Los Angeles Family Vacation Guide: 4–7 Day Itinerary with Top Things to Do

Los Angeles is one of those places where families can find something for everyone. It’s a city where theme parks meet beaches, museums meet movie magic, and sunshine meets smiles.

Whether your kids love superheroes, animals, or roller coasters (or all three!), LA has you covered.

This flexible 4–7 day Los Angeles itinerary for families starts with four days of the most popular and kid-approved highlights — then adds three optional days with even more family adventures. Think of it as a mix-and-match guide you can tailor to your own pace.

So, pack those sunglasses, charge your cameras, and get ready for some California fun!

Day 1: Hollywood & Griffith Park – Lights, Camera, Action!

Start your LA family trip with some movie magic. Hollywood might be famous for celebrities, but kids love spotting familiar names on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and comparing handprints at the TCL Chinese Theatre.

Then, take a short drive to Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. It’s home to playgrounds, hiking trails, pony rides, and even a miniature train. The park’s crown jewel is the Griffith Observatory, where families can explore space exhibits, watch live planetarium shows, and get that famous view of the Hollywood Sign.

Don’t miss:

The view of Los Angeles from Griffith Observatory.
Travel Town Museum, where kids can climb on vintage trains.
A short hike or pony ride near Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round.

Optional stops:

Hollywood Bowl Overlook for photos.
Hollywood Museum for fun movie props.
Family dinner at The Smoke House or Mel’s Drive-In, both kid favorites.

Pro tip: Bring snacks and water — Griffith Park is big, and kids will want to explore!

Day 2: Beverly Hills, West Hollywood & The Grove – Glamour Meets Family Fun

Today’s itinerary blends a little luxury with a lot of family-friendly fun. Start your morning in Beverly Hills for a quick photo at the Beverly Hills Sign and a stroll down Rodeo Drive (just window-shopping counts!). The wide sidewalks and palm trees make it easy for strollers, too.

Then, head to The Grove — a beautiful outdoor shopping and dining area where kids can splash by the fountains and ride the charming electric trolley. Right next door is the Original Farmers Market, a must-stop for family lunch. There’s food for every taste, from pizza to crepes to classic California burgers.

In the afternoon, stop by LACMA’s Urban Light installation for photos or visit La Brea Tar Pits nearby to see real-life fossils and bubbling asphalt pits that fascinate kids of all ages.

Don’t miss:

The Grove Trolley (free and always a hit).
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum for a fun science twist.
LACMA’s Urban Light for family photos.

Optional stops:

Beverly Gardens Park for an easy walk.
Sprinkles Cupcake ATM for a sweet treat.
Ice cream stop at Salt & Straw in West Hollywood.

Family tip: Visit The Grove in the afternoon — live music or fountain shows often pop up.

Day 3: Santa Monica & Venice Beach – Sand, Surf & Sunsets

It’s beach day! Start in Santa Monica, a perfect family-friendly spot where kids can play on the sand or ride the classic Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier. The small amusement park, Pacific Park, has rides for all ages, and the nearby Heal the Bay Aquarium (under the pier) offers hands-on marine exhibits.

Rent bikes or surreys to ride along the Marvin Braude Bike Path down to Venice Beach. Along the way, stop for ice cream, watch skateboarders at the Venice Skate Park, and admire colorful street art.

Don’t miss:

Santa Monica Pier and the carousel.
Pacific Park rides (the Ferris wheel is a must!).
Venice Boardwalk for street performers and shops.

Optional stops:

Venice Canals for a peaceful walk.
Main Street Santa Monica for snacks and souvenirs.
Tongva Park for climbing structures and ocean views.

Family tip: Bring towels and a change of clothes — kids will definitely find a way to get wet!

Day 4: Downtown LA – Culture, Discovery & Skyline Views

Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) is packed with surprises for families. Start your day at The Broad Museum — free, modern, and filled with interactive art kids actually enjoy. Nearby, take a quick photo stop at the shiny Walt Disney Concert Hall, one of LA’s most striking buildings.

Then, walk to Grand Central Market for lunch — the kids can pick whatever they want, from tacos to gourmet grilled cheese. Afterward, hop on the Angels Flight Railway, one of the world’s shortest (and most charming) funiculars.

