August 2025 - Advice Needed

Question

We're planning a 5-night trip in August, 3 kids (6, 13, 15). A couple nights in Anaheim, 1 day at Disneyland is booked, and then renting a car and looking for ideas for the last 3 days. Interests are beaches, scenic areas, must-hit restaurants/areas, easy to do activities. Was thinking of driving though L.A., Sunset Blvd. briefly, see the HW sign but not really spending much time, but not sure the best way to path that to hit the highlights. Looking at Santa Monica/Venice too, wondering about a focus area, easy to do. In addition to the coast, wondering if there are easy to do mountain/park areas, or if that's too far away. We're pretty flexible, just looking for ideas that are easy to get to and relatively quick to do with kids that will give them a taste of LA/west coast, not looking for big time commitments/cost. Will decide hotel stay based on activities. Flying in/out of LAX. Willing to drive around within reason. Low stress, easy to get to/park car are a plus. TIA!

Answer

For a 5-night trip to Southern California with 3 kids, you’ve already planned Anaheim and Disneyland, which will take 1–2 days. For the remaining 3 days, you can design a mix of easy coastal, scenic, and kid-friendly activities in Los Angeles and nearby areas without overcommitting or spending too much time in traffic.

Here’s a suggested approach:

Day 1: Coastal Fun – Santa Monica & Venice
- Start at Santa Monica Pier for the ferris wheel, arcade, and family-friendly activities.
- Walk or rent bikes along the Santa Monica Beach path to Venice Beach, see the famous Muscle Beach, street performers, and the Venice Canals.
- Lunch at a casual beachfront spot; options include Mexican or seafood restaurants near the pier.
- Optional: Enjoy some downtime on the beach or visit Palisades Park for ocean views.
Day 2: Hollywood & Scenic Drive
- Drive along Sunset Boulevard briefly for sightseeing; stop for photos at iconic spots like Hollywood Sign Viewpoints (Griffith Park Observatory area offers great views and parking).
- Visit Griffith Observatory: easy hikes, great views of LA, telescope for the kids, and plenty of open space.
- Lunch or snack in Los Feliz or Hollywood; casual cafes or food trucks are easy with kids.
- Optional: Short stroll along Hollywood Walk of Fame if the kids are curious about celebrities.
Day 3: Beach & Light Adventure
- Head south along the coast to Manhattan Beach or Hermosa Beach: less crowded than Santa Monica, good for relaxing or a quick beach stop.
- Lunch near the beach; family-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating are abundant.
- Optional scenic detour: Palos Verdes Peninsula for bluff-top ocean views and short walks; easy parking and minimal crowds.
- Evening: Return toward LAX area, or consider staying near the coast for easy access.

Additional Tips:

Mountain/park areas like Topanga State Park or Griffith Park trails are feasible, but keep hikes short (1–3 miles) with kids to avoid fatigue.
Traffic can be heavy; plan coastal drives in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak LA congestion.
Hotel choice: staying near Santa Monica or along the West LA corridor provides easy access to beaches, scenic drives, and not too far from Hollywood/Griffith Park.
For parking ease: Santa Monica Pier parking lots, Griffith Observatory parking (arrive early), and beach city lots are convenient for short stops.

This plan balances sightseeing, easy-to-do activities, and kid-friendly fun, giving a taste of Los Angeles and the West Coast without overloading your schedule or requiring long commutes.

August 2025 - Advice Needed

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