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One Week in Los Angeles Itinerary - 7 Day Itinerary for Your Vacation

By Katie Sagal

Spending one week in Los Angeles but aren’t sure how what to do and how to make the best use of your time? Maximize your vacation with this Los Angeles 7 day itinerary, filled with a wide variety of attractions, activities, and dining options that will truly showcase the best of L.A.

Visit each of the included attractions with a 7-Day pass for Los Angeles and save on combined admission costs vs. paying at the gate.

This 7-day itinerary includes:

  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • The Queen Mary
  • Aquarium of the Pacific
  • Malibu Celebrity Homes Tour
  • Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
  • Los Angeles Zoo
  • Whale Watching Cruise
  • Knott’s Berry Farm
  • LEGOLAND® California
  • and much much more...!

DAY 1 Stop #1: Universal Studios Hollywood

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What better way to start off your L.A. vacation than with a day spent at Universal Studios Hollywood? This entertainment megaplex has something for the entire family.

Begin with a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the country’s most prominent working studios, then spend the rest of your day enjoying their thrilling theme park options. You’ll love their totally immersive experiences and rides that bring your favorite movies to life.

Some of their most popular rides and attractions include: "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," "Fast and Furious: Supercharged," "Despicable Me Minion Mayhem," and more. We recommend reserving between 5-6 hours for this attraction, so plan to spend the whole day here. If you are inclined to drive a bit, Disneyland isn't but a few hours away. If you have time, we suggest doing both.

Stop # 2: Universal CityWalk (free!)

One of the most charming parts of Universal Studios is their Universal CityWalk, a free area that offers dining, shopping, and more attractions to visitors. Take a little time after lunch to stroll the CityWalk and soak up the atmosphere. You’ll love how festive and invigorating everything feels, and it’s fun to window shop, too.

We recommend reserving about 1 hour for this attraction. You might also want to have lunch and/or dinner at this destination, which will make it easy to enjoy all that Universal has to offer without venturing too far from the park.

DAY 2 Stop # 1: The Queen Mary

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The Queen Mary is among the most famous ships in popular history; from its stint as a party boat in the 30s to its WWII service, this storied vessel is truly legendary. Take a tour of the now-haunted ship and learn all about its fascinating exploits.

Built in the 1930s and transitioned from luxury liner to Allied troopship, she earned the nickname “Grey Ghost” because of her newly camouflaged exterior. It was first reported to be haunted once it was permanently docked in California and remains a spooky experience today.

If you're visiting during the fall, be sure to check out their special event series which emphasizes her haunted history. We recommend reserving between 1.5 -2 hours for this attraction.

Stop # 2: Aquarium of the Pacific

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Looking to explore the marine life of the Los Angeles area and beyond? Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific for an educational and informative experience. Learn all about the inhabitants of the world’s largest ocean at this Long Beach destination.

With more than 11,000 different creatures across several diverse exhibits and habitats, the Aquarium of the Pacific has tons to offer the marine enthusiast. Featured exhibits include the Sea Otter Habitat, Shark Lagoon, and the ever-popular Jellies. We recommend reserving between 2-3 hours for this attraction.

Stop #3: Harbor Breeze Cruises Harbor Cruise

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Next, we suggest you take a Whale Watching Cruise or Harbor Cruise by Harbor Breeze Cruises from Long Beach. Explore the beautiful waters of the Pacific as you sail past stunning views of the city skyline. Each cruise is narrated by charming professionals and encompasses a wide variety of points of interest and landmarks.

The harbor tour features the working industrial and naval climate of the Los Angeles Harbor, including bridges, a lighthouse, working boats, and much more.

If wildlife is more your style, opt for a whale-watching cruise. You'll find whales (different kinds depending upon the time of year you're visiting), dolphins, sea lions, seals, porpoises, and many types of sea birds. Advance reservations are required, as these are both very popular cruises.

Stop # 4: The Pike in Long Beach (free!)

This waterfront entertainment complex and dining center is the perfect place to stroll around after your tour. It’s located near a number of waterfront parks and is filled with shops, restaurants, and more attractions, so there’s a lot of exploring to be done.

