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Los Angeles   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Az Jackson | Getty Images

33 Best Things to Do in LA

Los Angeles has an exhaustive array of fun things to do, from the family-friendly La Brea Tar Pits and the must-visit Natural History Museum to a behind-the-scenes studio tour at Universal Studios or Warner Bros. Out-of-towners love the palm-lined

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Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park free

Griffith Observatory sits on the south face of Mount Hollywood and overlooks the Los Angeles basin. Its location gives visitors impressive views of the surrounding area, which many rave about. But there's more than just a pretty photo-op here. The observatory hosts fascinating exhibitions and features a top-notch planetarium.

Most recent visitors cited the beautiful setting as Griffith Observatory's main draw, though the free entry was certainly a bonus. However, you will have to pay between $6 and $10 to see the planetarium shows. Griffith Observatory is open Tuesdays to Fridays from noon to 10 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. A gift shop and cafe can be found on-site as well. For information about parking, public transportation and other information to plan your visit, check out Griffith Observatory's  website .

The Getty Center The Getty Center free

The Getty Center is one of the most impressive architectural achievements in the United States – and it also contains some of the finest works of art in the world. The circular concrete-and-steel structure was designed by renowned architect Richard Meier, and it houses an abundance of art from various ages and nations. Here you'll find Renaissance paintings, 20th-century American photography, Baroque sculptures, historic manuscripts and more, all housed inside a sprawling, modern campus amid the Santa Monica Mountains. The museum also offers spectacular views of Los Angeles on clear days.

Recent travelers loved the museum for its vast collection and beautiful grounds and views, with some stating that they enjoyed the tram ride to get to the museum. Many visitors suggest taking a guided tour, noting that the volunteer guides were very knowledgeable. Tours of the Getty Center's architecture and gardens are available, as well as a Collection Highlights tour and tours of art in specific eras. Tour times and days vary depending on tour type. Check the Getty Center's website for a complete calendar . Visitors can also download the GettyGuide app for self-guided tours.

Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre free

U.S. News Insider Tip: In this area, you'll find people dressed as celebrities and Hollywood characters, such as Spiderman, Shrek, Marilyn Monroe and Darth Vader. Have some cash on hand as a tip if you want to take photos with any of them. –  Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

One of Hollywood's most iconic and memorable sites, the TCL Chinese Theatre (originally Grauman's Chinese Theatre) opened in 1927 and represents the excess of Hollywood's Golden Age. You can take a 30-minute walking tour of the theater for $16; tours are offered daily at multiple times. Because of this attraction's popularity, it's best to reserve your spot online in advance. This working theater also shows various newly released films throughout the year.

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Santa Monica Pier and Beach Santa Monica Pier and Beach free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Don't miss trying the classic (and yummy!) funnel cake, a kind of fried waffle topped with powdered sugar and your choice of toppings, such as strawberries, chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, whipped cream and ice cream. They are big enough to share. –  Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

West of downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica contains one of the most legendary beach scenes in the United States. It also boasts an abundance of great restaurants and excellent nightlife spots. Its more than 3 miles of shoreline are renowned as some of the best in the area thanks to the soft sands, ideal weather and bevy of attractions. "State Beach," as it's known, has more than 300 days of sunshine a year and acted as the backdrop for the popular TV series "Baywatch."

Zuma Beach Zuma Beach free

Malibu has a reputation for excessive wealth and exclusivity, yet all of the town's beaches are public – everyone's welcome. If you're seeking an LA beach spot for sunbathing and swimming, look no further than Zuma. This 1.8-mile beach is far cleaner than those at Santa Monica or Venice Beach .

Malibu's Zuma Beach is considered one of the finest beaches in the Los Angeles area. Locals and tourists laud Zuma for its awesome waves, ample parking and easy access to beachside snacks. Plus, there are a plethora of lifeguard stations and bathroom facilities. Beach wheelchairs and a beach mat (from April to October) are also available.

Sunset Boulevard Sunset Boulevard free

One of the most iconic thoroughfares in the United States, Sunset Boulevard continues to live up to its legend. In the old days, it represented the classic and glamorous Hollywood lifestyle and became the setting of several famous films, including the obvious classic "Sunset Boulevard." Today, the palm-lined street (which connects downtown LA to Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the Pacific Coast Highway) retains its cinematic appeal, and the Sunset Strip portion has become a popular nightlife spot. The strip is also home to many classic music venues, including the Rainbow Bar & Grill and The Roxy Theatre .

Recent visitors loved driving along this famous boulevard, adding that gorgeous sunsets can be enjoyed during late afternoon drives. But like other parts of LA, this thoroughfare gets congested with traffic.

The Original Farmers Market and The Grove The Original Farmers Market and The Grove free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Kids will love riding the free, open-air, double-decker trolley that runs through The Grove and connects to The Original Farmers Market. It runs daily from 1 to 8:45 p.m. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Sitting south of West Hollywood is one of LA's most beloved landmarks: The Original Farmers Market. Founded in 1934, this cream-colored facility reels in both residents and tourists with the promise of fresh produce and the aroma of ready-to-eat snacks. You can visit throughout the week, although hours vary depending on the day. Entry is free, but you'll want to have some cash on hand should any of the treats whet your appetite. You can park for free for up to 90 minutes at the market's two lots, provided that your ticket is validated at the market. (Fees apply for parking after the allotted 90 minutes and for non-validated tickets.) For a little help navigating the market, you can also take a guided foodie tour  (one of the best California tours ).

Los Angeles County Museum of Art Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Next door to the La Brea Tar Pits sits the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the linchpin of the Los Angeles museum district. Since its 1965 opening, LACMA has showcased thousands of pieces, from Islamic artifacts to European impressionist paintings to modern art. With constantly shifting exhibitions and unique architecture, LACMA offers a rewarding experience for both serious art buffs and casual travelers.

Currently, the museum is constructing a new building for its permanent collection, called the David Geffen Galleries, which is scheduled to open in 2024. For now, pieces will be on display in the BCAM and the Resnick Pavilion. The Urban Light and Levitated Mass exhibits remain open to visitors. There is a restaurant and grab-and-go eatery on-site. Many visitors appreciated both the indoor and outdoor art exhibits and were impressed with the size of the collection of modern and contemporary art.

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The Broad The Broad free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Two of the most popular exhibits that have blown up on social media are Yayoi Kusama's "Infinity Mirror Rooms." You have to book tickets online for timed entry to these exhibits, but they are free and include general museum admission. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad founded The Broad museum in 2015 and the structure made for a stunning addition to downtown Los Angeles. The eye-catching, honeycomb building, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler, is home to an expansive collection of contemporary art dating from the 1950s to the present. The collection includes works by Jean Michel Basquiat, Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, Kara Walker and Andy Warhol. In addition to the permanent collection, temporary exhibits showcase new and emerging artists. The museum gets high marks from recent visitors who loved both the artwork and the architecture.

Runyon Canyon Park Runyon Canyon Park free

Just two blocks from Hollywood Boulevard, Runyon Canyon Park is an often-overlooked urban park that offers some great views. The park boasts several hiking trails and is a popular spot for celebrities to exercise. During your hike, you'll see plenty of palm trees. Atop the canyon, you'll be treated to sweeping views of the San Fernando Valley.

Hikers recommend bring plenty of water and going later in the day since it can get hot on the trails. Some recent visitors lamented the lack of facilities, while others raved about the views.

Paramount Pictures Studios Paramount Pictures Studios

Since 1912, Paramount Pictures Studios has showcased the talents of film's all-time heavyweights, including Mae West, Alfred Hitchcock, Eddie Murphy and Meryl Streep. The notable site has been home to everything from classic television shows like "I Love Lucy" to modern favorites like "Glee" to box-office hits like "Mission: Impossible" and "Titanic." Today, Paramount Pictures is the only remaining film studio in the Hollywood area.

For an authentic Hollywood experience, set aside some time to tour the grounds . On the 2-hour studio tour, a guide will take you around the site's 65 acres in a golf cart, and you'll also be able to hop off and explore sound stages and recognizable studio sets from many current TV shows and movies. Previous visitors praised the friendly and knowledgeable tour guides, although some felt the tours offered at Warner Bros. Studio were better. Also, keep in mind the tours' age restrictions. Studio and VIP tours permit visitors ages 10 and older.

Hollywood Bowl Hollywood Bowl free

If you can catch a gig at the Hollywood Bowl , LA's beautiful amphitheater, don't pass it up. Since its inaugural season in 1922, this unique stage, set in the Hollywood Hills, has entertained thousands of fans and hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Stevie Wonder, Igor Stravinsky, Madonna, Elton John and Tina Turner.

Many travelers praise the Hollywood Bowl, touting everything from the sound quality to the scenic overlook. Several also add that all of the seats offer great views and suggest arriving early with a bottle of wine and a picnic basket.

Walt Disney Concert Hall Walt Disney Concert Hall free

This Frank Gehry-designed concert hall's curvaceous, stainless-steel façade is an imposing structure in downtown LA. The hall helped revive this particular section of downtown, which was once dominated by mundane office buildings and lackluster entertainment options. Now, nightlife and culture burgeon in the area and the concert hall is at the forefront. Music-loving travelers will want to catch one of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's performances here. (For ticket and price information, visit the Los Angeles Philharmonic's website .)

You don't have to invest in concert tickets to experience this performance venue: You can follow  a self-guided audio tour of the exterior and interior (though the actual concert auditorium is off-limits). Past visitors recommend the free hourlong audio tours; self-guided tours are also offered daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For a full tour schedule, visit The Music Center's website .

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Hollywood Homes Tours Hollywood Homes Tours

Once you've seen where the stars shop, where they eat, where they surf and where they party, you'll want to see where they live. A variety of Hollywood homes tours provide ample opportunities to spot homes owned by the rich and famous. You probably won't see the celebs themselves, but you can snap pics of the homes affiliated with A-listers like Sandra Bullock, Tom Cruise, Bruno Mars and Halle Berry. Also, expect to see facades that once housed the likes of Lucille Ball, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. Along with the stars' abodes, buses usually make stops at the Hollywood Walk of Fame , the Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive .

Some recent travelers were disappointed because many homes are at the end of long driveways or behind hedges. Be sure to check the weather for the day: Extreme heat or a sudden shower can put a damper on an open-top bus ride.

Rodeo Drive Rodeo Drive free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Stop for lunch at the hidden Mexican steakhouse, The Hideaway, on the subterranean level of the Rodeo Collection. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Immortalized by Julia Roberts' "Pretty Woman" shopping spree, Rodeo Drive is an upscale shopping street in Beverly Hills that features world-class designer stores and small private boutiques. The area is popular with wealthy shoppers, sunglass-wearing celebrities and tourists hoping to see fashion icons.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery Hollywood Forever Cemetery free

As morbid as it may seem, your best chance of spotting a celebrity in LA is at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Here, you'll find the final resting places of Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, Judy Garland, Cecil B. DeMille and other stars who once worked at the adjacent Paramount Pictures Studios . Maps detailing the celebrities' gravesites are available at the cemetery's flower shop or on its website . A 2 ½-hour walking tour is also available starting at $25.

Recent visitors described the cemetery's quiet grounds as "peaceful," adding that the grounds are well-maintained. Some recommend doing a walking tour to learn the stories of famous people buried there. The venue also offers cultural events, such as outdoor classic film screenings, concerts and author evenings. Visit their events calendar to find out more.

