Reasonable Itinerary?

Question

Our family will be visiting LA this summer (two 19 year-olds and a 16 year-old). I'm wondering if this itinerary seems do-able, or if there are additional suggestions that might be interesting for my film-obsessed teens.

Day 1-

Morning visiting Hollywood Walk of fame and Sunset Boulevard

Afternoon studio tour at Warner Bros.

Evening at Griffith Conservatory

Day 2-

Explore downtown LA (Angel's Flight, The Broad, Bradbury Building, Little Tokyo, other?)

Evening movie in the main room at the Chinese Theater

Day 3-

Visit the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Evening show at the Hollywood Bowl

Day 4-

Drive out to spend a day exploring Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier

Day 5-

Universal Studios

Contemplating a vacation rental near Beverly Grove or even near West Hollywood. I would love any feedback. Thank you so much.

Answer

Hi there! Your itinerary looks like a fantastic and film-centric adventure for your teens, especially with their love for movies! Here's my feedback on your planned days, as well as some additional suggestions to make your visit even better.

Day 1:

Morning: The Hollywood Walk of Fame and Sunset Boulevard are great spots to start your trip! It's a good idea to walk around and explore, but keep in mind that it can get crowded. If your teens are film buffs, take some time to stop by the TCL Chinese Theatre to see the famous handprints and footprints. It’s iconic for a reason!

Afternoon: The Warner Bros. studio tour is a great pick for movie lovers, and it’s a good way to learn behind-the-scenes details about how films and TV shows are made. If you have extra time, consider adding a visit to the nearby Hollywood Museum, which often has exhibits on classic films and stars.

Evening: Griffith Observatory is an awesome place for a scenic view of the city and a glimpse of the Hollywood Sign. You can hike up to the observatory for a great view, or if you're tired from the day, you can just drive up. Be sure to check out the planetarium show, which is both educational and entertaining for teens.

Day 2:

Exploring downtown LA: Your downtown itinerary is perfect! Angel’s Flight is a historic funicular, and it's a great way to get a bird's-eye view of the city. The Broad Museum is incredible, especially if your teens are into modern art (though it can get busy, so try to go early). The Bradbury Building is a must-see for architecture lovers—it’s where parts of Blade Runner were filmed. Little Tokyo is a unique spot with cool shops and food. If you’re interested in more film-related stops, consider checking out the Los Angeles Central Library, which is beautiful inside and often has movie-related exhibitions or events.

Evening: A movie at the TCL Chinese Theatre is iconic and a must-do for film fans! It’s a great way to end a day of exploring Hollywood. Depending on the movie schedule, you might even catch a classic film or a special screening, which could be a nice treat for your teens.

Day 3:

Visiting the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is the perfect follow-up to your Hollywood-themed days. The museum has a fantastic collection of exhibits on film history, including props, costumes, and interactive experiences. It’s a must for anyone who loves film. You could easily spend half a day here.

Evening: A show at the Hollywood Bowl is an excellent way to spend the evening. The venue is legendary, and depending on the show, it can be a unique experience for your family. Check the schedule to see if there’s a performance that suits your family’s interests. It’s also a great spot for teens who appreciate live music or big performances!

Day 4:

Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier are fun and laid-back places to explore. Venice Beach is famous for its quirky vibe, street performers, skate park, and Muscle Beach. Santa Monica Pier offers a bit more of a traditional beach boardwalk vibe with rides, arcades, and plenty of food options. If you want something a bit more film-centric, you could visit the Venice Skate Park, which has appeared in many films, or rent bikes to cruise along the beach path, which is a fun and easy activity for teens.

Day 5:

Universal Studios is a great way to wrap up your trip! It’s fun for all ages and a must-see for anyone into movies. The theme park has rides based on famous films and immersive sets, and the studio tour gives you a look behind the scenes of working movie sets. If you have a bit more time, try the Universal CityWalk area for shopping, dining, and entertainment outside the park.

Accommodation Recommendations: For where to stay, both Beverly Grove and West Hollywood are excellent choices. Both areas are centrally located and offer easy access to many of the attractions you've mentioned. Here are some benefits of each area:

Beverly Grove: Close to the Grove, a trendy shopping area with lots of restaurants and entertainment. You’re also near the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the La Brea Tar Pits. The area is safe and convenient for getting around.
West Hollywood: This neighborhood has a lively vibe with plenty of dining, shopping, and nightlife options. It’s also close to the Sunset Strip and a short drive to both Universal Studios and Griffith Observatory. It’s a good spot for families who want to experience LA’s trendy side while still being close to major attractions.

Additional Suggestions for Film-Loving Teens: If your teens are really into movies, consider adding these stops to your itinerary:

Hollywood Forever Cemetery: This is where many famous stars are buried, and it’s also known for hosting outdoor movie nights in the summer. It’s a fun, off-the-beaten-path experience for film lovers.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios: For a more immersive film experience, your teens would love this magical section of the park.
Paramount Pictures Studio Tour: If Warner Bros. was a hit, consider the Paramount Pictures studio tour as well. It’s another iconic studio in Hollywood with an excellent behind-the-scenes experience.

It looks like you have a solid plan already! I’m sure your family will have an amazing time, especially with all the great film-related activities. Enjoy your trip to LA!

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