3-Day Luxury and Family-Friendly Los Angeles, California Itinerary

Los Angeles may not be the first destination you think of when you hear the word 'family-friendly,' but the City of Angels is also home to an array of incredible luxury family vacation experiences. This 3-Day Luxury Los Angeles Itinerary balances classic kid-friendly activities with VIP experiences and five-star amenities to give your family an unforgettable Southern California trip.

I grew up in the suburbs outside of Los Angeles and love showing others around the city. I hope this itinerary inspires you to discover the city for the first time or to return with your family and experience it in a different way!

Day 1: The Los Angeles Zoo and Griffith Observatory

Two of the coolest family-friendly activities in Los Angeles happen to be very close to each other, so you can get the most out of your day while beating LA traffic.

Families can spend a good portion of Day 1 at the Los Angeles Zoo in Griffith Park, which is a great stop for families with younger kids. If you want a VIP experience, you can join as a member and schedule a docent-led member tour or walk.

Then, before sunset, head over to the Griffith Observatory for the spectacular views of the Los Angeles skyline. This is the best place in the city to spend golden hour and families can make use of the telescopes as night falls.

Day 2: Universal Studios Hollywood

It wouldn't be a family-friendly trip to Los Angeles without a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood. For a truly luxurious experience, skip the lines with a Private VIP Studio Tour. 

Go behind the scenes of famous sets, sound stages, and prop houses with a dedicated guide who customizes the experience for your family's age and interests. This luxury option provides a far more intimate look at Hollywood history and movie-making than the standard group tour.

Day 3: Beach Day

For an unforgettable Southern California beach day, reserve a luxurious, shaded cabana at a high-end, family-friendly hotel right on Santa Monica Beach, such as the iconic Shutters on the Beach or the Mediterranean-inspired Hotel Casa del Mar. These resorts offer a refined base camp with five-star food service and access to a stunning pool, allowing your family to enjoy the lively Santa Monica Pier and the sand without sacrificing luxury hotel amenities.

Your family will enjoy five-star food service, plush seating, and access to a stunning pool, offering a refined base camp right next to the sand and the lively Santa Monica Pier. This offers the best of both worlds: beach fun and high-end hotel amenities without needing to book an entire stay, although both hotels are great options if you're looking to get the most out of LA's beaches!

If you're looking to get the full Southern California experience, book a private surf lesson with a local instructor.

Need to know

To get the most out of your family's stay in Los Angeles, California, consider these essential tips:

• Transportation Upgrade: Getting around the city efficiently requires a vehicle, but if you want to truly eliminate the stress of parking and traffic, consider booking a private black car service or a dedicated driver for your 3-day luxury Los Angeles itinerary. This allows you to break out your best road trip games without worrying about navigation.

• Traffic Planning: It is always a good idea to plan ahead for traffic. Check Waze or Google Maps for real-time traffic updates between key areas like Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Griffith Park. The heaviest traffic in LA is typically 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM on weekdays.

• Advance Booking is Key: For the best VIP Tours (especially at Universal Studios Hollywood) and luxury cabana rentals (particularly at high-demand spots like Shutters on the Beach or Hotel Casa del Mar), you must book weeks or months in advance, especially during the peak Southern California travel season.

Where to Stay: Finding Your Luxury Los Angeles Family-Friendly Hotel

Choosing the right base is the cornerstone of any great trip, especially for a luxury family vacation in Los Angeles, California. This guide focuses on high-end, family-friendly Los Angeles hotels known for spacious suites, exceptional service, and amenities that elevate your Southern California experience.

Plus, when you book one of these hotels through me, you'll receive the exclusive perks:

Hotel Bel-Air - Dorchester Collection

• Description: Nestled on 12 lush acres in the exclusive Bel-Air Estates, this legendary Hollywood hideaway offers a serene, romantic Mediterranean oasis. It features elegant residential-style suites, the iconic Swan Lake, and a famous oval-shaped pool, creating a private, sophisticated sanctuary perfect for families seeking discretion and charm.

• Your Exclusive Perks: Enhance your stay with a $100 hotel/resort credit, enjoy daily breakfast for a seamless start to your day, and benefit from upgraded accommodations whenever possible upon arrival.

Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Los Angeles

• Description: A historic, grand dame resort nestled on 23 acres in Pasadena, The Langham offers classic European elegance with spacious rooms, private cottages, and lush gardens. Its heated saline pool, renowned afternoon tea, and dedicated children's programs make it a spectacular family resort experience just outside the heart of LA.

• Your Exclusive Perks: Receive a generous $125 hotel/resort credit, a VIP welcome and amenity, daily breakfast, and the added comfort of an upgrade and extended check-out whenever possible, ensuring maximum enjoyment of the expansive grounds.

  
  

Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

• Description: Perfectly positioned as a glamorous and family-friendly urban icon between Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, this Four Seasons offers spacious suites with step-out balconies and a beautiful, tropically-landscaped fourth-floor pool terrace. It is the epitome of relaxed, five-star service and is exceptionally well-located for exploring the city's key attractions.

• Your Exclusive Perks: When you book the Four Seasons through me, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits—the industry's best way to access incredible value, including breakfast, hotel credits, and VIP status during your stay.

Start booking you dream trip to Los Angeles now!