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

You could spend an entire day at this property that includes a research library with 11 million items, an art museum with more than 42,000 pieces and a 130-acre botanical gardens with more than 12 themed gardens. The Huntington opened in 1928 and is a nonprofit that provides humanities scholarships, fellowships, special exhibitions and hosts more than 800,000 visitors a year. Ongoing exhibitions feature items such as Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" manuscript, replicas of Pacific Electric Railway Company's "red cars," rock slab art in the Japanese Garden, contemporary art and so much more. There are also temporary exhibits that rotate regularly. The Botanical Gardens include themed gardens – such as the California garden, jungle garden, rose garden and Japanese garden – botanical living collections and is the site for botanical conservation and research. Most visitors enjoyed touring the gardens the most and said that the gardens alone can be a full-day excursion.

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is open from Wednesdays to Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are recommended from Monday to Thursday and required for weekend visits. Weekday admission is $25 for adults, $21 for students, $13 for youth (ages 4 to 11) and children younger than 4 explore free. Weekend rates are slightly higher. Admission is free the first Thursday of every month; you can snag tickets on the final Thursday of the month prior at 9 a.m. PST. Free parking is available. A variety of guided tours and events are offered; dates and prices vary.  View the online calendar for more information. There are restrooms, a gift shop and dining facilities on the property, as well as a limited number of picnic tables. Picnics in the garden are not permitted. For more information, visit the website .

Angeles National Forest Angeles National Forest

In about a half-hour, travelers can trade busy downtown LA for the serenity of nature at the Angeles National Forest. The almost 700,000-acre forest is an easily accessible place for locals and visitors to hike, bike, ski, ride horses, swim, fish and even camp. Encompassing the San Gabriel Mountains, terrain ranges from desert to dense forest. Perhaps one of the most visited sites is Mount San Antonio (nicknamed Mount Baldy), which is the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains at 10,064 feet. There you will find a variety of hikes, from moderate to challenging. Recent visitors loved the views and found the range of trail options perfect for different types of hikers.

Visitors to the Angeles National Forest must purchase a National Forest Adventure Pass. It’s $5 for a daily pass or $30 for an annual pass; the pass is good at other national forests in the area. There are visitor and information centers in different areas of the forest, which offer general information, activities and educational events. Visit the forest's website for specific hours and details.

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La Brea Tar Pits La Brea Tar Pits free

If your kids go crazy for dinosaurs – and really, what kid doesn't? – then a visit to La Brea Tar Pits is sure to be the highlight of their trip. Although the pits look like the set of a cheesy PG movie, hot tar has been bubbling from the earth at this spot along Museum Row in the Miracle Mile for about 50,000 years. And from the gooiest part of LA, more than 3.5 million fossils have been discovered. The adjoining museum houses many of the artifacts found at the tar pits; consequently, it is home to one of the largest collections of Ice Age fossils in the world. Recent visitors said the site was very educational and the amount of fossils was impressive.

You can check out the tar pits completely free of charge, but museum tickets start at $15 for adults and $7 for children 3 to 12; reduced entry fees are available for students and seniors. LA County residents get in free Mondays through Fridays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. All tickets include tours of property facilities like the fossil lab, lake pit and observation pit; some special exhibits will cost extra. Ticket lines can be long, so consider purchasing your ticket online before you arrive. Even if you have to pay to visit, most visitors agree that the exhibits are well worth perusing.

California Science Center California Science Center free

A world of fun and exploration await kids, as well as curious adults, at the California Science Center. In the permanent "Ecosystems" exhibit, museumgoers will learn about everything from islands to rivers to forests across ten different zones via interactive displays. In "Life! Beginning," visitors learn about reproduction, mating and genes. Many recent visitors were impressed with the museum's "Air & Space" section that includes the Space Shuttle Endeavour and the Gemini 11 Capsule. An IMAX theater is also on-site. Recent visitors say the center is wonderful, lots of fun and especially great for kids.

The center is free to visit (including the Endeavour) though special exhibits and IMAX screenings incur a fee. Timed tickets for IMAX and special exhibits are required and can be purchased online . The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking costs $15. You can also take the Metro Expo Line to Expo Park/USC Station and walk five minutes to the center. Visit the center's website for more information.

Dodger Stadium Dodger Stadium

Baseball fans should enjoy a visit to Dodger Stadium, which is home to the LA Dodgers and is Major League Baseball's third oldest continually used park. The stadium is carved into Chavez Ravine and overlooks downtown LA to the south and the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, making this ballpark quite unique. If the Dodgers aren't playing when you're in town, you can still see the stadium on a guided tour. Tours of the 56,000-seat stadium last approximately 90 minutes. During the tour, visitors will learn about the stadium's history and may get to go on the field, look at the Dodger Dugout or peek into the Yaamava' Dugout Club (the VIP restaurant and lounge located behind home plate), which houses the team's World Series trophies and various other awards. Additional specialty tours, such as a Jackie Robinson tour, are also offered. Recent tour-goers say the guides are knowledgeable and engaging.

The Dodger Stadium Tour is offered on the hour from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (on game days ) or 3 p.m. (on nongame days). Tickets cost $30 for adults and $25 for kids 14 and younger. Specialty tours are also available for varying fees. Parking is $25 in advance and $30 to $50 at the gate, with no in-and-out privileges and no refunds. Tickets to baseball games are seasonal and prices vary.

Greystone Mansion and Park Greystone Mansion and Park free

Greystone Mansion is one of the largest mansions in Beverly Hills and an important landmark for American cinema. The nearly 13-acre parcel of land was a wedding gift from oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny to his son, Ned, in 1926. Construction on the mansion began in 1927 and took almost three years to complete. Greystone now represents a golden age in American cinema. Many films, including "The Big Lebowski" and "Ghostbusters," and television shows like "General Hospital" and "Gilmore Girls" have been shot on these gothic-inspired grounds.

Visitors can walk around the property and self-guided tours of the inside of the mansion are offered monthly. Many visitors say Greystone Mansion has stunning grounds with picturesque views. Travelers describe the park grounds as spectacular and enjoy learning which of their favorite movies and shows used Greystone as a backdrop.

Venice Beach Venice Beach free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Rent an e-bike at the boardwalk and spend the day riding along "The Strand" (aka the Marvin Braude Bike Trail) to the Santa Monica Pier. Enjoy delicious Mexican dishes at MariaSol, which sits at the end of the pier. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Developed in the early 20th century, Venice Beach is modeled – canals and all – after its  namesake city in Italy . Admittedly, the experiment didn't live up to its Italian inspiration, but the neighborhood has become distinctly Californian, embodying the spirit of the wealthy, the alternative and the just plain bizarre. Rather than towering churches and intimate pizzerias, you'll find canal-side mansions near funky boutiques and restaurants.

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Explore the Arts District in Downtown L.A. Explore the Arts District in Downtown L.A. free

If you're looking for a trendy hot spot, heed the advice of recent visitors and head to the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles. Formerly an urban artists' colony in the 1970s, the area is now filled with restaurants, cafes and bars serving creative cuisine and craft cocktails. Popular favorites include Angel City Brewery, Bestia, Girl & the Goat and EightyTwo, a bar that features vintage pinball and arcade machines. The neighborhood is also home to art galleries featuring a variety of genres showcasing inspiring art, art shops and art classes. One example is Art Share L.A., a 28,000-square-foot creative art space featuring community art classes, art exhibits and live performances.

According to past visitors, parking in this area can be challenging. Though there is street parking, it's limited. Travelers advise leaving your car in a public parking garage.

Universal Studios Hollywood Universal Studios Hollywood

One of the most popular attractions in the Los Angeles area, Universal Studios Hollywood features rides and amusements based on some of the most popular scenes and characters from film and television. You can take the tram Studio Tour past the creepy Bates Motel from "Psycho" and get caught up in a high-speed chase with the "Fast & Furious" cast. Kids can shake hands with cartoon favorites like The Minions and Scooby-Doo. Of course, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is another huge hit, as is Jurassic World – The Ride. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, a new attraction opened in 2023, features a Super Mario-themed ride, interactive games, a restaurant and shop.

If thrills are your thing, there are plenty of hair-raising coasters and rides. On Transformers: The Ride-3D, riders join Optimus Prime in his battle against the Decepticons; meanwhile, youngsters will love the 3D ride Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (complete with a Minion dance party).

Abbot Kinney Boulevard Abbot Kinney Boulevard free

Shoppers will love this retail mecca that stretches for a mile from Washington Boulevard to Main Street. Located a half-mile inland from Venice Beach , the boulevard features popular chain stores, such as Lululemon, Birkenstock and Warby Parker, as well as local boutique shops, including Ananda Venice, Satine and The Stronghold. In between shopping, stop for a bite to eat at The Butcher's Daughter, Plant Food + Wine or Gjelina. Or, plan your visit for the first Friday of every month, when starting at 5 p.m. dozens of food trucks serve up casual craft meals along the street.

Recent visitors suggested you stroll along Abbot Kinney Boulevard if you're in the Venice Beach area, praising its hip collection of boutiques and restaurants. In addition to the shops and eateries, reviewers also admired the colorful murals and street art. 

Grand Central Market Grand Central Market free

U.S. News Insider Tip: For something fun and unique near the market, check out the Angels Flight Railway. Built in 1901, the funicular takes passengers between Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. One-way tickets cost $1. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Grand Central Market, or foodie heaven according to visitors, is located in downtown Los Angeles by the Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Broad . The venue features high ceilings and an open layout, with food vendor stalls offering different cuisines that represent cultures from the Los Angeles area and beyond. The market has been in operation since 1917 and serves everything from coffee and pressed juices to deli fare, egg sandwiches, falafel, tacos and chow mein.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Whether you're interested in the deep sea, dinosaurs, insects or gems and minerals, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County offers hours of exploration of all things related to natural history. Ongoing exhibitions include the impressive Dinosaur Hall (where you can view more than 300 fossils and see 20 life-sized dinosaur skeletons), Nature Lab, Hall of Birds and Visible Vault, which houses artifacts from Aztec, Maya and Inca civilizations. Visitors said that the museum is great for all ages, with the Dinosaur Hall being the most popular attraction. There are also special exhibitions that are on display for a limited time. Kids will love the Dinosaurs Encounters Show that features juvenile dinosaur puppets. The shows are offered Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 per person.

Guests can also explore the nature gardens with more than 600 varieties of plants and a plethora of garden wildlife. Free guided tours are available daily. If you want to dive deeper into natural history, special programs are available for children, adults and families. Check the events calendar online for more info.

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Battleship USS Iowa Museum Battleship USS Iowa Museum

A visit to the iconic Battleship USS Iowa Museum includes access to both interior and exterior areas on seven decks. The self-guided tour lets visitors see what life was like on the ship. You'll also view the officer's wardroom, senior officer's cabins, admirals bridge, navigation bridge and crew's quarters. Recent visitors enjoyed the multiple exhibits along the route that tell the story of the Battleship USS Iowa, as well as the U.S. Navy, through artifacts, photographs, artwork and equipment. Kids can participate in the "Vicky the Dog" scavenger hunt to get a more in-depth look at the ship through the eyes of its canine mascot.

The General Access pass is valid for two hours and costs $29.95 for adults, $21.95 for kids 3 to 11 and are free for kids 2 and younger. For an additional fee, visitors can upgrade to a themed guided tour, such as the Gun Tour or Engineering Tour. Past visitors said it is worth paying extra for a guided tour. They also enjoyed their visits overall. While visiting the ship, check out the waterfront views, grab a snack at Vicky's Doghouse Café and pick up a souvenir at the Ship's Store. The ship is open daily at 10 a.m. and closes around 4 p.m. (or whenever the final guided tour ends). Parking is available, with the first hour free and $2 each hour after that, with a maximum of $20 a day.

Shop along Olvera Street Shop along Olvera Street free

Stroll this historic street in Downtown Los Angeles for authentic Mexican culture, music and cuisine. Along the block-long, brick-lined street, you'll find strolling mariachi bands, taco shops, Aztec and Mexican folkloric dancers and vendors selling handcrafted souvenirs, such as pottery, leather goods and traditional clothing. The street also hosts various traditional events throughout the year, including the Blessing of the Animals (Saturday before Easter), Cinco de Mayo, Fiestas Patrias (Mexican Independence Day), Dia de los Muertos and Las Posadas.