DAY 3 Stop #1: Pacific Park

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Located at the Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park is a great classic amusement park that will delight visitors of all ages. Enjoy traditional rides, slides, and arcade games as you spend an entertaining morning at this pier-side park.

As a special bonus, they’ve got the only solar-powered Ferris wheel in the world! This park has been making families happy since 1916. We recommend reserving between 2-3 hours for this attraction.

Stop #2: Malibu Celebrity Homes Tour

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If you’re a fan of celebrity culture, you’ll want to hop aboard this Malibu Movie Stars' Homes Tour. It’s the perfect introduction to local celebrity homes and an enjoyable, breezy ride near pristine beaches all in one. This tour is also a great introduction to Malibu as a whole.

Drive along the famous Pacific Coast Highway and throughout Malibu for a glimpse at over 40 famous celebrity homes, current and former. Some of the highlights you may see include the homes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Bruce Willis, Cher, and more. This tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Stop #3: Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

True lovers of the sea will relish the chance to explore this charming aquarium. The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium particularly specializes in marine life of this region and is operated by the environment organization Heal the Bay. You’ll see more than 100 species of organisms, from octopi to sea urchins, all of which call the Santa Monica Bay home.

It’s the perfect introduction to the natural diversity of this beautiful beach community. If you don't want to see two different aquariums on your week-long trip to L.A. but still love science and nature, consider subbing in a visit to the California Science Center plus IMAX. We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction.

Stop #4: Santa Monica State Beach (free!)

Spanning three miles and 245 acres, this gorgeous and iconic beach is a must-see Santa Monica destination. It’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, strolling, and even biking (along the nearby trails). It’s easy to rent beach equipment, too, if you haven’t been able to bring your own. Depending on what you want to do at the beach and how you want to fit this into your day, we recommend reserving between 1-3 hours for this attraction.

DAY 4 Stop #1: Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

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Today is the day to explore the natural side of Los Angeles, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Pay a visit to the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Griffith Park to get a real feel for the California wilderness. Home to more than 1,000 creatures from around the world, the L.A. Zoo is a fascinating and educational place to explore.

You'll find many of your favorites here, too, including lions, bears, elephants, giraffes, and plenty more. The Botanical Gardens are themselves both beautiful and informative, as you’ll learn all about different habitats, growing seasons, and the uses of various plants. A must-see for nature-lovers! We recommend reserving between 2-3 hours for both attractions.

Stop #2: Huntington Library and Gardens

The Huntington Library is like a super attraction – it’s actually four magnificent things all rolled into one. It’s part library (home to such textual artifacts as the Gutenberg Bible and some Shakespeare folios), part botanical garden, part art museum, and part research facility.

Depending on which time of year you visit, you’ll be able to view a wide variety of lush, gorgeous plant life in their temperate gardens. Rotating special art exhibits and permanent collections in the art galleries provide a new experience each time you visit, and the library always has something fascinating to see. We recommend reserving between 2-3 hours for this attraction.

DAY 5 Stop #1: Madame Tussauds Hollywood

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Today is your day to enjoy all that Tinseltown has to offer visitors, from museums and tours to all sorts of unique attractions. Start off your day with a visit to the iconic Madame Tussauds Hollywood, the one-of-a-kind wax museum that has been dazzling visitors for ages.

This is your best chance to “meet” your celebrity crush and snap a few photos with that musician or actor you’ve been dying to see. With multiple exhibits across several floors, this attraction has something to offer everyone from classic cinephiles to lovers of reality T.V. We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction.

Stop #2: Hollywood Sign Tour

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You can't come to Tinseltown and not admire the iconic Hollywood sign that lauds over the whole city.

Join on to a Hollywood Sign Tour and you'll be let by a local guide on a gentle hike through the hills that lead up to this world-renowned landmark. Along the way, guide will razzle-dazzle you with tales about this awesome monument and its role in the Hollywood film industry. You might even spot a celebrity or two!

Stop #3: Hollywood Museum

Now that you’ve seen the sites, come to the Hollywood Museum to scope out the props, artifacts, and costumes that your favorite celebrities used in their most iconic roles. With four floors of paraphernalia, you’ll be able to spend hours just wandering through these exhibits.

