Los Angeles is a classic US destination that is appealing all year round, to every age group. Besides Disneyland, Six Flags, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, tours of Universal Studios, Madame Tussauds, and hiking to the Hollywood Sign (although is that not plenty?), LA is equipped with infinite hidden and not-so-hidden gems for the entire family. Long-time LA resident, corporate attorney, and proud mother of three, Nisha Patel has helped us come up with some of the best recommendations for experiencing Los Angeles with your family.
Food
When it comes to food, LA is swarming with choices for all ages. Pizza is always a safe bet – especially when so many pizza restaurants have just opened up. Pizzeria Mozza (a classic) was one of the first, soon followed by Pizzana – which is Sprinkles Cupcakes’ savory venture, with thin-crust pizza and California-produce-inspired salads. Among other options are Nancy Silverton and Matt Molina’s Triple Beam Pizza, as well as Grimaldi’s Pizzeria (which is your New-York-pizza, but in LA now), and Chicago’s classic Gino’s, which is to open in Sherman Oaks in September.
LA has also hopped on that food hall trend – which is perfect for families, as there are plenty of sweet and savory options for kids, as well as ample exotic foods for adults, ranging from organic vegan options to Thai and Vietnamese food. The most iconic one is Grand Central Market in downtown, but new ones are opening up every month. The Anaheim Packing District, SocialEats in Santa Monica, The Fields (near the USC Coliseum stadium), and a new huge one coming to the Far East Plaza in Chinatown.
Activities
A great way to take a break from the sun under the A/C is at a bowling alley. LA’s best ones are Lucky Strike, Pinz, and Bowlero Alley. Alternatively, another big-city trend is arcade bars, which work just as well for sun-hiding, and a solid choice for both adults and children, for games and for food. We recommend Button Mash in Echo Park, The One Up in Sherman Oaks, Barcade in Highland Park, and Two Bit Circus in downtown LA.
But, if the weather is nice (then again, when is it not?), take your kids paddle boating in Echo Park, or take a stroll along the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, after which you can end up at the pier for rides. Since it’s LA, outdoor malls are prolific, and a great way to spend an afternoon. The Grove was one of the first LA classics, followed by The Americana in Glendale. Century City is always a great choice, and if you make it out the Orange County area, Pacifica and Fashion Island are worth it too.
The Galavante LA List:
Eat:
Pizzeria Mozza
Pizzana
Triple Beam Pizza
Gino’s
Grand Central Market
Anaheim Packing District
SocialEats
See:
Disneyland
Six Flags
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Universal Studios
Madame Tussauds
Hollywood Sign
Button Mash
The One Up
Barcade
Two Bit Circus
The Grove
The Americana
Echo Park
Third Street Promenade
Marina Pacifica
Fashion Island
Lucky Strike
Pinz Bowling Center
Bowlero
