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Modern vs Classic: Exterior Design Styles That Define Neighborhoods

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One of my favorite parts of traveling, whether it’s a weekend road trip or a big family getaway, is soaking in the charm of each neighborhood we pass through. I always find myself drawn to the homes, noticing the little details that give each street its personality. From sleek modern lines to cozy gabled roofs, exterior design styles really do tell the story of a place and the people who live there.

As someone who loves crafting and homemaking, I can’t help but think of a home’s exterior as its first handmade impression. It sets the tone, builds character, and welcomes neighbors in. Whether you’re dreaming up your next renovation or just admiring your favorite streets on your morning walk, understanding how modern and classic exterior design styles shape our communities is such a fun and meaningful way to connect with where we live.

1. The Essence of Classic Exterior Design

Classic home exteriors often draw from architectural traditions that span decades, if not centuries. Think Colonial, Victorian, and Craftsman homes—each one marked by details like columns, brick facades, wood trims, and multi-pane windows. These houses usually follow a symmetrical layout, lending them a dignified, enduring presence. They communicate heritage and warmth, fostering a sense of familiarity.

You’ll typically see mature trees and landscaped yards framing these timeless beauties. While materials like brick and natural wood dominate classic designs, the overall aim is comfort, character, and elegance. In many neighborhoods, classic exteriors give a sense of permanence and quiet strength.

traditional exterior design style

2. The Rise of Modern Aesthetic

Modern exterior design breaks away from ornamentation in favor of simplicity, geometry, and openness. Homes in this style often feature flat or shed roofs, expansive glass windows, and minimalistic façades. Neutral palettes—black, white, gray—dominate, with splashes of wood, metal, or stone adding texture. These designs embrace function and light, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.

As more homeowners invest in updates, local siding installation services have surged in demand to support clean-lined modern finishes. Sleek horizontal panels, composite sidings, and eco-friendly materials allow for that crisp, cohesive look. Modern homes radiate innovation and an appreciation for streamlined living.

For homeowners in the Garden State looking to refresh their home’s look, understanding local trends and materials can make all the difference. This full guide to siding remodeling in NJ covers everything from material options and color coordination to contractor selection tips that help ensure your exterior upgrade complements your home’s overall design.

3. Neighborhood Identity Through Design

Design styles don’t just define individual homes—they influence how entire neighborhoods feel and function. Classic homes often sit in established neighborhoods where tradition, routine, and community events carry weight. Meanwhile, modern homes typically pop up in revitalized areas, attracting younger families or professionals.

A street of similar styles feels cohesive and inviting, while mixed styles offer visual interest and diversity. The exterior aesthetic of homes can shape how residents relate to one another, too. A neighborhood with porch-fronted classic homes may encourage more casual interactions, while sleek modern homes with privacy-focused layouts might reflect a more private lifestyle.

4. Materials That Tell a Story

The materials used in home exteriors say a lot about both design preferences and regional influences. Classic designs often highlight brick, stone, wood, and traditional stucco, all materials that age gracefully and speak to craftsmanship. These choices reflect longevity and tactile richness. In contrast, modern homes lean into steel, glass, concrete, and fiber cement.

These materials offer durability and clean aesthetics, aligning with contemporary ideals of efficiency and environmental awareness. Builders like GJ Gardner emphasize how the chosen materials don’t just impact appearance, they also affect energy efficiency, maintenance needs, and cost. Over time, these elements contribute to a neighborhood’s overall tone and value.

5. Rooflines and Windows: Subtle Yet Powerful

Though often overlooked, rooflines and window shapes significantly influence a home’s character. Classic homes often feature steep gabled roofs, dormer windows, and decorative eaves. These choices add dimension and historical charm. Tall, narrow windows framed by shutters give the home a balanced, stately look.

Modern designs favor flat or low-pitched roofs and expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows. These emphasize openness and allow for maximum natural light. The contrast is striking—classic designs invite warmth and intimacy, while modern ones feel expansive and transparent. These elements shape not just the home itself, but the entire street’s visual rhythm and architectural tone.

