Car Rental Tips for Los Angeles Family Travel

Car Rental Tips for Los Angeles Family Travel

Whether you’re flying in with the kids to visit family, or taking them on their first trip to Disneyland, Los Angeles is an exciting adventure for the whole family. However, you’ll need to get around after you land. That’s where car rental for family travel comes into the picture. You get the freedom of movement you have at home and safe, clean transportation for your loved ones. Here are some car rental and travel tips for your next visit to the bustling streets of LA.

Getting Around Los Angeles

Five lane los angeles freeway during heavy traffic

On their first visit to LA, many people aren’t prepared for how large the city is. Los Angeles isn’t a city in the conventional sense, as much as a bunch of small cities all bunched together across a huge area. This makes it nearly impossible to walk anywhere, and public transportation isn’t a good solution for tourists. The best way for you to get to your destination quickly and safely is by renting a car.

Car Rental for Family Travel Near LAX

LAX Car Rental Rates Are High

Of all the ways to arrive in Los Angeles, flying into LAX is the most common. Its central location makes it the perfect jumping off point for anyone traveling to LA. While you might be tempted to brave the long lines to get a rental car at the airport, there’s a better way. Take a quick cab ride down the road to an independent rental agency instead. You get to skip the lines, and you’ll save a boatload of money that can be spent on your vacation instead.

Fun Destinations For The Whole Family

santa monica pier daytrip ideas

After you arrive and take care of transportation, the fun can really begin. Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular destinations for visitors of all ages.

Knott’s Berry Farm

Known as “Southern California’s original theme park”, Knott’s Berry Farm is loaded with rides and attractions that will make the kids go wild. Check out their world-class roller coasters, thrill rides, and interactive entertainment. If roller coasters are a little to extreme for your tastes, head over to the Soak City Waterpark to cool off and have some fun. The park also has delicious food and refreshments, so you don’t have to pack a lunch!

Kidspace Children’s Museum

Located in sunny Pasadena, the Kidspace Children’s Museum is a great place to bring children ages 10 and under for some wholesome family fun. The beautifully maintained 3.5-acre space is full of interactive exhibits and plenty of space for kids to run around after a long trip.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Young thrill seekers rejoice! Six Flags Magic Mountain has more roller coasters in one park than anywhere else on Earth. Sporting classic wood, monolithic steel, and high-flying suspension roller coasters, Six Flags has thrills for the whole family.

Aquarium of the Pacific

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNyeoFChRp8

This one’s for all the aspiring marine biologists in the family. The Aquarium of the Pacific features over 100 exhibits with 19 major habitats. With daily tours and structured experiences, you could spend the whole day exploring the different biomes of the Pacific Coast and not see everything. Tickets are affordable, making this one of the best budget attractions in the city.

Warner Brothers Studio Tour

A trip to Los Angeles isn’t complete without visiting a iconic Hollywood studio. Get the inside scoop on the shows and movies you know and love. Explore almost 100 years of Warner Brothers history and actual sets used on Big Bang Theory, Friends, and more. Be sure to take the kids down to the interactive sound stage, so they can get up close and personal with the special effects magic behind all their favorite movies.

Family Travel Safety Tips

man breakng into car with screwdriver

When going to a new city of any kind, it’s important to have good situational awareness. Los Angeles is no more dangerous than any other city in America, but there are a few things you should look out for:

  1. On hotter days the risk of heat exhaustion goes up significantly at theme parks and resorts. Make sure the kids put on their sunscreen and drink lots of water. That goes for parents too.
  2. Lock your car when it’s parked. If you have to leave valuables in the car, lock them in the trunk. Consider getting additional insurance from your car rental agency to cover loss due to theft.
  3. Look out for pickpockets in crowded areas. Secure your phone and wallet with a fanny pack or discreet bag.
  4. Avoid areas with a large homeless population. They’re not out to get you, but they don’t like it when tourists wander into their living room.
  5. When visiting theme parks, keep your children close. It’s easy to get separated in the excitement of a large crowd.
  6. Make sure everyone washes their hands after going to a theme park or events center. With thousands of people all in one place, it’s a fact that some will be ill. You can cut down on the chances of getting sick with some basic hygiene. Be sure to pack sanitary wipes, masks, and hand sanitizer.

Infographic - Car Rental Tips For Los Angeles Family Travel

Looking For A Los Angeles Rental Car for Family Travel?

Value Rental Car offers clean and affordable rental cars for local driving in Los Angeles and Pasadena. If you’re a college student, we want to help you get on the road. We rent to drivers under the age of 21, and we offer cash and debit card car rentals. Check out some of our other articles to learn more about how car rental works!

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