EN All journey times are approximate and subject to variation.
Los Angeles
Places to visit in Los Angeles with kids
With year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches and forest terrain, as well as the latest modern attractions, Los Angeles is the ideal place for a family holiday. Whether your children are interested in nature, science, animals or movies, there’s plenty to inspire curiosity and excitement in the City of Angels. Follow this two-day itinerary to Los Angeles for a family trip to remember.
Day one
Rise early and take a 20-minute drive from Hotel Bel-Air or a 15-minute drive from The Beverly Hills Hotel to Universal Studios Hollywood.
T: +1 800-864-8377 | 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
Universal Studios Hollywood
At the top of all kids’ activities in Los Angeles and a treat for young movie buffs and thrill seekers alike, Universal Studios offers an exhilarating Hollywood experience. Get the adrenaline pumping with an early morning rollercoaster ride, or take a tour of a real working movie studio at this action-packed theme park. With attractions for all the family, there’s something for visitors of all ages.
Next, take a 10-minute drive to Griffith Park.
T: +1 323-644-2050 | 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Griffith Park
Home to famous sights such as the Hollywood Sign and the Bronson Caves, Griffith Park is an unmissable urban wilderness in the heart of LA. A popular place for a family walk and picnic, there’s over 4,000 acres of landscaped parkland to explore, with some of the most impressive views of Los Angeles you’re likely to find anywhere in the city.
Seek out the Griffith Observatory, located at the south of the park.
T: +1 213-473-0800 | 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Griffith Observatory
Towering over Los Angeles from the top of Griffith Park is the Griffith Observatory, an important landmark and a beacon of scientific progress. As well as unrivalled views of the metropolis below, the observatory offers those with an interest in space and science an amazing opportunity to look through some of the world’s most powerful telescopes and enjoy mind-blowing shows at the planetarium.
Venture to the north side of the park to find Los Angeles Zoo – journey on foot or drive around the outside of the park for 15 minutes.
T: +1 323-644-4200 | 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Los Angeles Zoo
Beloved by generations of Californians, the Los Angeles Zoo is as large and diverse as its list of loyal visitors. The 133-acre site invites animal-loving visitors to discover habitats housing more than 1,000 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, including 29 endangered species. Highlights include the six-acre elephant enclosure, the multi-million-dollar reptile centre and the Southeast Asian-style rainforest, where orangutans roam and play.
To reach the final destination, it’s a 10-minute drive.
T: +1 626-449-9144 | 480 North Arroyo Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91103
Kidspace Children’s Museum
Kidspace Children’s Museum is a non-profit institution that promises learning in a fun environment. By combining hands-on experiences with captivating interactive activities, the outdoor museum takes youngsters on a fascinating journey through the natural world. Highlights include the Arroyo Adventure zone, Roberts Pavilion and The Robert & Mary Galvin Physics Forest.
Finish the day with a 35-minute drive back to The Beverly Hills Hotel or Hotel Bel-Air.
Day two
Begin the second day with a trip to California Science Center, located a 25-minute drive from Hotel Bel-Air or a 20-minute drive from The Beverly Hills Hotel.
T: +1 323-724-3623 | 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037
California Science Center
With zones dedicated to space, science and nature, the California Science Center presents a range of interactive exhibits featuring live demonstrations and captivating films. The colourful Discovery Rooms dotted through the museum provide story corners, themed play areas and hands-on displays to keep the littlest visitors entertained. A highlight for older children is the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, home to the NASA Endeavour space shuttle.
The next stop on the itinerary is a 30-minute drive away.
T: +1 714-781-4565 | 1313 South Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92802
Disney California Adventure Park
Disney California Adventure Park brings Disney and Pixar’s best-loved stories and characters to life. The theme park is made up of seven lands – Grizzly Peak, Paradise Pier, Pacific Wharf, A Bug’s Land, Hollywood Land, Buena Vista Street and Cars Land – which are packed with rides and rollercoasters, workshops, shows and more to capture the imagination of the whole family.
Next, take a 30-minute drive to Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.
T: +1 562-590-3100 | 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Aquarium of the Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific is dedicated to sea creatures found in the Earth’s largest ocean, the Pacific. There are more than 11,000 animals to meet – from jellies and sea horses to otters and sharks – and various experiences to enjoy, such as close encounters with your favourites species, fun educational tours, and 4D movies.
Continue along the coast by car for 35-minutes to visit the Venice Beach Boardwalk.
T: +1 310-396-6764 | Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
Venice Beach Boardwalk
An iconic boardwalk stretching one and a half miles along the Californian coast, this is the spot for watching street performers, picking up unique souvenirs or simply enjoying a stroll with the family. Spend a sun-soaked afternoon swimming and playing on Venice Beach, before exploring the café-lined boulevard.
Walk along the beach for 40 minutes or hail a taxi for a 10-minute drive to Santa Monica Pier.
T: +1 310-458-8901 | 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier has been a Los Angeles fixture for many years. A popular attraction all year round, the pier is home to a number of child-friendly attractions including a vintage carousel, a Ferris wheel, an arcade, an aquarium and a Trapeze School. There’s also a selection of food stands to choose from for an easy beachside dinner.
The itinerary concludes with a 20-minute drive back to Hotel Bel-Air or The Beverly Hills Hotel.
Explore
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