6. Color Palettes and Visual Harmony

Color defines mood, and in neighborhoods, it creates unity or contrast. Classic exteriors often feature warm, earthy tones—deep reds, forest greens, beiges, and creamy whites. These hues blend naturally into tree-lined streets and older neighborhoods, evoking tradition and calm. Accent colors on shutters or doors add depth without overpowering the overall design. On the other hand, modern homes embrace a stark, minimalist palette. White, charcoal, matte black, and natural wood tones dominate the scene. The goal is to keep things crisp, elegant, and fresh. Color doesn’t just serve aesthetic goals—it reflects lifestyle preferences and sets the emotional tone of an entire block.

7. Landscaping Complements Architecture

How a yard is styled often reflects the architecture it surrounds. In classic neighborhoods, gardens tend to mirror the ornamental nature of the homes. Think sculpted hedges, stone walkways, flower beds, and cozy benches. Landscaping becomes an extension of the home’s charm and invites neighbors to linger. Modern homes take a more curated approach to outdoor space.

Clean lines, minimalist plantings, concrete paths, and strategically placed lighting dominate. Rather than fill every inch, modern landscaping uses negative space intentionally. Whether lush or minimalist, landscaping anchors a home to its setting and amplifies the design message expressed by the exterior style.

Thoughtful hardscaping can bridge styles too: terraces, steps, and low-profile garden walls add structure and help manage grade changes. For example, readers can get ideas from well-designed concrete retaining walls in Kalispell, MT, which enhance curb appeal, manage erosion, and complement both traditional home styles and sleek modern lines.

Modern exterior design styles

8. Cultural Influence and Regional Adaptation

Architecture doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it reflects culture, climate, and history. Classic designs often draw from European or colonial roots, adapted over time to suit local weather and lifestyle. For instance, Southern classic homes may feature wraparound porches for airflow and shade.

Modern designs adapt just as intentionally, often incorporating solar panels, rainwater systems, or materials that suit a region’s temperature swings. In dry regions, you’ll see stucco and flat roofs; in coastal areas, modern homes might elevate on stilts with corrosion-resistant finishes. These adaptations not only shape the look of a neighborhood but also how well homes perform over time.

Final Words on Exterior Design Styles

At the end of the day, a home is more than walls and windows. It’s where memories are made, where kids grow up, and where neighbors become lifelong friends. That’s why I believe exterior design styles are about so much more than just looks. They’re about creating a space that feels like you belong there.

Whether your heart leans toward the timeless warmth of a classic Craftsman or the sleek creativity of a modern build, there’s beauty in both. When neighborhoods embrace a thoughtful mix of these styles, they become places filled with heart, history, and a sense of home. After all, design isn’t just about trends. It’s about crafting a place that feels good to come home to every single day.

Simple Ways to Make a New Home Feel Familiar

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Have you ever moved into a new place and felt like something was missing, even after everything was unpacked? The rooms are quiet, the walls are bare, and the space just doesn’t feel like it belongs to you yet. It’s a common feeling, especially when you’ve gone through the effort of relocating and expected comfort to come quickly.

Getting used to a new home takes more than setting up furniture. It’s about building small moments that make the space feel lived-in. The process is different for everyone, but one thing is always true: familiarity doesn’t show up on move-in day—it grows over time.

This matters even more in a city where people move often. In Memphis, some are shifting neighborhoods for better schools, others downsizing or upgrading, and many simply want a fresh start. Whether you’ve moved across town or across the country to get here, adjusting to your new surroundings can feel like a second move on its own.

In this blog, we will share simple ways to make a new home feel familiar so that a new space starts to feel like your own, one step at a time.

how to make a new home feel familiar

The Right Start Begins with the Right Exit

Getting comfortable in a new space often depends on how smoothly you left the old one. That sounds counterintuitive, but it’s true. A chaotic move—one full of rushed packing, broken dishes, or stressful logistics—can make it harder to feel calm once you arrive. There’s emotional residue. If the departure was tense, the arrival rarely feels peaceful.

That’s why the process matters. When we moved out of our Midtown apartment last spring, the difference came down to planning. Not in the color-coded binder sense. Just making sure we weren’t scrambling to find help at the last minute.

