A famous landmark which consists of more than 2,600 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a world-renowned tourist attraction located in Los Angeles, California. It features over 2,600 five-pointed stars embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street. The stars are permanent public monuments to achievement in the entertainment industry, bearing the names of actors, musicians, directors, producers, and others. /n The Walk of Fame is administered by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and maintained by the self-financing Hollywood Historic Trust. It is a popular tourist destination, with an estimated 10 million visitors annually. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a testament to the glamour and success of the Hollywood entertainment industry.

A famous sidewalk with embedded stars honoring celebrities.

A large municipal park at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Park offers a zoo, a planetarium, a riding center created for the 1984 Olympic Games, golf courses, tennis courts, hiking trails, and more.

Griffith Park, located in the heart of Los Angeles, is one of the largest urban parks in North America. It spans over 4,300 acres, offering a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. /n The park is home to the Los Angeles Zoo, the Griffith Observatory, and the Greek Theatre. It also offers numerous hiking trails, picnic areas, and sports facilities. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a star-gazer, or a culture lover, Griffith Park has something for everyone.

Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America, offers a zoo, observatory, and hiking trails.

Located in Griffith Park, the Griffith Observatory offers a night hike that allows visitors to explore the stars. The observatory itself is a popular tourist attraction, with a planetarium and exhibits on astronomy.

Griffith Observatory is located in Los Angeles, California, on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. It commands a view of the Los Angeles Basin, including downtown Los Angeles to the southeast, Hollywood to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. /n The observatory is a popular tourist attraction with a close view of the Hollywood Sign and an extensive array of space and science-related displays. Admission has been free since the observatory's opening in 1935. The observatory offers a unique combination of a public observatory, planetarium, and exhibition space. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in astronomy.

A popular observatory with stunning views of Los Angeles.

A large double-jointed pier at the foot of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica, California, with an amusement park, restaurants, and areas for views and fishing.

Santa Monica Pier is a large double-jointed pier located at the foot of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica, California. With an iconic entrance, the pier is popular with residents and visitors as a landmark that is over 100 years old. /n The pier contains Pacific Park, a family amusement park with a large Ferris wheel. It also has an original carousel hippodrome from the 1920s, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, shops, entertainers, a video arcade, a trapeze school, pubs, and restaurants. The end of the pier is a popular location for anglers. The pier offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is a symbol of the Southern California lifestyle.

A famous pier with an amusement park, restaurants, and shops.

A 133-acre zoo founded in 1966 located in Los Angeles, California. The city-owned Zoo is home to more than 1,400 mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles representing more than 270 different species.

The Los Angeles Zoo, nestled in the heart of Griffith Park, is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists. The zoo houses over 1,400 animals from around the world, spanning over 270 species. /n Visitors can explore the zoo's various habitats, participate in interactive exhibits, and learn about wildlife conservation efforts. The zoo also offers educational programs and events throughout the year, making it a fun and educational destination for visitors of all ages.

The Los Angeles Zoo is a popular attraction featuring over 1,400 animals from around the world.

The Getty Center, in Los Angeles, California, is a campus of the Getty Museum and other programs of the Getty Trust. The $1.3 billion Center opened to the public on December 16, 1997.

The Getty Center, in Los Angeles, California, is a campus for cultural institutions founded by oilman J. Paul Getty. The $1.3 billion Center, which opened on December 16, 1997, is also well known for its architecture, gardens, and views overlooking Los Angeles. /n The Center is a distinctive complex of buildings, gardens, and open spaces, featuring materials of travertine and white metal-clad pavilions. It houses the Getty Research Institute, the Getty Conservation Institute, the Getty Foundation, and the J. Paul Getty Trust. The Center's art collection includes European paintings, drawings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and photography. It is a must-visit for art and architecture enthusiasts.

A cultural complex featuring art museums and gardens.

The largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection of over 142,000 objects that illuminate 6,000 years of artistic expression across the globe.

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is an art museum located on Wilshire Boulevard in the Miracle Mile vicinity of Los Angeles. LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States. It attracts nearly a million visitors annually. /n Its holdings of more than 150,000 works span the history of art from ancient times to the present. In addition to art exhibits, the museum features film and concert series. The museum's collections encompass the geographic world and virtually the entire history of art. Among the museum’s special collections are the Islamic Art collection, which dates back to 2002, and the collection of Latin American Art, which ranges from pre-Columbian times to the present.

The largest art museum in the western United States.

