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Mini road trip around LA?
Just booked a 9 day trip to LA in April. Will be traveling from Scandinavia with my wife and 2 (almost 3) year old daughter.
My thoyrigjt now is to have about 6 days in LA and do a 3 or so day m… Hi,
Just booked a 9 day trip to LA in April. Will be traveling from Scandinavia with my wife and 2 (almost 3) year old daughter.
My thoyrigjt now is to have about 6 days in LA and do a 3 or so day mini-roadtrip. Don't want to drive to far since we have the kiddo with us. For example San Fransisco is probably a bit too long. What recommendations do you have for places to go outside LA?
Joshua tree seems great but would tree days be to much? Can it be combined with something good in the same general direction? Maby Palm Springs?
We love the outdoors, but hiking or such is not vital.
Any other ideas would be very helpful!
Thanks,
honestly with a 3 year old i'd skip joshua tree entirely and do something closer. the drive alone is 2.5 hours each way and that's rough with a kid who needs snacks and bathroom breaks every hour
check out the griffith park area for a mini road trip without actually leaving LA. the observatory is free and there's a little train called the travel town train that runs on weekends for like $4. your daughter will lose her mind over it. then drive over to atwater village for lunch at the tamery, they have this outdoor seating area with a sandbox
if you really want to get out of the city for a night, head to ojai. it's about 80 minutes north and has this tiny downtown with a park in the middle where kids can run around. the hiking trails are easy and shaded, and there's a place called the nest that does farm to table breakfast with chickens wandering around outside. your wife will love the boutiques on the main drag too
yeah joshua tree for 3 days with a toddler might be a lot honestly. the park itself is pretty spread out and there's not a ton of kid-friendly stuff to do in town, plus it gets hot even in april. i'd do 2 days max there and tack on palm springs for the other day, the aerial tramway is fun for kids and you can just walk around downtown
if you want something closer, santa barbara is a solid 2 day trip. it's about 90 minutes up the 101, the mission is cool and the zoo is small but perfect for a 3 year old. you could also hit solvang on the way back for a weird danish-themed afternoon, your wife might get a kick out of it
another option nobody's mentioned is heading south to san clemente or laguna beach. both are way less crowded than santa monica and have these cute beachside downtowns. san clemente has the pier and a little trolley that runs along the beach, my niece loved that at 3
if you do palm springs for a day or two, check out the living desert zoo and gardens. it's got a ton of animals your daughter will love and a little train ride. way easier than joshua tree with a toddler and you can still get that desert vibe
Things to Do in Los Angeles (2026)
Start with the Hollywood Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard, where over 2,700 stars honor celebrities. For a classic photo, hike up to the Griffith Observatory for sweeping vi… 🌴 Iconic Sights
Start with the Hollywood Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard, where over 2,700 stars honor celebrities. For a classic photo, hike up to the Griffith Observatory for sweeping views of the city and the Hollywood Sign. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
🎨 Museums and Culture
The Getty Center in Brentwood offers free admission (parking $20) and stunning gardens with art from the Middle Ages to modern times. For contemporary art, head to The Broad in downtown LA, which has free timed-entry tickets for Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms. Book online weeks ahead.
🏖️ Beach Day Essentials
Santa Monica Pier is a lively spot with an amusement park and aquarium, but for a quieter vibe, try Manhattan Beach with its wide sandy shores and local shops. Both have bike paths connecting to Venice Beach, where you can watch skateboarders at the famous Venice Skate Park.
🍽️ Foodie Hotspots
Grand Central Market in downtown LA has been a food hall since 1917, offering everything from tacos at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas to egg sandwiches at Eggslut. For Korean BBQ, head to Koreatown's Park's BBQ, where the beef short ribs are a must-try. Expect lines on weekends.
🚶 Hidden Neighborhoods
Explore the Arts District for street art and industrial-chic galleries, then grab coffee at Blue Bottle. Echo Park is great for a stroll around the lake and vintage shopping on Sunset Boulevard. Both neighborhoods are walkable and less touristy than Hollywood.
🚌 Getting Around
LA's Metro system has expanded with the K Line connecting Crenshaw to the Westside, but a car is still the most convenient option. Rideshares are widely available, but traffic on the 405 and 101 can be heavy from 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM. Consider renting a bike for beach areas.
🌆 Best Evening Spots
Catch sunset at the rooftop bar of the Ace Hotel in downtown LA, which offers craft cocktails and views of the city skyline. For live music, the Hollywood Bowl hosts concerts from May to October, with affordable bench seats starting around $20. Pack a picnic for a classic LA experience.
💡 Local Tips
Many museums offer free admission on certain days, like the Natural History Museum on the first Tuesday of the month. Parking can be expensive, so use apps like SpotHero to reserve spots ahead. Always carry a reusable water bottle, as tap water is safe and refill stations are common.
Seconding the Academy Museum free day tip, that's a solid addition. One thing the guide doesn't mention is that the Griffith Observatory can get completely overrun on summer weekends, to the point where they close the road to cars. If you're not up for the hike from the bottom, take the DASH Observatory bus from the Vermont/Sunset Metro station, it's 50 cents and drops you right at the door. Also, for a quick beach lunch that's not a tourist trap, the fish tacos at Fishing with Dynamite in Manhattan Beach are worth the short walk from the pier.
one thing the guide doesnt mention is that the getty center has a free shuttle from the parking structure up to the museum, so you dont have to hike the hill unless you want to. also if you go on a weekday morning the gardens are basically empty and the light is perfect for photos. for a quick bite after, the cafeteria is overpriced but the hot dog stand outside the tram stop has decent cheap snacks
honestly the guide is pretty solid but i think theyre sleeping on the food scene in the san gabriel valley. if you have a car and an afternoon, drive out to monterey park for some of the best chinese food in the country. the soup dumplings at din tai fung are famous for a reason but the real hidden gem is the xiao long bao at mei long village just down the street. way less of a wait and just as good. also for a chill evening that's not downtown, the rooftop at the standard on sunset has a great vibe and you can see