If you live in LA and are looking for a break that won’t empty your bank, why not try one or all of our 13 “staycation Los Angeles” ideas.
Every family deserves to unplug, unwind, and take time off from their daily routine. So why not explore your local city with a new look, seeing and doing things you’ve never done, or only done once. You could even stay in a hotel to make it seem like more of an escape from daily routine life.
The city of Los Angeles is known for its myriad of tourist and vacation spots. So if you’re in L.A. and are looking for ways to explore the city, then here are some of the best staycation spots in Los Angeles, California.
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Top 11 Staycation Los Angeles Ideas
1. Aquarium of the Pacific
This is one of the best attractions for animal lovers that shouldn’t be missed as part of a delightful and educational Los Angeles staycation for the whole family.
This particular aquarium focuses on the vast Pacific creatures, which makes it an ideal way to learn more about the natural world.
2. OUE Skyspace L.A. And Skyslide
You may have lived in Los Angeles for quite some time, but have you ever taken the opportunity to see this city from a birds-eye perspective?
Visit OUE Skyspace, at the top of the U.S. Bank Tower, to see the city’s unparalleled views in all directions, from the mountains to the oceans.
Another thing for its attraction is the Skyslide option, an add-on activity that allows you to slide down from the 70th to the 69th floor of the building in an all-glass exterior slide. It’s a heck of a trip and quite a thrill.
3. Natural History Museum
If you’re a history buff or a big fan of the natural world, this museum is undoubtedly made for you and should top your staycation Los Angeles break.
Natural History Museum was the first museum in L.A., and it has the collection of natural and cultural artifacts from around the globe. Here you’ll find everything from dinosaur fossils to Aztec art and artifacts.
4. California Science Center
It’s a stunning attraction for families, and is conveniently located in Exposition Park right next to the Natural History Museum.
This center has over 100 interactive exhibits, including informative and fascinating displays of live animals in it’s farmed “Ecosystems” galleries. The thing to look in this science center is the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which has recently arrived in California.
5. Newport Landing Whale Watch Cruise
Are you searching for something exceptional for your staycation? Then a whale watch cruise is definitely for you.
This educational and delightful excursion is a great way to see more of the city via water, and its an excellent way to appreciate the natural environment in a way you might not have done before. Here you can see the majestic creatures – from Giant Blue Whales to smaller Minke Whales.
6. Franklin Canyon Park
Beautiful Franklin Canyon Park sprawls over 605 acres between the Beverly Hills and San Fernando Valley. It is replete with rolling grasslands, sprawling oak woodland, a three-acre lake and over five hiking trails.
It’s the best place for nature enthusiasts, casual strollers, and serious runners. So if you’re looking for a staycation Los Angeles adventure Franklin Canyon Park is the perfect start-point.
7. Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
Located in the heart of Rancho Santa Anita, the 127-acre Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden unite nature and history.
This beautiful place is home to several historic structures from Native America and the late 19th century. It has several beautiful conservation gardens filled with herbs, plants, roses, aquatic features, and tropical greenhouses. This magnificent place also hosts some regular events – from art workshops to garden yoga.
8. Santa Monica
The coastal town of Santa Monica is not only beautiful, but it’s also a place full of beautiful people.
You can go to the beach to see runners, rollerbladers and cyclists speeding along the promenade, plus weights-enthusiasts working out at the open-air gyms on the beachfront.
9. El Porto
El Porto is a surfers ‘heaven’. This beach is an excellent attraction for families and surfers with its consistently large waves, caused by a natural underwater canyon.
Local surf schools such as Campsurf offer group and private lessons for beginners and intermediate surfers. In contrast, other local companies’ selection offers board rental and other water-based sports such as stand up paddleboarding. If you want your staycation Los Angeles to take to the water, head to El Porto.
10. The Huntington Library and Gardens
Another excellent option for horticultural enthusiasts is the Huntington. It is part-library, part-art gallery, part-botanical gardens. You can browse the vast collection of books and artworks on display and can explore the beautiful gardens. The gardens have 15,000 plant varieties.
Don’t miss the stunning Frances and Sidney Brody California Garden, the Desert Garden, and the striking Japanese Garden.
11. Stone Canyon Overlook
It’s a short walking trail with a spectacular viewpoint. Stone Canyon has been a fixture for visitors and locals since it opened in 1994.
Although the vistas are beautiful on any given day, visitors can see out to the Catalina Island and Pacific Ocean when the weather is good.
CHECK OUT: If you’re looking for adventure that is further from home, visit one of these U.S. Top 10 National Parks.