Some of the highlighted objects you’ll be able to see on your visit include a few of Marilyn Monroe’s gowns, Rocky’s boxing gloves, Indiana Jones’ whip, and more!

Don’t forget your camera (and a bit of money for souvenirs at the gift shop). We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction.

Stop #4: Dolby Theatre® Guided Tour

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Take the opportunity to go behind the scenes at the home of Hollywood’s most famous award ceremony – the Academy Awards®. A tour of the Dolby Theatre®, where the ceremonies are held each year, will take you to all of the important locations within the theater itself, from the center stage to the gorgeous spiral staircase.

You’ll also see the beautiful architecture of this classic building, tour a gallery containing images of some of the most iconic Academy Award® winners, into the intimate audience chamber, and more. Of course, other awards ceremonies are held here, too, including the American Idol finals, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, and the Daytime Emmys. This tour lasts approximately 30 minutes.

DAY 6 Stop # 1: Whale Watching Cruise

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If you opted for the Harbor Cruise while in Long Beach, an attraction you won’t want to miss in Newport Beach is an informative and exciting Whale Watching Cruise. With several daily departures available year-round, you’ll be able to enjoy this adventure any time you visit.

A few of the majestic species you may see on your adventure include the California Gray Whale, Giant Blue Whales, Orcas, Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, and other sea creatures including dolphins, seals, sharks, and more. The whale watch cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Stop # 2: Knott’s Berry Farm

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For your next attraction of the vacation, take a short drive up north to Knott's Berry Farm. This classic theme park attraction is the very first theme park in California, but it definitely holds up today as an exciting modern destination.

Enjoy dozens of fun rides, slides, and other enjoyable attractions. Some of the highlighted attractions include their breathtaking roller coasters, children’s rides, family rides, and water rides. We recommend reserving between 2-3 hours for this attraction.

Stop #3: Anaheim Gardenwalk

Take a quick drive southeast to the Anaheim Gardenwalk area, a fun and charming shopping space with plenty of dining options. Be sure to check out the architecture.

DAY 7 Stop #1: LEGOLAND® California

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This is the place where everyone’s favorite toys come to life. LEGOLAND® California is also the place where your kids’ dreams come true, as they can ride, slide, build, and immerse themselves in the world of LEGO® for hours on end. Young children will enjoy the DUPLO® areas, where older kids will best enjoy the exciting roller coasters and Miniland USA.

If you’re looking for the complete LEGO® experience, check out the new LEGOLAND® Hotel! We recommend spending the entire day at LEGOLAND®. Plan to eat lunch here.

Let’s Recap

Get the most enjoyment out of your one week in L.A. by following this itinerary. This Los Angeles 7 day itinerary is specifically designed to maximize your time, energy, and money, in addition to providing you with a great variety of what to do in Los Angeles for a week and its surrounding neighborhoods.

Visit each of these included attractions with a 7-day pass for Los Angeles and make great savings on combined admission costs vs paying at the gate.

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4th of July
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10+ fun things to do Los Angeles for 4th of July

