3-Day Los Angeles Trip-Planning Tips

Kids have little patience for history and art unless they’re inclined or are on a field trip with their friends. With their family members, wires short circuit a little faster. As much as LA is about glitzy Hollywood destinations, splashy nightclubs, sprawling beaches and unique cultural hotspots, there are also many kid-friendly attractions for the little ones!

So, where do we begin? Let’s start with putting together a simple, doable, budget-friendly 3-day trip that will keep the kids engaged and adults sane. The secret is in slotting in an activity or two during the day...or night, depending on what you like... into the schedule. You could pencil it in between their naps on the rented charter bus or find a place where there’s something for them to do while YOU explore.

With the all-year amazing weather in Los Angeles, it means ANY TIME of the year is a good time to visit. Avoiding big summer crowds and paying exorbitant prices for admission is possible. So, without further ado, let’s get started with a mind-blowing Day One in LA.

LA Trip Plan for Day One: Whipping Everyone into High Gear

Universal Studios Hollywood

100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
800-864-8377
www.universalstudioshollywood.com

The child in you will smile your way through the door and you can easily spend the entire day going from ride to ride to ride. The lines can be grueling, so, if you’re celebrating a birthday or giving the tickets away as gifts, it pays to get the VIP Pass or Express Pass.

This way, you can indulge in Harry Potter rides and simulations, Flight of the Hippogriff, Fast and Furious, King Kong 360 3D, Kung Fu Panda, The Walking Dead, Despicable Me, Jurassic Park, Transformers, The Simpson and Revenge of The Mummy. Otherwise, there are other fun attractions like The Universal's Animal Actors, WaterWorld, Character Sightings, Silly Swirly Fun Rides, Special Effects Studio, Super Silly Fun Land and The World Famous Studio Tour.

The Exclusive or Limited VIP Experience is for those who would like to start their day off bright and early with a light breakfast. After that, you'd be escorted through popular themed rides, enjoy exclusive park benefits like special seats, savor delicious lunch courtesy of the Universal’s very own executive chefs, and enjoy VIP entry into the park. It’s basically celebrity treatment at the heart of Hollywood. It’s hard to beat.

Make everyone in your family, from kids to adults, happy with your short 3-day trip to Los Angeles with the following tips. 

Universal Studios tips:

• Come early!
• If you can afford it, purchase the VIP Pass
• Sunscreen. Need we say more?
• Hydrate and wear the right footwear
• Get ready to spend the entire day at the park
• Start the day off with the Studio Tour FIRST to get the basic idea of what you can expect
• Bring a change of clothes for the kids. WaterWorld.
• Parking is expensive. So, it encourages groups to pool money together and get their own charter buses for the trip. It will be worth the headache.

Make it the Best Three Days of your Life!

Make trips to Sunset Boulevard, Nickelodeon on Sunset, eat at renowned restaurants, visit world-class bars, while spending the whole day splashing around the beach front of Santa Monica State Beach. Continue Reading this article to find pictures, contact info, links and reviews about the best that Los Angeles has to offer! 

You won't regret it! Click here to read...

Sunday’s and Monday’s are our wholesale wine nights! That means bottles like our Nebbiolo are sold at our cost + $5! 😱 This particular bottle is currently selling for $19 😍 come join us for some vino 🍷

A post shared by Ingo's Tasty Diner (@ingostastydiner) on Aug 6, 2018 at 7:14pm PDT

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Rent an Affordable, Private Charter Bus for a Tour of Los Angeles is Your Best Bet

Getting a personalized charter bus tour around Los Angeles based on your own personal preferences, the age of your children), people in your group and special requirements will make a world of difference. Most organized tours are pretty rushed although there’s nothing wrong about joining them if you’re trying to get the best bang for the buck.

Sometimes, however, the charter bus tour can be tailor-made to suit your own terms. This list is not an end-all, be-all. You’re free to add and remove as you wish while surfing the internet and organizing your itinerary. Bus Charter LA is the ground transportation company you’d want to get in touch with if you're looking for a reliable charter bus company in Los Angeles. When you contact us, consultation and a free quote are based on what you need for ground transportation. Call 1-800-304-1993 right now or complete this online form and submit it and we’ll get back to you with an absolutely obligation-free quote right away!

