As the second-largest city in the U.S., Los Angeles offers beaches, parks, museums and stars. It is especially popular with families with older kids. LA is a favorite U.S. city to explore with its endless sun, even in the winter. A trip to LA blends the top museums on the West Coast with an opportunity to learn about old Hollywood and even see a starlet. Here are the Best Things to Do in LA for a Weekend.
Best Free Things to Do in Los Angeles
Big cities can be expensive; however, find free things to do in LA. From the Hollywood Walk of Fame to seeing the city lights at the Griffith Observatory, get a dose of LA on the cheap. There are even free museums: the California Science Center and the Getty Museum.
The beaches are free to enter (parking is extra). People-watching and window-shopping are also free. From The Original Farmer’s Market to The Grove, find uniquely LA shops and boutiques.
Best Things to Do in LA for a Weekend
The Griddle Café
Château Marmot
TCL Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard
Dolby Theater
Hollywood Walk of Fame
La Brea Tar Pits
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
Petersen Automotive Museum
Pink’s Hot Dogs
Griffith Park
Los Angeles Zoo
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Park and Southern Railroad and Travel Town
The Original Farmer’s Market
The Grove
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Dodger Stadium
The Broad
Grand Central Market
California Science Center
The Getty Center
Santa Monica Pier and Beach
Day 1: Say Hello to Hollywood
To make the most of your first day in LA, get started early while the crowds are still sleeping. Hop in your car and head for breakfast off Sunset Blvd.
The Griddle Café
Since it’s a favorite, arrive early to satisfy your breakfast dreams. The Griddle Café offers a huge menu with pancakes in every flavor, along with French toast and egg dishes.
A drive down Sunset Blvd. is a must for its icon LA vibe. As a bonus, it’s early, so the driving should be easygoing.
Located at 7916 Sunset Blvd. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Château Marmot
The Château Marmot is an iconic LA hotel. Head around the corner to see a bit of Old Hollywood history, built in the 1920s. As the backdrop to numerous movies and a celebrity hangout, it’s a must.
Head to the hotel’s boutique for swag, if you must. A logo T will set you back close to $100 after tax.
Located at 8221 W. Sunset Blvd.
TCL Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard
Start with TCL Chinese Theatre’s famous footprints, where stars put their footprints in the concrete along with handprints.
Located at 6925 Hollywood Blvd.
Dolby Theater
The Dolby Theater is the home of the Academy Awards. Just imagine the red carpet and flashing cameras.
Located close by at 6801 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
After walking by the famous theaters, find the brightest stars in California. With three-and-a-half miles of brass and granite stars, spend a few minutes finding your favorites for a star selfie.
Located on Hollywood Blvd. between La Brea Blvd. and Vine St.
Capital Records Building
Drive by this iconic record label and its unique headquarters. Built in 1956, the round building looks like a stack of 45s. before changing gears and heading south.
Located at 1750 Vine St.
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La Brea Tar Pits
After stargazing, it’s time to change gears and head south. A must-do for generations, the La Brea Tar Pits topped my list since I was 10.
The strange bubbling tar churns and spews into puddles and pools at the La Brea Tar Pits. Start with a walkaround the property to see the tar pits in different sizes. Be prepared to cover your nose as the tar reeks.
After walking around the tar pits, head into the museum to look at prehistoric animal bones found on the property. The discovery isn’t over; La Brea Tar Pits remains an active discovery zone.
Located at 5801 Wilshire Blvd. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: Adults $18, Students $14 and Kids (3 -12) $7. Parking is $18.
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) shares a parking lot with the La Brea Tar Pits. Walk through the museum next.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
Don’t let the name confuse you; the LACMA (as the locals call it) is the largest art museum in the western U.S. With separate buildings dedicated to different eras and styles, visitors could spend all day. I recommend hitting the highlights and checking in with a docent upon arrival to tailor your visit to your interests.
Note: A new building for its permanent collection is scheduled to open in April 2026.
Located at 5905 Wiltshire Blvd. Open Monday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Closed Wednesday, Thursday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Adult admission $30, kids 3 to17 are $15. Reservations are recommended.
Petersen Automotive Museum
For travelers with an interest in cars, the Petersen Automotive Museum is a must. The building opened in 2015 and resembles a red car racing around a corner; you can’t miss it. Inside, find a curated collection of iconic vehicles.
There is a separate exhibit, The Vault. There, visitors will see more than 250 vehicles.
Located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adult admission is $22, Students (12 to 17) are $13 and Kids (4 to 11) are $12.
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Pink’s Hot Dogs
I will admit, I’m not a hotdog enthusiast, though I enjoyed Pink’s.
First, pick a celebrity named dog, like the Martha Stewart Dog. Then give your order to the ladies working the counter, many of whom have worked the stand for years.
Grab a table out back under an umbrella. Then, bite into an experience. Are the hotdogs messy? Yep, but the kids will love it.
Located at 709 N. La Brea Ave. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. until midnight (2 a.m. on weekends). Street parking in front and parking around the back, though watch that meter! I got a parking ticket here.
Griffith Park
As one of the largest municipal parks with an urban wilderness in the U.S., Griffith Park offers days of exploring. Depending on your family, I would choose one attraction in Griffith Park–the Los Angeles Zoo or the Griffith Observatory.
