A 5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Lakewood, California

• Day 1: Begin your trip by visiting the world-famous Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific and exploring the various marine life exhibits (2-3 hours). Afterward, visit the Knott's Berry Farm amusement park for some thrilling rides and entertainment (4-5 hours).
• Day 2: Start the day with a visit to El Dorado Nature Center where you can enjoy a peaceful hike, bird watching, and picnicking in the beautiful natural environment (2-3 hours). Spend the afternoon at the Los Cerritos Center mall for shopping and dining experience (3-4 hours).
• Day 3: Explore the fantastic world of movies and TV shows at the famous Universal Studios Hollywood amusement park and studio tour (6-7 hours).
• Day 4: Visit the Queen Mary, a former luxury ocean liner converted into a hotel and museum. Explore the ship's history and enjoy the various onboard exhibits and events (3-4 hours). Take a stroll or rent a bicycle to enjoy the scenic view of the Long Beach Shoreline Marina in the afternoon (1-2 hour).
• Day 5: Discover the fascinating world of science at the California Science Center and check out the exhibits that feature space exploration, technology, and natural science (3-4 hours). End your Lakewood trip with a visit to the world-famous Santa Monica Pier for some fun beach activities, dining, shopping, and entertainment(3-4 hours).

Time and Cost Estimates

• Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific (2-3 hours, $30-$35)
• Knott's Berry Farm (4-5 hours, $50-$75)
• El Dorado Nature Center (2-3 hours, free)
• Los Cerritos Center mall (3-4 hours, depends on shopping/dining decisions)
• Universal Studios Hollywood (6-7 hours, $100-$120)
• Queen Mary (3-4 hours, $20-$40)
• Long Beach Shoreline Marina (1-2 hour, free)
• California Science Center (3-4 hours, free)
• Santa Monica Pier (3-4 hours, depends on dining/shopping decisions)
Total Estimated Costs: $270-$335

Transportation

To explore the various destinations in Lakewood and nearby areas, renting a car would offer the most convenience and flexibility. Daily rental rates can range from $30-$70, depending on the type of vehicle and rental company. Alternatively, ride-sharing services and public transportation can provide a more cost-effective option. Be sure to plan for travel time, as traffic can be heavy in some areas.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other attractions in the area, such as the Disneyland Resort, the Getty Center, and the Battleship Iowa Museum. For a more laid-back experience, head to nearby beaches like Huntington Beach or Newport Beach. For those with less time, prioritize the must-visit attractions and allocate more time for those that are of particular interest.