Santa Monica Pier attracts families with its beachfront promenade and the impressive carnival rides and kid-friendly games you’ll find there. Founded in 1909, this traditional amusement park is where you can ride the iconic Santa Monica Pier Carousel, which dates back to the late 1930s. Fairground rides typically cost between $5 and $10 each. Cycling is a popular activity as the pier features a 26-mile-long pathway that runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean. Fitness enthusiasts can work out at an outdoor body-building gym located south of the pier.

The Venice Canals, located between Abbot Kinney Boulevard and Venice Beach Boardwalk, offer idyllic views of pastel mansions and pedestrian bridges. Built in 1905 by millionaire Abbot Kinney, the walkways are popular spots for those looking to enjoy a quiet stroll away from the often overcrowded boardwalk. If you’re looking to enjoy some fun under the sun, Venice Beach and Muscle Beach Gym are just a short walk away from the Venice Canals. 

Descanso Gardens is a 150-acre botanical park located 5.4 miles northwest of the Kidspace Children's Museum. Its themed gardens are teeming with oak trees, rare herbs, medicinal plants, and beautiful flowers, including North America’s largest camellia collection. The gardens are also where you can spot over 100 species of birds and mammals such as squirrels, mule deer, and bobcats. The best way to explore Descanso Gardens is by taking the Enchanted Railroad, which costs $3 per ride. 

Malibu Wine Safari is a jeep tour that cruises through the 1,000-acre Saddlerock Ranch. Located 30 miles west of Santa Monica Beach, you get to choose from 4 types of wine safaris. The most popular option is the Explorer Giraffe Safari, which includes a tour of Saddlerock Ranch & Vineyard, 2 wine tasting stops with 6 wines, complimentary spreads and crackers. You also get to feed zebras and camels, as well as Stanley, a giraffe that was featured in the “Hangover III” movie.

Rodeo Drive is where you may spot Hollywood’s rich and famous going about their day in Los Angeles. This 2-mile-long shopping street has over 100 designer boutiques and jewellery stores, such as Gucci, Dior, Harry Winston, and Gorgio Armani. There are plenty of 5-star hotel spas and beauty salons, where you can splurge on nail services, body massages, and facials.

Echo Park Lake, founded in 1860, attracts couples and families with its colourful gardens, walking paths, and picnic areas. You get to rent a pedal boat (or swan boat) from the onsite Wheel Fun Rentals to cruise through expansive lake. Echo Park Lake also features many al fresco brunch spots, where you can bond with your loved one over coffee and dessert.

Highland Park Bowl is a vintage bowling alley dating back to the Prohibition era. It features a stunning steampunk setting, with chandeliers and bar shelves made with pin-setters, 1920s popcorn and cigarette machines, and a horseshoe bar that serves craft cocktails and draught beers. Hourly lane rates at Highland Park Bowl start from $25 and shoe rentals cost $5 per pair. 

The Hollywood Bowl has been hosting some of the world’s biggest concerts since 1922. Located 1 mile north of the TCL Chinese Theatre, the open-air amphitheatre can accommodate over 17,000 people at a time. Among the many music legends who have performed here are Elton John, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones. Fans of classical music can catch the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, which comprises 80 musicians performing film scores, Broadway tunes, and jazz music.

Griffith Observatory, with its impressive height of 1,134 feet above sea level, is where you can see the entire Los Angeles landscape for free. The observatory is located in Griffith Park, a municipal park that offers enjoy activities such as hiking, golfing, cycling, and horseback riding. There are over 50 miles of trails, many of which are set close to waterfalls and lagoons within the park. After spending some time at the Griffith Observatory, catch a live concert at the neighbouring Greek Theatre.