If you want get away from NYC but still experience a wide range of diversity and culture, head across the country for a chiller vibe. From museums to beaches to movie stars, there are plenty of reasons to take the family on a cross-country trip to LA!
Disneyland
There’s no better place than Disneyland for a day full of fun and laughter. Immerse the family in a magical atmosphere filled with princes and princesses. Kids will love seeing Disney characters and the magical wonderland of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and New Orleans Square. Plus, you can eat ice cream shaped like Mickey Mouse and watch fireworks and live action shows! disneyland.disney.go.com
LA County Museum of Art
Located on Miracle Mile is the largest art museum in the western United States. With nearly 130,000 objects spanning across the entire history of art, see paintings by Monet and Picasso as well as Latin American and Middle Eastern art. Live concerts, film screenings, and lectures are sure to keep everyone entertained. lacma.org
Griffith Park
For a calm outing in nature, take a stroll in Griffith Park and see over 4,210 acres of natural chaparral-covered terrain! Take advantage of the plenty of woodlands, native plants, and vegetation while enjoying the outdoors. With more than 70 miles of hiking trails, there are magnificent view the Los Angeles basin. While you’re there, trek over to the historic Griffith Observatory and see the astronomy and science displays. laparks.org
Santa Monica Pier and Beach
See the iconic Ferris Wheel on Santa Monica Pier and lounge by the seaside at Santa Monica Beach. The landmark is filled with family-friendly activities, restaurants, and shops. Learn about the pier’s history or cast your fishing rod while enjoying beautiful views of the ocean. Before you leave, make sure to take some family photos with the Santa Monica Yacht Harbor sign and the Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome and Carousel in the background. santamonica.com
Universal Studios Hollywood
Head over to Universal Studios for an adventurous time. Take a tour through the halls of Hogwarts Castle, and a stop at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter isn’t complete without tasting some famous Butterbeer. Meet cute minions, enter the world of the Simpsons, hop on some thrill rides, or catch a movie at Universal Cinemas! universalstudioshollywood.com
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and see the names of actors and actresses, musicians, producers, and more on the coral and charcoal sidewalks. The Walk of Fame stretches for a little over a mile with more than 2,600 stars embedded on the sidewalks. This popular tourist destination features stars like Charlie Chaplin, Usher, and Robin Williams. walkoffame.com
Sunset Boulevard
Known as the path to fame and fortune, this iconic street from downtown LA to the Pacific Ocean cannot be missed if you’re in LA. It winds from the history filled streets of Sunset Strip, past Beverly Hills, and to the beaches of Southern California. Take a stop at some places such as Chateau Marmont and UCLA’s campus and watch as the two different worlds of Hollywood and residential life change along the way. visitcalifornia.com
TCL Chinese Theatre
If you want to watch a movie on a widescreen, watch it at TCL Chinese Theater, which houses the largest IMAX auditorium in the world! As you enter, take in the outside of the theatre with its beautiful hand-painted wall murals and Chinese architecture. Take a tour, watch a movie, and visit the Forecourt of the Stars where you can place your hands in the hand prints of famous movie stars. They also are the only IMAX theatre to have a curtain in front of the screen, making the experience even more magnificent. tclchinesetheatres.com
