Few days in LA - intinerary/travel around etc

Question

Hi all,

First time in LA this October, travelling from London and very used to the ease you can get around there and other cities like it.

We'll be in LA for 6 nights total, the last four are planned as we're going to do 3 days at Disney (predictable) and have a hotel in Anaheim booked for that.

We have 2 nights before that to explore (some) of LA, we are thinking of staying in Santa Monica (maybe at the Fairmont?) so that when we arrive we can chill, go to the beach, I'm given to understand it's a bit more walkable, there's places to eat yada yada.

Then we have two full days - I'd be happy to visit some galleries - I hear The Getty is well worth a visit, I'd like to do Griffith Park, do usual city stuff like mooch, baked goods, cocktails, thrift stores, book shops etc but we will also have our 6 year old son with us, who will probably have zero interest in that. Some of the things I've earmarked are pretty far from one another e.g. one bookshop is in Culver City, a vintage store I know my husband is interested in is located in Silverlake etc. I'm assuming that the thought of seeing some of those in the time we're there is pretty unlikely?

Currently not planning on hiring a car because parking seems prohibitively expensive, and we won't need it once we get to Anaheim, so will probably use Uber/Lyft etc.

Also are considering going to Universal because my son loves the look of the Mario-world, but I think it might end up being theme park overkill.

Anyway, any thoughts or tips on our plans would be appreciated, what other things are great for younger children?

Answer

For a first-time visit to Los Angeles with limited time and a young child, your plan to stay in Santa Monica for the first two nights is a smart choice. It provides a more walkable area, easy beach access, and plenty of dining options. The Fairmont is a good base as it’s close to the Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Pier, which are fun for children as well as adults.

Given your interests in galleries, shopping, baked goods, cocktails, and thrift stores, you’ll need to be realistic about travel times. LA is very spread out, and without a car, relying on Uber or Lyft will work for short distances but can become expensive and time-consuming for multiple stops across town. Trying to hit Culver City, Silverlake, and Griffith Park all in one day is likely too ambitious.

Here’s a suggested way to structure your two full LA days:

Day 1 (Santa Monica / Westside): Focus on the area around your hotel. Walk along the beach, visit the Santa Monica Pier, explore Third Street Promenade shops and eateries, and consider a short drive or Uber to Venice Beach for the boardwalk and canals. The Getty Center can be added this day if you start early, as it’s westside and relatively accessible from Santa Monica.
Day 2 (Hollywood / Griffith Park): Dedicate this day to Griffith Park and Hollywood highlights. Griffith Observatory offers spectacular views of the city and the Hollywood sign; morning or late afternoon is best for photos and avoiding crowds. Nearby kid-friendly stops include the Los Angeles Zoo (in Griffith Park) and Travel Town Museum (for young train enthusiasts). If you want a quick Hollywood experience, consider a short walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but avoid trying to hit multiple distant neighborhoods in one day.

Regarding Universal Studios: Since you already have Disney planned for several days, you might skip Universal to avoid “theme park fatigue,” especially with a 6-year-old. If your son is particularly excited about Mario World, you could substitute one LA day for Universal, but be aware it will take most of the day.

Other kid-friendly options in LA include:

California Science Center – hands-on exhibits, including the Space Shuttle Endeavour
La Brea Tar Pits & Museum – fun and educational for children and adults
Kidspace Children’s Museum (Pasadena) – interactive play for younger kids
Walk along the Santa Monica Pier’s small amusement rides and arcade games

Food-wise, Santa Monica and Venice have a great variety of casual and trendy options. For baked goods, consider Eggslut at Grand Central Market or local bakeries around Santa Monica.

Overall, focus on clustering activities by area rather than trying to hit far-flung destinations in a single day. This approach will keep both adults and your child happy, minimize stress, and allow some downtime in the mornings or evenings to enjoy your hotel or the beach.

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