and explore the natural wonders of the sea. Much more than just a place to pick up a nice souvenir, this stop merits a full-day excursion since there really is a lot to do here. One of the most popular activities has got to be exploring the fascinating tide pools dotted across the coastline. Here, visitors can get up close with the beautiful wildlife and see small fish, sea cucumbers, hermit crabs and more. Or, for those who like to get active, you can swim, surf or jet ski in the briny blue. Now, to take home a memento of the Southern Californian seascape, we suggest bringing a glass vial or jar with you and filling it with sand or collecting a few rocks or seashells from the beach. This is ideally the most environmentally-friendly way to remember your trip. If you’re not much of a shopper but want a souvenir to remind you of your time spent in the city, we recommend picking something up at one of L.A.’s top visitor attractions. At least for us, the best place to do this would have to be the Griffith Observatory. Perched atop the south slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, this iconic city attraction grants panoramic views of the entire L.A. Basin, including Downtown, Hollywood and the Pacific Ocean. This is also one of the best places in the city to hike and catch great views of the Hollywood Sign - so don’t forget to bring a camera! After catching a few snaps, head down to the Griffith Observatory's Stellar Emporium Store where you can get some fun items to remind you of the experience. Here you can buy t-shirts, posters, mugs and much more celebrating the iconic Los Angeles skyline. You’ll also find nerdy-cool gifts like telescopes and constellation-themed merchandise. Or Buy Your Own Oscar! If your favorite part of Los Angeles is all of the glitz and glam, then you just might enjoy the next item on our list. Nestled between the famous cultural landmarks and attractions along Hollywood Boulevard, La La Land (no, not the movie!) is known for punting the very best souvenirs for pop culture lovers and cinephiles alike. This place is the largest gift shop in L.A. - and that’s really saying something. Inside, you’ll find everything from original movie posters and black-and-white film stills to mock props and clapperboards. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your very own Oscar or perhaps a Tony, this is your shot! In addition, you’ll also find a lot of cool collectibles and quirky toys on the shelves. Perfect for that one friend who appreciates all things fun and kitschy, this spot has a wide variety of things to choose from. No doubt L.A. is a top visitor destination for a reason. In concert with this, the city goes all out with a wide array of markets and stores to make the memories last just that little bit longer. Whether you’re looking for unique treasures or just something a little kitschy, there’s an L.A. souvenir to suit every taste and budget. 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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