Nearby Attractions

Griffith Observatory

All of Griffith Park is gorgeous, but the famed observatory is unmatched for its views of the LA city lights. Go before sunset and hike to the Hollywood sign, then enjoy the evening at the observatory. For cinema lovers, the Griffith Observatory has been featured in many movies, including Rebel Without a Cause, La La Land, Back to the Future, and Elvis! We recommend parking down the hill by the Greek Theatre, then taking the free shuttle up the hill, as parking is extremely limited next to the observatory itself.

Santa Monica Pier

While it may be too chilly to take a dip in the Pacific, we still recommend taking a stroll along the boardwalk and enjoying the Santa Monica pier. Attractions include a laid-back rollercoaster, carnival games, and a short walk to the famed Venice Beach for people watching. There's also 3rd Street Promenade for shopping and dining.

Universal Studios Hollywood

If you want to visit an amusement park, Universal Studios Hollywood is the closest. While it’s much smaller than it’s Florida counterpart, it makes for an enjoyable day/half-day with Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter World, and Minions attractions, as well as a tram that takes you to the studio lot. If that’s not your cup of tea, you can still stroll along Universal Citywalk, located outside the park, to grab a bite to eat, shop, and/or catch a movie.

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

If you want to travel back to the Ice Age while remaining in the heart of LA, make a pit stop at the La Brea Tar Pits. The outdoor grounds have several tar pits from which archeologists have excavated fossilized mammoths, sloths, and more. Many of the excavated fossils are housed in the indoor museum, which requires a ticket to enter. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan who always wanted a pet dire wolf like the Starks, the museum houses an impressive display of more than 400 dire wolf skulls!

California Science Center

This recommendation is for our fellow space and science nerds. While the Endeavor Space Shuttle exhibit is currently under construction and unfortunately closed to the public, there’s still a lot of interesting exhibits that make the California Science Center a worthwhile visit. Over a few hours, you can learn about human flight and space exploration, the world’s ecosystems, DNA and the body, and other topics! There’s also a lot of hands-on exhibits if you’re visiting with children.

The Americana at Brand

A great stop for shopping and dining, with an impressive fountain show and adorable trolley for extra ambience.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

McCambridge Park

A nearby park with playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, and grass to get some exercise and let the kids play.

Kidspace Children's Museum

Located one town over, Kidspace Children’s Museum is a perfect way to spend a few hours as a family. The museum aims to foster curiosity, play, and creativity among children 10 years of age and younger.