Traveling with early 20s sons

Question

Hi- I will be in LA for a weekend with my sons - aged 21 & 23. We have been before and at least one is lukewarm on theme parks. That being said, he is willing to go. Any recommendations?

Answer

Visiting Los Angeles for a weekend with early 20s sons can be a fun mix of iconic sightseeing, active experiences, and cultural stops. Since one of your sons is lukewarm on theme parks but open to going, balancing theme park excitement with other engaging options is a good strategy.

Here are some recommended activities:

Universal Studios Hollywood: Even if theme parks aren’t everyone’s favorite, Universal combines rides with behind-the-scenes studio experiences, which can appeal to older visitors. Try the Studio Tour, which gives a peek at actual movie sets and production areas.
Griffith Observatory & Griffith Park: Free to enter the observatory, with incredible views of the city and the Hollywood Sign. There are short hikes in Griffith Park for a mix of activity and sightseeing.
Santa Monica & Venice Beach: Walk the pier, rent bikes, or skateboard along the beachfront path. Venice’s street performers, murals, and eclectic shops provide a fun urban experience.
Downtown LA Arts & Food Scene: Explore The Broad Museum (free entry if you reserve in advance), Grand Central Market, and the Arts District for street art, unique shops, and casual dining.
Hollywood & Walk of Fame: Quick stops at TCL Chinese Theatre and Hollywood Boulevard for photo ops. If time permits, consider the Dolby Theatre tour.

Optional adventurous or entertainment-focused activities:

Rooftop or indoor rock climbing: Places like Sender One in Santa Ana or LA Boulders offer fun physical activities for young adults.
Escape rooms or VR experiences: Downtown LA and Hollywood have several highly-rated escape rooms and VR gaming centers.
Live entertainment: Catch a comedy show at The Comedy Store, or check local listings for concerts or sporting events during your weekend.

If your group decides to do a theme park day, one day at Universal Studios or Disneyland/California Adventure is sufficient for a weekend. Combine that with sightseeing or beach time on the other day for a balanced experience that doesn’t feel overpacked.

Transportation tip: LA traffic can be heavy on weekends, especially near Hollywood, Santa Monica, and theme parks. Consider ride-sharing or planning routes to avoid peak congestion times.

Traveling with early 20s sons

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