Despite being a hub of scandal and celebrity playground, Los Angeles is a very family friendly city, with beaches, theme parks, exhibitions and plenty of educational activities. There are limitless opportunities for active visitors, such as surfing, cycling and hiking, and Los Angeles nightlife will blow the most hardened party animal away.

Theme parks abound around Los Angeles. Some of the best include Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure, Hurricane Harbor, Los Angeles Zoo, Pacific Park, Universal Studios Hollywood and Sea World. Those that aren't in Los Angeles are just a couple of hours' drive away.