"Unveiling a New Side of Los Angeles: An Activity for the Bold and Brave - OK! Magazine"

Many call it Tinseltown, some call it the City of Angels, but it’s likely not many call Los Angeles a family-first destination, with many heading to other popular American locations. I recently visited California - specifically the Los Angeles and Hollywood areas - with my eyes firmly on whether this would be a worthwhile 11 hour journey for UK families.

The results surprised me more than ever.

My visit in early September brought beautiful mid-30 degree temperatures, zero rain and in the evenings the perfect warm breeze. The highest palm trees I’ve ever seen line the streets, and there’s plenty to offer all ages whether rollercoaster riding, a spot of shopping or ultimate sightseeing is top of your list.

If, like me, you’re new to the Los Angeles area, then here are some of the best family-friendly sights you can head out to see.

Pack your trainers…

And head for a stroll to the Hollywood sign, and make sure you book a guided tour with Bikes and Hikes LA, too. Our guide was a delight, telling us the most incredible facts about cursed land, the late Hugh Hefner’s bid to save the sign, and stories of Hollywood heartbreak and tragedy.

There’s also stunning architecture to see on your way up, views of a beautiful hillside vineyard where wine sells for a minimum of $150 per bottle, and local wildlife - if you’re unlucky. Rattle snakes and coyotes live here, although I saw none and stuck smartly to the designated paths.

The picture opportunities are fantastic and your guide will show you all the very best spots, and she carries a trusty First Aid kit (perfect for families who are looking for that peace of mind), and much-needed electrolytes for in that hot Californian sun. My takeaway tip - go early before it really heats up!

Pack your camera….

You can’t go all the way to Hollywood without visiting the classic Hollywood Museum just off Hollywood Boulevard, it’s iconic and has the most extensive collection (over 10,000) of Hollywood memorabilia in the world. Firstly, it’s situated inside the original Max Factor Make-Up Studio building - the actual spot where Hollywood legends like Marilyn Monroe and Betty Davis would frequent for hair and make-up ahead of auditions and screenings. Inside the Art Deco lobby, you’ll find an array of original Max Factor products and the actual dressing rooms exactly as they were back then including a Blonde Room, a Redhead Room, a Brunette Room and unusually, a 'Brownette' Room.

It’s not just about beauty here though, we visited other floors of magic with our passionate hosts to discover unbelievable costumes from some of the most popular movies including Batman, and horror classics like Hannibal, to seeing Dorothy’s actual ruby red slippers and real Oscars Awards. www.thehollywoodmusuem.com

Pack your hunger…

LA is a melting pot of cultural flavours and you won’t be stuck when it comes to pleasing all palates in the family. A stand out meal for me was at Bar Lis, located on a beautiful rooftop in The Hollywood Grande hotel with the most iconic sights across the city (and yes, that Hollywood sign). I chose the stunning chilled prawns for starter, the creamiest vodka pasta for main and all washed down with a Strawberry Fields cocktail. The perfect pitstop for a spot of modern Hollywood glam.

I you’re looking to spook the socks off the little ones in the evening then don’t miss a visit to the Roosevelt Hotel. This legendary hotel on Hollywood Boulevard was the place to be back in the late 1920s. It was built in 1927 and by 1929, it held the first ever Oscars ceremony in the Blossom Ballroom, but these days it still stands in all its original glory.

Rumour has it, it comes with some permanent extra guests now though. Marilyn Monroe, amongst other Tinseltown icons including Charlie Chaplin, are said to haunt the hallways of this hotel - after all, Marilyn did live here for two years. Her suite - 1208 in case you’re keen to stay the night - has had many sightings of the blonde bombshell; her mirror even had to be moved to a stairwell after guests were left scared.

Despite what you believe, it’s all a bit of old-school Hollywood fun, and the food, drinks and vibes in the Shirley Brasserie (a nod to Shirley Temple) are outstanding. We dined on a family-style buffet selection which was ideal for trying a bit of everything and suiting all tastes. From melt-in-the-mouth steak to a spaghetti carbonara with a bit of a chilli kick, this was perfection, washed down with a classic French Martini - which just so happened to come served with a pearl.

Pack your… extra pants

Visiting close to Halloween meant I couldn’t skip on a classic ghost tour of Hollywood, and thanks to a LA Ghosts: Terrors of Tinseltown Tour, my spooky dreams came true. This thrilling ghost tour of the haunted landmarks in the home of the Hollywood film industry starts on the Hollywood Walk of Fame where I uncovered the sinister secrets behind the glitz and glamour and heard the tragic tales of those who chased their dreams and awoke to nightmares. From famous ghosts to tales of jilted lovers, the real Hollywood is a mix of heartbreak and history. Our group was even given a ghost detector device called an EMF (electric magnetic field) reader which tracks magnetic, electric and energy levels - kids will love this touch and I promise that pointing it at the Roosevelt Hotel sent the meter sky high into the red… just saying!

Pack your… nostalgic feels

If you love a studio tour look no further than Warner Bros. Studios, Hollywood. This working studio located in Burbank is one of the oldest film studios in the world and your guided tour will show you some of the best and most recognisable locations. From Annie’s orphanage to the alleyway where Spiderman had his upside down kiss to Gilmore Girls and The Lost Boys, this tour will leave the whole family with their mouths firmly wide open.

Enjoy an inside section, followed by the outside tram tour where you can get off at designated spots for a walk, talk and photos, and then back inside for a Friends and Big Bang Theory section and then on to the Harry Potter and Marvel area. Grab a coffee and snacks in Central Perk from Friends, and put aside plenty of time for that merch shop as you leave. Cue a bag full of Goonies socks, a guide book and fridge magnet - of course!

Pack your theme park merch…

You know what they say, save the best until last and for me, Universal Studios, will always have my heart. Granted, it was my first visit to the Hollywood park but it certainly won’t be the last. Families will wow over Super Nintendo World, make magic in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and find their inner child in Springfield and on The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash ride.

But it’s the Studio Lot tram tour, located on the Lower Lot, that will leave you speechless. You’ll find King Kong, Jaws, Norman Bates at the actual Psycho house and lots of other extremely cool must-see filming spots. I even jumped out on Wisteria Lane and as a massive Desperate Housewives fan this was a real pinch me moment.

All the fun for the family, and afterwards grab a bite to eat on Citywalk where I dined at Vivo Italian Kitchen and Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. If you know and love Orlando’s versions, they’re exactly the same and equally as delicious.

Where to stay

It can be difficult to know where to stay that feels safe and family-focused but I stayed at the Sheraton Universal hotel, just a stone’s throw from Universal Studios Hollywood (10 minute walk to be exact), and it was the perfect base for both theme park fun and city exploring.

Featuring stunning and spacious rooms with views of the Hollywood hills, or a sneak peek of Universal Studios Hollywood, a handy Starbucks, beautiful bar cocktails and delicious breakfast and dinner options, a very helpful concierge and a handy bag drop for early arrivals or those with late flights home, this hotel brought all the Hollywood vibes.

All rooms have retro Hollywood artwork and photography in them including Marilyn Monroe, and there's a glitzy evening dress art display on entry to really set the scene.

For more information on Los Angeles, visit

Buy a one day Universal Studios Hollywood ticket and get a second day free with AttractionTickets.com. Prices from £82 per adult and £78 per child based on autumn / winter 2025 arrivals. The second day can be used any time within a week of the first.

Tickets to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood cost from £62 per person. Tickets give one night admission and are date specific. Book at attractiontickets.com

Fly from London Gatwick to Los Angeles with Norse for £328 in September 2025, or £372 in October 2025. Visit