Destination guideUnited States
FROMLON
ABOUT 12 HRS ✈️
TOLAX

Holidays in Los Angeles

Disneyland, movie studios and miles of beaches in the sunshine. Here's what Los Angeles is like with the family, when to go and how long to stay.

BEST FOR🏙️ City break, 🏖️ Beach
NIGHTS AWAY7 to 10
BUDGET£££
BEST MONTHSApr, Jul–Oct
Add Los Angeles to your ideasFree. One email per family.

Los Angeles at a glance

FLIGHT FROM LONDON
ABOUT 12 HRS
TIME DIFFERENCE
8 HRS BEHIND THE UK
CURRENCY
US DOLLAR ($)
ENTRY
ESTA FOR UK PASSPORTS
PLUGS
TYPE A / B · 120V

Check entry rules on GOV.UK before you book.

When to go

  1. JANMild, a good time to go
  2. FEBMild, a good time to go
  3. MARMild, a good time to go
  4. APRWarm, best time to go
  5. MAYMay Gray, a good time to go
  6. JUNJune Gloom, a good time to go
  7. JULSummer, best time to go
  8. AUGSummer, best time to go
  9. SEPHot, best time to go
  10. OCTWarm, best time to go
  11. NOVMild, a good time to go
  12. DECMild, a good time to go

LA is warm and dry most of the year. Mornings by the coast are often grey in May and June. July to October is sunniest and warmest for the beach, and September is quieter once US schools go back.

Things to do with the family

DAY TRIP

Disneyland Resort

The original Disney park and California Adventure, in Anaheim. Allow two days.

TICKETED

Universal Studios Hollywood

Theme park rides plus a tram tour of real film sets.

FREE

Griffith Observatory

Telescopes, space exhibits and the best view of the Hollywood sign.

FREE

Santa Monica Pier

A seaside pier with a Ferris wheel and roller coaster. Rides are paid.

FREE

California Science Center

See the Space Shuttle Endeavour up close. A small fee to see the shuttle at busy times.

TICKETED

La Brea Tar Pits

Bubbling tar pits where mammoths and sabre-toothed cats were found.

Los Angeles: common questions

Is Los Angeles good for a family holiday?

Yes, with a car and a plan. The theme parks, beaches and museums are excellent, but the city is spread out and traffic is heavy, so stay near what you want to do.

How many nights do you need?

Seven to ten nights, or combine it with San Diego and the coast road for a two-week trip.

Do UK families need a visa?

Most British passport holders, children included, apply for an ESTA online before they fly rather than a visa. Check GOV.UK for the current rules.

Where should we stay?

Santa Monica for the beach, Anaheim for Disneyland, or near Universal City for the studios.

If you like Los Angeles

Can't agree where to go next?

Put Los Angeles on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.

Start planning, it's free