Looking for things to do this 4th of July weekend in the Los Angeles area? Take advantage of the holiday and embark on a relaxing getaway to Los Angeles. From parades to fireworks, there are plenty of ways to get your patriotism on! If you’re looking for Los Angeles 4th of July Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things to do in Los Angeles in July, including... Knott's Berry Farm Celebrates The 4th Of July Aquarium of the Pacific 4th of July BBQ 4th of July Block Party - Grand Park Marina del Rey Fireworks AmericaFest Celebration - Rosebowl and more... Knott's Berry Farm Celebrates The 4th Of July Celebrate Independence Day at Knott's Berry Farm with world-class live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks show the whole family will love. Fireworks will begin at 9:30pm, with bonus fireworks shows in early July if you can't make the 4th. With extended hours, 10am – 11pm, there is more time to enjoy all that Knott’s has to offer. Visit knotts.com for the entertainment show schedule. July Fourth Late-Night BBQ at the Aquarium of the Pacific Take the whole family to the Aquarium of the Pacific for a unique July 4th you'll never forget. This Fourth of July BBQ features a ton of great local grilled fare plus adult beverages and much more. Then, you'll also get late-night access to the Aquarium itself - what better way to encounter some of their rare sea creatures? The aquarium will be open until 10pm. Enjoy the perfect view for the waterfront fireworks show, too, set off by the Queen Mary historic haunted vessel (more on her below!) Please note: July Fourth Late Night BBQ is separately ticketed and is not included on the pass. All-American 4th of July aboard the Queen Mary Spend an entire day celebrating the history of America aboard the magnificent Queen Mary. Soak up live entertainment, games and activities for kids, special historic tours, and a patriotic film. At the end of the day, their famous fireworks spectacular will go off, set to patriotic music against the summer sky. Interested in exploring this historic ship? Tour of the vessel on another day earlier in the weekend.  Insider tip: Buy tickets early, as this is a very popular local event. Pacific Palisades Fourth of July parade This beach-centric event is the perfect way to do July 4th, L.A.-style. A group of red, white, and blue-themed skydivers will mark the start of the parade. Then, enjoy all your usual parade fanfare with everything from dance and baton twirling to music and more along Sunset Boulevard. Enjoy all of the merriment for free. 4th of July block party - Grand Park Head on over to Grand Park for a free, family-friendly block party. Spend the day picnicking as you enjoy live music and performances. Experience an amazing light and pyro show in Downtown Los Angeles, beginning after sunset. Los Angeles’s finest food trucks will provide a range of tasty food options. Please keep in mind that no alcohol is permitted, but you may bring empty water bottles to fill at the event. Marina Del Rey fireworks The Marina Del Rey fireworks boast a 20-minute presentation followed by a spectacular finale. Watch the stunning display set to synchronized music on KXLU 88.9FM from Burton Chance Park or Fisherman’s Village for the best viewing experience. Fireworks will shoot from a barge across from the Marina’s main channel, lighting up both the sea and the sky. Though the fireworks start at 9pm, you can spend all day at Marina del Rey. Bring a picnic and a blanket to spread out on the lawn, or dine at a seaside restaurant. AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl is one of the most well-known 4th of July events in L.A. In fact, it features one of the largest fireworks displays in all of Southern California. This event is one rocking celebration, with music from premier bands. Everyone will love the amazing pyrotechnics and motorcycle stunts. There will also be plenty of food and craft vendors for you to explore. Studio City Fourth of July fireworks festival This exciting event takes place every year at the CBS Studio Center. You'll find live music and entertainment, a car expo, local business spotlights, and plenty of kid-friendly games and other activities. If you've got a hefty budget, it may be worth checking out their special offerings! End the night with an exhilarating fireworks show. Explore the great outdoors Even though the weather is likely to be on the warmer side, it's still a great time of year to explore the great outdoors during your 4th of July weekend getaway. Spend some time in lovely Santa Monica, with perfect boardwalks for biking, strolling, and rollerblading. Take a look at Pacific Park, a classic amusement park the whole family will enjoy. Or, head to Griffith Park for some picnicking, running, hiking, and more. While you're there, hit up the L.A. Zoo and Botanical Gardens! 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
