10 Ways to Spend Your Family Vacation in Los Angeles

 

If you’re escaping to Los Angeles for a family getaway, there are plenty of sights to see that are great for children and parents alike. With a reputation for fun and entertainment, LA offers up a variety of activities that are sure to create long lasting memories for you and your family. Bring the kids along to experience any of these exciting ways to spend your family vacation in Los Angeles.

Doubling as a fully-operational film and television studio along with a theme park, you’ll get an exciting Los Angeles experience at Universal Studios in Universal City. Whether you’re a fan of Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, or The Simpsons, Universal Studios has unique film and TV-inspired attractions that you won’t find anywhere else. Don’t forget to take the iconic studio tour for a behind the scenes peek of the back lot.

Take advantage of Los Angeles’ perfect weather by visiting the Santa Monica Pier. About 40 minutes from Hollywood, Santa Monica is a famed destination known for its beautiful beaches and California casual living. Take the family to ride the ferris wheel and play carnival games on the pier while enjoying the scenic view overlooking the Pacific ocean.

If you’re in need of some retail therapy, take the family along to The Grove shopping mall in the Fairfax neighborhood. With shops like the American Girl Place and kids outlets of J. Crew and Pottery Barn, you can freshen up the whole family with a new wardrobe. Catch a movie at the Pacific Theatres or grab a bite at the Farmer’s Market, offering up a diversity of dishes to satisfy your cravings.   

It won’t be a true Los Angeles vacation without a waltz down the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Stretching from Gower to La Brea and running up and down Hollywood Boulevard, you’ll see your favorite entertainers lining the streets with their names emblazoned on the iconic stars. Along the way, visit the Chinese Theater to see the A-list handprints in the pavement out front, or the Madame Tussads wax museum for uncanny sculptures of your favorite celebrities.

Experience a part of Los Angeles’ cultural history by visiting Downtown’s Olvera Street. Channeling the early roads of a city built by Spanish settlers, the Olvera Street marketplace has a variety of vibrant, handcrafted goods for sale including artwork, clothes and jewelry. Tasting the authentic Mexican food from the outdoor cafes is also a must while listening to Mariachi singers evoke the sounds of LA culture.

Take the family to an interactive destination by visiting the California Science Center in Exposition Park. The enlightening exhibits are sure to be a learning experience with hands-on ways for kids to learn something new. From nature to technology to space travel, everyone in the family will get an education at this fun museum.

An iconic part of LA culture, visit the Venice Beach Boardwalk for a trip down the quirky and exciting beachfront walkway. With a diversity of vendors selling artwork, clothing and décor, you’re sure to find a quality souvenir for the kids to take home. Performers are also a part of the Venice Beach experience with musicians, roller skaters, dancers, and one-of-a-kind acts always impressing crowds with their unique talents.

One of the best places to get a great view of the Hollywood sign is from the Griffith Observatory. Enter from the Los Feliz neighborhood to drive up to the scenic peak with a view of the whole city. This memorable Los Angeles landmark (famously featured in James Dean’s classic “Rebel Without a Cause,”) is home to a planetarium with educational information about the stars, along with telescopes to see out into the skyline.

The Getty museum houses thousands of priceless works of art at the top of a hill in the Santa Monica mountains off the 405 freeway. With a breathtaking view of the city, this site is a landmark all on its own with a modern design that’s a feast for the eyes. With plenty of free events for kids, and a Family Room for parents to learn and play alongside their children, the expansive center is a fun environment for adults and children alike.

Take a day trip to Buena Park to visit Knott’s Berry Farm amusement park. An hour drive from Hollywood, this classic Peanuts cartoon-themed destination offers up fun for the whole family. With roller coasters and rides for both younger children and teens, everyone will get a thrill out of the exciting destination.