Working with reliable Memphis movers gave us that breathing room. The load-out was handled. Fragile items weren’t a gamble. And we weren’t dragging into our new place already exhausted and annoyed. That matters. Because how you arrive shapes how you settle in.

You don’t have to hire a premium service or throw money at the problem. But trusting experienced professionals—especially when moving from or within a city like Memphis—can turn a messy transition into a smoother start. And that makes all the difference in how quickly a space feels like home.

Lead with Comfort, Not Design

The temptation to get everything picture-perfect immediately is real. You open your phone, scroll through house tour reels, and think: I need plants in every corner and floating shelves by tomorrow. But let’s be honest. That rush isn’t about aesthetics. It’s about comfort.

The problem? Rushing design choices rarely leads to comfort. It leads to impulse buys, frustration, and rooms that still don’t feel right.

Instead, focus on a few elements that bring emotional ease. Lay out the rug that softens the echo. Put up the curtains that block the glare. Unpack the mug you always reach for and the blanket you can’t sleep without. You’ll know you’re doing it right if your shoulders relax a bit and your brain doesn’t feel like it’s running a checklist.

This isn’t about making things Insta-ready. It’s about making things you-ready. Because a house filled with well-placed throw pillows and nothing familiar still won’t feel like yours. Interior decorators suggest looking for vintage leather furniture that make you feel very connected to the space and reflect your personality over passing trends. Pieces with character and history often create a sense of comfort that newer items can’t easily replicate.

Use Scent and Sound to Set the Mood

Memory lives in more than just visuals. Your brain ties feelings to scent and sound faster than to most other senses. If your new place feels sterile or strange, try starting with smell.

Light the candle you always lit in your old space. Diffuse the same oil you used to keep near your bed. Bake something simple that reminds you of a place where you felt at ease—even if that place was just your last studio apartment with the loud upstairs neighbors.

Sound works the same way. Play your morning playlist on the first day, even if your speakers are still sitting on the floor. Turn on your favorite background noise when cooking or cleaning. These small sensory rituals signal to your brain: this is familiar. This is safe.

It’s not about pretending nothing’s changed. It’s about connecting the new with what already feels right.

Don’t Wait for the “Final Version”

Many people treat moving like a game of “finish the room.” They hold off on inviting friends, setting routines, or truly relaxing until everything is decorated and done. That can take months—sometimes years.

The truth is, there is no “final version” of a home. Life keeps changing, and your space should, too. Start living in it before it’s perfect. Eat dinner at the dining table, even if the chairs don’t match. Host a movie night with throw blankets instead of a finished couch setup. Invite friends over before all the art is hung.

Memories don’t wait for perfection. The faster you start building them, the faster your home feels lived in.

Bring the Old into the New

You don’t have to reinvent your identity just because you changed addresses. In fact, trying to start completely fresh can make you feel unanchored.

Keep a few items from your old space that carry personal history—even if they don’t match your new aesthetic. Maybe it’s an old lamp, a poster you’ve had since college, or your mismatched dish set that’s been with you through five moves. These things create visual continuity and tell your story back to you when you’re in a new environment.

Think of it like stitching your past life into your present one. You’re not erasing where you came from—you’re layering it into something new.

moving to a new home

Let Time Do Its Quiet Work

No matter how carefully you unpack or decorate, no new space will feel familiar overnight. And that’s okay. Familiarity builds in the everyday stuff—cooking dinner, misplacing your keys, watching the light shift through the windows.

One day, without realizing it, you’ll walk into your home and feel something settle. You won’t remember when it happened, just that it did. That’s the moment when unfamiliar becomes comfortable.

Until then, the best you can do is show up. Live in your space. Be patient with it. Let it learn you while you learn it.

Familiar Takes Practice

Making a new home feel familiar isn’t a one-and-done checklist. It’s a process of re-creating comfort while letting new experiences shape the space. From a smooth start with the right help to tiny choices that bring calm, the journey is less about how fast you settle in and more about how intentionally you do it.

So unpack the small things first. Cook something you love. Light that candle. Hang one picture, not ten. Your home doesn’t become familiar in a weekend. But piece by piece, day by day, it does.

And that’s when it really starts to feel like yours.