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10+ Things to Do in Hollywood During Your Trip to Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a vibrant city, full of art, history, and nature. Of course, many people flock to L.A. for the movie and television culture that the area is most famous for. But Hollywood isn’t always easily approachable – there’s so much to see and do that it can often be overwhelming. Fortunately for you, we’ve put together a curated list of our favorite things in Tinsel Town. So, if you’re looking for things to do in Hollywood during your trip to Los Angeles, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including... Madame Tussauds Hollywood Guinness World Records Museum TCL Chinese Theatres Tour Hollywood Behind the Scenes Tour And more! Save on Hollywood Attraction Admission Admission to many of these top Los Angeles attractions and activities and more are available on the Go Los Angeles® Card. Choose as you go from top attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Things to Do in HollywoodMadame Tussauds Hollywood Fans of Hollywood will love the chance to experience celebrity culture and “meet” their favorite actors, musicians, and historical figures at Madame Tussauds. This fascinating wax museum is an incredible experience, and visitors of all ages get a kick out of the figures and exhibits. Don't miss the new Marvel Superheroes 4D exhibit. Enjoy multi-sensory components alongside the wax figures, all set in themed areas. Then, check out the exhilarating 4D film experience. Superhero fans of all ages will love it! Getting In: Madame Tussauds Hollywood tickets are available with the Go Los Angeles® Card. TCL Chinese Theatres Guided Tour Take a tour of this world-famous movie theatre and see where celebrity culture is concentrated in Hollywood. You’ll hear fascinating stories about Hollywood premieres and celebrities. Plus, you can tour their Forecourt of the Stars, which features cement hand and food prints of big name stars. Plan to go on your tour later in the day, or stick around for dinner, so you can see Hollywood Lights: The Magic of Movies at the TCL Theatre. This nightly light show features 3D projection mapping that fully covers the facade of the theatre with iconic moments from big-screen movies and 90 years of TCL Theatre history. The 4-minute show plays every 20 minutes starting at 8:30 pm every night. Getting In: TCL Chinese Theatres Guided Tour tickets are available on the Go Los Angeles® Card. Hollywood Behind the Scenes Tour by Red Line Tours This comprehensive walking tour is a delightful way to explore the secret and not-so-secret hotspots in Hollywood. See everything from big name icons like the TCL Chinese Theatre and Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre to smaller sites like filming locations and the best place to get a photo of the Hollywood sign. If you only do one walking tour in LA, this Hollywood Behind the Scenes tour should be it! Getting In: Hollywood Behind the Scenes Tour tickets are available on the Go Los Angeles® Card. Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour by CitySightseeing Expand your horizons beyond the Hollywood neighborhood to explore other areas of the city on this handy hop-on hop-off city tour. Open-air double-decker buses will escort you throughout Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Downtown L.A. Get off at any stop that interests you for a fully customizable tour. Keep in mind that while these buses do explore the Hollywood region, they pick up at Santa Monica Pier. So, this tour may be best for those who only want to see a little bit of Hollywood. Getting In: Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off City Tour tickets are available on the Go Los Angeles® Card. Starline Movie Stars’ Homes Tour A two-hour tour that roams throughout the Hollywood area, this highly-rated Movie Stars’ Homes Tour showcases the homes and hangouts of top celebrities. The best part about this tour is the flexibility they have to drive through neighborhoods typically closed to most tour buses. Keep an eye out for any celebrity sightings, and have your cameras ready! Getting In: Starline Movie Stars’ Homes Tour tickets are available on the Go Los Angeles® Card. Dolby Theatre® Guided Tour This half-hour Dolby Theatre Tour is your VIP access to the home of the Academy Awards® Ceremonies. Step inside and revel in the elegance of this state of the art facility. Inspired by the elegance of a European opera house, with state-of-the-art technical capabilities, the Dolby Theatre has hosted the world's top performers. Celine Dion, Prince, Dixie Chicks, American Ballet Theatre, Barry Manilow and the Moscow Stanislavsky Ballet have all performed on this stage! Getting In: Dolby Theatre® Guided Tour tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles® Card. Hollywood Museum Image credit: Hollywood Museum. Behold the cinematic splendor as you peruse thousands of beloved items from Hollywood's glitzy history, spread out on four floors and across 35,000 square feet. See 10,000 authentic shoebox treasures showcasing 100 years of Hollywood! The Hollywood Museum boasts ten thousand items. Getting In: Hollywood Museum tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles® Card. Guinness World Record Museum of Hollywood Explore record-breaking facts and feats, documented by the best-selling book, brought to life at the Guinness World Records Museum and take a turn attempting to set a new world record. Don’t miss weighing yourself (and your whole group!) against the world’s heaviest person, comparing your height with the world’s tallest man, and testing your wits about world-record achievements. Getting In: Guinness World Record Museum of Hollywood tickets are available with the Build Your Own Pass. Griffith Observatory Located in the beautiful Griffith Park (another great place to explore around Los Angeles), the Griffith Observatory is filled with fascinating exhibits that focus on astronomy. You’ll see a Foucault pendulum and a Tesla Coil, among some other really cool technologies. You can also take in a planetarium show and look through their famous refracting telescope, located on the roof. Getting In: Admission to the Griffith Observatory is free. Things to do Near HollywoodThe Broad If you’re looking to infuse a little more culture into your life, a visit to the Broad is a must