We hope to hear from you soon!

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It’s All Systems Go For LA’s Top Summer Events

Although Christmas, New Year and Halloween in Los Angeles is incredibly fun, nothing beats the summer months. With the sun out and schedules bursting at the seams, it is time to get planning! With the lineup of events packing up the June and July calendar, you’ll be opening up the floodgates to a load of fun outdoor and indoor activities all around Los Angeles. Some are free, others require a nominal fee, so, take your pick.

The month of July and early August are more packed than others, naturally, and you’ll get to enjoy infectious music festivals, exhilarating concerts, catch an outdoor movie screening (which is almost always free), live it up with an impromptu getaway at a neighboring CA beach, pack your friends into the rented charter bus for a tailgating party, or join everyone else for the July 4th fireworks and parade. With longer days, cooler nights, it's the perfect time to let your hair down and enjoy concerts, cultural festivals, seasonal markets, quaint exhibits at museums, a weekend of camping, a cocktail event, or a pool party.

Don’t let anything stand between you and the best summer of your life. 

 

1. The Go-Gos

Jul 2 - 4, 2018, 7.30pm
Hollywood Bowl
2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 850-2000
www.gogos.com
www.hollywoodbowl.com
It’s summer, the sun is out, the games are on and the fireworks are set to go off July 4th...what else is there to wish for?

Well, America’s very own 1980’s Spice Girls, maybe?

The Go-Gos, the all-female L.A. 1980’s wonder rock band will be performing at several locations this summer which includes The famous Hollywood Bowl. The female group rode high on the 1970s music wave despite going into semi-retirement in 1985. Fans know them as the rarity of an all-female group who plays their own instruments, compose and sing their own songs. This was a refreshing change from the constant of manufactured bands and cookie-cutter groups. Billboard charts welcomed their inclusion and so did their fans.

2018 summer, The Go-Gos will come out with their original members, performing at The Fox Theater Oakland, Humphrey's by the Bay and the Hollywood Bowl. Tickets are on sale at The HollywoodBowl.com. After news of their ‘farewell tour’ in 2016, the hitmaker’s appearance of Jimmy Kimmel Live! showed that the group was anything BUT going into full retirement. They're ready to electrify fans with famous hits like ‘We Got the Beat’ and ‘Our Lips are Sealed’, while the Los Angeles Philharmonic will be led by Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel.

⚪40th Anniversary⚪ #thegogos #belindacarlisle #charlottecaffey #ginaschock #kathyvalentine #janewiedlin #beautyandthebeat #80s #80sfashion #80spop #iconic #ourlipsaresealed

A post shared by Go-Go's (@officialgogos) on Jun 5, 2018 at 6:37pm PDT

There are many more events and happenings coming to you in Los Angeles...there's everything from free bowling for kids to yoga sessions, concerts to meditation classes in neighboring LA parks. Find out more when you continue reading the original article on our website, Bus Charter LA right now!

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Stretch Your Budget with Bus Charter LA’s Affordable Ground Transportation Packages

We work with some of the country's largest, most competitive bus providers, therefore, Bus Charter LA caters to events all year round in Los Angeles' busiest neighborhoods and communities. Because of the large database we work with, short notice booking is not a problem at all. You can count on our professionally-trained consultants who know the DOT guidelines and regulations like the back of their hands. If you have questions about our charter bus booking and event planning services, call us right now at 1-800-304-1993 or contact us online via our website. We can't wait to help you put together your exciting excursion in Los Angeles, CA!

Top 4 Quick Getaways For LA Visitors

Without a smidgen of doubt, we know that the number of attractions in the City of Angels is quite endless. Head-turning Hollywood attractions, idiosyncratic celeb-spotting cafes, bars and restaurants, and flamboyant small towns are usually what you add to your list of things to do when you're breezing over your options about your upcoming trip to LA.

