Morsilla

One day in Los Angeles, United States

A good day in Los Angeles starts in the hills. Walk the Griffith Observatory grounds in the morning, go to the zoo at midday, and see the Natural History Museum in the afternoon. The hours each one keeps decide the order of the day.

Children are 2 to 11 years old; infants are under 2.

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Updated 21 October 2026

Plan your trip to Los Angeles

The Griffith Observatory grounds in the morning

Griffith Observatory is at 2800 East Observatory Road. The building opens at noon from Tuesday to Friday and at 10 am on Saturday and Sunday, and it is closed on Mondays. The observatory's calendar also lists special closures, such as November 26, 2026.

The observatory grounds and roads are generally open from 5 am to 10:30 pm every day, the same hours as Griffith Park. The trailheads on the grounds lead to Mount Hollywood, the Greek Theatre area and Fern Dell, so the morning can be a walk before the building opens.

The Los Angeles Zoo at midday

The Los Angeles Zoo is at 5333 Zoo Drive, in Griffith Park. It is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and the animals start to go in for the night at 4 pm. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day and December 25.

The zoo runs animal presentations, special educational programmes and activities for all ages.

The Natural History Museum in the afternoon

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is at 900 Exposition Blvd., and it is open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm. It is closed on the first Tuesday of every month except from June to August, and on Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. In June, July and August, check the museum's hours before going on a first Tuesday.

General admission includes access to the NHM Commons. The NHM Insider Tour goes behind the scenes with scientists to see how real fossils are prepared and stored. Check the museum’s official admission conditions for Los Angeles County residents.

Plan your one day in Los Angeles

Pick the day with the closures in mind. The observatory building is closed on Mondays and on November 26, 2026, though its grounds are generally open every day; the museum is closed on the first Tuesday of the month except from June to August, and on Independence Day and New Year's Day; and both the museum and the zoo are closed on Thanksgiving Day and December 25. If your family would rather see sea animals, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is open every day except December 25, usually from 9 am to 6 pm; its hours change on select days, so check its calendar before you go, and reservations are required at weekends and on holidays.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

What can a family do in one day in Los Angeles?

The Griffith Observatory grounds in the morning, the Los Angeles Zoo at midday, and the Natural History Museum in the afternoon.

What time does Griffith Observatory open?

At noon from Tuesday to Friday and at 10 am on Saturday and Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and on the special closure days on its calendar, such as November 26, 2026. The observatory grounds are generally open from 5 am.

What time is the Natural History Museum open?

Daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm. It shuts on the first Tuesday of the month, except in June, July and August, and on four holidays: Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Between June and August, check the hours before a first-Tuesday visit.

Where can a family see sea animals on a day in Los Angeles?

The Aquarium of the Pacific, at 100 Aquarium Way in Long Beach, with the sea otters, the sharks and the sea jellies in its three galleries, and feeding and touch experiences. It is open every day except December 25, usually from 9 am to 6 pm, and reservations are required at weekends and on holidays.