This Mexican marketplace is part of the El Pueblo Historic Park, the "birthplace of LA," which also includes historic sites, such as Avila Adobe (LA's oldest house), Pico House and the America Tropical Interpretive Center. 

L.A. Live L.A. Live

L.A. Live is the hub of entertainment in Downtown Los Angeles. It's features the Crypto.com Arena, home of the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers basketball teams, the Los Angeles Kings hockey team, as well as the Los Angeles Sparks women's basketball team. It's also where music fans attend world-class concerts by some of the biggest names in the industry. Other entertainment includes the interactive GRAMMY Museum, a Lucky Strike bowling alley and a Regal movie theater, as well as smaller event venues like the Microsoft Theater, The Novo and The Conga Room.

There are more than a dozen eateries to choose from, including Yard House and Katsuya. After a night of entertainment, stay over at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE or The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles.

Petersen Automotive Museum Petersen Automotive Museum

Car enthusiasts will be thrilled with a visit to the Petersen Automotive Museum as it houses a range of impressive cars, from high performance to historic. In the permanent galleries, travelers can try an exhilarating racing simulator, see the “Commutercycle” from the HBO documentary "The Lady and the Dale" and participate in hands-on activities with a Disney "Cars" theme. Featured exhibitions rotate frequently. There are an additional 250 cars that are stored in The Vault. The museum also hosts a variety of events, from exhibition openings to hands-on workshops. Visit its online calendar for more info.

Admission is $21 for adults, $13 for youth ages 12 to 17 and $11 for kids 4 to 11. There is an additional $27 fee for people 12 and older to tour The Vault (children 4 to 11 will pay an extra $10); many visitors say it's worth the fee, but warn that it could take you a half-day to explore. Keep in mind children younger than 4 cannot enter the museum nor the vault. If you're a true car fanatic, consider taking the guided Vault and Workshop tour to see both the Vault and the museum's restoration area. Tickets for this tour are limited and run on Saturdays only. Fees are $150 for individuals 4 and older.

Warner Bros. Studio Warner Bros. Studio

Located in Burbank, California – a city that sits just 5 miles north of Hollywood – Warner Bros. Studio gives visitors a close-up look at iconic movie and TV sets and props, such as the original Batmobiles, costumes from the "Harry Potter" movies and a replica of the cafe featured in "Friends." Travelers will also drive around the studio's 110-acre backlot, where 30 soundstages are used for producing shows like "Young Sheldon," "Bob Hearts Abishola," and "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

Previous visitors loved exploring this property and appreciated their "fun and knowledgeable" tour guides. Additionally, many enjoyed getting out of their golf carts to go inside a working set and other buildings used for filming, citing this as the main reason to tour this studio instead of others like Paramount Pictures Studios . But keep in mind, children 7 and younger are not permitted on any tour.

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The Perfect 3, 4 or 5 Days in Los Angeles Itinerary

Last Updated on February 13, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning the perfect Los Angeles itinerary can be quite a difficult task. For such a large and iconic city — the second-largest in the entirety of the USA — LA lacks a lot of traditional tourist sites and can be incredibly difficult to navigate. Despite this, there is so much to do in the city that you can very easily fill 3, 4 or 5 days in Los Angeles and still feel as if you’ve barely scratched the surface.

Known for the film industry and its beautiful beaches, Los Angeles is also a dynamic and multi-cultural city with a lot of character. It can be hard to get to know a city like LA in just a few days, however, you can definitely get a good feel for this city over the course of this itinerary.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Los Angeles?

When determining how many days to spend in Los Angeles a better question may be to ask yourself how much time you have. LA has an infinite amount of activities and things to do so visitors could easily spend weeks and not get bored.

However, if you’re not the kind of person with unlimited time, planning to spend 3 days in LA is a good minimum if you want to get a good feel for the city and its top neighbourhoods and sites. Seeing Los Angeles in 3 days may feel kind of rushed, but you’ll still be able to cover a lot of ground and experience quite a lot.

If you have 4 days in LA, then this is a great amount of time to explore the city even deeper and spend a bit more time seeing some other neighbourhoods. And if you’re fortunate enough to have 5 days, you can use that final day to go on a day trip!

There are lots of places within easy reach of LA and it’s a great opportunity to explore more of Southern California.

In general, you’re going to want to allow for more than a weekend in Los Angeles and it’s safe to plan for at least 3 days in Los Angeles to really to the city justice.

Getting To & Around Los Angeles

Los Angeles is home to LAX – its own international airport that connects the city to innumerable destinations throughout USA and worldwide.

However, that is not the only airport that serves the city and if you’re flying from within the US, there’s a chance that you could arrive into Burbank or Long Beach airport, as well.

LA is even relatively accessible from John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana or Ontario Airport in San Bernardino County, however, it isn’t the closest option and you have to be willing to drive about an hour (or more, depending on the traffic) to reach the actual city of Los Angeles. You can also take a pre-booked transfer from the airport.

If you’re not flying, it is possible to arrive into LA via train – there are trains that connect Los Angeles to other cities in California. For instance, the train from San Diego takes about three hours and offers beautiful views of the Southern California coast. Trains arrive into Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. You can view train schedules here.

Los Angeles is also a perfect stop on any California coastal road trip and a good jumping-off point if you’re driving north to San Francisco or south to San Diego .

Getting around LA can be a bit of a headache no matter how you plan to do it. An incredibly car-centric city, planning to rely on public transportation while visiting LA isn’t the best idea. There is a public transport system in the city, however, it isn’t that broad or reliable and can be tricky to navigate.

Los Angeles is very spread out and not super walkable, so if you don’t plan on driving yourself, then your best bet is going to be to rely on ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft to get around the city.

The itinerary below does concentrate on different neighbourhoods each day, however, it is still going to be easiest to get around LA if you have a car. Driving in Los Angeles can seem a bit daunting — especially considering that Angelenos have a reputation for being aggressive drivers — but it is the most convenient and easiest way to get around the city.

Keep in mind that LA also gets terrible traffic and it’s hard to really convey just how gridlocked the city can be until you’ve experienced it yourself.

So even though something looks close on a map, you may spend a lot of time getting to your destination because of the traffic conditions. The nature of visiting Los Angeles is that you will likely be spending a fair amount of time in the car in transit.

If you want to rent a car while in Los Angeles, consider browsing Rentalcars.com in order to find deals across a number of major rental companies.

3, 4 or 5-Day Los Angeles Itinerary

Whether you have 3, 4 or 5 days to explore LA, this itinerary builds upon each day. This itinerary will take you through some of the most iconic sites and neighbourhoods in the City of Angels.

If you plan on visiting many of the paid attractions listed below, consider purchasing a Los Angeles Go City Pass to save money on entrance fees!

Day 1 – Hollywood

Being our time in LA by exploring Hollywood – the heart of the film industry. You can spend your morning taking in some views before heading down to enjoy the sites on Hollywood Boulevard and, if you’re interested, take a studio tour!

Griffith Park & the Hollywood Sign

There are few attractions in Los Angeles (and really in the entirety of US cities) as iconic as the famed Hollywood Sign on Mount Lee. Originally erected in 1923 to advertise a new housing development, it has become a focal point of the area ever since.

If you want to get some of the best views of the Hollywood sign, it’s a great idea to head to the Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park.

From here, you can get a good view of Mount Lee and a panorama of Los Angeles below. And, if you’re looking to get even more active, there are also countless hiking trails within Griffith Park where you can get even better views and end up closer to the sign. You can also take a guided hike .

I recommend getting here early – especially if you plan to hike as it can get pretty hot in LA depending on the season you’re visiting.

If you want to hike to the Hollywood Sign itself instead of simply viewing it from Griffith Observatory, then there are a few trails you can choose from that range in difficulty — the Mount Hollywood Trail, the Brush Canyon Trail and the Cahuenga Peak Trail. There are also guided walking tours that take you to the top.

Make sure to set aside a couple of hours to dedicate to these hikes if that’s what you choose. In general, going out for a hike is one of the best things to do in LA.

Hollywood Boulevard & Walk of Fame

From Griffith Observatory, it’s only about a 10-minute drive to Hollywood Boulevard, home to countless iconic sites such as the Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre).

Hollywood Boulevard is incredibly touristy and is pretty much always packed with visitors, but is an essential stop on any first-timer’s trip to LA.

Make sure to take the time to walk along the Walk of Fame and scope out the stars of your favourite artists and celebrities. You can also take in all of the handprints in front of the Chinese Theatre.

There are plenty of other sites to take in here, as well, and it’s the perfect place for film fans and Hollywood history buffs.

Explore Hollywood or Take a Studio Tour

After hanging out on Hollywood Boulevard and seeing the sights there, you have a couple of options on what to do next.

You could opt to venture a bit further from the Walk of Fame and explore more of Hollywood on your own. Famous Sunset Boulevard is only one block south and you can also even mosy your way to Melrose Avenue.

Another very popular thing to do while in Hollywood is to go on a Studio Tour. If you want to both take in some cinema history and to see what film sets are like, there are a number of different studios in Hollywood that offer tours.

Some of the most famous include Warner Brothers , Paramount and even Universal Studios (the latter may be better to dedicate an entire day and include the theme park).

Day 2 – Venice & Santa Monica

If your first day in Los Angeles was dedicated to all of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, plan to spend your second day taking in two of the city’s most popular beach areas – Venice and Santa Monica.

Venice Canals

Begin your day in the Venice neighbourhood in west Lost Angeles – so-called because the canals were designed to resemble the Italian city of the same name.

Venice was originally conceived as a development for a beach resort and several miles of canals were built in order to drain the marshes that originally inhabited the area.

Over the years, Venice has come to have a reputation of being a bohemian beach town with its own independent spirit, however, in more recent times it has become quite a coveted and expensive area of the city.

Before heading over to the iconic Venice Beach, make sure to take some time wandering around the Venice Canals. It’s a really beautiful area and a unique spot in the urban sprawl of Los Angeles.

Venice Beach

Mosy away from the canals and you will find the true draw of this neighbourhood – Venice Beach. This gorgeous stretch of soft, golden sand is one of the city’s top beaches but it is also well known for its iconic boardwalk.

Stretching for miles along the beach, the Venice Boardwalk is an expansive promenade that makes for some of the best people-watching you can find in the great Los Angeles area.

There is a lot to take in and explore in this area such as taking a food tour , however, you could also use this time to simply lounge on a beautiful Southern California beach.

Santa Monica

After enjoying Venice, it’s time to drive just a bit north to LA’s other incredibly famous beach neighbourhood – Santa Monica.

This upmarket area is well-known for the iconic Santa Monica Pier, a classic beach boardwalk amusement park that is filled with old-school carnival games, rides and a classic wooden roller coaster.

For those who don’t want to play at the pier, you can also opt to lounge on lovely Santa Monica Beach or take a surfing lesson . This is a beautiful soft sand beach that is perfect for sunbathing.

Away from the Pacific, the neighbourhood of Santa Monica itself is a great place to explore with plenty of great cafes, restaurants, bars and shops to browse.

Day 3 – Downtown LA

By this point, you’ve spent time in both Hollywood and exploring some of LA’s best beaches.

Now, on your third day, it’s time to head downtown and explore the urban centre of Los Angeles. If you love food, then you’re sure to love this day in LA. You can take a walking tour or a food tour of this area to learn more from a guide.

Arts District

Located on the edge of Downtown Los Angeles, the Arts District is a neighbourhood well worth exploring if you want to take in a bit of culture while visiting this Southern California city.

In a metropolis often derided in the US for lacking in culture, this is a neighbourhood that very much celebrates the incredible artistic nature of this city.

Whether you’re interested in taking in some incredible street art or murals or want to visit some museums, spend a few hours exploring the Arts District of LA. Not surprisingly, there are a number of galleries where you can explore some incredible art done by local artists, but there is more here than just that.

The Arts District is also home to some incredible restaurants, coffee shops and lots of craft breweries for those who fancy an artisan microbrew while on the trip to LA.

Little Tokyo

Located right on the cusp of the Arts District lies Little Tokyo, the historic heart of the Japanese-American community in LA. Home to what is actually the largest Japanese-American community in the entirety of the USA, this is a fascinating, historic neighbourhood to explore in Los Angeles and really outlines just how multicultural this incredible city is.

Those who want to learn more about this area and about Japanese Americans in general, then consider visiting the Japanese American National Museum.

And, if you’re looking for a more food-centric experience, then you’re certain to find some incredible food in this neighbourhood, as well. You may want to save some of your appetite for our next stop, however.

Grand Central Market

No time spent in Downtown Los Angeles is complete without visiting the Grand Central Market. First opened in 1917, this market hall is a foodie’s paradise.

Home to both fresh produce vendors and a range of different food stalls, you can get everything here from ramen to Berlin-style currywurst to barbecue to tostadas to wood-fired pizza and so much more.

Though this entire day really celebrates just how vibrant and multicultural LA is, you can really see it very tangibly for yourself just by browsing all of the stalls in the market.

End your day at the other side of Downtown LA in the Koreatown neighbourhood. Known locally as simply “K-Town,” this is the heart of the Korean-American population in the city and is actually one of the most densely populated neighbourhoods in the entirety of the USA.

K-Town has it all and if you’re a fan of Korean cuisine, you’re sure to find something great to eat here. It can also be a great idea to learn a little bit about the history of this ethnically diverse neighbourhood, especially considering it was the epicentre of the 1992 Los Angeles Riots and it very much shaped the neighbourhood today.

There is a lot to offer in this neighbourhood and it is the perfect place to end your third day in LA.

Day 4 – Beverly Hills, Westwood & the Getty Center

If your visions of Los Angeles have to do with high-end homes and designer shopping, then you’re sure to love day four of this itinerary. And, if you’re looking to learn a bit, this day also includes a visit at one of the area’s top museums.

Rodeo Drive

Begin your day at Beverly Hills’ most iconic shopping street – Rodeo Drive. Whether you’re simply looking at doing some window shopping or are keen to splash the cash at the area’s countless designer shops, there is no doubt that this is a perfect place for an opulent LA experience.

You’ll notice a distinct change in atmosphere here compared to the other neighbourhoods you’ve explored and even if you’re not interested in the lives of the rich and famous of Beverly Hills, it can be worth having a stroll down Rodeo Drive just to experience the sheer diversity of LA neighbourhoods.

Explore Westwood

Not far from Beverly Hills and Bel Air lies the hip and cool Westwood neighbourhood. This is a young and vibrant area that is a fun place to explore. It has an especially youthful vibe as it is home to the UCLA campus.

There are lots of great cafes, restaurants, bars and shops to explore in this neighbourhood and, again, it can give you a bit of a different perspective on the city. And if you want to really see what this area is like, consider hopping in the car and driving through the winding streets of nearby Bel Air, where you can see some of the most opulent, giant houses in the city.

After spending the morning around Beverly Hills, it’s only a short hop over to the Getty — one of the top museums in Los Angeles. If you’re a fine arts fan, you will delight in visiting the countless exhibits in this beautiful museum.

The museum itself is worth visiting just for the incredible architecture and the great views you can get from there. The Getty is quite sizeable, so plan to spend a fair amount of time here really taking in all of the different exhibits of American and European art.

Day 5 – Day Trip or Universal Studios

If you’re spending 5 days in LA, then you can spend your final day on a day trip or, if you’re interested, enjoying all of the highlights at Universal Studios. There are countless options open for you depending on what exactly you’re after.

Universal Studios

If you want to head to a theme park but don’t want to leave LA proper, then make sure to head to Universal Studios. Here, you not only can go on a classic studio tour but you can also enjoy the sprawling theme park and have a blast on all of the rides and areas based on your favourite movies!

You need a whole day (at least) to devote to Universal Studios, so this is an excellent way to spend your final day exploring LA.

Santa Barbara

If you’re up for a bit of a drive, then consider heading to Santa Barbara , which is located about 2 hours from the centre of Los Angeles.

This lovely town is a perfect day trip destination an it has a lot to offer visitors. You can wander along the beach, explore the Funk Zone (the cool, downtown area) or enjoy the Urban Wine Trails.

Santa Barbara is the limit of where Southern California can merge into the Central Coast and it has a much more laid-back and relaxed culture when compared to Los Angeles. It is an excellent day trip option for LA.

If you want to head out to the beach once more, then you really cannot go wrong with driving out to Malibu. Located just north of Los Angeles proper, Malibu is home to several incredible beaches that are not quite as built up and a bit wilder than the beaches you will find within LA itself.

Malibu is also home to the Getty Villa, an offshoot of the Getty Museum in Beverly Hills. Here, you can view a wonderful collection of antiquities that were in the possession of oil tycoon J Paul Getty.

Orange County

If you’re keen to head south, then consider visiting Orange County. Now famous for the popular 2000s-era TV show The OC , Orange County is home to countless lovely beach towns and interesting places to visit. Huntington Beach is the closest to Los Angeles and is a perfect place to observe surfers catching the waves (or to try your hand at it yourself).

Other options in Orange County include swish Newport Beach – which is a great option for kids as you could also visit the classic theme park on Balboa Island.

And just a bit further south and about 1.5 hours from LA itself is Laguna Beach. This is a relaxed beach town with a ton of beautiful beaches to explore and wonderful shops and restaurants.

Catalina Island

Finally, if you’re looking for a unique day trip from LA, then consider heading to Catalina Island . Located off the coast of Southern California, Catalina is a lovely destination and it’s accessible via high-speed ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro, just south of the LA city centre.

Once in Catalina, you can spend your day wandering around the charming city of Avalon, touring the iconic Casino, hiking in the hills or, if you’d like simply lounging on the beach. Catalina is also a haven for those who like snorkelling, SCUBA diving or other watersports.

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Hollywood Inn Suites Hotel – If you’re wondering where to stay in LA and are travelling on a mid-range budget then this modern hotel is a great choice. They have a number of rooms to choose from that are suitable for couples or families and there is a swimming pool for guests to enjoy.

Hotel Per La – This cool hotel located in downtown LA is the perfect place to stay if you’re after a bit of luxury when visiting the City of Angels. They have a central location and guests can enjoy a rooftop swimming pool with fantastic views of the surrounding area.

Freehand Los Angeles – If you’re travelling solo or prefer to save some money, then this hostel is a fantastic option Located in downtown Los Angeles, they have a range of both private rooms and dorms with facilities that you would typically only find in hotels such as a rooftop pool and fitness centre.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Los Angeles hotels!

Planning the perfect trip to Los Angeles is no easy task as this large and spread-out city has a lot to offer. Whether you’re looking to spot Hollywood stars, lounge on the beach or experience incredible world cuisine, you’re sure to find something to love about California’s largest city!

Are you planning to visit Los Angeles? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Hey Maggie I appreciate all the information you shared on here! My husband and I are headed to California from Canada here on Saturday and had no plans other then a rental car, hope to do some hiking, trying all the food and taking in all that California has to offer. We are starting in Los Angeles and were thinking of making our way up to Yosemite and Maybe San Francisco. We have 10 days so we will definitely be spending a good portion in Los Angeles because of the information you’ve given us here. If you have any other suggestions for our adventure around the state we are all ears!

I’m so happy you found this helpful! We have a lot of other great articles on California that should hopefully help you plan out your trip: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/california-travel-guide/

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The Ultimate Los Angeles Itinerary

From the showbiz glamour of Hollywood and the upmarket shops of Rodeo Drive, to the bohemian vibes of Venice Beach, this Los Angeles itinerary will give you a great introduction to this buzzy Californian city.

Welcome to la la land! Los Angeles is one of California’s most popular travel destinations. The vast, sprawling city is home to the world’s movie industry, and a little of that Tinseltown magic can be felt all over the city.

However, there’s much more to Los Angeles than Hollywood – it’s one of the coolest and most vibrant cities in California. You’ll find gorgeous beaches, a great music scene and some of the best museums in the United States.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Los Angeles, and it’d be impossible to fit everything into one short trip. To help you plan your LA city break, and find the coolest things to do in 2 days in Los Angeles, I’ve popped together this Los Angeles itinerary – happy travelling!

When Is The Best Time to Visit Los Angeles? 

Southern California is well known for its sunshine, so it’s a popular place to visit all year round. I’d recommend visiting in spring, when temperatures hover around the low 20s, the days are sunny, and the crowds scarce.

Summer brings warmer weather, but also lots of tourists, so try to avoid if you can. Autumn is usually dry, hot and can be windy. Winter brings the chance of rain, although not much – this is Southern California after all!

Tour Hollywood

If you’re a first time visitor, start your Los Angeles itinerary in Hollywood, LA’s most iconic and stylish neighbourhood. Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where the star-studded sidewalks are a glittering reminder that this is a town filled with movie magic.

Don’t miss the Chinese Theatre, Paramount Studios, the Sunset Strip, and of course, the iconic Hollywood sign – one of the most popular things to see in Los Angeles.

If you start to get a little tired, there are plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants to choose from. 

Grab Lunch at Grand Central Market

LA’s iconic food hall, Grand Central Market, regularly tops the list of fun things to do in Los Angeles. After a busy morning of sightseeing in Hollywood, it’s a great place to stop and sample some of the best food in the city.

The beauty of this bustling food market is that you’ll find a little bit of everything inside. Whether you’re into tacos, BBQ, dim sum or Italian meatballs, Grand Central Market is the place for you!

Go Shopping in Beverley Hills

LA is the shopping capital of California, and Beverley Hills is home to some of the swankiest shops you’ll find in the city. Whether you like to window shop, or are prepared for a big splurge, wandering through Rodeo Drive and the boulevards of Beverley Hills is a real treat. 

You won’t just find clothes stores either – this is a great place to come for local produce, books, homewares, wine and beauty products.

Go On A Walking Tour Of Los Angeles

If you’re looking for a fun way to explore the city on foot, take a look at Around walking tours in Los Angeles . Pick one of the self-guided walking tours, which has been put together by an LA expert. The movie history one sounds particularly interesting. These tours are great if you want a flexible way to explore a destination on your own time, with no strict schedules or big tour groups!

Ride The Ferris Wheel At Pacific Park

Pacific Park, located on the Santa Monica Pier, is one of LA’s top attractions.

This theme park has everything you need for a fun afternoon, including some adrenaline-fuelled rides and roller coasters.

The park boasts the only solar-powered ferris wheel in the world, lifting passengers 130 feet in the air and offering unbeatable views of the Los Angeles shoreline.

Visit One Of LA’s Museums

LA is home to some fabulous museums, and at least one should feature on any Los Angeles itinerary. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is one of the best, and boasts a large collection of modernist masterpieces.

For something a little unusual, head to the Getty Center, for wonderful impressionist collections and fabulous ocean views.

Alternatively, book-lovers will marvel at the Huntingdon Library, Art Collection and Botanical Gardens – a wonderful green space with countless treasures to uncover.

Stroll Along Venice Beach Boardwalk

If the Hollywood glitz and glamour isn’t for you, head to Venice Beach for something a little more bohemian. The Venice Beach boardwalk is an ocean front promenade packed with performers, musicians, magicians, skaters, restaurants and shops.

