President’s day

Question

Hello,

We are coming in for 5 nights starting the day before president’s day. Trying to figure out how busy things will be on Presidents’ Day? Should we avoid hiking to the Hollywood sign and Griffith observatory or Warner bros on that day? (I’m assuming def avoid Universal Studios) Or would driving out to Claremont-McKenna be bad on that day because of traffic coming back to the city Monday night?

Some other questions:

1. If we do a am tour of USC one day and tour of Claremont McKenna another day what is the best afternoon activity to pair each with? (On our wish list is Griffith observatory, Hollywood sign hike, Warner bros.)

2. I was going to pair a UCLA tour with Santa Monica pier. Does that make sense?

Thanks!

Answer

Visiting Los Angeles around Presidents’ Day can be busier than normal because it’s a long weekend and locals are often out for short trips. Expect heavier traffic on major freeways, especially near tourist areas, beaches, and theme parks. Universal Studios and other large attractions will be very crowded, so it’s wise to avoid them on the holiday itself if possible.

For hiking to the Hollywood Sign or visiting Griffith Observatory, mornings are best. The trails can get crowded later in the day, and parking at Griffith can be challenging on a holiday. Warner Bros. Studio tours are also likely to be busier than usual, so booking early morning slots online is recommended.

Driving to Claremont-McKenna on Presidents’ Day should be fine in the morning, but returning to central LA in the evening may involve heavier traffic. Leaving mid-afternoon might help avoid the peak of the return rush, though traffic is always unpredictable.

Suggested Pairings for College Tours and Afternoon Activities:

USC Tour: Morning tour at USC, then head to Griffith Observatory in the afternoon. The observatory is not far from USC and offers scenic views, light hiking, and some indoor exhibits if it gets too busy.
Claremont-McKenna Tour: Morning tour, then consider heading back to LA and pairing with a lighter, low-stress activity such as a short visit to the Hollywood Sign overlook or a casual walk along a nearby area. Avoid major tourist-heavy attractions immediately after returning to avoid stress from traffic.

UCLA Tour and Santa Monica:

This pairing works well. Do a morning tour at UCLA, then drive to Santa Monica for lunch, a stroll along the pier, or a short beach walk. Traffic is usually manageable mid-morning to early afternoon from Westwood to Santa Monica, though the weekend may add slight delays.

Additional Tips:

Start your days early to avoid peak traffic and long lines at popular spots.
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to monitor live traffic and adjust routes accordingly.
Reserve tours and timed-entry attractions online in advance to secure preferred slots.
Consider having backup plans for outdoor activities if traffic or crowds make timing tight.

Overall, plan to tackle the bigger attractions in the mornings, pair college tours with nearby or relaxing afternoon activities, and avoid theme parks on Presidents’ Day itself if possible.

President’s day

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