Things To Do
Griffith Observatory
Probably the highest recommendation. It's a hit for all types of people, regardless of age. You can drive to the top and pay for parking, but you may still have to walk up the hill as parking is limited. The observatory is closed on Mondays. Make sure to check out the Tesla Coil show, which they turn on and shoot lightning out of, about once an hour.
The Getty
The gardens and architecture is beautiful, there are plenty of areas for families to picnic, and the art collection has really come a long ways. Very family friendly, could spend most of a day here.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Warner Bros. is the best tour, hands down. You first go into a room with the history of the studio. The tour groups are then brought into a theater for a quick video then it’s off to the lots, and sound stages. The last two areas are self-toured.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
$29 per person. Plenty of restrooms and AC. Huge variety of botanical gardens and even has both Japanese and Chinese gardens. It also has a couple really nice gallery buildings for a nice museum feel. It takes a long time to see it all, give yourself at least 3 hours.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Note: this is a bit of a tourist trap. You should go, but just spend an hour or two there. One route is to go see the Chinese Theater and the hand/footprints outside, then check out the Hollywood/Highland mall area, go across the street to Disney’s flagship theater El Capitan, then go to the Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood’s oldest that has multiple bars and restaurants including a great poolside bar in the back.
Rodeo Drive
If you're heading to Santa Monica, Beverly Hills might be worth an afternoon. Park the car, walk down Rodeo Drive, look at the ridiculous stores, grab lunch anywhere from Spago to Subway, get back in the car, drive through a few of the neighborhoods North of Wilshire/Santa Monica, and call it a day.
The Museum of Jurassic Technology
If you like the idea of a museum as a piece of performance art, complete with weird and unusual exhibits, then this is you.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Has more contemporary/modern art than the Getty, and it's close to the Tar Pits.
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
Small park with some small ponds. Free, except for the museum inside. If it's your thing, it's fun to see fossils being continuously excavated.
West Side Beaches
Use this website link to find a beach spot that's safe for swimming. Most spots in Venice and Santa Monica are good, and of course the cities have been plenty of things to do aside from the beaches.
Highland Park Bowl
Retro bowling alley, with phenomenal cocktails and good food. A bit on the pricier side, so bigger groups are recommended.
New Beverly Cinema
A movie theater that only plays 35mm film, is owned by Quentin Tarantino, is a historic building, and plays a bunch of pop culture movies.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Highly recommend going on days that aren't Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Super Mario World is especially fun, but it will be crowded. There are Early Entry and VIP passes to help mitigate the crowds. Lastly, the butterbeer is delicious.
Stay Zero Proof
Here's the one non-alcoholic bar in LA, to counterbalance the 1,500 alcoholic ones.