This is the perfect place to come for an antidote to LA city life and to soak up the fabulous ocean views.

Explore Griffith Park

One of the best things about Los Angeles is the easy access from the city to some beautiful natural spots. Griffith Park, spanning more than 4,000 acres of urban wilderness, provides a great contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city.

Take a hike along one of the many walking trails, visit the Griffith Observatory (yep – that’s the place from the movie La La Land ), or visit Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Garden. Whatever you choose, a visit to Griffith Park is a real breath of fresh air on any Los Angeles itinerary.

Stay at a Luxurious Hotel in Los Angeles

If you’re visiting Los Angeles for a special occasion, how about living the true movie star life with a stay at one of the top-rated hotels in the city. Here are a few of my favourites…

The Peninsula Beverly Hills

A stone’s throw from the main shopping drag of Rodeo Drive, the Peninsula Beverly Hills offers decadent luxury in the heart of one of Los Angeles’ chicest neighbourhoods.

This stunning hotel, built in a French style, is gorgeous inside and out, especially at night when it’s all lit up.

There’s a fabulous spa, luxurious rooms, and wonderful fine-dining restaurant, The Belvedere. However, the real stand-out feature of this place is the service – you’ll be made to feel like a star, so enjoy it!

Check availability and latest prices at the Peninsula Beverly Hills here

Shutters on the Beach

Santa Monica is one of Los Angeles’ finest beach towns. It’s where you’ll find locals, celebrities and Hollywood stars soaking up a little sun, sand and surf.

Shutters on the Beach is one of the best 5-star hotels in Santa Monica, and it has everything you’ll need for a luxurious beach holiday. With uninterrupted beach views, beautifully decorated interiors, and world-class facilities, this is the place to come for some seaside downtime.

Check availability and latest prices at Shutters on the Beach here

1 Hotel West Hollywood

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to indulge, why not try 1 Hotel West Hollywood, a new addition on the Sunset Strip known for its eco-friendly ethos. You won’t find any single-use plastics here and much of the striking décor is made from naturally fallen trees and other sustainable products.

However, this doesn’t mean you’ll be scrimping on luxury. Enjoy the fabulous valley views from the rooftop pool, and make the most of a whole range of wellness facilities, or indulge at one of the excellent restaurants, which serve fresh, local produce.

Check availability and latest prices at 1 Hotel West Hollywood here

Tours in Los Angeles

Warner Bros. Studios Hollywood Tour

For over a century LA has been the heartland of movie making, and you can’t visit without a taste of what it’s like to get in front of the cameras on a real life movie set.

This tour will take you behind the scenes of epic films, where you can ride the Batmobile, try out Harry Potter’s broomstick, and even re-enact your favourite scene from Friends’ in Central Perk. 

Check availability and latest prices here

Los Angeles Helicopter Night Flight

If you’re looking for the ultimate addition to your Los Angeles bucket list , how about taking to the skies to view the City of Angels from the air.

This 30 minute night flight will take you over the city to see the illuminations from above. You’ll cruise over the downtown skyline as it glows, spotting familiar landmarks such as the iconic Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Sign, Sunset Boulevard and more.

Looking for other cool places to visit in California? Don’t forget to check out my San Francisco itinerary , which is packed full of amazing food recommendations, fun day trips and great views.  

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Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

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The Ultimate Los Angeles Itinerary, Mountain Hikes, Seaside Bike Rides, and Fresh Seafood Included

Discover the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do in Los Angeles with this highly curated guide to the city.

Best Time to Go

Things to know, how to get around, best hotels, best restaurants, things to do, best shopping, neighborhoods to know, apps to download.

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Los Angeles, at around 500 square miles, is the largest city within Los Angeles County which includes more than 100 cities and communities. Known for its entertainment industry, miles of coastline, mountains, shopping, sports, ethnic diversity, and culture of creativity, L.A.'s vibe ranges from upscale to hip to surf-casual and everything between, defying a label for the city as a whole. Several areas comprise Los Angeles, mainly Downtown (DTLA), the Westside, West Hollywood, Hollywood, the Beach Cities, and the Valley, with other communities within those districts.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), served by all major airlines, is about 16 miles from Downtown. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), also known as Bob Hope Airport, is located about 20 minutes north of downtown. Union Station is the main railway station in Los Angeles, and it's the largest railroad passenger terminal in the western United States.

Visitors seeking outdoor activities can choose mountain hikes, seaside bike rides, golf, boating, surfing, or just enjoying the sunshine. Spectator sports abound, and depending on the season, there's basketball, football, baseball, and soccer. Live theater, film complexes, museums, and art galleries provide opportunities for cultural activities.

The Los Angeles dining scene boasts elegant restaurants, casual outdoor cafes, and ethnic foods that include Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Ethiopian, Korean, Italian, Israeli, and many more. Fresh seafood from local waters and produce from California's farms are always available.

Pacific Standard Time. (Daylight Savings Time is observed seasonally)

Year-round moderate temperatures, low humidity, and cool evenings make any month a good time to visit Los Angeles. Summers are warmer, especially in the Valley, while coastal areas see cooler temperatures and often begin with morning clouds that burn off to sunny afternoons. Rainfall is generally less than 20 inches annually, with December through March considered the wetter months.

Summer is popular with vacationers, and with miles of beaches, there's always room for your blanket and umbrella. The 26-mile bike path along the coast from Torrance Beach to Pacific Palisades gets a bit more traffic in summer, but bikers, joggers, walkers, and skateboarders happily share the scenery and ocean breezes year round. In winter, Los Angeles is the perfect escape from colder climates when visitors can trade their down jacks for sweaters or windbreakers.

Los Angeles is known for its car culture, although public transportation is available in most areas. The city is infamous for its freeway traffic, and visitors are advised to keep this in mind when planning outings around the city.

There's a lot of ground to cover and so much to see. If time allows, book a hotel in the area you want to explore. You'll get to experience different neighborhoods, and you'll save time getting around. Get familiar with the "big picture" of Los Angeles while you make plans to get a better idea of where your destinations are located.

The weather varies from the coastal towns to the inland valley, and the temperature difference can be 20 degrees or more. Check the weather and keep a light jacket handy.

Metro Rail Lines: Six light rail and subway lines connect various locations within Los Angeles. Check the online map , website , or use the GoMetro mobile app for planning.

Metro Bus System: Local, Rapid, Express services are available throughout the Los Angeles area, with nearly 200 different lines. Many connect to Metro Rail stations. Visit the Metro website for details .

DASH Bus Service: Los Angeles Department of Transportation operates frequent bus service in DTLA and in 27 neighborhoods. Visit the DASH website for details.

Driving: Hundreds of miles of freeways connect various sections of Los Angeles and can be efficient for traveling. Plan your route, avoid commuter rush hours, and expect some traffic to get the most out of driving in Los Angeles. GPS apps will be helpful.

Uber, Lyft, taxis: You can let someone else worry about directions, parking, and traffic by using your preferred app.

Union Station: (800 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012) is a major transportation hub for Amtrak, Greyhound Bus, auto rentals, taxis, Metro bus, light rail and subway, Metrolink heavy rail service, Megabus, and Zipcar.

Transportation from Los Angeles International Airport

LAX FlyAway Bus Service provides regularly scheduled non-stop service to several locations. Check the website for current schedules.

Taxi Service : Taxis may drop passengers off at their terminals on the Upper/Departures level. Arriving passengers may get taxis at three locations: next to Terminal 1 (either by walking or taking the free shuttle to LAX-it. ), inside Parking Structure 3 (between Terminals B and 3), or at the far end of Terminal 7, outside of baggage claim.

Ride-sharing Apps : Lyft, Opoli, and Uber are the authorized providers for LAX. They can drop off passengers at terminals on the Upper/Departures level. Arriving passengers may be picked up at the LAX-it lot next to terminal 1. Walk or take the free LAX-it shuttle.

Rental Cars : Offices are located off airport. Shuttles meet arriving passengers under the purple "Rental Car shuttles" sign on the Lower/Arrivals level islands.

Public Transportation: Several public transit providers serve LAX, including L.A. Metro , Santa Monica Big Blue Bus , Torrance Transit , and Beach Cities Transit .

Hotel Shuttles : Many major airport area hotels provide courtesy transportation from LAX terminals. Shuttle stops are located on the Upper/Departures level by Red curbside pylons.

Metro C Line at Aviation Station: Wait at the Pink Shuttle sign on the Lower/Arrivals level and board "Metro C Line (formerly Green Line) Shuttle."

Downtown DTLA

Intercontinental los angeles downtown.

Address: 900 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90017 Phone: (800) 424-6835 Book Now

In the center of downtown, this 73-story hotel boasts spectacular views and a convenient location. Its Spire 73 rooftop lounge is the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere, and a sushi bar, steakhouse, and buffet restaurant offer quality dining and service.

Hotel Figueroa

Address: 939 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: (213) 627-8971 Book Now

This historic hotel opened in 1926 as lodging for professional women and has since seen major renovations that maintained its original Spanish Colonial style. Comfortable rooms, art-filled lobby and corridors, a coffin-shaped outdoor pool, restaurants, and cocktail lounges welcome visitors to its 268 rooms and suites.

The Wayfarer Downtown LA

Address: 813 S. Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017 Phone: (213) 285-4400 Book Now

Convenient, comfortable, and budget-friendly, The Wayfarer features private rooms, shared rooms, a rooftop bar, cocktail lounge, and an entertainment venue. It's a new way to stay in Los Angeles, perfect for solo travelers.

Address: 819 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017 Phone: (213) 623-9904 Book Now

Located in the Financial District, this hotel includes a spa, fitness center, restaurant, and bar. Complimentary breakfast, a business center, and free Wi-Fi are among the hotel's amenities. The hotel is conveniently located near the 7th Street Metro Center.

Beverly Hills/Century City

Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel

Address: 9500 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90212 Phone: (310) 275-5200 Book Now

Overlooking Rodeo Drive, this elegant hotel is a Los Angeles classic. Accommodations include plush guestrooms, specialty suites, and even a rooftop veranda. Guests dine at Wolfgang Puck's Cut steakhouse, the poolside cafe and bar, or The Blvd, an all-day restaurant and lounge.

Intercontinental Los Angeles Century City at Beverly Hills

Address: 2151 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067 Phone: (310) 284-6500 Book Now

Views of downtown, the Pacific, and Beverly Hills from private balconies create a luxurious L.A. experience. Convenient to shopping, entertainment, and business centers, the hotel offers a spa, fitness center, pool, California cuisine at Mari, and Copper Lounge for cocktails.

Fairmont Century Plaza

Address: 2025 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067 Phone: (310) 246-4770 Book Now

This completely reimagined mid-century modern hotel is located in the heart of Century City, offering 351 guest rooms and 49 suites, all with private balconies. A guest-only private rooftop pool and bar as well as four dining options make the hotel an ideal destination just blocks from Beverly Hills and Westfield Century City shopping center.

West Hollywood WEHO

West hollywood edition.

Address: 9040 West Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069 Phone: (310) 953-9899 Book Now

This stunning, modern hotel by Ian Schrager features 190 guest rooms, 48 suites, two penthouses, and 20 luxury residences. Expansive outdoor terraces offer views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills. Amenities include a luxurious spa, fitness center, and a variety of dining spots including the popular Ardor and The Roof, for tropical-inspired cocktails and panoramic vistas.

Pendry West Hollywood

Address: 8430 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069 Phone: (310) 928-9000 Book Now

In the heart of the iconic Sunset Strip, the Pendry features 149 luxury guest rooms, 40 Pendry Residences, rooftop pool and bar, fitness center, and multiple food and beverage concepts helmed by famed Chef Wolfgang Puck. Spa Pendry offers signature treatments and customized services in a comfortable, healing environment.

