Santa Monica is exceptionally well-served by the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus company; former mayor Pam O'Connor didn't even own a car! Outside of Santa Monica, though, West L.A. is not exactly a transit user's mecca. If you live here without a vehicle, you're going to do lots of waiting and walking ... which accounts for the some of the region's notorious traffic problems.

Getty Museum

Yes, you can take transit here! Your pocketbook will thank you; a space in the parking lot costs $5, but if you take the MTA 761, you'll get in for free. Some of the museum's attractions are a bit grown-up for the typical child, but Child won't mind: there's a special Kids' Room, for the putting-on of costumes, plus storytelling in the courtyard and some of the most spectacular views to be had in the city.

Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

It may be small next to the Aquarium of the Pacific, but boy, did its designers know how to pack value in available space. We visited several times in our early years, and had trouble dragging the kids away. Location is an added attraction: it's on the waterfront, which means the kids can get in some beach frolic time afterward.

Page 11:  Beyond the city