Vacation ideas pre UCLA drop off (Dec 2025)

Question

Hi LA Experts

This forum was really useful 2 years ago, so here I go again……

Looking for some suggestions/ideas of where to maybe stay/explore in late Dec (arriving Dec 26 or 27) before dropping daughter off at UCLA on/about Jan 3 or 4. Coming from New Zealand.

Party is two parents plus 1x 20 year old daughter.

We were in LA/California 2 years ago and did Universal Studios/Warner Bros/ Hollywood Walk of fame/The Grove/NBA games, Disneyland (3 days), Palm Springs and San Diego.

So looking for ideas/suggestions of areas to stay/explore other than the above.

Are any beach areas better than others?

Any good ideas on how to celebrate New Years Eve (if that is actually a thing).

Will likely have a rental car.

Any ideas are good ideas and are appreciated.

Answer

For a late December trip to Los Angeles before dropping your daughter off at UCLA, there are plenty of options that can offer new experiences beyond the attractions you've already seen. Since you’ll have a rental car, flexibility will allow you to explore a variety of neighborhoods, coastal areas, and cultural spots.

Beach Areas to Consider Staying or Exploring:

Santa Monica: Even if you haven’t stayed there, it’s a great hub with a vibrant pier, Third Street Promenade, and easy access to other Westside beaches. Less touristy in winter and usually less crowded.
Venice Beach: Known for its boardwalk, street performers, and quirky shops. You can rent bikes and ride along the beach path to Santa Monica.
Manhattan Beach / Hermosa Beach / Redondo Beach: These South Bay beaches are quieter than Santa Monica or Venice and have excellent restaurants, nice walks along the piers, and good spots for sunset.
Malibu: Scenic and more upscale, Malibu’s beaches like Zuma Beach and El Matador are stunning. Perfect for a scenic drive along Pacific Coast Highway with great photo stops.

Other Areas / Experiences Worth Exploring:

West Hollywood (WeHo): Trendy dining, nightlife, and boutique shopping. Great for a relaxed stroll and dinner out.
Pasadena: Known for its architecture, gardens, and the Huntington Library. A nice day trip for art, gardens, and history.
Downtown LA Cultural Spots: The Broad Museum, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Olvera Street for history, and Grand Central Market for local eats.
Griffith Park / Observatory: Offers hiking, panoramic views of LA, and a classic city sunset spot. Great for a mix of light activity and sightseeing.
Marina del Rey / Venice Canals: Charming neighborhoods with water views and calm strolls away from the busier beaches.

New Year’s Eve Suggestions:

Fireworks Shows: Some hotels in beach areas and marinas host fireworks, particularly around Marina del Rey or Santa Monica. Check local schedules for 2025 events.
LA Live in Downtown LA: Outdoor celebrations and countdown events, though often crowded.
Dining & Private Experiences: Many restaurants and hotels host NYE dinners or parties, which can be enjoyable without the large crowds of public events.
Sunset Celebrations: For a quieter experience, watch the sunset on a beach and enjoy a casual dinner in Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, or Malibu.

With a rental car, you can mix beach time with cultural exploration, scenic drives along the PCH, and easy access to UCLA for your daughter’s drop-off. Staying somewhere central on the Westside (Santa Monica, Venice, or Marina del Rey) would allow reasonable access to beaches, city attractions, and freeway routes to Westwood.

Overall, focus on scenic drives, coastal towns, and relaxing neighborhood explorations to complement your prior LA visits and avoid the crowds of more tourist-heavy areas.

Vacation ideas pre UCLA drop off (Dec 2025)

More Los Angeles Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions