Things To Bring

1.  Surprises – Stop by your local dollar store and stock up on some small toys and snacks.  Stash them in your purse and have a surprise to pull out when the going gets tough, the line gets long, or the flight gets delayed.
2. Pull-ups – Even if you child is far past potty-training, having a stash of Pull-ups in your bag may just be the smartest move you ever made.  Tell your reluctant independent potty-er that it is just for the plane and you can rest easy, free from the worry of that potty emergency that is sure to occur when you are ordered to your seat for landing.  Pull-ups can also be helpful in the car in the event that a restroom is nowhere to be found.  Most small children would rather slip on the Pull-Up then do the old school “emergency roadside stop” we all grew up with.
3. Lollipop or Gum – Kids are very susceptible to difficulties stabilizing pressure in their ears during take off and landing.  Chewing gum or sucking on a lollipop for younger kids can help.
4. Small Roll of Blue Painting Tape – Perfect for covering outlets in hotel rooms or taping cabinet doors closed.  Also helpful to temporarily cover the automatic flushing sensor on public toilets, which squirming toddlers can accidentally activate.

Airports

1.  Bring the Car Seat – Regardless of airline regulations, you and your child will be much happier if you both have your own seat.  Also, a familiar car seat may be just the trick to get your toddler to rest comfortably during the plane ride.
2. Take Your Stroller – Bring your stroller all the way to the gate, especially if you have a connecting flight.  Having the stroller to hold all of your stuff is a big bonus and all airlines will check your stroller for you at the gate and return it to you as you step off the plane.  If your car seat is the type that snaps into your stroller, you will really be set.    Plus having a familiar comfortable place for your toddler to sit while waiting at the gate and between flights will likely lead to a more content child.
3. Do Your Research – A number of airports now have play areas for children.  Research your airport ahead of time if you have a layover.  Identify a kid friendly restaurant ahead of time if you are planning to eat and give them plenty of time to run around between flights.  Some airports also post viewing spots where your toddler will undoubtedly be intrigued by the goings-on out on the taramac.

Ground Transportation

1. Rental Cars – If you are renting a car upon your arrival in Los Angeles, a car seat is absolutely required.                  If  you haven’t brought your own, you will likely be able to rent one from the rental company.  This is    not  recommended as you will not know the age of the seat (they do expire) or whether or not it has ever been involved in an accident.  It is definitely best to bring your own seat.
2. LAX Shuttles, Buses and Taxis – LAX shuttles are classified as buses, and buses and taxis are exempt from child seat laws in the city of Los Angeles.  However, this does not mean that your child is exempt from the laws of physics.  You should NEVER travel in an airport shuttle, hotel shuttle, bus or taxi without your child strapped in just as you would in your own car.  Shuttles from LAX may require you to purchase an additional seat, so call ahead to find out.  If you are on a bus and there are no seatbelts, still strap your child into their car seat.  There have been many, many instances of children thrown from vehicles, sitting in the middle of the road in their car seats unharmed!

 Follow these simple tips to enjoy and fun and SAFE trip to Los Angeles with your baby.

Things to Bring

There are a few things that you might not use for baby care at home that can prove to be very useful with traveling.

1. Binder clips – Binder clips are indispensible when it comes to creating a sanctuary for a weary baby, no matter where you are.  You can use the clips to attach a blanket to the stroller to create a moving nap cocoon.  You can attach a blanket to the back of an airline or train seat to create a canopy to block out distracting reading lights and nearby activity.  Need extra shade at the beach?  You will be amazed at the extra versatility you will have with just a small handful of binder clips!
2. Blue painters tape – No, you won’t be doing any home improvement projects at the hotel, but a small roll of blue painters tape is just what you will need to baby proof your hotel room, cruise cabin or condo.  Put tape over outlets.  Tape cabinet doors closed.  Tape up electrical cords.  Tape cords from blinds or drapes up out of baby’s reach.  You will be able to relax when you know these basic safety issues have been taken care of.
3. Overalls – Not for you … for the baby!  Overalls make for great travel wear because you can easily attach a toy or other distraction to the loop while you are standing in line, at the restroom changing station or waiting at the gate.  You will be able to keep baby entertained with having to worry about the toy falling on the very public (and possibly very yucky) ground.
4. Clorox wipes – A small container of Clorox wipes in your diaper bag will allow you to go where no baby has gone before without (too much) worry.  It is very likely that you will be using public restroom changing stations and you may even be using the floor of a few places you wouldn’t dream of normally.  The ability to wipe down very public surfaces with Clorox wipes prior to use will make you feel better when you have to make do.

Airports

1. Liquid Restriction for Airport Security – The restriction on fluids over 3 ounces when going through security does not apply to breast milk or infant formula, however, you will have to go through additional screening procedures.  The best way to save yourself the hassle is to store powdered formulas in bottles and then purchase bottled water to make liquid formula once you get through security.  And of course, make sure you have more than you think you need in the event of an extended delay.
2. Overpack the Diaper Bag – As a general rule of thumb,  you should pack twice as much formula, diapers and wipes as you think you will need so that you are prepared for any unexpected delays.  Also pack a change of clothes for the baby and another for you.  Now you are prepared for any unexpected “blow ups”.
3. Buy Baby a Seat – If at all possible, purchase a seat for your baby, and bring the car seat on board.  Not only will mom be much more comfortable, but you will be providing your baby with the safest ride.  If you just can’t swallow a full price airline ticket for someone who only weighs 12 pounds, still bring your infant seat to the gate.  If there are open seats on the flight, the crew will let you put baby in the car seat in a separate seat.  And, worse case scenario, if you are on an absolutely full flight, you can always check the seat at the gate.
4. Take Your Stroller – Bring your stroller all the way to the gate, especially if you have a connecting flight.  Having the stroller to hold all of your stuff is a big bonus and all airlines will check your stroller for you at the gate and return it to you as you step off the plane.  If your car seat is the type that snaps into your stroller, you will really be set.    Plus having a familiar comfortable place for baby to sit while waiting at the gate and between flights will likely lead to a more content baby.
5. Spread Baby’s Stuff Out – Spread baby’s things out amongst your checked luggage so that if one of your pieces of luggage gets lost, it won’t be the absolutely critical one.

Ground Transportation

1. Rental Cars – If you are renting a car upon your arrival in Los Angeles, an infant seat is absolutely required.  If you haven’t brought your own, you will likely be able to rent one from the rental company.  This is not recommended as you will not know the age of the seat (they do expire) or whether or not it has ever been involved in an accident.  It is definitely best to bring your own seat.
2. LAX Shuttles, Buses and Taxis – LAX shuttles are classified as buses, and buses and taxis are exempt from child seat laws in the city of Los Angeles.  However, this does not mean that your baby is exempt from the laws of physics.  You should NEVER travel in a airport shuttle, hotel shuttle, bus or taxi without your baby strapped in just as you would in your own car.  A shuttle from LAX may require you to purchase an additional seat, so call ahead to find out.  If you are on a bus and there are no seatbelts, still strap your baby into their car seat.  There have been many, many instances of infants thrown from vehicles, sitting in the middle of the road in their car seats unharmed.

Follow these simple tips to enjoy and fun and SAFE trip to Los Angeles with your baby.

No matter where you choose to stay in Santa Monica, everything featured below is within close walking distance.  If you take an airport shuttle from LAX, you will find that everything you need is right at your fingertips.    Parking is a huge concern in Santa Monica – when it is available at all, it can be very expensive – so you are definitely better of to take a shuttle from LAX to your hotel.  LAX shuttles can pick you up at your terminal at LAX and deliver you to any address in Santa Monica.  The local Big Blue Bus is also a convenient and passenger-friendly public transportation system serving all of Santa Monica.

Without a doubt, the primary draw to Santa Monica is its beautiful beaches and all of the beach activities available. 

The Annenberg Community Beach House is a restored historical landmark that serves as a visitor’s center with cultural and interpretive programming year-round.  The Beach House features a cafe, concession stands and beach recreation equipment rentals.  There is also a public poll facility that features an enclosed picnic area and a special water playground for kids.

Santa Monica offers a host of outdoor activities.  The South Bay Bicycle Trail stretches 22 miles from Malibu in the north to Torrance in the south and is the only beach path of its kind in the world.

Any non-motorized wheeled conveyance is allowed on the path.

For the fisherman, no fishing licenses are required on Santa Monica beaches and the pier.  Rods are available for rent at the ocean end of the pier year-round.

Surfing is also permitted year-round.  During the summer when the beach is crowded, it is allowed only between lifeguard towers 18 and 20 and between lifeguard towers 28 and 29. 

Sandy beach volleyball courts south of the pier are always available to the public and free of charge.

Santa Monica is also a popular destination for shopping.  Main Street offers small fashion boutiques, while Montana Avenue offers upscale high fashion.  The popular, pedestrian only 3rd Street Promenade offers several blocks of name brand stores and restaurants in an outdoor mall setting.  It is also popular for night life once the sun sets and its many unique local performers take to the street.

Don’t leave Santa Monica without getting to know the city through its food.  My all-time favorite Santa Monica pasttime is a Six Taste Food Tour.  This 4 hour tour will lead you on a walking tour visiting seven different eateries with unique Santa Monica flair.  You’ll enjoy the world famous Los Angeles based Border Grill, treats from a British bakery, wine tasting and the famous Godmother sandwich, featured on the Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate” show.

When the time comes to return home the LAX shuttles or taxis or Big Blue Bus are at your disposal once again.  I have no doubt that your visit to Santa Monica will leave you feeling as if you have truly experienced something absolutely unique.  Welcome to Los Angeles.

Venice is one of the many Los Angeles beach cities.  It is south of Santa Monica and north of Marina del Rey.  Originally called “Venice of America”, it was founded in 1905 by tobacco millionaire Abbot Kinney.  Kinney dug miles of canals to drain the marshy land upon which he then built his dream seaside resort.  By 1911, it was not unusual for Southern California’s nod to its Italian namesake to draw crowds of 150,000 tourists on the weekends!  The Venice of old featured the Venice Scenic Railway, an aquarium, racing derby, a hot salt water plunge, gondolas, and over a mile of beautiful, gently sloping beaches.

After Kinney’s death in 1920, Venice became increasingly difficult to manage.  It was proposed that Venice be annexed to the city of Los Angeles.  Lifelong Venice residents were staunchly opposed, but several Los Angeles residents moved to Venice just to sway the vote, and in 1925, Venice became part of Los Angeles.  The annexation coupled with the Depression was too much for Venice to take and by the 1950′s it was referred to as “The Slum by the Sea”. 

In the 1960′s low rents for run-down beach bungalows attracted young counterculture artists, poets and writers.  Today, that artistic counterculture influence has blossomed to make Venice one of the most vibrant and eclectic areas of Southern California and one definitely worth a piece of your vacation time.

Venice is easily accessible from the Los Angeles International Airport.  It is best experienced on foot and everything is easily within walking distance, so the best option is to utilize LAX’s highly developed airport shuttle system to reserve a shuttle from LAX directly to Venice.  Pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes and your LAX shuttle returning you back home will be your only transportation expense. 

With regards to accommodations, the best way to truly experience Venice living is by using AirBnb.com to secure your home away from home.  With rates ranging from $1500 per week to have an entire ultra mod 2 bedroom home all to yourself, to $68 per night for a bedroom nook two blocks from the beach.

For daytime entertainment, you need go no further than The Boardwalk that follows the mile of Venice beachfront.  Although it doesn’t have any boards, this “boardwalk” has more than enough to keep you perfectly entertained.  The eclectic, hippy era from the 60′s hasn’t ended yet in Venice … you can see a two-headed turtle, get your palm read, watch street acrobatic teams or join an impromptu drum circule on the beach.

For evening entertainment, all you need to do is make your way to Abbot Kinney Bouleward.  Here you will find the night air energized with people, food, music and fun.  Better to go with no plan and follow your fancy.

Amazing restaurant abound, but make sure you reserve at least one evening (or maybe EVERY evening) to taste test the endless variety of Venice’s award winning food trucks, which park along Abbot Kinney Boulevard each night.

When the time comes to return to the airport, your options are the LAX shuttle, a taxi or the Metro public transit.  Whichever you choose, I have no doubt that your visit to Venice will leave you feeling as if you truly have experienced something absolutely unique.  Welcome to Los Angeles.

Topanga is a small town of only 8,000 people spread through the canyons that run between Route 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) in Malibu and the Ventura Freeway (Highway 101) in Woodland Hills.  An unincorporated part of the city of Los Angeles, but surrounded on three sides by state parks, it is hard to imagine any place that could feel farther from L.A.

Just a short 45 minute airport shuttle ride from Los Angeles International Airport, Topanga feels a hundred miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city.  There are no hotels or motels in Topanga, so you need to take your shuttle from LAX to either The Topanga Canyon Inn Bed and Breakfast or one of the many private rentals listed on Craigslist or AirBnB.com.

Once situated in Topanga, there are several things you simply can’t miss.  Take the Topanga Canyon Beach Bus down to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches for just 50 cents!  After a day of baking in the sun, step off the bus and into the extra capable hands of The Massage Express Company.

After a full day of blissful, beachfront relaxation, dinner will be on your mind.  Even in small Topanga Canyon, choices abound.  In the mood for top notch gourmet offerings spread beneath a canopy of old oak and twinkling lights? Inn of the Seventh Ray won’t disappoint.  A much more casual place with live music and a weekend party vibe?  Try Abuelitos.  An equally casual but more refined environment filled with light and healthful options? The Canyon Bistro will hit the spot.

Be sure to leave at least a day or two for all of your outdoor options … hiking, bicycling and horseback riding are all available in the many trails running throughout the canyon.  The views are unforgettable.  This is definitely not what you think of when you think of L.A.

When the time comes to get back on board that shuttle to LAX, I have no doubt that your visit to Topanga will leave you feeling as if you truly have experienced something absolutely unique.  Welcome to Los Angeles.

Amazing diversity is what makes Los Angeles one of the best destinations in the United States.  For locals it means the ability to hop in the car in your own familiar neighborhood, drive a few miles, and then step out into a completely different world from the one you call home.  For travelers, it means the ability to customize your travel experience in Los Angeles based on your interests, or maybe even your bucket list.  One very unique destination within the city of Los Angeles is Long Beach.