But sometimes, it is inevitable that you need to get away for a while. A short escape from crowds and traffic. This calls for visits to LA wineries, ranches, beaches, and quaint communities; in fact, it won’t even cost a lot of cash. Even with a modest budget, it is possible to ditch the life of mediocrity for a short period of time just to perk up your weekend with an outing. Keep things basics, you’ll see that simple things can be the most fun. There are plenty of excellent attractions located a short LA charter bus drive away and below are just a few examples. We will reserve the museums, art galleries and nightclubs for another article while, in this one, we’ll keep the spotlight on quiet escapades.

There are rough-around-the-edges locations an hour and a half drive in Santa Barbara, fishing piers and bluffs overlooking the Pacific 45 minutes away in Malibu, and wild stretches of South Californian coastline to enjoy less than 2 hours away in San Diego.

1. Catalina

For many reasons, Catalina Island, located approximately 25 miles south of Los Angeles, is known as a precious piece of California Paradise. Easily accessible via express boats setting off from San Pedro, Dana Point and Long Beach, you’ll get to explore critically-acclaimed attractions like deco murals downtown, hit Descanso Canyon for ziplining, rope courses, balance beams and suspended bridges, or simply take a relaxing walk along the white sandy beaches and waterfront stores. A cocktail or two before calling it a day will make the day a dream come true. The Cyclone in Avalon, by the way, depart from Green Pier Harbor and cruise along the lapping waters along Catalina coastline to the rustic village of Two Harbors. The pristine beaches and its waving palm trees are reasons enough for the trip.

Highlights of Catalina

• Mt. Orizaba, its highest peak is nestled between two of California’s most rustic, humble resort towns
• Avalon is home to Descanso Beach, the Catalina Casino, movie theaters, ballrooms, a museum and a few cultural centers
• Countless wildlife viewing spots, quaint shops, an abundance of retail outlets,
• Rent a golf cart to get around some areas
• Picturesque spots all around town for your Instagram
• Celebrate with a carnival cruise
• Peaceful and family-friendly
• Activities include golfing, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, surfing, scuba diving, fishing, swimming, photography
• Laid-back and romantic for honeymoon and wedding receptions
• For some pampering, head over the Island Spa Catalina

Continue Reading about 3 other not-to-be-missed attractions and day trip locations in and around Los Angeles on Bus Charter LA right now!

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Professionally-Driven, Comfortable and Modern Charter Buses That Meet Your Standard

Bus Charter LA, thanks to our wide network of operators, drivers, and dispatchers, never disappoints when it comes to safety records. We go that extra mile to ensure that the vehicles provided undergoes stringent checks, monthly inspections and are absolutely road-worthy. We stand behind the vehicles in our fleet. Working with Bus Charter LA also provides you with the peace of mind of knowing that there is someone available to answer any question you might have about your buses, vehicles or limousines.

We take pride in having an excellent record of safety, timeliness and customer service. Contact us right now and find out more about how we can work together for your future travels and events. 

Top 5 Los Angeles Locations For Group Trips and Family Fun

by Joanna Ramirez

Los Angeles may be more known to the world as the land of Hollywood, glamorous celebrities, the infamously cunning paparazzi, and the land of movies and music. However, you’ll be surprised at the number of attractions within the cityscape that are completely suitable for kids and their parents or grandparents. Right in the midst of all the glitz and glamor, you’ll find fun and lively gems like theme parks and some old-school amusement centers. Of course, at this point, most people would be thinking of Disneyland and the Hollywood Walk of Fame...but really, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

You’ll find a play space (and delicious food and drinks for everyone else) at the unsuspecting Giggle N’ Hugs; immersive playful exhibits and real-world action about global citizenship and world injustices at The Zimmer Children’s Museum; electric bike tours around Santa Monica and Venice Beach; and a fun day-out splashing around in the waves and cooling waters of Hermosa Beach located 30 minutes southwest of the main downtown LA area. 

But frankly, who can leave the theme parks and amusement centers of Los Angeles out of the list when talking about the best family-friendly attractions in the City of Angels. Here, allow me to just skim the surface with just the top 5.

