Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

12-Day Family Friendly Adventure Itinerary in Los Angeles with Universal Studios Hollywood

Viewed by 120 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Initial Exploration

Los Angeles, USA

9:00 AM

Breakfast at The Griddle Cafe

Start your adventure with enormous and delicious pancakes at The Griddle Cafe in Hollywood.
Drive to The Griddle Cafe, located on Sunset Blvd.
USD30, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Stroll along the famed Hollywood Walk of Fame and find the stars of your favorite celebrities.
A short drive from The Griddle Cafe.
Free, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Mel's Drive-In

Enjoy a classic American diner experience with burgers and milkshakes at Mel's.
Drive over to Mel’s Drive-In.
USD50, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Griffith Observatory

Visit the Griffith Observatory for stunning views of the city and the iconic Hollywood Sign.
Drive up to Griffith Park.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Check-in at hotel

Unwind from your day’s adventures and prepare for more family fun ahead.
Return to your hotel for check-in.
Varies, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Blaze Pizza

Build your own pizza at Blaze Pizza in your hotel area, fun for the whole family!
Short drive from your hotel.
USD40, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Los Angeles

Day 2: Universal Studios Hollywood Adventure

Universal City, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Cafe Tu Tu Tango

Start your day with colorful small plates and delicious drinks at this artful cafe.
Drive to Cafe Tu Tu Tango.
USD35, 1.5 hours

9:30 AM

Universal Studios Hollywood

Spend a day filled with rides, shows, and attractions at Universal Studios, perfect for the whole family!
Drive to Universal Studios and park in designated areas.
USD140, 8 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at CityWalk

After a day of fun, dine at a kid-friendly spot at the Universal CityWalk.
Walk to CityWalk from Universal Studios.
USD60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Universal City

Day 3: Pasadena Wonders

Pasadena, USA

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Honey & Butter

Indulge in delicious, creative donuts at this Pasadena favorite.
Drive to Pasadena.
USD20, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Kidspace Museum

Explore interactive exhibits and outdoor play areas designed for young explorers.
Short drive to Kidspace Museum.
USD15, 3 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at The Crack Shack

Enjoy award-winning fried chicken and egg dishes in a family-friendly environment.
Short drive from Kidspace Museum.
USD50, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Norton Simon Museum

Be inspired by world-class art collections housed in a serene setting.
Short drive to the museum.
USD15, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Check-in at hotel

Unwind and refresh before dinner.
Check into your nearby hotel.
Varies, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse

Treat the family to a lovely dinner experience with steaks and seafood.
A short drive from your hotel.
USD100, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Pasadena

Day 4: Santa Monica Beach Fun

Santa Monica, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Urth Caffe

Start your day with organic, healthy breakfast options at Urth Caffe in Santa Monica.
Drive to Urth Caffe.
USD40, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Santa Monica Pier

Enjoy the rides at Pacific Park and stroll along the iconic Santa Monica Pier.
Walk to Santa Monica Pier from Urth Caffe.
USD30, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Albright

Savor fresh seafood with an ocean view at this local favorite on the pier.
Walk to The Albright.
USD70, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Beach Time!

Spend the afternoon playing on the sand, or just relaxing by the waves.
Stay at Santa Monica Beach.
Free, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Check-in at hotel

Relax a bit before heading out for dinner.
Return to your hotel.
Varies, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Tar & Roses

Experience a farm-to-table dining experience with delicious wood-grilled specialties.
Short drive from your hotel.
USD120, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Santa Monica

Day 5: Malibu Beach Day

Malibu, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Malibu Cafe

Enjoy breakfast with stunning views at Malibu Cafe’s outdoor seating.
Drive to Malibu Cafe.
USD50, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Malibu Beach

Spend the morning soaking up the sun or building sandcastles at Malibu Beach.
Short drive to Malibu Beach.
Free, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Paradise Cove Beach Cafe

Dine right on the beach with delicious seafood and burgers.
Walk to the cafe.
USD60, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Malibu Pier

Take a leisurely walk on Malibu Pier and enjoy breathtaking ocean views.
Drive to Malibu Pier.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Check-in at hotel

Refresh after a fun day at the beach.
Return to your hotel.
Varies, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Geoffrey's Malibu

Indulge in exquisite cuisine with ocean views at Geoffrey’s restaurant.
Drive to Geoffrey's.
USD150, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Malibu

Day 6: Aquarium & Adventure

San Pedro, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Omelette Company

Start your day with hearty omelettes at this local favorite.
Drive to San Pedro.
USD35, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Aquarium of the Pacific

Explore diverse marine life and interactive exhibits that captivate kids and adults alike.
Drive to the aquarium.
USD90, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at San Pedro Fish Market

Enjoy fresh seafood served in a casual and vibrant setting.
Walk from the aquarium.
USD60, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Ports O' Call Village

