12-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Los Angeles

  • Day 1: Disneyland
    25 minutes (15 miles) from Downtown LA

    Disneyland is the perfect family-friendly attraction. From classic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean to newer additions like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, there's something for everyone. Don't miss the parades and fireworks shows in the evening.

  • Day 2: Universal Studios Hollywood
    9 minutes (3.3 miles) from Griffith Park

    Explore the world of movies with thrilling rides and attractions at Universal Studios. Watch street performances, explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and experience a behind-the-scenes studio tour.

  • Day 3: Griffith Observatory
    15 minutes (4.7 miles) from Universal Studios Hollywood

    The Griffith Observatory offers breathtaking views of the city and the stars. Enjoy planetarium shows and exhibits on space science and astronomy. Don't miss the view of the Hollywood Sign from the observatory.

  • Day 4: Santa Monica Pier and Beach
    10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Downtown Santa Monica

    The Santa Monica Pier is a landmark and popular attraction located in Santa Monica. It’s known for its amusement park, beautiful beach, and various attractions for tourists and locals to enjoy.

  • Day 5: Natural History Museum of LA
    11 minutes (5.1 miles) from Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

    Learn about the natural history, wildlife, and culture of California and other regions of the world at the Natural History Museum of LA. Don't miss the dinosaur exhibits and the butterfly pavilion.

  • Day 6: California Science Center
    2 minutes (0.5 miles) from the Natural History Museum of LA

    The California Science Center offers interactive learning experiences for all ages. Highlights include the Space Shuttle Endeavour exhibit and the world-renowned Ecosystems exhibit.

  • Day 7: Getty Center
    25 minutes (11.7 miles) from Downtown LA

    The Getty Center is an art museum and educational center, known for its collection of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present. Visitors can also enjoy the architecture, gardens, and views of the city.

  • Day 8: La Brea Tar Pits
    12 minutes (3.3 miles) from the Getty Center

    The La Brea Tar Pits is a natural history museum and fossil site located in the heart of Los Angeles. Visitors can watch scientists excavate fossils, explore exhibits on prehistoric life, and take guided tours of the park.

  • Day 9: Venice Beach
    14 minutes (6.8 miles) from Downtown Santa Monica

    Venice Beach is a lively and colorful community with a famous boardwalk, street performers, and eclectic shops and restaurants. Enjoy the beach, rent bikes, and take a canal tour through the Venice canals.

  • Day 10: The Grove
    16 minutes (5.6 miles) from Griffith Park

    The Grove is a premier shopping and dining destination with outdoor promenades, gardens, and fountains. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, a movie theater, and a farmer's market with fresh produce and artisanal goods.

  • Day 11: Aquarium of the Pacific
    30 minutes (22.8 miles) from Downtown LA

    The Aquarium of the Pacific is a world-class aquarium with over 11,000 animals and exhibits on the Pacific Ocean and its inhabitants. Visitors can touch sharks, watch sea lion shows, and learn about conservation efforts.

  • Day 12: OUE Skyspace and the US Bank Tower
    9 minutes (1.5 miles) from the Aquarium of the Pacific

    End your trip with a bird's-eye view of the city from the OUE Skyspace and the US Bank Tower. Enjoy interactive exhibits, a 360-degree observation deck, and a thrilling glass slide that takes you outside the building.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Disneyland (1 day, $100)
  • Universal Studios Hollywood (1 day, $120)
  • Griffith Observatory (half-day, free)
  • Santa Monica Pier and Beach (half-day, free)
  • Natural History Museum of LA (half-day, $15)
  • California Science Center (half-day, free)
  • Getty Center (half-day, free)
  • La Brea Tar Pits (half-day, $15)
  • Venice Beach (half-day, free)
  • The Grove (half-day, free)
  • Aquarium of the Pacific (half-day, $35)
  • OUE Skyspace and the US Bank Tower (half-day, $30)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $460

Transportation

Los Angeles has a vast public transportation system that includes buses, metro rail, and bike-sharing networks. Purchasing a TAP card or a day pass can save money on transportation costs. However, given the vast size of the city and the distance between attractions, renting a car or using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft may be more convenient. Take into account traffic and parking fees in your planning. The estimated cost for transportation is $200.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, or the Warner Bros Studio Tour. For a nature break, explore one of LA's many parks, such as Runyon Canyon or Griffith Park. For less time, consider skipping the Natural History Museum or the Aquarium of the Pacific. It is recommended to check for any changes in the opening and closing times of attractions ahead of time.

Airports

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary airport in the city and is located 16 miles southwest of downtown LA. It is the fifth busiest airport in the world, serving over 80 million passengers per year. Burbank Airport (BUR) is a smaller airport, located 13 miles north of downtown LA, and primarily serves domestic flights. Long Beach Airport (LGB) is located in Long Beach, about 22 miles southeast of downtown LA, and serves mainly domestic airlines.

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