1. Griffith Park & Southern Railroad

4400 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 664-6788
www.griffithparktrainrides.com
Little boys...and little girls too, in fact...are naturally attracted to the chuggin’ trains and locomotives at The Griffith Park. The relaxing ambiance allows for easy cognizant tours while the little ones as families sign up for the gripping affordable rides. The friendly staff is always readily available at the well-kept as it remains open every day of the year except for major holidays like Christmas. Just to be sure, visit their website or social media sites for the latest update or schedule. Visitors can enjoy the one-mile easy track along the bridge, into forested areas, and around the Old Western Town with the Southern Railroad, enjoy a mini 16” train ride (twice for good measure) with Travel Town Railroad while exploring ancient cars and rolling stocks, or sign up for the limited number of Holiday Lights Train Ride which takes place at the end of every year.

Also be on the lookout for The Colonel Griffith Locomotive which was built by one of the world’s premier builders, The Freedom Train which is a streamliner built by the All American Streamliner Company of Los Angeles, The Stanley Diamond, Five-Seat Steel Coaches, or the Six-Seat Wood Gondolas. The last two were commonly used, back in the day, to carry bulk goods across the great continent of North America. Which is no mean feat considering the technology they were working with at the time.

2. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
(800) 864-8377
You don't need to know how Hermione used 'Alohomora' to unlock doors so that she can go sneaking around the great Hogwarts castle because you'll get to 'Accio' your way around the theme park to enjoy the fantastic and magical rides. The wizarding world is located on the grounds of the world-renowned Universal Studios Hollywood and the dedicated Harry Potter franchise features daring heroes and dark villains that you're already familiar with. Apart from the rides, fans will get their fill of thrill by purchasing wands with magnetic sensors from Ollivander’s Wand Shop to perform popular Harry Potter spells around the theme park...like opening a box of candy without lifting a finger or unlocking a cabinet with a wave of the wand. Kids and adults alike will also be entertained by shows like The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle, Ollivanders, Frog Choir and Triwizard Spirit Rally.

The theme park stays true to the Harry Potter stories while also helping non-fans enjoy the experience. The experience, however, will simply be more memorable for fans of the long-standing series. 

Continue Reading this article on Bus Charter LA website right now! 

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Bus Charter LA has a large fleet of charter buses, mini buses, coaches and corporate vehicles that can be used for your trips to LA. 

Count on the Decades of Experience to Bring You Reliable Charter Buses for Events in Los Angeles

LA Charter buses, mini buses, school buses, coaches, and limousines are amazing ways to get around the theme parks. You can forget about who is driving who and when everyone is EVER going to get to the drop-off point on time. Instead, set up a charter bus service to bring everyone there on schedule! Give Bus Charter LA a call right now and get yourself a quick quote. You’ll be surprised at how affordable the vehicles are for your group trip.

Looking Beyond The Bright Lights and Glitter Of Los Angeles

Visiting Landmark Locations and Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles

Beach, Sunset is The Best Remedy after a long day in LA

Most people assume that Hollywood is what LA is all about. That when they get off the rented charter buses, they would either be greeted by Hollywood stars hiding behind their sunglasses, the paparazzi that follows them, or star-wannabes working hard behind their aprons waiting on tables.

In order to fully immerse yourself in what Los Angeles, the City of Angels, has to offer, you need to look beyond the bright lights and glitter. It is a beautiful, diverse and sometimes confusing city that makes every trip like a brand, new one. At every turn, there’s something new to learn, be it a new language or a new culture.

Los Angeles, unbeknownst to some, does not have a ‘center’ per se, and it is made out of many different parts of neighboring California cities and communities. There are, after all, 88 cities within the Los Angeles County itself. While casuals brunches are big deals, dinners during weekends would warrant a call ahead of time (if you don’t fancy meeting your friends at Taco Truck zone) and bar crawls are almost impossible without a party bus or a private car.

You can get off the charter bus and just wander around on foot, especially during warmer days at The Valley (a hub for International cuisine), the beaches in Santa Monica (and its mountains), harbors on Eastside, hip, chic and famous neighborhoods around Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Pasadena and Malibu.

