Planning a family trip to Los Angeles means balancing world-class entertainment and Hollywood glamour with the city’s iconic beaches, diverse museums, and plenty of sunshine. A successful itinerary focuses on activities that offer interactive experiences, minimize long travel times, and cater to different age groups. This three-day guide provides a perfect mix of theme-park thrills, essential California beach life, and engaging educational opportunities.
Day One: Movie Magic and Theme Park Excitement
The first day is dedicated to experiencing the heart of Hollywood’s entertainment industry, which is a guaranteed highlight for any family.
Universal Studios Hollywood Adventure
Dedicate your first day entirely to Universal Studios Hollywood. The park is a combination of thrilling rides, live-action shows, and, most famously, the Studio Tour, which gives both children and adults a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at an actual, working movie studio and iconic film sets. Families should be sure to explore immersive environments like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Springfield (from The Simpsons), and Super Nintendo World. For dinner, CityWalk, located just outside the park gates, offers a variety of relaxed dining options and entertainment perfect for winding down after an exciting day (The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. are family-friendly favorites).
Day Two: Classic Beach Day and Pier Fun
No trip to Los Angeles is complete without a day enjoying the Southern California coast. Santa Monica offers the quintessential beach experience.
Santa Monica Pier and Coastal Exploration
Head directly to Santa Monica for a classic California experience. Start at the historic Santa Monica Pier, where you can enjoy the rides at Pacific Park, including the famous solar-powered Ferris wheel, and test your luck at the arcade games. Afterward, find a spot on the expansive beach to relax, build sandcastles, or splash in the Pacific. For a more active afternoon, rent bikes to ride along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as The Strand, which offers miles of scenic coastal cycling. Conclude the day by watching the memorable California sunset over the Pacific Ocean from the pier. There are plenty of dining options near the water from surfside taco shops like Blue Plate Taco, to upscale seafood spots like The Lobster. For a more budget-friendly compromise, consider Luke’s Lobster.
Day Three: Dinosaurs, Ice Age, and Celestial Views
The final day balances history, natural science, and incredible city views, offering unique educational fun before heading home.
Ancient Beasts and Natural History
Start the day at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, a truly unique Los Angeles landmark. Located right in the middle of the city, this site features active fossil excavations where kids can see researchers at work. Inside the museum, impressive fossil displays of Ice Age animals, including mammoths and saber-toothed cats, captivate young imaginations. There are plenty of spots to stop for lunch off Wilshire Boulevard, from familiar chain restaurants like Five Guys to local spots like Fanny’s.
Stargazing and Hollywood Views
In the afternoon, head to the Griffith Observatory. This is one of the best locations for stunning, panoramic views of the Hollywood Sign and the sprawling city skyline. Explore the free exhibits on space and science, and if time allows, consider catching a show in the planetarium. The grounds surrounding the observatory are perfect for one last family photo before concluding your Los Angeles adventure. Consider dinner at Los Feliz, just south of Griffith Park’s entrance. There are numerous Italian options here including La Pergoletta and local favorite, Little Dom’s.