How to Know When It’s Time to Upgrade Your Home’s Exterior

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Have you ever pulled into your driveway and felt like your home’s spark is starting to fade? I get it. As a mom who loves turning our house into a warm, welcoming space with a touch of charm and creativity, I often find myself focused on the inside—crafting, decorating, and DIYing to my heart’s content. But every once in a while, I step back and really look at the outside. That faded siding, chipped paint, or worn-out roof? They’re not just cosmetic issues—they’re signs it might be time to upgrade your home’s exterior.

It’s easy to put off outdoor projects when you’re juggling family life and everything in between. But caring for your home’s exterior is about more than curb appeal. It’s about protecting the space where your family laughs, grows, and makes memories.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the key signs that it’s time to give your exterior some love—so you can keep your home safe, stylish, and energy-efficient for years to come.

When Is It Time to Upgrade Your Home’s Exterior?

Visible Wear and Tear on Siding or Paint

One of the most noticeable signs your home needs an upgrade is peeling paint or damaged siding. When the outside layers of your home begin to fade, crack, or chip, it’s a clear signal that the materials are breaking down. This can leave your home exposed to moisture, pests, and mold. The longer you wait, the more damage can occur. Damaged siding also makes your home look older than it is, which can affect its value.

Paint that peels or bubbles often means moisture is trapped beneath the surface. This could lead to wood rot or mildew. If you see these problems in more than one area, patching won’t be enough. Repainting or replacing siding is a solid investment that boosts both looks and function. When you upgrade now, you avoid major repairs later and enjoy a cleaner, fresher-looking home.

A Neglected Yard

A yard that’s been left unattended can be one of the clearest signs your home’s exterior needs attention. Overgrown grass, bare patches, and outdated landscaping make even a well-maintained house feel tired, and they often hint that outdoor spaces are no longer working for your lifestyle. Landscape designers often recommend adding long rectangular planter boxes in areas that lack definition, giving structure back to the yard while making upkeep more manageable. Small changes like this can instantly refresh the look of your exterior without requiring a full overhaul.

Beyond appearance, a neglected yard can affect how you actually use your outdoor space. Cracked walkways, uneven ground, or cluttered corners discourage kids from playing outside and guests from lingering. Refreshing these areas not only boosts curb appeal but also creates an exterior that feels just as welcoming and functional as the inside of your home.

chipped paint on home exterior

Aging or Damaged Roof

Your roof takes a lot of abuse from wind, rain, sun, and snow. Over time, shingles may start to curl, crack, or fall off completely. This is especially common in places like Northwest Arkansas, where strong storms and sudden weather shifts are part of the yearly cycle. If you see dark spots, sagging, or moss growth, these are big red flags.

An old roof is more likely to leak, causing damage to walls, insulation, and even the electrical system. When these problems appear, it’s better to reach out to an experienced provider of roof replacement in Northwest Arkansas and take action sooner rather than later.

Addressing these issues promptly often requires the expertise of qualified local professionals. If you’re based in Missouri, consider contacting Gorilla Roofing for dependable service in assessing and resolving your roofing concerns.

If you find yourself searching Google using the term, “roof replacement company near me“, that may be your sign that the damage is beyond simple fixes. A local expert can help assess the current state of your roof and offer solid solutions. A new roof may seem like a big cost upfront, but it can save you thousands over time. It will also improve your home’s energy efficiency and increase its market value.

Higher Energy Bills Than Usual

Have your energy bills been creeping up even though your usage hasn’t changed? That could mean your home’s exterior is no longer doing its job. Windows and doors play a big part in keeping your home insulated. If they’re old or poorly sealed, they let heat escape in the winter and let hot air in during the summer. The same goes for siding and roofing that have aged or become damaged.

Drafts and cold spots in the home often mean there’s air leaking through cracks or gaps. Upgrading these exterior parts helps seal your home properly. That makes your heating and cooling systems work less, which can lower your bills. An energy-efficient exterior keeps your home more comfortable year-round, and that alone can make the upgrade worth it.

Cracks in the Foundation or Walls

Cracks in your exterior walls or foundation are more than just a cosmetic issue. They could point to serious structural problems. Even small cracks can allow water to seep in, which may cause mold growth or weaken your home’s structure. These problems don’t go away on their own and often get worse with time and weather changes.