on your to-do list. The newest contemporary art museum in all of L.A., the Broad is filled with 2,000 fascinating, inspiring, and thought-provoking works of art. They also feature periodic special exhibits, so there’s plenty to see on repeat visits as well. Getting In: Admission to the Broad is free. La Brea Tar Pits Explore one of Los Angeles’ natural marvels – the amazing La Brea Tar Pits. An excavation site for fossils from eons long past, today it’s still an active paleontological site. There’s also an accompanying museum that offers special exhibits and excavation tours. Getting In: La Brea Tar Pits and Museum tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles® Card. California Science Center & IMAX This hands-on museum offers tons of exhibits showcasing science and technology in many forms. Permanent exhibits feature everything from aquariums filled with live specimens to a popular exhibit containing the space shuttle Endeavour. There’s even an IMAX theater and a number of rotating special exhibits (a small fee applies for these additional activities). Getting In: Admission to the California Science Center is free; and IMAX theater tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles® Card. Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Hollywood Ripley’s has long been hailed as the home of all things weird and wild, and this installation is no exception. There are plenty of funky things to explore at this top Hollywood attraction, from exhibits about natural phenomenon to those containing man-made curiosities. Getting In: Ripley’s Believe it Not! Hollywood is separately ticketed and not available on the Go Los Angeles® Card. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission These are our top recommendations for things to do in Hollywood during your trip to Los Angeles. Go Los Angeles® Card, which can help you can save up to 50% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these fun options to your L.A. vacation plans.
Katie Sagal
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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. Must-Do Activities in San Diego: SeaWorld San Diego Discover a world beneath the waves through the rides, exhibits, and shows at SeaWorld in San Diego. Whether it's taking a journey to Atlantis, marveling at the talent of dolphins at the Dolphin Days show, or spending time with nearly 300 penguins of all shapes and sizes, SeaWorld is filled with nearly endless possibilities and experiences where you are guaranteed to learn a lot. This enchanting world is great for all ages and has everything from thrilling rides to calming creatures to exciting shows, so there's never a dull moment! They also periodically host special events at SeaWorld (some of which are included with admission), including annual events like fireworks for holidays, special events around Christmas and Halloween, evening events for adults, and the popular Seven Seas Food Festival. Check their events calendar before your visit to see if any of these fun events will be going on during your vacation! Getting In: SeaWorld San Diego tickets are included on 3-, 5-, and 7-Day Go San Diego Cards. San Diego Zoo The San Diego Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the world, and with good reason. Their immense appeal is due to the impressive collection of varying species within the 100 acres of the Zoo. There are more than 3,700 rare and endangered animals living and prospering just next to the city of San Diego. In order to take full advantage of your time at the Zoo and to meet as many of the animals as possible, there are recommended guided bus tours so you you can easily target areas of particular interest. The San Diego Zoo is also a leader in animal care and conservation around the world and are particularly known for their excellent work with the endangered Giant Pandas. With your visit to this Zoo, you will have the opportunity to learn about an incredible amount of animals and the amazing work being done to help them around the world. Getting In: San Diego Zoo tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card. 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. USS Midway Museum During this interactive experience you'll explore 50 years of history aboard the longest-serving Navy aircraft carrier of the 20th century. You even have the opportunity to go on a flight simulator! On this historic aircraft you will be exposed to over 60 exhibits (for example, sleeping quarters and the flight control room) with a self-guided audio tour and 29 restored aircraft. Along this trip, you will meet museum docents ready to share personal stories enhancing the adventure even more. This exciting experience has something for everyone and is a captivating way to learn more about American history. Getting In: USS Midway Museum tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card. San Diego Harbor Tour or Whale Watch Experience San Diego off the main land and take a trip through the coastal waters to explore a side of the city you have not seen before. Choose the Harbor tour, full of many incredible sites of the city and information about the mainland, or the Whale Watch Cruise to adventure further beyond the coastal waters and explore the wildlife and amazing creatures that are neighbors to this city. Both tours are exciting and captivating and great trips for the whole family! Plus, you'll learn so much about the city and its waterfront neighborhood. Getting In: San Diego Harbor Tour tickets or Whale Watching Cruise 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. Must Do Activities in Los Angeles: Universal Studios Hollywood Experience this world famous amusement park from studio tours to themed rides and shows with all of your favorite Universal Studios movies and characters. A few of the must see rides, shows, and attractions include... The Walking Dead Attraction The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM Studio Tour Fast & Furious – Supercharged Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Jurassic Park: The Ride And many more! Only Universal Studios lets you ride the movies and go behind the scenes of a real working movie studio. A visit to Universal Studios Hollywood will provide interactive fun for the whole family that you'll never forget. Getting In: Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are included on 3, 5, and 7-Day Go Los Angeles Cards. