Must Do Activities in Los Angeles
In a couple weeks, we are heading to Los Angeles for Spring Break! What must do activities in Los Angeles come to mind for you?
We vacationed in Los Angeles 3.5 years ago. It’s surprising how fast the time goes! Henry was 6.5 at the time, and Tate was 4.
I typed in “free things to do in Los Angeles” and “best hike in Los Angeles,” and here are the ideas I have so far:
- Griffith Observatory
- Original Farmers’ Market
- Monty’s Good Burger
- LA Central Library
- Arc Light Cinemas
- The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens
- Malibu Kitchen and Gourmet
- Apricot Love Farms
- Hike to Cave of Munits
- Getty Center
- California Science Center
Last time we stayed in a suburb outside of the city. The commuting around was onerous! This time, we are going to try staying near Venice Beach. We’ll see how it goes! The first day we arrive, we are heading straight to Catalina Island for a night. I can’t wait to drive a golf cart all around!
I was talking to a friend of mine who was explaining how paralyzing it is for her family to plan vacations. My approach is this: 1) I try to remember not to put too much pressure on any one vacation. There are always more! 2) I try to be honest about what our “formula” is for a happy vacation. For example, Matt and I need to sleep in at least a queen-sized bed together. The boys need separate sleeping spaces. We need to get out in nature. We are happier if we have a home base that we can retreat to each day versus spending all day adventuring.
Do you have any other ideas for must do activities in Los Angeles?
4 Comments
Amber
Huntington Library is only free once a month, otherwise it’s $25 an adult. They had a ton of humming birds though, and very large grounds, so that was very cool.
There’s a website to check beach water quality, definitely check that before you go in the water, sewage spills and other things happen regularly, so the quality can change week to week. The beaches north and in Orange County are probably a bit better.
The Last Bookstore is in the Civic Center district in LA, and a few blocks away is The Broad museum which I think has a permanent Yayoi Matsuki infinity room, there’s the newer Grand Park, the LA Phil building, and a food hall with good food and cool art.
There are hikes on Catalina island and buffalo!
Pepperdine campus is really beautiful.
Prepare yourself for seeing a lot of homelessness. It has gotten exponentially worse in 3.5 years.
When you drivenup to Griffith observatory, there’s a lookout on Mulholland that is incredible if the air is clean.
Sara Cotner
Sounds so fun, Amber! Thank you very much for chiming in with these suggestions.
Olivia
My absolute favorite is to bring a picnic to the Getty to enjoy at sunset. A lawn for running around, a gorgeous view, and budget-friendly depending on what you pick up at Ralph’s/Sprouts to bring up. Have fun!
Sara Cotner
Sounds so lovely! Thanks for the suggestion, Olivia!