Kimpton La Peer Hotel

Address: 627 N. La Peer Drive, West Hollywood, CA 90069 Phone: (213) 296-3038 Book Now

Set in the walkable Design District neighborhood steps from the intersection of Melrose Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard, this hotel is stylish, comfortable, and tasteful. A secluded pool, 105 luxury guest rooms and suites, restaurants, and courtyard cocktail lounge make it a local favorite.

Hollywood Area

Dream hollywood hotel.

Address: 6417 Selma Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90028 Phone: (323) 844-6417 Book Now

The hotel's stylish mid-century modern guestrooms and suites are conveniently set near Hollywood's attractions, with panoramic views from its rooftop pool, restaurant, and cabanas. Dine at the rooftop Highlight Room, Tao Asian Bistro, or Beauty & Essex.

Kimpton Everly Hotel

Address: 1800 Argyle Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90028 Phone: (213) 279-3532 Book Now

This hip boutique hotel boasts a ground-floor coffee bar, outdoor pool, hosted evening social hour and morning coffee, yoga mats, and in-room Chromecast streaming devices. Pet-friendly accommodations, room service, and dining at Jane Q complete the picture.

Hollywood Historic Hotel

Address: 5162 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90038 Phone: (323) 378-6312 Book Now

Dating to 1927, this newly reopened Hollywood landmark is on the National Register of Historic Places. Located near Paramount Pictures and Raleigh Studios, many of the hotel's rooms offer views of the Hollywood sign. Its walkable neighborhood boasts cafes, restaurants, and shops.

The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

Address: 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028 Phone: (323) 856-1970 Book Now

Located on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this hotel offers luxury and style along with a stunning David Hockney outdoor pool and cafe. Guests enjoy cocktails at the Spare Room, the hotel's prohibition era-style lounge with vintage bowling alley, and dinner at Nancy Silverton's The Barish, an Italian steakhouse.

Address: 1730 N. Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027 Phone: (323) 672-8990 Book Now

A serene oasis off a busy intersection in trendy Los Feliz, Cara Hotel's local craftsmanship and food sourced from nearby farms make it a true California experience. Its 60 rooms, dressed in white with wooden accents, come with balconies overlooking the courtyard tranquility pool lined with palm trees. Under 10 minutes from iconic LA sights such as the Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Greek Theater, Cara is an ideal base for first-time LA visitors but will likely be a spot you'll want to return to.

Beach Cities

Shutters on the Beach

Address: 1 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90405 Phone: (310) 458-0030 Book Now

Understated luxury in New England style beachfront rooms and suites defines the hotel, just steps from the sand. Spa, pool deck with cabanas, and excellent dining options make a stay at Shutters memorable. Choose from Coast, 1 Pico, or the Living Room for food and drinks with a Pacific view.

Beach House, Hermosa Beach

Address: 1300 The Strand, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 Phone: (310) 374-3001 Book Now

As close to the beach as a hotel can get, this oceanfront boutique offers 96 studio suites, most with views of the Pacific. Patios, balconies, fireplaces, fitness center, refrigerators, and outdoor hot tub are among the amenities. Complimentary Wi-Fi and continental breakfast are included.

Hotel Erwin

Address: 1697 Pacific Avenue, Venice, CA 90291 Phone: (310) 452-1111 Book Now

Overlooking the Pacific and the lively Venice boardwalk, the Hotel Erwin's rooms, suites, and balconies provide comfort and a front-row view of the action. The High Rooftop Lounge is the place to be for sunset, with creative cocktails and delicious menu offerings. Erwin's Kitchen + Cocktails serves breakfast and dinner.

Address: 8639 Lincoln Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045 Phone: (888) 435-5070 Book Now

Hotel June is set in a prime location minutes from LAX, Playa Del Rey Beach, Playa Vista, Venice Beach, and Marina Del Rey as well as restaurants, shops, and parks. An expansive pool surrounded by lounges and the Caravan Swim Club offering Baja-inspired dishes and creative cocktails make Hotel June a destination as well as a convenient airport hotel.

Malibu Beach Inn

Address: 22878 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265 Phone: (310) 651-7777 Book Now

Set along Malibu's coastline with views of the Pacific, this boutique hotel offers 47 guest rooms, a restaurant, and an on-site spa suite. Hike Malibu's nearby trails, spend time at the exclusive beach, or just enjoy watching the waves and relaxing to the sounds of the surf.

Hilton Los Angeles Universal City

Address: 555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, CA 91608 Phone: (818) 506-2500 Book Now

A block from the entrance to Universal Studios, this hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to make it even more convenient. Outdoor swimming pool, whirlpool, and fitness center are among the amenities included. Poolside dining, Coffee Corner, and Cafe Sierra are dining options, and at the Atrium Lounge, beverages and snacks are served each evening along with live piano music.

The Garland

Address: 4222 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91602 Phone: (818) 980-8000 Book Now

This boutique hotel, created by actress Beverly Garland in 1970, is set on seven acres in the heart of Los Angeles. Now updated, its guestrooms, suites, and kids rooms boast modern decor, and its restaurants offer new menus. Free trolley rides to Universal Studios, CityWalk, and Universal City Metro Station are a favorite amenity.

Downtown L.A.

Address: 521 West Seventh Street, Los Angeles, CA Phone: (213) 225-6285 Website

Q Sushi offers traditional omakase served in a serene atmosphere by talented chef Hiroyuki Naruke. Fresh fish flown in from Japan and presented simply creates a memorable dining experience at his small downtown sushi bar.

Address: 2121 East Seventh Place, Los Angeles, CA 90021 Phone: (213) 514-5724 Website

Delicious and creative Italian dishes served in a lively warehouse-style atmosphere make Bestia a top spot. From pizza to pasta with a tasty selection of antipasti, Bestia's food is memorable and the experience is fun.

Address: 500 Mateo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013 Phone: (213) 232-4966 Website

Fresh ingredients and a variety of cooking techniques showcase Middle Eastern foods that include flatbreads, spreads, hot and cold small plates, salads, and more. Cuisines of Israel, Morocco, Turkey, and Egypt are represented with style and attention to detail.

Howlin' Rays

Address: 727 North Broadway #128, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Phone: (213) 935-8399 Website

From a successful food truck to a Chinatown location, Howlin' Rays has been serving Nashville hot chicken to his fans in Los Angeles since 2016. Diners choose their favorite level of heat from Country (no heat) to Howlin' (HOT), and side dishes include fries, slaw, pickles, and collard greens.

Beverly Hills/Century City/West Hollywood

Jean-georges beverly hills.

Address: Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, 9850 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Phone: (310) 860-6666 Website

This elegant spot is known for exquisite service and cuisine helmed by chef Jean-Georges. His eight-course tasting menu is lovely, and with wine pairings, the experience is sublime. Reservations required.

Address: 176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Phone: (310) 385-0880 Website

Excellent service, inventive seasonal dishes, and sleek atmosphere define this Wolfgang Puck restaurant. The cuisine and style have consistently earned awards, including two Michelin stars.

Address: 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90067l Phone: (213) 310-8000 Website

In addition to an array of wines, cheeses, meats, seafood, baked goods, and more, Eataly offers several dining spots. Il Pesce Cucina presents fresh seafood by acclaimed team from Michelin-starred Providence, chef Michael Cimarusti and Donato Poto. Terra , on the third floor rooftop, features seasonal ingredients prepared on a wood-burning Italian grill. La Pizza & La Pasta serve the best of those Italian favorites. Reservations suggested.

Address: 3850 Main Street, Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232 Phone: (424) 298-8540 Website

This ultra-creative restaurant successfully combines Cali-Asian flavors with influences of the Lowcountry of the Southeast. Delicious and artistically plated dishes, modern atmosphere, full bar, and outdoor patio make this a popular spot.

E.P. and L.P.

Address: 603 N. La Cienega Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069 Phone: (310) 855-9955 Website

This restaurant features an Asian-fushion menu, rooftop bar with views of the Hollywood Hills, and Las Palmas rooftop with Tulum-inspired dishes and cocktails.

Address: 9010 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA 90069 Phone: (310) 307-3932 Website

This stylish restaurant on West Hollywood's restaurant row offers coastal European cuisine for fine dining and late-night cocktails. Chef Michael Fiorelli draws inspiration from the classics of Italy, Greece, France, and Spain capturing the spirit of dining on a Mediterranean vacation.

Strings of Life (S.O.L)

Address: 8535 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA 90069 Phone: (310) 734-7190

This all-day Australia-inspired casual spot serves specialty coffees, fresh baked goods, sandwiches, breakfast dishes, salads, burgers, and more under the direction of Culinary Director Monty Koludrovic with Pastry Chef Jaci Koludrovic.

Address: 9040 West Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069 Phone: (424) 310-1572 Website

Showcasing vegetable-forward dishes in a beautiful setting, Ardor's menu includes a balance of meat and plant-based dishes. Award-winning Chef John Fraser combines fresh local organic ingredients with international techniques in such dishes as crudo, ceviche, and as an example, Harrison Ranch Chicken with vegetables a la Grecque. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

Address: 904 North Sycamore Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038 Website

This chic restaurant set in Hollywood's Media District serves California-inspired French bistro cuisine along with an extensive bar program for dinner and late-night dining. The menu includes roast chicken, seafood, steak tartare, and a 32-ounce dry-aged rib-eye steak.

Address: 5955 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038 Phone: (323) 460-4170 Website

Seafood in creative presentations that are both gorgeous and delicious is the focus of this prix-fixe dining experience. Led by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Cimarusti, this Michelin-starred restaurant is the place for special dinners and superb service.

L' Antiqua Pizzeria da Michele

Address: 1534 North McCadden Place, Los Angeles, Ca 90028 Phone: (323) 366-2408 Website

Pizza, pasta, salads, and a wide variety of appetizers make this more than a pizzeria, although the pizza has a great following. Breakfast and brunch specialties are favorites too, as are the cheese and charcuterie boards.

Beach Cities/West Side

Address: 101 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Phone: (310) 319-3111 Website

This lively bistro at the Fairmont Miramar serves fresh, local ingredients in Mediterranean-style preparations. Open all day, they offer happy hour specials and an exceptional selection of international and domestic cheeses.

The Rose Venice

Address: 220 Rose Avenue, Venice, CA 90291 Phone: (310) 399-0711 Website

Modern California cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Great baked goods, indoor/outdoor dining; extensive takeout selection.

Little Sister, Redondo Beach

Address: 247 Avenida del Norte, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 Phone: (424) 398-0237 Website

South Bay locations in Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach (also DTLA ) serve Southeast Asian cuisine in a seasonally evolving menu. Favorite dishes include green papaya salad, a variety of spring rolls, Vietnamese crepe, and shaky shaky beef.

Address: 13301 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 Phone: (818) 788-4868 Website

Operating in the San Fernando Valley for more than 62 years, Casa Vega began on Olvera Street downtown. An extensive menu of Mexican favorites, cocktails, beers, and wines served in a friendly, festive atmosphere.

Address: 11941 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, CA 91604 Phone: (818) 760-3348

One of L.A.'s top Japanese restaurants, Asanebo has been recognized with Michelin stars. Traditional sushi and sashimi in addition to their signature dishes like halibut truffle, toro tartare, ceviche, and more are served along with a selection of sake, beers, and champagnes.

Address: 800 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Website

This entertainment complex features movie theaters, a concert hall, restaurants, convention center, and special events. The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles, JW Marriott, and Staples Center are adjacent to the complex.

Crypto.com Arena

Address: 1111 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90001 Website

This multi-purpose arena hosts concerts and sports events for the Kings (NHL hockey), Lakers, Clippers (NBA basketball), and Sparks (WNBA basketball).

