The La Brea Tar Pits
A mammoth caught in tar.
The La Brea Tar Pits is a collection of black tar pools that trapped and killed thousands of prehistoric animals. Fortunately for us, the tar may have been deadly, but it also provided an excellent preservation method that has allowed scientists to explore extinct species in great detail.
The tar pits are still alive and bubbling inside a large, grassy park. To really understand the pits though, it pays to visit the Page Museum inside the park. Inside the museum are the bones of thousands of animals and information on how the pits were formed. There is also a stunning atrium filled with prehistoric plants. Perhaps the most interesting part of the museum is the laboratory where archeologists work on fossils pulled from the pits outside.
Page Museum
5801 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 857-6311
Griffith Park
The Griffith Park Observatory
While many people are familiar with the massive, white Hollywood sign on the hill, few know anything about the park the letters are located in. This huge, urban park is Griffith Park, home to the Los Angeles Zoo, a world-famous observatory, a number of sports fields and all types of scenic trails. Enjoy a brief hike through the park before sitting down for a picnic lunch, and you and the kids will be glad to have seen this natural side of Los Angeles.
Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 913-4688
ci.la.ca.us
Beach Biking
Bicyclists enjoying a beach ride.
Cycling enthusiasts are sure to enjoy a relaxing ride along the pristine Los Angeles beach. While there are bike paths all along the beaches of L.A., one of the most scenic is the trail leading from Marina Del Ray to Manhattan Beach. Try not to go too far south of Manhattan Beach though, or you may end up in the very unfriendly-to-cyclists area of Redondo Beach, where police are ready to ticket anyone who fails to walk their bike. If you didn't bring your bike, don't worry, Daniel's Bicycle Rentals & Sales is a great bike rental shop located right in Marina Del Ray. Rentals cost around $8 an hour or $24 per day, but vary based on the type of bike you choose.
L.A. Beach Bike Path
62nd At Pacific Avenue To The Strand At Manhattan Beach Boulevard
labikepaths.com
Daniel's Bicycle Rentals & Sales
13737 Fiji Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 980-4045
danielsbikerentals.com
Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 913-4688
ci.la.ca.us
Universal Studios
The Universal Studios sign.
If your kids love theme parks and movies, then try introducing them to the amusement park dedicated solely to movie making. Universal Studios has some of the best stage shows of any park as it has access to movie special effects. The Revenge of the Mummy and Jurassic Park rides offer all the thrills you would expect from an amusement park. The famous tram tour brings you into the heart of the studio and lets you explore movie magic behind the scenes.
Universal Studios
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
(818) 622-3801
universalstudioshollywood.com
