From the glitz of Hollywood to sunny beaches, stunning scenery, and heritage sites, Los Angeles has something for every member of the family. It's a great destination for a memorable family vacation. But in order to get the absolute best out of your trip to LA, you need to plan well and pack properly. Here, we'll go through all the essentials you need to pack and everything you need to think about before embarking on the family LA trip of a lifetime.
Start by planning your transportation
If you're a seasoned traveler, you're probably used to major cities having well-developed public transport networks. That's not the case with Los Angeles. LA developed rapidly in the post-car age, and its public transport network never caught up. So, if you're going to experience the best LA has to offer, you need a car.
Luckily it's not hard to find a car in LA. You can get behind the wheel right out of the airport with LAX rental cars, or borrow a temporary ride from a carsharing program. If you can't drive or aren't licensed to drive in the USA, Ubers and cabs are an option, but if you can drive then it's recommended that you do hire your own ride. You can't beat the freedom and flexibility of driving yourself around LA.
Seek out family-friendly activities
There's a huge amount to see and do in LA, so don't try and fit absolutely everything in. Instead, select the kinds of places and activities that most appeal to your family.
LA is packed full of family-friendly places and activities. Here are a few suggestions:
- Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the USA. It's home to the Griffith Observatory, which has interactive exhibits for curious young astronomers. The Griffith Park carousel reputedly inspired Walt Disney to build Disneyland. The park is also home to plenty of hiking and biking trails, and the iconic Hollywood sign. Honestly, you can spend days in Griffith Park without running out of things to do!
- Universal Studios will suit both movie buffs and adventurous kids. There are thrill rides, fun exhibits, and even studio tours (it's strongly recommended that you book these well in advance). If you're still craving movie magic after that, head over to Warner Bros studios for a guided tour of one of Hollywood's most iconic places.
- There's a wealth of museums and galleries in LA, some of which are more family-friendly than others. The Los Angeles County Museum Of Art and the Natural History Museum have plenty of interactive exhibits and fun things for kids to do.
- Santa Monica pier offers seaside fun and amusements. You can spend the whole day at the beach here without anyone getting bored or hungry. Just be sure to pack hats and sunscreen - the California sun glinting off the ocean can be bad for unprotected fair skin.
- If you're a family of nature-lovers, a drive up to Topanga State Park offers breathtaking views and the opportunity to spot deer, hawk owls, hummingbirds, and maybe even a mountain lion. If you've got good sea legs, book a whale watching tour and spot gray whales, minke whales, orcas, and more.
Pack wisely
Los Angeles is known for its hot, dry climate, so bear that in mind when you're picking what to pack. Hats, shades, reusable water bottles and sunscreen are advised. Pick clothing that you can layer - if you head out on a desert or mountain road trip, you'd be surprised at how much the temperature varies.
If you're planning long days exploring on foot, pack comfortable shoes that will protect your feet from baking sidewalks and rough park trails without getting too hot.
No trip to the California coast is complete without spending time on the beach, so bring along beach-suitable shoes, towels, parasols if you're planning to stay a while, and swimming costumes for those who're looking forward to a dip in the ocean.
Remember, chances are that you're going to spend some time stuck in the car. That's part of the LA experience. Keep the kids from kicking off in traffic with plenty of in-drive entertainment. Load tablets with movies, line up fun books or shows for the sound system, or invest in some simple car games. And invest in a portable cooler so that you can keep hydrated and fend off hunger while driving.
One important packing tip that a lot of people forget is to bring along portable chargers for your devices. When away from home you're likely to spend long hours away from charging points, and while lots of friendly restaurateurs will happily let you charge your phone in their establishment, you don't want to waste time and bore your family while you sit around waiting for devices to charge. So, pack portable chargers that you can use on the go to stay connected without losing time.
Safety
LA is much safer than popular stereotypes would have you believe, but it still pays to be safety-conscious when traveling with your family. Invest in clothing and purses that will keep your valuables safe, don't let your kids wander off without you, and avoid higher-crime areas like Skid Row. Don't worry - the neighborhoods where you'll find most of the major tourist attractions are all very safe. But it still pays to be vigilant.
Proper planning and packing makes for memorable vacations
Travel is one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling things you can do - and travelling with kids sets them up with a lifetime of happy vacation memories. But without proper preparation, you could end up with uncomfortable clothing, boring downtime, and logistical nightmares with tantrumming kids.
By planning properly and understanding what essentials to pack you'll lay the groundwork for the vacation of a lifetime. So take these tips on board, work out what you want to see in LA, and start getting excited for your vacation.
*This is a collaborative post. All views and texts are my own.
