Family Trip to LA
Traveling to the area for some college visits and decided to make a family vacation out of it. So glad we did!
Trip Recap
- Day 1: We enjoyed a fantastic dinner at The Front Yard in Hollywood's The Garland Hotel.
- Day 2: Griffith Park hike, Griffith Observatory, and Duke's Malibu for dinner were highlights.
- Day 3: Warner Brothers Studio Tour exceeded expectations and Miceli's was a memorable experience.
- Day 4: Took hotel trolley to Universal Studios, endured crowds and heat, then enjoyed dinner with live music.
- Day 5: Enjoyed a blissful day exploring Getty Center, followed by relaxing hotel evening.
- Day 6: Gonna miss The Front Yard's brunch buffet, but excited to head home.
Highlights
The Garland Hotel was an oasis in the middle of busy Hollywood, would highly recommend this hotel, especially if traveling with kids.
Our day at Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory, it was an iconic location with lots to see and do, and plenty of California sunshine.
Warner Bros Studio Tour, exceeded expectations and captivated the kids.
Getty Center, one of the most beautifully designed places I've been too.
Day 1
Dinner at The Front Yard at The Garland Hotel in Hollywood. We loved staying at The Garland, a fun, family-friendly boutique hotel in a very hip mid-century modern style. We got lucky, the hotel restaurant, The Front Yard, also happens to be one of LA's best.
Day 2
Hiking in Griffith Park, could see the iconic Hollywood sign from the trail. Made a long stop at the Griffith Observatory. The Observatory was so much more than I thought. We enjoyed the museum as well as the small cafe with outdoor seating to take in the views.
Dinner at Duke's Malibu on the beach. Not exactly the relaxing beachy vibe I was hoping for. Located right on busy section of PCH. But great food and service.
Day 3
Warner Brothers Studio Tour was so much better than we expected, our teenage kids loved it. The tour itself on the back lot was so interesting, especially if you're a Gilmore Girls or Friends fan, but it also includes an extensive museum with interactive exhibits.
Dinner at Miceli's, the oldest Italian restaurant in LA. Food was good, but it's the quirky old school vibe, singing waiters and friendly staff that make it memorable. Though I don't know that'd I'd go back.
Day 4
Universal Studios Theme Park, took the very convenient hotel trolly that runs back and forth between the theme park and hotel and (somewhat) enjoyed the day at Universal Studios. It was very hot, crowded and long lines.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant, The Front Yard, in the courtyard area where they had live acoustic music. Another delicious meal and great ambiance.
Day 5
The Getty Center, spent the morning here. The building and the grounds are just as amazing as the art work inside. So much to see here, we didn't have time to get through it all. Probably the most beautiful museum I've ever been to.
Spent the afternoon at our hotel pool. Great pool food options and cocktails. Spent the rest of the evening at the hotel too! Why leave when food, service and atmosphere is wonderful where you are?
Day 6
Headed back home, but not without one more delicious meal at The Front Yard. One note, if you're going there for the brunch buffet, go early as stuff does run out!
Anything you would add or do differently?
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Skip Universal Studios, but my kids might not agree.
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Spend more time relaxing at the hotel pool.
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