Travel Q -- LA / Universal Studios

[sugarbear1]

I am taking my two boys (11 and 14) over a three day weekend, so Friday to Monday. I've not planned anything. 

How many days do I need at Universal Studios? Is one enough, and we can sightsee the second day? I was thinking Venice Beach, Rodeo Drive, the Hollywood sign... 

[ny96]

Oct 7, 2024 12:47:30 GMT -5 sugarbear1 said:

I am taking my two boys (11 and 14) over a three day weekend, so Friday to Monday. I've not planned anything. 

How many days do I need at Universal Studios? Is one enough, and we can sightsee the second day? I was thinking Venice Beach, Rodeo Drive, the Hollywood sign... 

One is definitely enough. Also, if you are going in October, they close the park early for Halloween Horror Nights which is a separate ticket.

[sugarbear1]

Thanks ny96! We are going in early November -- Veterans' Day weekend. Looks like it's over by then.

[charlive]

The Hollywood sign is very close to Universal Studios. There's a little park below there - my suggestion would be to get some good breakfast burritos and eat them at that park, then head to Universal for the day. There's nothing to actually do at the Hollywood sign, seeing it is plenty.

I took my 10 year old niece and her bestie this summer and we got there at opening and left before 4pm. You shouldn't need more than one day unless you want to ride rides multiple times.

I don't think paying for the extra fancy ticket is worth it, but they are selling a thing where you get to enter Nintendo world early - I'm guessing that'll be fun to your kids.

I'd also suggest going to Santa Monica rather than Venice. It's a little more family friendly - they have a ton of stuff on the pier and good restaurants.

[Roc A Bee]

I think one day at Universal is fine. You don’t need two days.

I agree there’s nothing really to do at the Hollywood sign. It is just to look at.

Santa Monica or Venice are good suggestions. My kids like Hollywood and the weird museums there. I always like the Hop on/off bus in these situations.

[1confused1]

Agreed that one day at Universal is good.

If you do go to Venice, walk along the canals. I hadn’t seen them before and it’s pretty cool.

[Gato]

One day for Universal Studios is fine. Disneyland was too rushed for us in one day though.

My kids liked going up to the Griffith Observatory to see the Hollywood sign best. There’s cool space exhibits and other views, too.

We also loved the Getty. The kids liked the tram approach and the views are spectacular. Lol, I enjoyed the actual art as well.

We stayed at and Airbnb about a mile from Venice Beach. It’s a really pretty area and not a bad walk to the beach. We like shopping and eating on Abbott Kinney and it was kind of fun to walk past Electric Avenue every day too.

[7costanza]

We just got back from Universal (and Disney) yesterday. One day is for sure enough at Universal but I do recommend doing the early entry to Nintendo land if your kids are at all interested in that. It’s super cute but small and filled up quickly right at 8am. We were able to ride the Mario cart ride twice and do most of the activities that require the wristband thing in the early entry hour. They let you into the park at 6:30, and you can buy the wristbands before they walk you down to Nintendo at 7am.

We also went to the Getty, which was fine I guess (beautiful views and garden but my 5 year old was bored, the 11 year old liked it but he’s very easy going), and on prior trips have gone to the Griffith Observatory, which I highly recommend.

[ny96]

If you go to the Fern Dell entrance of Griffith Park you can visit Trails Cafe and from there it’s a pretty easy hike to the Griffith Observatory. I would recommend that over hiking to the Hollywood sign which is a pretty long hike.