If you spot cracks near windows, doors, or along your foundation, it’s smart to get them checked by a professional. Sometimes, the fix is small, but other times, it means a larger upgrade is needed. Strengthening your home now helps avoid bigger problems and costs down the road. It also gives you peace of mind knowing your home is safe and secure.

Outdated or Broken Windows and Doors

Windows and doors not only let in light and air but also affect your home’s safety, energy use, and overall feel. Older models may have single-pane glass, loose frames, or broken seals. These problems can make your home less comfortable, allow drafts, and even make it easier for burglars to get in. If your windows and doors are hard to open, close, or lock, it’s time for a change.

Replacing outdated windows and doors can give your home a whole new look. It also improves insulation, lowers energy bills, and adds extra security. Modern designs come with stronger materials, better seals, and stylish options to match your taste. It’s a simple way to make your home feel more modern while solving common issues.

Time to Upgrade Your Home's Exterior

Rotting Wood or Moisture Damage

Wood trim, decks, and porches are especially prone to rot over time. This usually happens because water gets trapped in or around the wood. If your porch feels soft when you step on it, or if paint keeps peeling off wood trim, that’s a sign of hidden moisture damage. Left untreated, the rot can spread, weakening the structure and attracting pests like termites.

Moisture damage isn’t always easy to see at first. Look out for dark spots, spongy areas, or a musty smell. Fixing small areas of rot might work for now, but a larger upgrade could be the smarter move. New, water-resistant materials can prevent this issue in the future. You’ll enjoy a cleaner, safer exterior that stands up better to weather and time.

In conclusion, your home’s exterior plays a big role in how safe, comfortable, and attractive your living space is. Paying attention to signs like damaged roofing, higher energy bills, or worn-out siding helps you act before small problems turn into big ones. Every upgrade you make to your home’s outside brings lasting benefits—not just in how it looks, but in how it feels and functions. Think of these updates not as chores but as smart steps toward protecting your home and your future.

More Tips to Upgrade Your Home’s Exterior

Upgrading your home’s exterior might not be as exciting as a kitchen makeover or a new gallery wall, but it’s one of the most rewarding investments you can make in your family’s comfort and safety. Whether it’s replacing that leaky roof, sealing up drafty windows, or swapping out rotting trim for something fresh and weather-ready, each step helps protect the heart of your home.

As someone who’s all about adding beauty and function to our everyday spaces, I see these upgrades not as chores but as creative opportunities. When you upgrade your home’s exterior, you’re not just fixing problems—you’re giving your home a fresh breath of life and making sure it stands strong for all the beautiful memories still to come. So go ahead, take a walk around your house today—you just might be inspired to start your next big (or small!) outdoor project.

Why I Stopped Chasing the Perfect Body – A Mom’s Honest Take

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For years, I found myself in a quiet battle – one that I didn’t talk about much, not even with my closest friends. As a mom, creative spirit, and someone who loves bringing beauty into the world, I used to believe that chasing the perfect body was just part of self-care. I convinced myself it was about being healthy, staying active, and setting a good example. But slowly, I realized it had morphed into something else—something that didn’t feel like love or care anymore.

When Self-Improvement Becomes Self-Criticism

We hear so much about being our “best selves,” especially as women. And while there’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel good, that idea can easily twist into something toxic. Suddenly, “best” starts to mean thinner, younger-looking, more toned. You scroll past flawless photos online, and without realizing it, you start wondering if you should be more… everything.

That happened to me. I followed fitness accounts “for motivation,” but instead of feeling inspired, I felt behind. Instead of feeling healthy, I felt stressed. I was chasing something, but I didn’t even know what. It wasn’t peace. It wasn’t confidence.

At some point, I had to ask myself: Who is this for? What am I proving and to whom?

being a mom

The YouTube Video That Changed Everything

One night, while half-asleep and scrolling through YouTube, I found a video about something called palumboism, and it honestly shook me. It’s a rare condition that seems to affect male bodybuilders, especially those who competed in the ’90s and 2000s during the trend of extreme muscularity.

