As Miley Cyrus says – more or less – hop off the plane at LAX for your very own family-friendly party in the USA. With more museums per capita than any other city in the world, several stadium’s worth of sports teams, and a whole constellation of television and movie stars, Los Angeles is an ideal family destination in any month on the calendar. Right now, however, as the Southern Californian city falls into Fall, a fresh array of exhibitions, attractions, events and openings beckon. Check out what’s brand spanking new in Los Angeles this October.
Universal Studios revamps Jurassic World. Credit: Universal Studios
Day and Night at the Museums – Exciting Exhibitions
October and November dish up some delectable museum and gallery offerings. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County just opened their Natural History of Horror exhibition. Running until April 19th 2020, the showing combines science with spooky movies such as Dracula, The Mummy and Frankenstein. At the Skirball Cultural Center, see a different side to famous movie-maker Stanley Kubrick in an display of his photographs. Visit the Japanese American National Museum between November 9th 2019 to June 7th 2020 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the nuclear bombings of World War II. The ‘Under a Mushroom Cloud: Hiroshima, Nagasaki, the Atomic Bomb’ exhibition presents artefacts owned by victims, photographs and artworks. Immerse in The Getty Center’s exciting hanging of Manet until January 12th 2020.
On Location – Movie Madness
Home of Hollywood and all its glitz and glamour, Los Angeles boasts an impressive show-reel of movie attractions. After you’ve ticked off the usual suspects – the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame, the Griffith Observatory and so on – scope out the new arrivals in town. As part of their regular studio tour, Warner Bros Hollywood will take you to see three Big Bang Theory sets. Do the Sheldon knock at Apartment 4A and check out the Broken Elevator and Caltech Physics Department Cafeteria. At Universal Studios Hollywood, descend the breathtaking 84-foot waterfall into Jurassic World. Jurassic World The Ride immerses you in an original story line with just as much adrenaline as the recent revival of the dinosaur-themed classic.
The new Jurassic World ride makes a splash! Credit: Universal Studios
Touchdown! – Sporting Shenanigans
Fall season is a busy one on the field and at the rink. The 100th season of NFL (American football) is running its course until December 29th 2019. Be sure to barrack for the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. The Los Angeles Kings ice hockey side will play their home games at the STAPLES Center in Downtown Los Angeles until the April end of the season. The high-octane NBA (basketball) packs a punch until April 15th 2020, with the famous Los Angeles Lakers and L.A. Clippers putting up an impressive fight.
Lift-off! – Airport Adventures
Who knew time spent in an airport could be a holiday highlight? Whether you’re disembarking at LAX or passing through to another American destination, this globetrotting hub is shaking up your wait time. Thanks to the PUP Program (or Pets Unstressing Passengers), therapy dogs and their guides will roam the departure gates. Keep an eye out so you can have a pat! Until December 10th 2019, enjoy the atmosphere of the LAX Presents Performance Series. This year’s series includes 38 performances ranging in style from jazz piano to West Coast rock.
Hotel is where the heart is – Brand-new Boutique Hotels
2020 will see the opening of an impressive list of new LA hotels. Kicking off proceedings are four new boutique hotels opening in Downtown L.A. this fall. In the hip and happening Fashion District, the Hoxton LA will open in a repurposed 1925 building that once served as the LA Railway HQ. Now, it is all about bars and rooftop pools. Soho House is opening its third Los Angeles hotspot and largest West Coast club, Soho Warehouse, in the Arts District. Silver Lake Pool and Inn will make its November debut at Sunset Junction, near Santa Monica. Its elevated pool deck and the outdoor, coastal vibes of its Italian restaurant have got us salivating. The community-focused Wayfarer DTLA will open 156 rooms, four food outlets and a stairwell gym in the historic city centre.
Silverlake’s impressive suites feel like home – just more luxurious! Credit: Silverlake
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Sophie is a die-hard pasta lover, beach-goer and theatre fanatic hit hard with the travel bug. When exploring new places, Sophie loves straying from the beaten path and chatting with locals about the best places to grab a bite to eat.