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Image Credit: Warner Bros. Studio Tour 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 Image Credit: LA City Tours 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. Pacific Park - Santa Monica Pier This fun-filled pier has all the activities you could possibly want! Whether you're traveling with kids looking to get their adventure on, or a group of friends who love a little bit of nostalgia and lots of shopping and dining, this is the place for you. There are exciting and thrilling rides, endless amounts of games, countless food options, and outlets and seaside shopping for the whole family. The options are practically limitless, and there's truly something for everyone. Combine that with a breathtaking view, and you've got one amazing day in store! The best way to take in the expansive ocean and beautiful coastline is to take a ride on the Pacific Wheel, the only solar-powered Ferris wheel in the world, which will give you a spectacular view from more than 130 feet above the Pier. Getting In: Pacific Park - Santa Monica Pier tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Harbor Cruise or Whale Watch Both the Harbor Cruise and the Whale Watch experience will take you beyond the California coastline and into the incredible surrounding ocean for an informative and captivating journey. The Whale Watch Cruise provides the opportunity to witness sea life and sea animals in their natural habitats, all while learning from an expert employee of the Aquarium of the Pacific. The other option, the Harbor Cruise, is a 45-minute guided excursion along the L.A. Harbor, where you will see and learn about famous landmarks, buildings, and many more exciting places. Both of these adventures are great options for the whole family and will keep everyone excited, interested, and learning a lot the whole time! Getting In: Harbor Cruise or Whale Watch 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. Must Do Activities in San Francisco: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) Renovated relatively recently, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art boasts many new exhibits and greatly increased its size, making it the largest museum of its kind in the entire world and a must-see attraction. This fantastic institution wants to make sure the museum is available to everyone, so they've created 45,000 square feet of art-filled space that's open to the public, free of charge. Of course, you won't want to leave without seeing what else they have in store for art lovers! The museum is always changing and has so many possibilities for exploring and learning that it is one of the most highly recommended attractions of the city. Keep an eye on their events calendar to see what's coming up in the way of special programming or temporary exhibits, too. Getting In: SFMOMA tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card. Aquarium of the Bay Located in the incredibly popular Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood, the Aquarium of the Bay is an excellent attraction option for animal lovers. As you step into their amazing exhibits, you really get a feel for the incredible world beneath the surface. With all of the shows, exhibitions, and talks available throughout the day, you'll learn so much about the ocean and its many fascinating inhabitants. Getting In: Aquarium of the Bay tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card. 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. California Academy of Sciences Image credit: Tim Griffith This scientific and educational institution is located in San Francisco's beautiful Golden Gate Park. The California Academy of Sciences has a vast array of exhibits and information explaining life on earth. They also boast a planetarium, an aquarium, and a natural history museum all under one green roof. The California Academy of Sciences is also environmentally conscious and not only advocates for sustainable living, but also leads by example with its living roof. Getting In: California Academy of Sciences tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card. Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise This San Francisco Bay cruise is a great way to see and learn about all the waterfront sights and more from an ocean view. This cruise is the only Bay cruise that will take you under two of San Francisco's most famous bridges -- the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge. You'll be surrounded by amazing views on all sides, while being treated to interesting information about your surroundings. This is truly a great way to see the city, the coast, and bridges in an efficient amount of time. Getting In: Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise 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!
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