amusement parks
Universal Studios Hollywood
Located centrally just north of Hollywood, Universal has classic rides, shows and attractions based on well-known movies and features the silly and fun backlot tour that goes by famous filming locations. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter joined the park a couple of years back, and City Walk has restaurants and shopping for the whole family.
Est. Ticket Prices: Adults $110-130 Kids (3-9) $103-115
Disneyland
Not much needs to be said here honestly. A surprisingly short jaunt down the 5, Disneyland is the ever-updating classic beloved by visitors and a surprising amount of locals. If you go, get there early because the parks fill up fast and have a FastPass plan of attack to avoid the longest lines.
Est. Ticket Prices:
1 Park: (10+) $117 (3-9) $110
Park Hopper: (10+) $167 (3-9) $160
Knott's Berry Farm
They still sell their famous jams, jellies and pies, but these days Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park is more about the rides. It's a kid-friendly option and less expensive than it's neighbor in northern Orange County, but in October it holds additional appeal to horror fans with its 'Knotts Scary Farm' pop-up attractions.
Est. Ticket Prices: (3+) $52
Six Flags Magic Mountain
North in Santa Clarita, Magic Mountain is the place to go for roller coasters. If it turns hot that week, Hurricane Harbor water park is a good place to cool off.
Est. Ticket Prices: Adults $90 Kids (Under 48") $60
Kids (2 and under) FREE
Museums
Broad
One of LA's newest museums, the Broad (pronounced: Brohd) has attracted a following quickly because of its impressive collection and the fact that it has free admission. Unless you book tickets well in advance, the best way to see it is to wait in the standby line, which can range in length from 10 minutes to an hour (get a coffee from Grand Central Market just down the hill while you're waiting!) Don't miss the Infinity Mirror rooms if you visit.
Ticket Prices: FREE
La Brea Tar Pits
The famous La Brea Tar Pits are the sort of museum that feels like a middle-America roadside attraction, but one where you can actually learn something. An interesting combination of kitsch and fossils, the Tar Pits are a fascinating archeological site in the middle of a metropolis. Situated next to LACMA, the grounds are also free for a nice stroll.
Est. Ticket Prices: Adult $14-23 (13-17) $11-20 (3-12) $6-15
LACMA
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is our largest museum, a sprawling campus in the Miracle Mile that encompasses art from all over the world and many different periods. Perhaps best known now for Chris Burden's 'Urban Light' (the oft-Instagrammed collection of antique street lamps pictured above), it's a great way to spend an afternoon or multiple full days.
Ticket Prices: Adults $20 Kids (17 and under) FREE
Free for everyone after 3p
Getty Villa/Center
The Getty Center, high on a hill in Brentwood, is known for its massive collection and its sweeping views of the LA Basin. Another museum that would take days to see all of, the Getty Center and its sister museum the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades are refreshingly 'free' to the public (though parking is $15, so go as a group). The Villa houses classical antiquities in a replica Roman villa while providing stunning views of the ocean.
Ticket Prices: FREE
Parking $15