Five Reasons To Visit Los Angeles For Spring Break

With warm weather and spring fever in the air, Los Angeles is the ideal backdrop to your spring break plans. Whether it is a tourist-in-your-own-city vacation or you are hob-knobbing from another town, there are plenty of sights to see and places not to miss here in sunny L.A.

L.A. Fashion District
Maple Ave. and E. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 488-1153
www.fashiondistrict.org

Covering approximately 100 blocks in downtown Los Angeles, the L.A. Fashion District is not something you want to miss during your visit. Stroll up and down the streets and discover a world of fashion that encompasses textiles, accessories, the Flower Mart, fabrics and couture-made items at your fingertips. In addition, brides-to-be frequent the many bridal and wedding boutiques in search of the perfect dress and accouterments for their wedding day. Spend the day experiencing all that downtown has to offer from bargain shopping at Santee Alley to L.A. Live to fine dining.

Madame Tussaud
6933 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 798-1670
www.madametussauds.com

With the announcement of Selena Gomez's new wax figure at Madame Tussaud, this stop on your spring break visit is ideal for the whole family. The Gomez figure's cost is consistent with all of the wax recreations at the museum at $300,000 and is a remake of the 2008 version, which depicts her Disney character Alex Russo. Open 364 days of the year, you and your family will be dazzled by the red carpet glamour. Wax figures range from iconic Hollywood figures such as Clark Gable, Audrey Hepburn and Elvis Presley, favorite big screeners including Johnny Depp and Nicole Kidman and pop stars Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and Rihanna.

Related: Best Bad Weather Activities For Kids In Los Angeles

Third Street Promenade
1351 3rd St. Promenade
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 393-8355
www.downtownsm.com

Shopping and dining at the outdoor lifestyle destination is the epitome of beach life in Los Angeles. As you stroll down the Promenade and take in the oceanic setting, you will discover unique shopping from name brands to virtually unknown boutiques. For both locals and tourists, the Promenade is a legendary icon in the area and features easy access to beachfront activities, the Santa Monica Pier and famous dining experiences including the acclaimed Ivy at the Shore. Plan your whole day around the Promenade as you will find al fresco spots for lunch, happy hour you won't want to miss, dinner with ocean views and several movie theatres to end your day on a relaxing note.

Related: Field Trip: Santa Monica Staycation

For additional beach community shopping and dining, the Malibu Country Mart should definitely be included on your list of things to do. Located at the pulse of the Malibu Civic Center and just a short distance from Malibu Colony, the Country Mart is a frequent spot for catching glimpses of Hollywood's most elite crowd in their natural habitat. The 90,000-square-foot Mart features exclusive boutiques, dining and a sand playground for you to relax while the children play. Favorite chi-chi stores to shop at include Calypso St. Barth, John's Garden, Madison and Vince.

Los Angeles Zoo
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 644-4200
www.lazoo.org

On a sun-filled day, the Los Angeles Zoo is a fabulous way to spend your time while in L.A. Featuring world-class exhibits and educational activities for the whole family, the Los Angeles Zoo brings reptiles, mammals and plants to life in a way you never could have imagined. Visit the Indian Rhino Encounter and meet Randa every weekend and on holidays at noon. The Elephant Training (daily at 11 a.m.) will delight you as you discover how zookeepers train the elephants. Children over six years old can participate in The California Condor Rescue Zone where they will see firsthand what it takes to protect California condors and how the Los Angeles Zoo helps to facilitate those efforts.

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