What’s not to love in L.A.? The weather is fabulous and there is no shortage of student-friendly activities!
Educational activities abound in and around Los Angeles! Incorporate a cross-cultural or cross-discipline activity during your trip and get even more bang for your buck!
Cultural and musical events –Los Angeles is home to many options for the music student including the Walt Disney Concert Hall which hosts the L.A. Philharmonic among other performing groups, the Pantages Theatre and the Ahmanson Theatre which showcase touring groups of the latest Broadway musicals. Further south is the Segerstrom Theatre in Costa Mesa which provides an outstanding venue for the Pacific Symphony, Pacific Chorale, Broadway musicals, and visiting artists. Local or college theatrical productions can also be an economical, yet entertaining option.
Museums include the L.A. County Museum of Art, the Norton Simon Museum, the Pasadena Huntington Library (where Pinkie and Blue Boy reside), the Getty Center, the Autry Museum of the American West, and two Presidential Libraries.
Science centers are terrific cross-disciplinary options. Check out the California Science Center (where the space shuttle Endeavour currently resides), the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific, the famous Griffiths Observatory, the Natural History Museum (love dinosaurs? You’ll love it here.)
Movie History buffs? This is the place! Combine your interest in old architecture with movie madness. Explore the famous footprints at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Take a walking tour of Hollywood theatres or buildings used in famous movies. Take a Starline bus tour of famous homes or spots. Enjoy studio tours at Sony Studios, Warner Bros., or Paramount Pictures.
Theme Parks R Us! Need it be said that the greater L.A. area hosts the most amazing theme parks? Universal Studios Hollywood boasts a great dining & shopping district at Universal Citywalk plus a large, spotless park featuring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Plan a full day to enjoy Knott’s Berry Farm’s quaint western charm & thrill rides or Disneyland Resort’s two iconic parks with America’s best-loved characters. Further north, visit Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia for roller coasters galore.
Beaches – So many beaches, so little time! A trip to L.A. wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of its famous beaches.
- At the end of Route 66, you’ll find the Santa Monica Pier and beaches! The Pier is a step back in time with a carnival-like atmosphere and fun.
- The L.A. beach culture includes a stroll at Venice Beach and Boardwalk. Street musicians and entertainers flourish here.
- South of L.A. are the pristine beaches of Orange County including Huntington Beach (Surf City) which features a beautiful pier. Also, don’t miss Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Seal Beach, Crystal Cove State Park, and many, many more.
Points of Interests and historical landmarks – California history is fascinating and varied. Learn about it by enjoying some of L.A.’s most popular sightseeing destinations.
Olvera Street – the oldest street in L.A. – think Old Mexico Marketplace. Plan on enjoying some delicious food and cruising through some sweet, little shops.
Farmer’s Market – located in the Fairfax area, this is the original Farmer’s Market and is a great place to grab a bite and stroll along the food vendors. Situated right next to The Grove, an upscale shopping area, it is a great place for a group to be able to cut loose a bit of on-your-own dining.
Central to California’s history are the 21 missions established by the Franciscan order on behalf of the Spanish king during the late 18th century and early 19th century. Though controversial for the treatment of Native Americans, the establishment of the missions remains a unique staple of California history studied by all California elementary students. The missions still stand dotting the California landscape and welcoming explorers and history buffs.
Colleges & universities tours – what a win/win for a student group! Most (if not all) colleges and universities welcome student groups for campus tours. The list is endless. Consult us for specific suggestions that would cater to your group’s interests and itinerary. Combining a tour with a clinic or educational workshop makes this an even more appealing activity for students, parents, and administrators!
Just a sample bite from the huge menu of options in Southern California, let us help you put together a customized trip that your students will never forget. Email us directly at office@forummusicfestivals.com and let’s get the planning started!
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