Experience the vibrant culture and iconic landmarks of Los Angeles, California. This bustling city offers a blend of world-class cuisine, thriving nightlife, and an array of entertainment options. Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios, or the Getty Center for a taste of LA's rich history and creativity. Explore the trendy boutiques in Rodeo Drive, or unwind at the serene beaches of Santa Monica and Venice. Don't miss the breathtaking views from the Griffith Observatory and the vibrant art scene in downtown LA. With its diverse neighborhoods and endless activities, Los Angeles promises an unforgettable travel experience.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Griffith Park

Griffith Observatory

Santa Monica Pier

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. This famous sidewalk is a must-see for any visitor to Los Angeles. Here, you can see the stars of your favorite celebrities embedded in the sidewalk and take memorable photos.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Griffith Park. This large urban park offers beautiful views of the city and has plenty of space for a family picnic. There are also several hiking trails for those who want to explore.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Griffith Observatory. This popular attraction offers stunning views of the stars and the Los Angeles skyline. There are also several exhibits and shows that are both educational and entertaining.

Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in Downtown LA. This area is known for its diverse culinary scene, offering everything from gourmet burgers to authentic Mexican cuisine.

End your day with a stroll along the Santa Monica Pier. This iconic landmark is a great place to enjoy the sunset and offers a variety of entertainment options, including a Ferris wheel and an arcade.

Exploring Hollywood and Griffith Park

Los Angeles Zoo

Getty Center

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

Kick off your second day with a visit to the Los Angeles Zoo. This family-friendly attraction is home to a wide variety of animals and offers several interactive exhibits.

Enjoy lunch at a beachside cafe in Venice Beach. This popular beach area offers a variety of dining options and is a great place to relax and enjoy the California sun.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Getty Center. This world-renowned museum houses an impressive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The architecture and gardens are also worth exploring.

Dine at a restaurant in the trendy Silver Lake neighborhood. Known for its hipster vibe, this area offers a variety of dining options, from vegan eateries to gourmet pizza places.

End your trip with a visit to the iconic Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). The museum's outdoor Urban Light installation is especially beautiful at night.

A Day at the Zoo and Museum Visit

Daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November; note: the 50 united states cover six time zones

UTC-5

Renting a car is a popular option for getting around Los Angeles. The city is spread out and having a car gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Most major car rental companies have locations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and throughout the city.

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Los Angeles. They can be a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're planning to visit areas with limited parking or if you prefer not to drive.

Los Angeles has a network of buses and trains operated by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro). The Metro Rail system includes six lines that serve different parts of the city, including downtown, Hollywood, and Santa Monica. The Metro Bus system covers the entire city and surrounding areas.

Los Angeles has been expanding its network of bike lanes and paths, making cycling a viable way to get around certain parts of the city. The city also has a bike share program, Metro Bike Share, which allows you to rent bikes for short trips.

While Los Angeles is known for being spread out, many of its neighborhoods are walkable. Areas like Downtown, Santa Monica, and Hollywood have plenty of attractions within walking distance of each other.

Taxis are available throughout Los Angeles, although they can be more expensive than other options. They can be hailed on the street in busy areas, but in quieter neighborhoods, you may need to call a taxi company to arrange a pickup.

Several companies offer shuttle services to and from LAX and other popular destinations in Los Angeles. These can be a convenient option if you're traveling with a large group or have a lot of luggage.

For a more luxurious experience, consider hiring a private car or limousine service. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation and can be booked in advance.

A popular dish in Los Angeles, fish tacos are a must-try. They are made with grilled or fried fish, cabbage, and a creamy sauce, all wrapped in a corn tortilla.

Fish Tacos

A sandwich that originated in Los Angeles, it consists of thinly sliced roast beef served on a French roll. It is typically served with a side of 'au jus' for dipping.

French Dip Sandwich

A sushi roll that was invented in Los Angeles. It typically includes avocado, crab meat, and cucumber.

California Roll

A popular late-night snack in Los Angeles, street dogs are bacon-wrapped hot dogs topped with grilled onions and bell peppers.

Street Dogs

Los Angeles is home to a large Korean community and Korean BBQ is a must-try. It typically includes a variety of marinated meats that are grilled at your table.

Korean BBQ

A popular breakfast item in Los Angeles, avocado toast is made with ripe avocado spread on whole grain bread and topped with various toppings.

Avocado Toast

A popular dessert in Los Angeles, churros are fried dough pastries coated in sugar and often served with a side of chocolate for dipping.

Churros

Los Angeles has a thriving craft beer scene. There are many local breweries that offer a wide variety of unique and flavorful beers.

Craft Beer

A popular health drink in Los Angeles, green juice is made with a blend of green vegetables and fruits.

Green Juice

A popular drink in Los Angeles, Bobba tea or bubble tea is a Taiwanese tea-based drink with chewy tapioca balls.

Bobba Tea

A popular cocktail in Los Angeles, Margaritas are made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, often served with salt on the rim of the glass.

Margarita

California is known for its wine. There are many local wineries in and around Los Angeles that produce a wide variety of wines.

California Wine

New Year's Day

New Year's Day (substitute)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Presidents' Day

Memorial Day

Juneteenth

Independence Day

Labor Day

Columbus Day

Veterans Day (substitute)

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Day

A large double-jointed pier at the foot of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica, California, with an amusement park, restaurants, and shops.

