A week of theme parks in Los Angeles
Disneyland, Universal Hollywood, Knott's and San Diego in a sensible order.
Los Angeles has three major theme parks within an hour of each other, and a week gives you all of them with days to spare for the coast. Here is a sensible order.
Day 1 and 2: Disneyland Resort, Anaheim
Stay in Anaheim, ideally within walking distance of the gate; there are dozens of hotels on Harbor Boulevard. Day one is Disneyland Park from opening: Rise of the Resistance, Indiana Jones, Space Mountain, Matterhorn, then the fireworks. Day two is California Adventure: Cars Land first, then Avengers Campus and Pixar Pier, finishing with World of Color. A two-day Park Hopper lets you cross back for the evening show in either park. Add a third day if you have children who want to repeat rides.
Day 3: Knott's Berry Farm
Fifteen minutes from Anaheim and the oldest theme park in America, with excellent coasters, a Peanuts-themed area for young children and the famous fried chicken restaurant. A good-value contrast to Disney. Tickets are not on our site yet; buy direct.
Day 4: Universal Studios Hollywood
An hour north in traffic. Do the Studio Tour first; it is the thing that makes this park unique. Then Super Nintendo World, the Wizarding World and Jurassic World. One full day is enough, and the second-day-free offer from the UK seller lets you come back in the evening if you like. Stay in Hollywood or Universal City that night if you can, to avoid the drive back.
Day 5: Los Angeles
Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood sign, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach. A hop-on hop-off bus links most of it.
Day 6 and 7: San Diego
Two hours south. SeaWorld San Diego, the San Diego Zoo, which is the best zoo in America, and LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad on the way. Fly home from San Diego or drive back to LAX.
Practical notes
Hire a car; Los Angeles does not work without one. Book Disneyland tickets and park reservations before you fly. Traffic is the enemy of every plan, so do not schedule two parks on one day.
