With so many options to choose from, you might have trouble narrowing down your LA to-do list. Put the following attractions at the top of your agenda while you're in town:
Los Angeles has a truly fascinating history, and there's no better way to learn about it than by going straight to the source. Kids and adults alike will love seeing the La Brea Tar Pits and the associated Page Museum, home to hundreds of fossils that date back to the Ice Age. Kids can even volunteer to participate in an excavation, where they can dig and sort bones. Don't miss the dynamic Los Angeles County Museum of Art, which is right down the street.
Immerse yourself in art and nature at The Getty Center, a stunning structure tucked away in the Santa Monica Mountains. Inside, peruse everything from Byzantine manuscripts to 20th-century photography. Outside, explore the Central Garden, which boasts over 500 plant varieties.
See another side of Los Angeles at the Griffith Observatory, which is perched above the city in the hills of Griffith Park. Stroll the grounds to see impressive views of the entire LA area and even spot the famous Hollywood sign. Head indoors to catch a planetarium show, or stay outside and stretch your legs in the 4,200-acre Griffith Park.
Soak up ample sunshine in Santa Monica, which is just west of Downtown LA. Claim your spot in the sand on State Beach, have some fun on the Santa Monica Pier, or go see the sights at nearby Venice Beach.