Music Center

Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure

Address: 135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Website

This performing arts center includes the Los Angeles Opera, Ahmanson Theater, Mark Taper Forum, L. A. Master Chorale, L. A. Philharmonic Orchestra, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Dining venues include Abernethy's, Cocina Roja, cocktail lounges, and casual cafes.

Address: 221 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Website

A contemporary art museum with more than 2,000 works, The Broad includes a permanent collection and special exhibits. General admission is free, but reservations are recommended and can be booked online. A standby line is available, and waiting time varies.

Downtown LA Walking Tours

Address: 600 West 9th Street, #603, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Website

Offering both public and private tours, the knowledgeable and engaging guides take visitors through L.A.'s highlights including filming locations, historic sites, and landmarks. Stories and background details on the locales make the tours entertaining and educational.

Grand Central Market

Address: 317 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013 Website

More than a hundred years old, the market offers a variety of vendors for produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, coffee, ice cream, prepared foods, and more. It's a popular spot for takeout or for a quick bite at the adjacent outdoor tables.

Beverly Hills/Culver City

The original farmers market.

Address: 6333 West Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90036 Website

A historic landmark and home to specialty markets, restaurants, prepared foods, produce, and more, the Original Farmers Market is a favorite for both locals and visitors. Baked goods, ice cream, coffee, and ethnic dishes keep the market hopping from breakfast through dinner.

Sony Pictures Studio

Address: 10201 West Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232 Website

Their two-hour guided walking tour takes guests through a working studio where movies and TV shows are filmed. There's also a three-hour VIP Lunch Tour. Tours are presented on weekdays only, and reservations are required.

Getty Center

Address: 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049 Website

This striking hilltop white travertine building houses permanent collections, special exhibits, and a magnificent garden as well as an excellent restaurant and casual cafe. Admission is free and there is a charge for parking. Check the website for visiting information.

Melting Pot Food Tours

Address: 8484 Wilshire Boulevard, #515, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Website

Sampling and tasting along the way, guests learn about the various ethnic foods of Los Angeles neighborhoods including East L.A. Latin Flavors, Thai Town, and Little India. Visit the highlights of Old Pasadena or enjoy tapas and paella on La Espanola VIP Tour.

Griffith Park

Tobiah Lui/Travel + Leisure

Address : 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027 Website

Set in the Santa Monica Mountains on more than 4,210 acres, Griffith Park is one of the country's largest municipal parks. Activities include hiking, bicycling, camping, horseback riding, swimming, golf, picnicking, and tennis. The Greek Theater outdoor concert venue, Travel Town Museum, Griffith Observatory, and Los Angeles Zoo are part of Griffith Park.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608 Website

This theme park and studio includes rides, shows, attractions, and tours of sound stages and movie sets. Adjacent CityWalk offers shopping, restaurants, entertainment, theaters, and iFly, a vertical wind tunnel.

Ovation Hollywood

Address: 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028 Website

The Hollywood Walk of Fame, Dolby Theater (home of the Academy Awards), restaurants, shops, entertainment, and views of the Hollywood Sign attract visitors to this famous corner. You'll probably encounter costumed characters from favorite films for Instagrammable selfies.

South Bay Beaches

Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach Website

White sand shores, cool breezes, and ocean waves welcome swimmers, surfers, and sunbathers to the beaches of the South Bay. Restaurants, outdoor cafes, shops, and fishing piers in each city attract visitors to the beaches during the day and, after sunset, to the nightlife in town.

Santa Monica Pier

Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Website

A classic arcade, amusement park rides, shops, and dining venues line the pier, the official beginning of Route 66. Watch the sunset, visit the aquarium, fly on a trapeze, or just enjoy people watching on the always lively pier at the end of Colorado Boulevard.

Venice Beach

Venice Boulevard and Ocean Front Walk Website

Browse the kitschy shops or street vendors, watch skateboarders at Venice Skatepark or workouts at Muscle Beach Gym, stop for a bite to eat, or just stroll along the Strand to enjoy the unique atmosphere of Venice. A few blocks inland, take a walk along the canals, crossing quaint bridges, and ogling homes that range from tiny cottages to contemporary mansions.

Warner Bros. Studios

Address: 3400 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, CA 91505 Website

Visitors can explore a working studio, backlots, and sound stages on guided tours, including a special Classics Tour that focuses on the Golden Age of film and TV. Casual dining and souvenir shopping are available. Purchase tickets in advance of your visit on the studio website.

Descanso Gardens

Address: 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011 Website

Gardens include the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Camellia Collection, Oak Forest, Ancient Forest, and displays of native and edible plants. Ride the Enchanted Railroad through the gardens, stop at the gift shop, or enjoy a casual meal at Cafe Descanso.

NoHo Arts District

Address: Magnolia Boulevard at Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91601

This small but thriving arts community boasts theaters, cafes, shops, live music, art galleries, dance studios, acting workshops, and a Saturday farmers' market. The Valley location is convenient to a Metro Red Line station, making it easy to visit and probably contributing to the ongoing development of the area.

Address: 7th Street and Figueroa, Los Angeles, CA Phone: (213) 955-7170 Website

Shops include Nordstrom Rack, H & M, Zara, Pink, Sunglass Hut, and MAC Cosmetics. Concerts, kids' activities, films, and special events add entertainment. A variety of casual eateries and free Wi-Fi are available.

Address: 700 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017 Phone: (213) 454-4926 Website

Spanning a downtown city block, this center includes Macy's, Nordstrom Local, a 24-hour Fitness Center, and a variety of eateries. The Sheraton Grand Hotel is in the center, and the 7th Street Metro station is conveniently nearby.

DTLA Fashion District

Amanda Blackard/Travel + Leisure

This favorite area for bargain hunters and shopping fans includes the Flower Market, the largest in the United States, the Fabric District, Gallery Row, and Santee Alley's open air shops. The district is open to the public as well as the trade.

DTLA Jewelry District

Nearly 5,000 retail jewelry businesses feature diamonds, gold, silver, beads, watches, pearls, gemstones, and custom jewelry designers. Buyers paying wholesale prices can save about 50% compared to retail.

Citadel Outlets

Address: 100 Citadel Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90040 Phone: (323) 888-1724 Website

Everyone loves a bargain, and there are many to be found among the more than 130 designer and brand name stores at the outlet mall in the City of Commerce. Stores include Armani, Hugo Boss, Carters for Kids, Coach, Disney, Kate Spade, Oakley, and Vans.

Beverly Center

Address: 8500 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048 Phone: (310) 854-0070 Website

This pet-friendly center offers valet and self-parking in a newly renovated eight-story building. Designer shops, restaurants, specialty boutiques, and entertainment are featured in this popular shopping destination.

Westfield, Century City

Address: 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90067 Phone: (310) 277-3898 Website

Nordstrom, Macys, Bloomingdales, and a variety of specialty and designer stores along with Eataly, Din Tai Fung, and other eateries attract shoppers to this newly renovated mall. The walkways, furnishings, and inviting plazas make browsing a favorite activity.

Address: 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90036 Phone: (323) 900-8080 Website

This stylish shopping center is renowned for its retailers that include Barneys New York, Apple, Crate & Barrel, Shinola, and more, along with dining and a 14-screen art deco movie theater. Fountains, an exclusive concierge service, and concerts attract visitors as well as shoppers.

Address: 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028 Phone: (323) 817-0200 Website

Restaurants, shops, entertainment in the midst of Hollywood glamour describe Ovation Hollywood. Stores include Skechers, Forever 21, Victoria's Secret, Hot Topic, and more. A variety of restaurants, cafes, and dessert spots are available.

Universal City

Address: (818) 622-9841 Website

Adjoining Universal Studios theme park, this two block stretch of shops, restaurants, souvenirs, and entertainment is a popular date-night and family-friendly destination. Live music, dancing, and movie theaters are part of the fun.

Del Amo Fashion Center

Address: 3525 West Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90503 Phone: (310) 542-8525 Website

This three-level luxury mall in Torrance includes a new Nordstrom, Macys, Anthropologie, AMC movie theater, and dining at Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, P.F. Changs, Lemonade, Pink's Hot Dogs, and many more. Natural lighting and open areas make shopping there a pleasure.

Santa Monica Place

Christian Hundley/Travel + Leisure

Address: 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Phone: (310) 260-8333 Website

Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Disney Store, Coach, Free People, and a host of popular retailers attract shoppers to Santa Monica Place. There's dining, concierge service, and a children's museum.

Westfield Topanga & The Village

Address: 6600 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Woodland Hills, CA 91303 Phone: (818) 594-8732 Website

Located in the Canoga Park area of the San Fernando Valley, the indoor Westfield mall and outdoor Village include luxury stores, boutiques, spa, salons, and a Costco warehouse. Visitors can dine at The Cheesecake Factory, Il Fornaio, Larsen's Steakhouse, and more.

Sherman Oaks Galleria

Address: 15301 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA 91430 Phone: (818) 382-4100 Website

This open-air business and lifestyle center includes office space as well as retail and entertainment space. The mall has been a shooting location for several films including "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and "Valley Girl."

Within each major section of Los Angeles are neighborhoods with their own character, style, and dynamics. We describe several here, and with the ever changing nature of the city, you're likely to discover other interesting communities as you explore Los Angeles.

• The Arts District, formerly an industrial area, is becoming home to galleries, studios, media companies, and hip dining spots.
• Chinatown is the place for a variety of restaurants, shops, herbal stores, antiques, and bustling alleys.
• The Fashion District is the center of the apparel industry, with wholesalers, designers, retailers, and bargain shopping.
• Olvera Street at Historic El Pueblo is the birthplace of Los Angeles where visitors finde Mexican food, crafts, music, and cultural events.
• Brentwood/Bel Air - upscale homes, UCLA, shops, restaurants, and Getty Center on a hilltop overlooking the area.
• Beverly Hills is the place for designer shops on Rodeo Drive, top restaurants, and elegant homes.
• Century City's high-rise buildings and Westfield Mall define the neighborhood once dominated by 20th Century Fox Studios.
• Culver City's restaurants, galleries, and Sony Picture Studios make this eclectic neighborhood worth a visit.

Hollywood/West Hollywood

• Hollywood & Vine, the Hollywood Walk of Fame sidewalk stars, Hollywood & Highland complex, Hollywood Bowl, and Chinese Theater define its role in show business.
• West Hollywood's Design District, Pacific Design Center, restaurants, walkable streets, and Sunset Strip nightlife make it a must-visit neighborhood.
• Los Feliz is a blend of hip and historic, with Frank Lloyd Wright homes and eclectic eateries.
• Silver Lake's trendy cafes, street art, music venues, architecture, and walking trails add to the appeal of this residential neighborhood.
• The South Bay area includes Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach, all with white sand beaches, shops, restaurants, nightlife, and a relaxed vibe.
• Santa Monica's amusement park on the pier, its walkable streets, stores, restaurants, and hotels make it a popular destination.
• Malibu is known for its exclusive beaches, opulent homes, celebrity sightings, and ocean views as well as its hiking trails and canyons.
• San Pedro offers an aquarium, fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, the Battleship USS Iowa, and Ports o' Call Village for shopping and browsing.
• North Hollywood (NoHo) is not in Hollywood, but the north end of the Valley, with entertainment, restaurants, and the Great Wall of Los Angeles art mural.
• Studio City is known for movie studios, including CBS Studios, NBC, and Warner Brothers.
• Ventura Boulevard boasts trendy restaurants, boutiques, and vintage shops.
• For hiking and outdoor activities, there's Wilacre Park and Fryman Canyon Park.

Los Angeles weather — temperature, cloud cover, humidity — varies significantly over the large area of the city. Coastal areas are generally cooler, and mornings are often cloudy with clearing by early afternoon, mainly a feature of early summer weather. The valley and inland areas are warm and dry, often as much as twenty degrees warmer than the coast. Most of the annual rainfall occurs in winter.