Located at 4730 Crystal Springs Dr. Free attractions are extra. Use the DASH Observatory Shuttle ($ .50) to get around the park, since parking can be hard to find, especially at the Griffith Observatory.
Los Angeles Zoo
Since 1966, families have explored the Los Angeles Zoo with over 250 animal species across 133 acres. Take a spin on the vintage carousel with the kids, too (additional ticket).
Located at 5333 Zoo Dr. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission $27, Kids (2 to 12) $22. Reservations recommended.
Griffith Observatory
With amazing views of Downtown LA and the Hollywood Sign, a visit to the 1935 Griffith Observatory tops many must-do lists for LA. Free to visit, the building is an Art Deco jewel and includes science exhibits, including telescopes.
Located at 2800 E. Observatory Rd. Open Tuesday to Friday from noon to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (closed Monday). Free to enter.
Griffith Park and Southern Railroad
For the train lovers in the family, visit the Griffith Park and Southern Railroad for a ride on a miniature train.
Located at 4400 Crystal Springs Dr. Open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Adults $4, Kids (17 and younger) $3.
Travel Town Museum
Another must-do for train lovers, Travel Town offers an outdoor facility with several full-size train cars to explore.
Located at 5200 Zoo Dr. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free to enter.
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The Original Farmer’s Market
More than a fresh produce market, The Original Farmer’s Market is a foodie destination. Stocked with unique and familiar purveyors, find everything from fresh seafood to cold brew coffee. Since so many quick-service eateries are in one location, this is the ideal place to feed a family.
Located at 6333 W. 3rd St. Open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free to enter.
The Grove
For the teens in the family, The Grove is next door to the Original Farmer’s Market. It’s an outdoor shopping area and offers the possibility to see a starlet or two.
Located at 189 The Grove Dr.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
The only way into the concert hall is to attend an event. So if the LA Philharmonic is in season, reserve tickets to the architectural marvel, sheathed in stainless steel. Designed by Frank Gehry in the Deconstructivism style, it’s an architectural icon.
Located at 111 S. Grand Ave. Reserve tickets to events in advance.
The Broad
While at Walt Disney Concert Hall, drive by the newer The Broad, located across the street. As a contemporary art museum, the building looks like a honeycomb. The Infinity Mirrored Room is fascinating.
Located at 221 S. Grand Ave. General admission is free. Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Dodger Stadium
If a concert sounds boring, get tickets to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a home baseball game. Another place to enjoy a perfect SoCal evening.
Located at 1000 Vin Scully Ave.
Day Two: The Shuttle and the Surf
It’s a vacay, so eat like the calories don’t count.
Grand Central Market
As a downtown landmark since 1917, Grand Central Market provides a hum of early morning activity and some solid breakfast options, like coffee counters and bakeries.
Located at 317 S. Broadway. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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California Science Center
As one of the locations to see a retired Space Shuttle, this is a must for the adventurers in your car. With half of the facility dedicated to space exploration, the California Science Center is a must for families. The Space Shuttle Endeavoris a top attraction, and don’t forget the external tank outside the building.
The Ecosystems exhibit walks kids through 11 different ecosystems. So don’t miss the kelp forest with touch tanks mimicking tidal pools. The desert exhibit features a mock flash flood that kids love, too.
Know before you go: Since this is a free museum, it’s a favorite with school groups. Buy tickets for special exhibits and IMAX at Will Call or the Ticket Window.
Located at 700 Exposition Park Dr. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free, except for special exhibits and IMAX movies.
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The Getty Center
Savor the beauty of LA in a beautiful place to see beautiful art overlooking a beautiful view. The Getty Museum is more than an art museum; it’s a work of art itself.
Designed by Richard Meier, the Getty Center is a top architectural delight as well as the gardens and courtyards. As a favorite among locals, sit in the grass and enjoy a sunny afternoon.
With an extensive art collection, including Van Gogh’s Irises, you could spend all day, so keep it limited to your interests or stroll the gardens instead.
Located at 1200 Sepulveda Blvd. Open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to c:30 p.m. (closed Monday). Free, however, requires a timed entry reservation.
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Santa Monica Pier and Beach
A trip to the beach is a must for LA.. and a SoCal sunset is legendary. It will totally make up for any hiccups in parking.
Located at Ocean Ave. at Colorado Ave. Parking is available on the pier or use metered street parking.
Surf lessons
If surfing is on the list, then arrange for a surfing lesson from one of several surf shops in the area. Don’t worry about special gear, the shop arranges all that for you, like spring or wetsuits and surfboards.
I have three kids, 10, 13 and 15, who benefited from surf lessons. However, like any new sport, practice is the key, and kids must be proficient swimmers.
Santa Monica Beach and Pier
After surf lessons, explore the Santa Monica beach and pier for the rest of the afternoon.
I recommend renting bikes and taking a guided tour of Santa Monica. It’s a great way to explore, and the dedicated bike lanes make it safe for families. Several rental shops are next to the pier.
After a bike tour, rent a couple of chairs and watch the sunset. Let the kids play in the sand or chase waves.
After the sun sets, head to the Santa Monica Pier for dinner and family fun. It boasts carnival rides and food in abundance. I’m partial to the carousel, though I found a Ferris wheel and a roller coaster.
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