Continue Reading in Bus Charter LA ->

Visiting Festivals in Southern California on a Charter Bus

Festivals and events are a great way to experience the culture of a region while on a charter bus visit. In diverse Southern California, there is an overwhelming list from which to choose. The Pasadena's Tournament of Roses with its diversity of cultures represented in the floats is a way to start off the new year. And county fairs provide a big and tasty slice of Southern California living. After that the selection is much more subjective. Perhaps a good place to start is following California's deepest roots, which tap into Native American and Mexican cultures, and then turning to the coast, a major attraction and culture in itself using a bus, coach bus, party bus, mini bus, passenger coach or school bus chartered from Bus Charter Los Angeles.

A big part of Southern California's allure, along with Hollywood and Disney, are the beaches. Whether you are into the surf scene or sand castles, festivals and events at the beach provide opportunity to mingle and have fun with others when on a LA charter bus. One of the most eclectic events is the San Clemente Ocean Festival. Billed as “The Biggest Show on Surf,” its activities include a sandcastle contest, surf race, fishing derby, beach runs, a Woody car show, an ocean art show, and a family concert and barbecue. Having a good time is key at this laid back surf event where kids competing in the Grom's Rule surf contest are judged not only on surfing ability but on the amount of fun they are having and the size of their smiles.

This Old Town San Diego tradition is billed as the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration north of the border, and it just may be, packed as it is with entertainment, activities, tours, food and drink. The Old Town San Diego Festival's main location is outdoors, although charter buses take festival-goers to nearby participating places, such as the Natural History Museum. Music, including Latino Jazz, Latin a Go Go, Flamenco, classical and Mariachi, is performed on three stages. Exhibits range from horseback riding and fancy roping to low riders. There's a beer garden, tequila sampling and food vendors with Mexican and American fare. Kids' activities include arts and crafts, games, performing arts and even physical education as with the Indo board balance training.

Learn about Southern California's American Indian heritage at one of the region's many pow wows, such as the Southern California Indian Center Powwow at the Orange County Fairgrounds. The event offers charter bus visitors traditional powwow fare, authentic American Indian dancing, foods and arts and crafts. The pow wow also includes a toy and food drive and children's area. In the high desert, attend a pow wow, and if you like, camp at Mojave Regional Park. The Mother Earth's People Inter-tribal Council Traditional Annual Gathering Pow wow includes Native American dance, drumming and storytelling; a teepee village, vendors and a variety of cultural and nature workshops. Shade is provided by cottonwoods along the river that runs through the park, and children can chill in the “Water Park Saloon.”

Visiting Los Angeles and southern California at festival time has never been more fun that with a charter bus from Bus Charter Los Angeles. Grab a charter bus from Bus Charter Los Angeles today and have a fun filled and memorable time at southern California’s festivals.

Seeing Los Angeles in a Charter Bus

For charter bus visitors to Southern California, a visit to the area usually means Los Angeles and a stop in Hollywood to see Grauman's Chinese Theater as well as a stroll along Hollywood Boulevard to see the stars on the Walk of Fame. Charter bus visitors with children will inevitably end up at Disneyland in Anaheim. Although these well-known tourist destinations are must-sees, there are many other attractions in Southern California that the first-time visitor or frequent traveler shouldn't miss, and a great way of getting in and around Los Angeles is with a bus, charter bus, coach bus, party bus, mini bus, passenger coach or school bus chartered from Bus Charter Los Angeles.

Los Angeles has long identified itself with the movie industry, and charter bus visitors should stop by Universal Studios in Hollywood, which calls itself "The Entertainment Capital of L.A." The 415-acre complex incorporates a shopping area, theme park and studio tour. The restored back lot reopened in May 2010 after a major fire in 2008 destroyed many of the original film and television sets. The venue is so large that it has its own zip code. Film theaters and a major concert venue are also part of complex of attractions. All of the attractions are open year-round and tickets are available at the venues.

