Santa Monica Pier is famous for its iconic Ferris wheel and century-old carousel. Visitors can enjoy the amusement park rides, go fishing, and explore the aquarium. Enjoy the beautiful sunset on the Pacific Ocean while dining on fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants on the pier.
The Griffith Observatory is a public observatory with views of the cosmos and the city below. With free admission, visitors can take a tour of the planetarium and explore the exhibits on astronomy, space exploration, and the history of the observatory.
Balboa Park is the biggest park in San Diego, with many museums, gardens, and theaters to explore. The park's famous San Diego Zoo showcases over 3,000 animals of 650 species and has a children's zoo where kids can feed and interact with animals.
A unique desert park with over 800,000 acres of otherworldly rock formations and Joshua trees, the park is ideal for hiking and rock climbing. Visitors can camp under the stars and enjoy the peaceful desert scenery. Do not forget to watch the sunrise or sunset, as it's a beautiful sight!
If you have more time, consider visiting other attractions in Los Angeles, such as the Getty Center or Universal Studios Hollywood. If you have less time, skip Balboa Park and go directly to Joshua Tree National Park.