Few days in LA - intinerary/travel around etc

Question

Hi all,

First time in LA this October, travelling from London and very used to the ease you can get around there and other cities like it.

We'll be in LA for 6 nights total, the last four are planned as we're going to do 3 days at Disney (predictable) and have a hotel in Anaheim booked for that.

We have 2 nights before that to explore (some) of LA, we are thinking of staying in Santa Monica (maybe at the Fairmont?) so that when we arrive we can chill, go to the beach, I'm given to understand it's a bit more walkable, there's places to eat yada yada.

Then we have two full days - I'd be happy to visit some galleries - I hear The Getty is well worth a visit, I'd like to do Griffith Park, do usual city stuff like mooch, baked goods, cocktails, thrift stores, book shops etc but we will also have our 6 year old son with us, who will probably have zero interest in that. Some of the things I've earmarked are pretty far from one another e.g. one bookshop is in Culver City, a vintage store I know my husband is interested in is located in Silverlake etc. I'm assuming that the thought of seeing some of those in the time we're there is pretty unlikely?

Currently not planning on hiring a car because parking seems prohibitively expensive, and we won't need it once we get to Anaheim, so will probably use Uber/Lyft etc.

Also are considering going to Universal because my son loves the look of the Mario-world, but I think it might end up being theme park overkill.

Anyway, any thoughts or tips on our plans would be appreciated, what other things are great for younger children?

Answer

Your plan for LA sounds well balanced, especially considering you are traveling with a 6-year-old. Staying in Santa Monica for the first two nights is an excellent choice for walkability, beach access, and a more relaxed pace after an international flight. The Fairmont is a great family-friendly option and close to shops, restaurants, and the pier, so you’ll have plenty to do without needing a car immediately.

Regarding your two full days exploring LA, it’s true that the city is very spread out, and trying to see galleries in Getty, thrift stores in Silverlake, bookshops in Culver City, and Griffith Park all in one day will be challenging, especially with a young child in tow. LA traffic and distances can easily consume 30–60 minutes of travel between areas.

Here’s a suggested approach to maximize enjoyment for both adults and your son:

Day 1 (Santa Monica & West LA)
- Morning stroll along Santa Monica Pier and beach walk, perhaps rent a bike or surrey for family fun.
- Lunch at nearby family-friendly restaurants on Third Street Promenade.
- Afternoon at a local park, or visit the California Incline park for views of the coastline.
- Evening casual dinner nearby.
Day 2 (Westside/West Hollywood/Gallery Exploration)
- Morning visit to The Getty Center – beautiful gardens, art, and free admission (parking fee applies).
- Lunch at The Getty cafe or nearby Brentwood area.
- Afternoon: Explore Abbot Kinney in Venice for boutique shopping, coffee, baked goods, and quirky shops; your 6-year-old can enjoy a playground or ice cream.
- Evening: Return to Santa Monica for sunset at the beach.
Optional Day 3 (Universal Studios vs. city sights)
- Since you have Disneyland planned for three days, Universal Studios could feel like theme park overload. Instead, consider a lighter activity your child will enjoy, such as the California Science Center, Natural History Museum, or La Brea Tar Pits.
- If Universal is a must because of Mario World, plan it as a half-day early or late entry and combine with nearby CityWalk for casual dining and entertainment.

Transportation-wise, Uber/Lyft is a practical option for your plan. Trying to cover Silverlake, Culver City, and West Hollywood in one day without a car is possible but will require multiple rides. If you want to see specific stores or neighborhoods, consider splitting them across two days, pairing attractions close together to avoid stress and delays.

Other family-friendly recommendations for your 6-year-old:

Griffith Park – The Los Angeles Zoo, Travel Town Museum, or pony rides are excellent for younger kids.
Santa Monica Pier Aquarium – educational and quick to visit.
The Original Farmers Market & The Grove – casual shopping, good food, and kid-friendly vibes.
Exposition Park (California Science Center, Space Shuttle Endeavour) – interactive exhibits that appeal to all ages.

Overall, your plan is feasible, but breaking up long travel distances and mixing kid-friendly and adult activities will make it more enjoyable. Prioritize clusters of attractions by neighborhood rather than trying to hit the entire city each day.

Few days in LA - intinerary/travel around etc

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