There’s no official medical research, but the stories online suggest it might be linked to a combination of intense training, high-calorie diets, and the use of insulin or HGH. The images were startling, but what really stayed with me was the message behind them.

We often talk about how women feel pressure to “perfect” their appearance, but men face it too. The idea that our bodies need to be constantly optimized, bigger, leaner, and younger, isn’t just a women’s issue. It’s a human one. And sometimes, the chase for perfection turns into something harmful.

Does Having the Perfect Body Make Us Happy?

This question stuck with me for days. Does achieving the “perfect” body actually make us happy? I used to think it would. But the more I reflect on it, the more I realize—it doesn’t.

Happiness isn’t a size. It’s not a number on the scale or a muscle measurement. I’ve felt insecure at my heaviest, sure, but I’ve also felt deeply unhappy when I was “in shape” but burned out, over-restricted, and chasing an impossible standard.

And I’ve seen it in others, too. People who looked amazing but still felt empty. Those who were afraid to skip a workout or enjoy a slice of birthday cake. Some pushed themselves too hard at the gym, while others started eating less and less until it became something more serious, like anorexia. That’s not joy.

These days, I ask different questions: Do I feel strong enough to carry my toddler upstairs? Do I have the energy to dance in the kitchen or build a bookshelf, or take a walk at sunset? Do I feel like myself?

Redefining Strength and Beauty

After watching that video and sitting with my own questions, I started shifting my focus. What if strength didn’t mean pushing harder, but knowing when to rest? What if beauty wasn’t something I had to “achieve,” but something I already carried with me?

Now, I move because it feels good. I eat with intention, not obsession. I rest when I need to. And I’ve become more mindful of how I talk about bodies (mine and others’), especially around my kids.
At the same time, I’ve come to realize that loving your body doesn’t mean ignoring the parts that weigh on you emotionally. Sometimes, it’s about tuning in to what feels right — and for some, that means exploring thoughtful changes to align their outer appearance with how they feel inside. Whether it’s a subtle refinement or something more defined, procedures like rhinoplasty can offer a sense of harmony that’s deeply personal. If that resonates, take a look and see what feels right for you.

I want my daughters to grow up knowing they don’t need to shrink to be worthy. I want my son to know that strength isn’t just in muscle, but in compassion and presence. And I want all three of them to see that their mom values joy more than a jean size.

Chasing the Perfect Body

How to Stay Healthy Without Going to Extremes

Wanting to feel good in your body is natural and good. But it doesn’t have to mean chasing perfection. Here are a few gentle, real-life tips that have helped me stay grounded:

1. Move with joy, not guilt.
 Go for a walk with your kids, dance while you clean, and stretch in the morning sunshine. Movement should be something that adds energy to your life, not drains it.

2. Eat with care, not control.
 Cook meals that nourish and comfort you. Enjoy dessert without explaining it. Listen to your body instead of fighting it. Food is more than fuel—it’s connection, celebration, and love.

3. Rest when you need it.
 Your body is not a machine. You are allowed to rest, nap, or do nothing. Rest is productive when it helps you restore.

4. Protect your mental space.
 Unfollow accounts that make you feel “less than.” Curate your feed like you would a gallery wall, only keep what uplifts you. Let’s be honest, we all need a good social media cleanse at least once a year.

5. Be your own example.
 If you wouldn’t say it to your child, don’t say it to yourself. Show them what it looks like to take care of your body without punishing it.

6. Keep fitness in perspective.

Exercise is a wonderful part of a healthy life. But it shouldn’t take over everything. Don’t let workouts replace your hobbies or family time. And please, steer clear of things like steroids or extreme supplements. The short-term “gains” just aren’t worth the long-term consequences.

Final Thoughts

More than a toned body or wrinkle-free face, I want to pass on this truth to my children: they are already enough. I want my daughters to know they never have to shrink to be loved. I want my son to grow into a man who knows that strength comes from kindness, not just muscle.

And I want them to remember that their mom didn’t chase the perfect body. She chased joy. She chose presence. She loved them—and herself—without condition.

