Family-Friendly Travel to Los Angeles

1. The Griffith Observatory
Iconic observatory and planetarium with some of the best views of downtown Los Angeles, including the famous Hollywood sign. Be sure to stand in the quick-moving line for a glimpse at the Zeiss 12” Refracting Telescope and see deep into the cosmos.

2. La Brea Tar Pits Museum
Ever wonder what life was like during the last Ice Age? At this still-functional paleontology and archaeological site in the heart of L.A., step back in time to when giant mastodons, sabertooth tigers and dire wolves roamed the earth. Stop by the tar pits out front and smell a bit of history!

3. Marine Aquarium
L.A.’s teaching aquarium! Marine life housed here is all from Southern California, and they specialize in hands-on, interactive experiences. Be brave and touch a sea cucumber or sea urchin!

4. USS Iowa Battleship
A floating maritime museum preserved for visitors to climb aboard and explore! Follow the arrows for a great self-guided tour or use their app for a more in-depth experience. Kids, go on the hunt for Vicky the Dog (scavenger hunt) and follow her around the ship and take a selfie when you find her.

5. The Queen Mary
Climb aboard the retired British luxury ocean liner, RMS Queen Mary, and be transported back in time to the glitz and glamor of the Golden Age of Travel just like a Hollywood star or important politician (like Winston Churchill). Pro tip: Make advance reservations for Sunday brunch and dine like a star — includes self-guided admission and validated parking!

6. Aquarium of the Pacific
Learn all about the rich marine life living along the Baja coast in the world’s biggest ocean — The Pacific. There are plenty of touch tanks for the kids (and kids at heart)!

7. Disneyland
The OG in the O.C. (Orange County)! The original Disney theme park (1955) and California Adventure showcase California’s history, culture and sense of adventure. Be sure to check out Cars Land if you’re a fan of Lightning McQueen and Mater!

8. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Dinosaurs, gems, ancient civilizations, an insect zoo and so much more at the largest natural and historical museum in the western US. The NHM of LA offers up close and hands-on experiences for all ages to enjoy.

9. LAA Angels or LA Dodgers Baseball
“Take me out to the ballgame…” Grab a ticket to watch one of SoCal’s professional baseball teams in action. Both teams are cross-town rivals, but play in different leagues (American vs. National), so they’ll only play each other twice during the entire baseball season. These games are what are called the “Freeway Series.” Who will you root for — the red (Angels) or the blue (Dodgers)?

10. California Science Center
Science is rad at the West Coast’s largest hands-on science center. The CSC features exhibits like “Ecosystems,” with animals living in their native habitats; “Air & Space,” with aircraft, spacecraft and space probes; and “World of Life,” where you learn what all living things have in common; and many more!

1. In-N-Out Burger (multiple locations)
Dine on this West Coast cultural fast food favorite (started in 1948) and see what all the hype is about. It’s fast, fresh, simple and delicious. Pro tip: Order your burger (or fries!) “Animal Style” from their unlisted secret menu — which comes with lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, pickles and secret sauce — for a mouthwatering trip to FlavorTown. It’s always my first meal when I arrive and the last meal before I leave.

2. Queen Mary Royal Sunday Brunch
A delicious culinary delight, bottomless mimosas, live jazz music and five-star service await you during this dining experience! Travel hack: Arrive at opening (9 am) to begin your self-guided tour of the ship, book the earliest dining time (10 am) enjoy the royal treatment at brunch, have your parking validated (!!) and wrap up your afternoon by finishing the tour of the ship.

3. Philippe The Original
Historic and iconic deli (1918) where the French dip sandwich was invented. Order the double-dipped beef (top and bottom bread dipped) with easy mustard and pickle. Super messy, but delicious!

4. Langer’s Delicatessen
Old-fashioned deli (1947) serving up one of the best pastrami sandwiches for decades. Ask for the #54 done “19 style,” which equals corned beef AND pastrami, coleslaw and Russian dressing. Next-level ordering, but a HUGE portion, so take a friend to share.

5. Pink’s Hot Dogs (multiple locations)
Hot dog stand and historic landmark (1939) with creatively topped extra-long hotdogs. Pro tip for avoiding the extra-long serpentine ordering line: Go when the lines are shortest — right before lunchtime (11:30 am), before happy hour (4:30 pm) or well past midnight!

6. Dada Echo Park
Hidden entrance located in a service alley off Sunset Boulevard behind Dada Market. It’s designed and inspired by cafes in Berlin. Definitely plan on trying the “Carpool” espresso martini!

7. Mother of Pearl
The yummy raw bar and craft cocktails are featured here. Come for the food and adult beverages, but stay for the spectacular sunset views on their gorgeous outdoor rooftop terrace space.

8. Tacos La Carreta
What began as a popular food truck has now earned its place as a brick-and-mortar restaurant, and this Mazatlán-style taquería is still as popular as ever. Order the pork carnitas or biriani tacos, or level up and get the talavera texana.