Round out the day at The California Science Center, home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour, or the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, where dinosaurs and dioramas wow everyone.

Don’t miss:

The Last Bookstore for tunnels made of books.
Grand Park for splash fountains and play areas.
Space Shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center.

Optional stops:

Little Tokyo for Japanese sweets and toys.
El Pueblo de Los Angeles, the city’s oldest district.
Perch (family-friendly during the day) for skyline views.

Family tip: The museums around Exposition Park (Science Center, Natural History, IMAX) can easily fill a full day — pick your favorite two!

Bonus Days – Mix & Match for More Family Fun

Got extra time? Here are three additional days of adventures your family can plug in anywhere in your Los Angeles trip.

Day 5: Universal Studios Hollywood or Disneyland Day Trip

It’s theme park day — and you really can’t go wrong with either choice.

Universal Studios Hollywood is perfect for movie lovers. The Studio Tour is both fun and educational, and attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem are guaranteed hits.

Disneyland, about 45 minutes away in Anaheim, is pure magic. Families can split their time between Disneyland Park and California Adventure, or stick to one and take it slow.

Don’t miss:

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal).
Jurassic World Ride for brave tweens and teens.
It’s a Small World and Radiator Springs Racers (Disneyland).

Optional stops:

CityWalk Hollywood for dinner and souvenir shopping.
Stay late for fireworks — both parks put on dazzling shows.

Family tip: Get there early, download the park app, and plan your top 3 rides first.

Day 6: Malibu & Pacific Coast Highway – Ocean Views & Outdoor Adventures

If your family loves nature and the ocean, spend a day exploring Malibu and the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).

Start at Malibu Pier and have breakfast at Malibu Farm, where you can watch surfers while you eat. Then head to Zuma Beach or El Matador State Beach — both perfect for sandcastles and tide-pooling.

If your kids enjoy hiking, try Solstice Canyon, an easy trail with shade and a waterfall.

Don’t miss:

Malibu Pier for photos and fishing.
El Matador Beach for caves and cliffs.
Point Dume for whale spotting in winter.

Optional stops:

Neptune’s Net for burgers and seafood.
Getty Villa (free entry, family-friendly exhibits).
Malibu Bluffs Park for picnics and playgrounds.

Family tip: Pack snacks and beach gear — this is a full-day coastal adventure.

Day 7: The Getty Center & Neighborhood Exploring

Wrap up your trip with a day that’s equal parts relaxing and inspiring. The Getty Center is a family favorite — the tram ride up the hill is half the fun! Once there, kids can explore the gardens and outdoor sculptures while adults enjoy art and views.

Afterward, explore nearby neighborhoods like Culver City, Los Feliz, or Silver Lake, each with parks, kid-friendly cafés, and local charm.

Don’t miss:

Getty Gardens for photos and open space.
Culver City Stairs for a mini family workout.
Los Feliz Village for a casual lunch stop.

Optional stops:

Kidspace Museum in Pasadena if you have younger children.
Barnsdall Art Park for weekend family art activities.
Alfred Coffee or Milk Bar for sweet treats.

Family tip: The Getty offers free admission but parking fills early — go in the morning.

Tips for Planning a Family Trip to Los Angeles

Best time to visit: Spring and fall bring the best weather and smaller crowds.
Getting around: Rent a car — public transit isn’t ideal for families covering multiple areas.
Where to stay: Santa Monica for beach access, West Hollywood for central convenience, or Anaheim if you’re focusing on Disneyland.
Meal planning: LA is full of casual spots where kids are welcome — don’t stress over fancy dining.
Pace yourself: LA is big! Plan days by neighborhood to cut down on drive time.

Final Thoughts

Los Angeles is more than movie stars and palm trees — it’s a playground for families who love adventure, sunshine, and discovery. From exploring dinosaurs at the museum to watching the sunset from the beach, every day here feels a little different and a lot of fun.

Whether you stick to the 4-day highlights or stretch it into a full 7-day family vacation, you’ll leave with memories (and photos) that’ll last a lifetime.

So, what do you think — ready to plan your own family adventure in the City of Angels?