How To Take Your Kids Round Los Angeles Without Getting Exhausted

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Los Angeles is one of the best destinations for families on the west coast of the US. There are so many famous attractions to be found within the city, all of which have been designed to appeal to kids and keep them entertained for hours on end.

There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants to find the next best yummy treat, a variety of healthy green spots for the nature lovers, and some incredibly breathtaking views. All in all, it’s a pretty great place for the whole family, no matter what age you are!

But it’s also quite a large and dense city to spend time in. In the same way you wouldn’t expect a cruise ship to be an exhausting place to walk around, you can easily rack up 10,000 steps by just spending an hour in one single neighborhood in Los Angeles.

As such, it’s essential for us to ensure that if you’ve got LA trip plans with the kids, you’re not going to be totally exhausted after less than a day in town. With that in mind, here are some top tips for getting both yourself and the kids around LA without wasting all your energy and sanity.

Take Your Kids Round Los Angeles

Get Off Your Feet

Unless you’re a champion hiker or an Olympic level athlete, walking all over Los Angeles isn’t really going to be a choice. If you’ve got kids in tow, who have their own energy levels and are more than happy to let you know when they’re tired and bored, you’re definitely not going to want to drag them all over the city!

Instead, think about hiring a car, or make sure you’re more than aware of the public transport routes before you arrive. You can get on and off the public buses no matter how far you’re going in the same direction for only $1.75 each, but you’ll need to pay this fare again if you want to head back the other way.

But with the kids behind you, you may want the assurance of your own set of wheels. If this is the case, there are plenty of places to pick up a car rental at short notice.

Don’t Drag the Luggage Around All Day

There’s nothing worse than having to be saddled with luggage because your accommodation doesn’t open for new arrivals for another 4 or 5 hours. If you’ve arrived before midday, and the hotel check-in doesn’t open until 3pm (and you didn’t pay for early check-in either), you’re going to need to find something else to do with your bags!

Don’t decide to just take them around with you all day. That’s no way to start off your time in LA. Instead, look online for a luggage storage los angeles option that’s close and head there instead. Book your stuff in, leave it in the compartment, lock the door, and then come back for it when you want to.

Of course, make sure you take anything you’re going to need out of the bags first – and we always recommend bringing a smaller, more versatile bag for putting these essentials in. Once that’s all over and done with, you can actually start to enjoy the LA scenery, sun, and sights!

Plan Your Route with a Map

When you have a top down view of LA, you’ll be able to instantly find the best spots for when you need to stop for 10 minutes.

You’ll also be able to see how far it is in between cafes, if you need to refill a water bottle or sit down for an early lunch, as well as where the nearest available toilet!

Now you’ll be able to decide the most convenient route for you. Never let a travel plan be finalized before you check the map!

Let the Kids Make Their Own Fun

The great thing about traveling with kids is the amount of fun they can have when they’re literally doing nothing. As long as you’re somewhere new and novel to them, you don’t technically have to take them anywhere at all. You can just find a bench in a park, tell them not to go too far, and then let them make their own fun running around and using their imagination.

And there are plenty of parks to be found in LA! Griffith Park is also home to the LA Zoo, and has a pretty good view of the Hollywood Hills (including the sign). If you head here, you can bundle a great zoo trip and a relaxing break into one. Plus, you can spend time in the Griffith Observatory as well, where you can go on a guided tour, see the stars up close, and then head out the gift shop when you’re done.

Speaking of, if you’ve just been through the gift shop of some attraction or another, and the kids have new toys to play with, this is a great stop-gap activity to do. Find a spot in a park and hand them the items they spent their allowances on, then let them play to their heart’s content.

You get a sit down and a chance to have a revitalizing snack, and they don’t have to wait too long to play with their exciting new toy!

Los Angeles

Make Your Trip to LA Fun and Energizing for Everyone

So, fancy a trip to Los Angeles? Most people would love to visit, no matter how old they are or what they like to do. But it’s important to remember that LA can be exhausting, no matter how good your legs are.

You’re going to need to pace yourself, travel as light as possible, and try to get off your feet as much as you can.

Keep this in mind when you’re planning your trip; you don’t only want to realize this the moment you feel your energy levels dropping or hear the first ‘are we there yet?’ from the child sat next to you in the Uber!