With all the hubbub surrounding surrounding Anaheim and a certain mouse-like celebrity, its easy to get caught up with the crowds and miss some of the other amazing destinations that Los Angeles offers for families.  Long Beach is a family friendly stop with much to offer. 

One of the highlights of Long Beach is that its recently redeveloped water front area now features a free transportation system called The Passport.  This free shuttle enables you to see and do all of the items on your list in Long Beach without having to rent a car or pay a premium for parking.  Simply take a shuttle from LAX to your hotel and your transportation expenses end there!  With shared ride wholesaler, Shuttle2LAX.com, you can get a hotel shuttle from LAX for only $20 for the first passenger and $11 for each additional passenger.  At the end of your trip they can easily provide a LAX shuttle back to the airport as well. 

Once settled in at your hotel on the Long Beach waterfront, there are a number of family-oriented activities you won’t want to miss.  No visit to Long Beach would be complete without a stop at the Aquarium of the Pacific.

When you visit Long Beach, you will definitely want to take advantage of the whale watching cruises offered by Harbor Breeze.   These year round cruises depart twice daily from the docks just adjacent to the aquarium.  While it certainly can’t be guaranteed, you can see from their sighting log that you have a pretty good chance of seeing a whale on a Harbor Breeze cruise.

If you have younger children, a $1 ride on the Long Beach Aqua Bus is a good time, while teenagers will enjoy touring downtown Long Beach perched atop a Segway complete with iPod narration from Segway of Long Beach.

There are lots of chain restaurants in the waterfront area from fast food to family dining to upscale.  When you are ready for a truly special night out, don’t miss The All American Melodrama Theater and Music Hall.  Located in Shoreline Village just a short $1 Aqua Bus ride from the Aquarium of the Pacific, The All American Melodrama gives kids a chance to cheer on the hero, boo the villian and sing along.  Every show includes vaudeville reviews full of song, dance, comedy and lots of audience participation.

When the time comes to board your LAX shuttle bound for home, I have no doubt that your visit to Long Beach will leave you feeling as if you have experienced something absolutely unique.  Welcome to Los Angeles.

West Hollywood is located an easy 17 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) via rental car, LAX shuttle or public transportation.  Given that everything is within walking distance and that alcohol may be playing a prominent role in your visit to “WeHo,” as it has been nicknamed by locals, it is probably wise to utilize a hotel shuttle to shuttle from LAX to your hotel.  From there walking and an occassional taxi will serve your needs quite well.

In the city of Los Angeles, West Hollywood is a center for art and design.  As the home of the Pacific Design Center, one of the annual highlights in West Hollywood, or “WeHo” as it is called by locals, is West Week, an internationally recognized design trade event held every Spring that features programs hosts by Elle Decor, House & Garden and Metropolitan Home. 

Also in Spring, WeHo is home to the Art and Design Walk.  Held in the world famous The Avenues district, this event highlights the latest in interior design, fine art, fashion and haute cuisine on the streets of Melrose Avenue, Robertson Boulevarde and Beverly Boulevard.  Visitors find an elegant, sophisticated atmosphere, unique displays and live entertainment.  Over 300 local businesses participate including art galleries, interior design showrooms, fashion boutiques and eateries.  The Art and Design Walk is your best chance to explore the many offerings of the The Avenues district while enjoying exquisite food.

Lest you think that West Hollywood is all and only about sophistication, WeHo juxtaposes its super serious, artsy fartsy reputation with a night of reckless abandon on Halloween night. The annual West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval started as a primarily gay and lesbian event, but now has exploded to include over 500,000 people from all walks of life.  A week long celebration of everything that is certainly not serious, the Carnaval includes a pet costume contest, pumpkin carving contests, a parade and the hugely popular “Drag Races,” featuring competitive obstacle course races for people dressed in drag and stiletto heels!  While the focus is certainly adult in nature, this may be the one place on earth where you can celebrate Halloween for an entire week!

While you will find an astounding number of delectable eateries in WeHo, no visit would be complete without a visit to Lemonade.  The Taco Bell of gourmet food, simply can’t miss it.  With a menu featuring ingredients such as champagne vinaigrette, black kale, lemongrass and saffron creme fraiche, you will be wishing there were four meals a day just so that you can have the opportunity to try it all.  The $4.25 price tag on most menu items only makes it that much harder to resist.  Pineapple Coriander Lemonade.  Seriously?  Yup.

When the time comes to board your airport shuttle bound for a flight home, as your LAX shuttle drives away from WeHo, I have no doubt that your visit to West Hollywood will leave you feeling as if you have experienced something absolutely unique.  Welcome to Los Angeles.