A world-famous amusement park featuring iconic attractions, entertainment, and shopping venues.

Disneyland Resort

A vast protected area in southern California featuring rugged rock formations and stark desert landscapes.

Joshua Tree National Park

A small coastal city known for its many art galleries, coves, and beaches.

Laguna Beach

A city on the central California coast known for its Mediterranean-style white stucco buildings, upscale boutiques, and restaurants.

Santa Barbara

A world-renowned zoo housing over 3,500 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies.

San Diego Zoo

A city in the Sonoran Desert known for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses, and spas.

Palm Springs

A city in southern California's Santa Ynez Valley known for its Danish-style architecture and many wineries.

Solvang

A city on the Pacific coast of California known for its beaches, parks, and warm climate.

San Diego

A vibrant city known for its 24-hour casinos, entertainment shows, and nightlife.

Las Vegas

All of California

San Francisco

Los Angeles is a sprawling city, so it's best to plan your activities around specific neighborhoods to minimize travel time.

Public transportation is available but not always reliable or convenient, so consider renting a car or using rideshare apps.

Parking can be challenging in some areas, so always check parking signs to avoid tickets.

Los Angeles is known for its traffic, so try to avoid rush hour times if possible.

The weather is generally mild, but it can get quite hot in the summer with temperatures often reaching over 90°F (32°C).

Even though it's sunny most of the year, it can get chilly at night, especially in the winter, so bring a light jacket.

Los Angeles is a very diverse city with many different cultures, so be respectful of all people and customs.

Tipping is customary in Los Angeles. A tip of 15-20% is standard for restaurants, taxis, and other service providers.

Los Angeles is in the Pacific Time Zone and observes daylight saving time.

Los Angeles has strict smoking laws. Smoking is banned in most public places, including beaches and parks.

Los Angeles has a plastic bag ban, so bring your own reusable bags when shopping.

Los Angeles has a lot of street food vendors, especially in areas like Downtown and East LA. Always check for health department grades before eating.

Los Angeles is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own unique vibe and attractions. Do some research to find the ones that interest you most.

Los Angeles is a casual city, but some high-end restaurants and clubs have dress codes.

Los Angeles has a significant homeless population, particularly in areas like Skid Row and Venice Beach.

Los Angeles is prone to earthquakes. Familiarize yourself with basic earthquake safety tips.

Los Angeles has a high cost of living, so budget accordingly.

Los Angeles has many farmers markets offering fresh, local produce. They're worth checking out.

Los Angeles is a city that never sleeps, so be prepared for noise, especially in busier neighborhoods.

Los Angeles has a lot of hills and uneven sidewalks, so wear comfortable shoes for walking.

January is the coldest month in Los Angeles, but it's still relatively mild with occasional rain.

February sees a slight increase in temperature, with a mix of sunny and rainy days.

March marks the beginning of spring, with temperatures gradually rising and more sunny days.

April is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures and plenty of sunshine.

May is a beautiful month to visit, with warm temperatures and clear skies.

June is the start of summer, with long sunny days and warm temperatures.

July is the hottest month in Los Angeles, perfect for beach activities and outdoor exploration.

August continues the summer heat, with high temperatures and sunny days.

September is a great month to visit, with slightly cooler temperatures and less crowded tourist spots.

October offers comfortable temperatures and less crowded beaches, making it a great time for outdoor activities.

November sees a drop in temperature, but it's still warm enough for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

December is a cooler month with shorter days, but it's still a great time to visit for holiday festivities.

Los Angeles, California, is known for its Mediterranean climate, which means it has warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city is sunny nearly 300 days a year, making it a great destination for sun-seekers.

In the summer months, from June to August, temperatures can reach up to 85°F (29°C), but the heat is usually dry and not humid. It's a good idea to pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. However, the evenings can cool down, so bringing a light jacket or sweater is recommended.

In the fall, from September to November, the weather remains warm but becomes less intense, with temperatures ranging from 79°F (26°C) during the day to around 59°F (15°C) at night. This is a great time to visit if you want to avoid the summer crowds but still enjoy warm weather.

Winter, from December to February, is the wettest season in Los Angeles, but it's still relatively mild compared to other parts of the country. Temperatures can range from 68°F (20°C) during the day to 48°F (9°C) at night. It's advisable to pack a waterproof jacket or umbrella.

Spring, from March to May, sees temperatures gradually warming up from the winter, with highs reaching up to 75°F (24°C) and lows around 55°F (13°C). This is a beautiful time to visit as the city is in bloom.

Regardless of the time of year, it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip as weather can vary. Also, remember that Los Angeles is a large city with microclimates, so temperatures can differ significantly between the coast and inland areas. Always stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, especially if you're not used to the heat.

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2-Day Local Family Adventure: Sightseeing & Outdoor Fun in LA

About Los Angeles, California