Ontario is located within the Cucamonga Valley, a short charter bus ride away from Los Angeles, in one of California's oldest wine regions. While most small wineries and vineyards have disappeared since the region's wine business exploded more than 200 years ago, a few tasting rooms, vineyards and wine shops persist. One of the most widely known tasting rooms is the San Antonio Winery's Ontario Wine and Gift Shop. This is a satellite shop of the historical San Antonio Winery in Los Angeles. The Ontario wine shop offers three complimentary tastings per visit. Charter bus visitors to LA can purchase an artisan tasting and the wine shop also offers classes and seminars throughout the year. Contact the Ontario wine shop directly to find out what subjects, if any, will be offered during your charter bus visit.

Catalina, formally known as Santa Catalina Island, is an island off the coast of California located 22 miles south-southwest of downtown Los Angeles, and a great way to spend the day in the sun for charter bus visitors. Officially part of Los Angeles County, the island is accessed by hour-long boat shuttles from San Pedro, Marina del Rey, Long Beach, Newport Beach and Dana Point, or by a 15-minute helicopter ride from Long Beach and San Pedro. The island has a rich history and lore beginning with the earliest residents nearly 7,000 years ago. Arguably the most famous residents were Western author Zane Gray and William Wrigley, Jr., of chewing gum fame, who constructed homes on the island. Tourist sites for charter bus visitors include both famous houses, the island casino structure, Green Pleasure Pier, first constructed in 1894 by the Banning Brothers, Los Angeles business promoters, and rebuilt after a storm in 1914; shopping, and nature viewing.

For a fun filled time in Los Angeles, let Bus Charter Los Angeles help you plan your charter bus trip with their friendly, personalized service.

L.A. is a lady

Visiting attractions in the very spread-out city of Los Angeles can be a challenge, because the city is so sprawling that several tourist spots popularly associated with the city are actually in neighboring counties. This is where chartering a bus, coach bus, party bus, mini bus, passenger coach or school bus from Bus Charter LA makes sense. Tour famous LA attractions in style and comfort in your charter, bus, visiting sights such as quirky museums, famous graves, hipster shopping and offbeat art galleries, plus world-class sports and entertainment venues such as the Staples Center and the Hollywood Bowl.
For most charter bus visitors to LA, the Hollywood Sign is the most easily recognized landmark in all of Los Angeles, standing as a symbol for LA as a whole and its entertainment industry in particular. It was built in 1923 as a giant ad for a housing development that never took off, called Hollywoodland. You cannot approach the sign on foot but there are plenty of vantage points nearby from which you can get a great view. Try the intersection of Hollywood and Highland or the nearby Griffith Park Observatory if your charter bus group wants some group photo memories.
The Bradbury Building, completed in 1893, is an iconic structure that has served both as a public building and the backdrop for several famous Hollywood movies. For science fiction buffs on a charter bus tour, the Bradbury Building is where the famous confrontation scene in Ridley Scott’s movie “Bladerunner”, was filmed. The five-story building's modest brick exterior conceals a splendid atrium inspired by a description of a commercial building in Edward Bellamy's futuristic novel “Looking Backward”. Bathed in diffuse natural light from a skylight roof, the atrium features lacelike wrought-iron railings, stair frames and open-cage elevators along with red-oak trim and paneling. The stair treads are made of pink Belgian marble, and walls of glazed yellow brick and Mexican tile. It is the oldest commercial building remaining in the central city. 
Another Hollywood icon, and one of the main draws for charter bus visitors to LA, is Grauman's Chinese Theatre. The theater, true to its name, is an ornate confection of bronze, silk, coral and stone. A sinuous dragon graces the facade and "heaven dogs" imported from China flank the main entrance. Opened in 1927, Grauman’s is the opening night launchpad for every Hollywood blockbuster-to-be. "The Chinese," as it's nicknamed, still hosts first-run movies as well as a series of classic Hollywood films for only 25 cents a ticket. Charter bus visitors can also take a scheduled tour that runs several times a day. In the forecourt of the theater you will find the handprints and footprints of famous stars from every era of Hollywood embedded in concrete blocks. 
For a glamorous look at Los Angeles, give Bus Charter Los Angeles a call to find out how they can help you plan your charter bus trip with a selection from their fleet of charter buses and friendly, personalized service.