What dad wouldn't love to take a trip to Los Angeles with his family for Father's Day? Whether it is a dream family vacation or a family staycation, it is a destination full of family fun. If you're thinking of visiting Los Angeles to celebrate Father's Day, here are some tips.
What To Do
LACMA & The La Brea Tar Pits
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is a great spot to visit for way more than art. You can visit the children's art room and let your kiddos paint, then move on to the "yellow noodles" art installation for hands-on play that both young and older children will enjoy. You can grab a latte or snack at Coffee & Milk, then walk over to see Levitated Mass (or as my son calls it, "the big rock"). End your visit by walking over to see the Urban Lights installation. If you're hungry I recommend the LACMA cafe, or there are food trucks across the street from the Urban Lights. If you have the time, walk around the tar pits (the park area east of LACMA) to see prehistoric sculptures and genuine tar pits—the big one with the mammoths is always a hit with kids.
The Original Farmer's Market & The Grove
I recommend that anyone visiting Los Angeles go to the Original LA Farmer's Market — It is over 75 years old! You will find every kind of food represented and it is all delicious. It's loud enough that your kids won't bother anyone, and everyone can order food from wherever they want and then sit cafeteria style at one of the outdoor tables. There are even two beer and wine bars, so dad can have a beer while the family shops at the souvenir shops or next door at The Grove. The kids will love Dylan's Candy and the American Girl store, and if you go to the third floor of Barnes & Noble there is a children's play area with lots of toys and books perfect for younger kids. Another huge hit with the kiddos—the koi fish pond with dancing fountains. And you can end the visit with a family movie at the Grove's Pacfic Theater.
South Bay Beaches
There are lots of beautiful beaches in Los Angeles, but the South Bay beaches can't be beat for their proximity to each other and also to LAX airport. Though you usually need to rent a car when you visit Los Angeles, if you only want to see the South Bay beaches of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach you can walk, rent bicycles, or take public transportation. There are restaurants, shops, piers & more to please everyone in the family. Plus, the beach and ocean itself!
Where to Stay
Hampton Hotels' Hampton Inn & Suites Hermosa Beach is a short walk from the beach and 5 miles from LAX airport. Each location serves daily free, hot breakfast to guests and all U.S. locations offer On the Run breakfast bags Monday through Friday. Need a hot beverage fix? There’s free coffee and tea in the lobby. And for travelers who like to stay connected, there’s free WiFi too. And there's even a sun deck with magnificent ocean and city views.
While it might not be the first place you think of as a great family-friendly destination, Los Angeles is full of family fun for everyone and the year-round beautiful weather can't be beat — making it the perfect destination for a Father's Day celebration.
This post was sponsored by Hampton Hotels