Known as the Venice of America, Fort Lauderdale is a popular vacation spot for families and tourists of all ages. Whether you want to soak up the sun at the beach, sample the city's culinary offerings, explore over a dozen museums, or enjoy the beautiful weather, you'll find something to love in Fort Lauderdale. Discover essential Fort Lauderdale information, take a look at the city's top things to do, and take note of some family-friendly day trips in the area.
With so many options to choose from, you might have trouble narrowing down your LA to-do list. Put the following attractions at the top of your agenda while you're in town:
Los Angeles has a truly fascinating history, and there's no better way to learn about it than by going straight to the source. Kids and adults alike will love seeing the La Brea Tar Pits and the associated Page Museum, home to hundreds of fossils that date back to the Ice Age. Kids can even volunteer to participate in an excavation, where they can dig and sort bones. Don't miss the dynamic Los Angeles County Museum of Art, which is right down the street.
Immerse yourself in art and nature at The Getty Center, a stunning structure tucked away in the Santa Monica Mountains. Inside, peruse everything from Byzantine manuscripts to 20th-century photography. Outside, explore the Central Garden, which boasts over 500 plant varieties.
See another side of Los Angeles at the Griffith Observatory, which is perched above the city in the hills of Griffith Park. Stroll the grounds to see impressive views of the entire LA area and even spot the famous Hollywood sign. Head indoors to catch a planetarium show, or stay outside and stretch your legs in the 4,200-acre Griffith Park.
Soak up ample sunshine in Santa Monica, which is just west of Downtown LA. Claim your spot in the sand on State Beach, have some fun on the Santa Monica Pier, or go see the sights at nearby Venice Beach.
Whether you're visiting for a couple of days or a week, it's easy to escape the city for an afternoon. Expand your horizons on one of these family-friendly day trips:
Just 30 minutes northeast of LA, Altadena isn't far, but it seems like a world away from the city. Here you can hike the adjacent San Gabriel Mountains, dine on some old-fashioned comfort food, and catch a free outdoor concert on Saturday nights throughout the summer.
When you're in Los Angeles, treating the kids to a trip to Disneyland couldn't be easier. Just drive 45 minutes southeast to Anaheim, where you'll find countless rides and characters at Disneyland Resort and plenty of shopping in the Downtown Disney District. Nearby, grab a bite to eat in the outdoor Anaheim GardenWalk.
For one of the most popular and picturesque stretches of sand in the LA area, set your sights on Laguna Beach, which is just an hour south of the city. Here you'll find plenty of spots to go for a swim, see wildlife, or enjoy a healthy meal. To get out of the sun for a while, visit the Laguna Art Museum or go shopping at Laguna Village.
Peek into the past in San Juan Capistrano, which is 90 minutes south of LA. Don't miss Mission San Juan Capistrano, where you can learn about the area's Spanish history, and tour Los Rios Historic District, home to numerous historic houses and museums. Little kids will love the Zoomars petting zoo, and everyone will enjoy the diverse culinary options in this quaint town.
To get to the LA area from afar, take your pick from a long list of nearby airports. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a 40-minute drive southwest of Downtown, while Bob Hope Airport is about 30 minutes north of the city. If you'd rather position yourself closer to Anaheim or Costa Mesa, fly into John Wayne Airport, which is about an hour's drive southeast of LA.
Los Angeles is known for being a car-centric city, and once you land, driving is almost always the best way to get around. Streamline your trip by renting a car at the airport, and then get to know Southern California's extensive freeway system. Always leave extra time to navigate traffic and reach your destination, especially since LA traffic can get heavy when you least expect it. You won't find much free parking, so keep an eye out for parking lots and garages or metered street parking.
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