Avoiding Memorial Day Weekend craziness

Question

We live in Los Angeles and I usually avoid going out on Memorial Day weekend. Overall we hate vacations with crowds, traffic, and epic lines. That said, my 6 year old son's birthday is Memorial Day. This year I have Saturday - Tuesday off and am hoping to do something special. Any advise on places to go that will be more low key and involve less traffic?

Answer

Memorial Day weekend is notoriously busy in California, especially around popular beaches, theme parks, and national parks. Since you’re looking to avoid crowds and traffic while celebrating your 6-year-old’s birthday, focusing on less-visited destinations or short drives from Los Angeles will make for a much more enjoyable experience.

Here are some suggestions:

Local nature escapes: Consider day trips to locations that are beautiful but less crowded. Examples include:

Angeles National Forest – easy hikes or picnic spots; less crowded if you go early morning.
Ojai Valley – charming small town with outdoor activities and local parks.
Santa Monica Mountains – several kid-friendly trails like Solstice Canyon or Paramount Ranch (arrive early).

Offbeat beaches: Instead of Malibu or Santa Monica, which are packed, consider:

Leo Carrillo State Park – tide pools, small caves, less foot traffic if you arrive early.
Point Dume State Beach – scenic cliffs, sandy areas, and space for kids to explore.

Educational and interactive outings: Indoor or semi-indoor options can avoid huge crowds:

Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena – hands-on activities and outdoor play areas.
La Brea Tar Pits – fun and educational, with outdoor fossil exhibits; mornings are quieter.

Unique birthday experiences: Small-scale, fun experiences for your child without the massive lines:

Horseback riding at Griffith Park or nearby stables.
Small-scale boat rides at Echo Park Lake.
Picnic + scavenger hunt at a local botanical garden (Huntington or Descanso Gardens), going early to avoid crowds.

Additional tips to minimize crowds:

Start activities very early in the morning to beat traffic and crowds.
Consider weekday excursions (Monday/Tuesday) rather than Saturday or Sunday.
Pack a picnic and avoid dining at popular tourist restaurants during peak hours.
Check traffic apps to avoid bottlenecks on highways leading out of LA.

In short, focus on smaller, local attractions and plan your outings early in the day. A mix of outdoor nature spots, interactive museums, and low-key birthday experiences should make for a fun celebration without the usual Memorial Day chaos.