Explore this waterfront shopping and dining area with stunning harbor views.
Walk to Ports O’ Call Village.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Return to hotel

Wrap up the day and enjoy some free time.
Drive back to your hotel.
Varies, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Reel Inn

Finish your day with laid-back seaside dining at The Reel Inn.
Short drive from your hotel.
USD70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San Pedro

Day 7: Disneyland Magic

Anaheim, USA

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast at your hotel before heading to Disneyland.
On-site at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Disneyland Park

Spend a full day filled with rides, shows, and attractions at Disneyland!
Drive to Disneyland and park at the designated lots.
USD160, 10 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner Inside Disneyland

Break for dinner within the park, trying out a kid-friendly restaurant.
Dining within Disneyland.
USD80, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Unforgettable Fireworks

Finish with the breathtaking nighttime fireworks show at Disneyland!
Position yourself at the castle for the best view.
Free, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Anaheim

Day 8: More Disneyland Fun

Anaheim, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Plaza Inn

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Plaza Inn, known for its delicious fried chicken.
Dining within Disneyland.
USD60, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Disney California Adventure

Discover more magical experiences and rides at Disney California Adventure Park.
Walk from Disneyland to Disney California Adventure.
USD160, 8 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Carthay Circle Restaurant

Indulge in fine dining at the beautiful Carthay Circle Restaurant within Disney California Adventure.
Dining within the park.
USD120, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Anaheim

Day 9: Cultural Day in Long Beach

Long Beach, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Bar

Start your day with a refreshing brunch at The Breakfast Bar in Long Beach.
Drive to Long Beach.
USD40, 1.5 hours

9:30 AM

Aquarium of the Pacific

Experience marine life through exhibits that captivate the whole family.
Drive to the aquarium.
USD90, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Gladstone’s

Enjoy fresh seafood with ocean views at this popular Long Beach eatery.
Drive to Gladstones.
USD70, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

The Queen Mary

Explore the historic Queen Mary ship, an iconic landmark and museum.
Walk or short drive to The Queen Mary.
USD50, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Return to hotel

Rest and prepare for dinner.
Drive back to your hotel.
Varies, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Reef

End the day with waterfront views and delicious cuisine at The Reef.
Short drive from your hotel.
USD80, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Long Beach

Day 10: Hollywood Highlights

Hollywood, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Paramount Coffee Project

Dive into a delightful morning coffee experience with a wonderful breakfast.
Drive to Paramount Coffee Project.
USD40, 1.5 hours

9:30 AM

Hollywood Sign Hike

Enjoy a family-friendly hike up Griffith Park for a closer look at the Hollywood Sign.
Drive to Griffith Park trailhead.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Hollywood Bowl

Picnic at the Hollywood Bowl with snacks or sandwiches you can pack.
Drive to Hollywood Bowl for the picnic area.
USD20, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Hollywood Museum

Visit the Hollywood Museum for an in-depth look at Hollywood's history and film sets.
Short drive to museum.
USD15, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Return to hotel

Head back and relax with your family.
Return to hotel.
Varies, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Musso & Frank Grill

Experience classic Hollywood dining at this iconic restaurant with a glamorous history.
Drive to Musso & Frank Grill.
USD100, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hollywood

Day 11: Downtown LA Day

Downtown Los Angeles, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Bottega Louie

Start your day with breakfast at this chic eatery, famous for its pastries.
Drive to Downtown LA.
USD50, 1.5 hours

9:30 AM

The Broad Museum

Discover contemporary art exhibits at The Broad Museum, offering free admission.
Walk from Bottega Louie.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Grand Central Market

Explore diverse food stands and enjoy lunch while discovering various cuisines.
Short walk to Grand Central Market.
USD60, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Admire the stunning architecture of the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Walk to the concert hall.
Free, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Los Angeles Arts District

Explore street art, galleries, and trendy shops in LA's vibrant Arts District.
Drive to the Arts District.
Free, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Return to hotel

Rest up before dinner.
Drive back to your hotel.
Varies, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Bestia

Conclude your trip with exceptional Italian dining at this acclaimed restaurant.
Drive to Bestia.
USD120, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Downtown Los Angeles

Day 12: Departure

Los Angeles, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
On-site at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Check-out and Departure

Check out of your hotel and head to the airport, concluding your Los Angeles adventure.
Drive to the airport.
Varies, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Los Angeles
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About Los Angeles

Best Los Angeles Travel Deals
Travel Deals
Trip Packing List: Los Angeles (Late February, 2026)
Packing List
Trip Packing List: Los Angeles (December 7, 2026)
Packing List
Los Angeles Late August Weather: Heat, Haze, and Microclimates
Weather Guide
Los Angeles Late August Weather: Heat, Haze, and Coastal Cool
Weather Guide
Full Guide to Michelin Star Cities: 2025 Updated List
Travel Expert
Global Michelin Cities & US Travel Tiers from New York
Travel Expert
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Los Angeles Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go