The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month.

January 46 - 67 February 48 - 69 March 49 - 69 April 51 - 72 May 55 - 74 June 59 - 78 July 62 - 84 August 64 - 85 September 62 - 83 October 57 - 79 November 51 - 72 December 46 - 68

Discover Los Angeles app : Provides information on daily events, accommodations by neighborhood, film locations, and free Wi-Fi locations.

Google Maps : Useful for navigating, directions, and trip planning.

Uber & Lyft : Let someone else do the driving.

Open Table and Resy : Provide restaurant reviews, locations, cuisine, and reservations.

Transit : The official Metro Los Angeles app helps plan your trip with options that include public transportation, bikeshare, scooter, and rideshare.

Universal Studios Hollywood Mobile app : Navigate the park and CityWalk with interactive maps, wait times, show times, and more.

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What to Do This Summer: Los Angeles

An indoor masking order hasn’t stopped visitors from enjoying Culver City, Downtown and Venice. Here are suggestions for food, culture and sights, with an outdoors emphasis.

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By Finn-Olaf Jones

In a city adept at producing catastrophe films for entertainment, few scenes were as dystopian as the reality of Los Angeles during lockdown. A little over a year ago, one could zigzag on a bike from sea to downtown on the city’s grand avenues emptied of cars and pedestrians. Even the beaches themselves were voids patrolled by police cars with masked officers.

What a difference a year makes. Los Angeles has awakened from its pandemic slumber with an aggressiveness that begs to make up for lost time. With 62 percent of its residents over 16 years old fully vaccinated, Los Angeles County is above the national average, but a Covid spike, including cases caused by the Delta variant, has resulted in the hospitalization of hundreds of unvaccinated patients. Los Angeles County recently issued an indoors masking order.

Not everyone, including the Los Angeles Police Department, is enforcing this order, but assume that bringing a mask along for all indoor excursions, including public transportation, is a must. Also, note that a lot of businesses, especially restaurants, have social distancing rules.

The party hasn’t stopped — masked or not, Angelenos are out en masse. The once-empty boulevards are now packed with summer traffic, new businesses and public celebrations. Organizers are even restarting the popular CicLAvia Sundays — the first one is Aug. 15 — where city streets are shut down so bikes and pedestrians can take over with food stands, live music and other performances along the route.

The beach-to-city corridor of Venice, Culver City and Downtown is a promising area for experiencing a revitalized Los Angeles. The Expo Line, the light railroad that opened in 2012 (the light blue line on the Metro map), goes through most of these neighborhoods and is a great way to bypass the traffic. Here are some suggestions for enjoying your visit, with an emphasis on the outdoors.

Venice and Marina del Rey

Until recently, generations of diners on the Venice boardwalk have had to settle for burgers, pizza and beach joints. The upside to this informal atmosphere is that most restaurants have ample outside dining, pandemic or not. But culinary sophistication has arrived with the overhaul of one of the most iconic of these restaurants, the Fig Tree , by the siblings Matias and Sophia Moreno-Bunge and the chef Dashiell Nathanson, formerly of Los Angeles’s excellent small plate wine bar AOC .

Inspired by several favorite South American restaurants, the globe-trotting trio stripped down the place to its minimalist core, planted a jungle of flowers, and put together a menu with strong Mediterranean and Latin roots. The offerings are fresh, locally sourced and, unique to the boardwalk, elegant. Diplomacy comes easy when sharing plates of tangy beet salad or squid ink pappardelle, but for desserts such as crispy churros in chocolate sauce: War! Meanwhile, the tables on the patio offer front seats to the theater of humanity that walks, rolls and dances along the boardwalk. Dinner for two with drinks is around $115. On weekend nights seek out the music for the inevitable salsa and samba sessions in surrounding parking lots or massive drum circles on the beach.

For a more relaxed coastal scene, head to Mother’s Beach , a broad swath of sand on the protected waters of Marina del Rey. The marina is bordered by modern condos, parks and cafes — notably the Beachside Restaurant and Bar , which just expanded its outdoor dockside perch for feasting on grilled branzino or octopus with peanut salsa and other fresh seafood. Brunch for two is around $70. Newly lifted beach restrictions mean you can now rent paddle boards and kayaks and drift into the marina’s Zen-like calm and even do sun salutations (paddle board yoga either alone or in guided groups is the norm here), along with the seals and barking sea lions making themselves at home on the docked boats.

For four decades West Los Angeles’ health food cognoscenti flocked to what was once a tiny natural goods market. Now covering a block selling some 50,000 items, many of them the store’s own products, Rainbow Acres Natural Foods became during the pandemic a sanctuary for those seeking supplements and healthy meals. The store offers contact-free shopping and home delivery, but it’s more fun to dig into the daily menu offerings like free-range chicken in soy sauce, organic sunflower oil, garlic and rosemary, or tofu cabbage stir fry with ginger, combined with a seemingly limitless array of cold-pressed juices and smoothies. The market’s outside dining tables are on a busy street, so do what locals do and picnic on nearby Marina del Rey or Venice Beach.

Culver City

Over the last two decades this once-sleepy inland residential community surrounding the anonymous white walls of the enormous Sony Pictures Studios lot has been reconstructed into one of California’s most vibrant, bohemian and creative neighborhoods.

Just a block south of the Culver City Metro station, Platform is an intimate mall featuring cafes and shops centered around a leafy courtyard. Left for dead during the pandemic, Platform is having a renaissance with Los Angeles’s chic denizens flocking to boutiques like Janessa Leoné’s hat and handbag shop (she’s the one who made the signature hat on Taylor Swift’s “Red” album cover) or to munch mesquite-grilled tacos in the Brutalist setting of Loqui .

The pop-up shop Stan Surf Couturier might be Platform’s most dramatic new arrival. Founded by the rising young designer Tristan Detwiler, Stan’s “after-surf wear” (Los Angeles-speak for loosefitting), pieced together from vintage textiles, is starting to crowd the pages of Vogue and other fashion magazines. Mr. Detwiler himself is usually at the counter, sewing together colorful swatches, and ready to give equally colorful histories of every item in the store — from a wool jacket fashioned from a 19th-century Amish blanket to pants made out of a 1980s “French Fryzz” potato sack. His pop-up is currently leased until Aug. 31.

Five blocks east, foodies waiting for the reopening of Jordan Kahn’s double Michelin-starred restaurant, Vespertine , are sating their appetites across the street at Destroyer , Mr. Kahn’s lunch and breakfast cafe. Consisting of a dozen tables and stools arranged on the sidewalk outside a gleamingly white, refurbished, midcentury industrial building, Destroyer offers a simple and inexpensive way to sample Mr. Kahn’s mastery of contrasting favors and seasonal foraging. Unlike Vespertine, which required a lot of advance planning for reservations, one can often just walk in to savor revolutionary dishes like caramel-glazed beef brisket in lettuce wrap, or beef tartar submerged in toasted grains and smoked egg cream washed down with a turmeric ginger latte or a melon kumquat tonic. Brunch is around $35 per person.

The Wende Museum , one of the first museums to reopen in Los Angeles, is another revolutionary spot. The brainchild of the historian, Justinian Jampol, the Wende is a “Citizen Kane”-worthy collection of Soviet Bloc art and design spread out in an elegantly redone concrete armory. In this setting, stripped of their political menace, Eastern European propaganda, household goods and furniture seem futuristic and cool, as if you’ve suddenly found yourself in the lair of a James Bond villain. Even the clench-fisted bust of the German Communist leader Ernst Thälmann seems oddly cheery framed by the museum garden’s palm trees and bubbling fountains. The best souvenir from the Wende’s exotic gift-shop: a stylized 903-page catalog of the Wende’s East German collection, personally produced by the king of art book publishing, Benedikt Taschen, one of the museum’s founders ($90). Entry is free, but online reservations are required. Currently, only 20 reservations per hour are allowed, so there’s plenty of space to spread out.

Downtown Los Angeles

While indoor masking laws have dampened some of Downtown Los Angeles’s interior festivities, the high life has resumed on the neighborhood’s signature roof bars and restaurants. The fashionable and famous throng to the refurbished Upstairs bar at the Ace Hotel, and those who yearn for Mexico City’s ambience head to LA Cha Cha Chá , overlooking the Arts District.

Perhaps the most impressive sky bar, Spire 73 , hardly had a chance to make its mark before the pandemic forced it to close last year. It reopened on July 4, and its 73rd-floor perch atop the Wilshire Grand building makes it the highest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere. Lines of fire pits warm up the views of Los Angeles’s light grid dissipating into the distant sea and mountains. The vistas are matched by excellent craft cocktails, including the house version of the old fashioned, made with small batch Elijah Craig bourbon consecrated by dashes of bitters and maple syrup, or a white negroni with lillet blanc standing in for the vermouth. Drink up (and maybe grab a burger), as there’s a $60 minimum per person.

For a smaller, more iconic lift, head to Angels Flight , the tiny tramway built in 1901 to take pedestrians up Bunker Hill in the middle of downtown. After three tumultuous decades of accidents and decay, the tram is fully refurbished and finally running again (masks required). The tram’s two funicular cars, named Olivet and Sinai, take turns going up and down the steep, 298-foot rail. If the tramway looks familiar, it’s because it’s appeared in dozens of movies, including “Kiss Me Deadly” and “La La Land.”

Angels Flight is an especially glamorous ride at night, when downtown’s Art Deco and Beaux-Arts buildings disappear below and you emerge to the hilltop’s modern cityscape, crowned by Frank Gehry’s Disney Hall and the recently reopened Broad Museum . One only pays the dollar fare at the kiosk at the top of the tram, making this one of the best bargains for experiencing a rising Los Angeles.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places list for 2021 .

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Travel tips every first-time Los Angeles visitor needs to know

Transit options, beach picks, free museum days: here are the travel tips every visitor to L.A. needs to know

Everything about Los Angeles appears overwhelming at first glance: the congested network of freeways, the sprawling map, the traffic—because seriously, it’s worth mentioning twice.

But once you get past L.A.’s more confounding qualities, you’ll discover a dynamic, diverse, culturally rich and beautiful city blessed with mountains, beaches and (usually) pretty pleasant weather. So start studying L.A.’s best attractions  and its  ever-growing list of  essential restaurants , and familiarize yourself with these travel tips before your first visit.

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20 travel tips for your first visit to L.A.

1.  It’s always sunny and sometimes hot

Aside from some occasional morning fog (most common during a late-spring period dubbed May Gray and June Gloom), you can expect it to be sunny almost 300 days out of the year. While winter can bring some wet days, you likely won’t see a drop of rain in the summer. Temperatures by the ocean hover comfortably in the 70s nearly all year; if you’re venturing into the Valley, though, expect occasional (but increasingly frequent) triple-digit days, mostly in the late summer and early fall.

2.  But it’s pretty “cold” every night

You’ll really regret wearing shorts as you learn that 70 degrees in a pretty dry climate doesn’t feel warm at all. Even on the warmest summer days, you’ll be more comfortable in pants once the sun goes down. So to sum it up: Lather on sunscreen, bring a hat, leave the umbrella and carry around a sweatshirt.

3.  The ocean is downright cold

Southern California’s beautiful blue ocean water is much colder than it looks. Our stretch of the Pacific Ocean is fed by cold currents on their way south from Alaska. As a result, the water temperature rarely reaches 70 degrees even in the summer—surfers’ wet suits aren’t just for style, you know.

4.  There’s more than just one beach

Look at a map of Los Angeles County and you’ll find 70 miles of coastline. Yet many visitors won’t stray from the sand near the Santa Monica Pier or the Venice Boardwalk . Head north into Malibu and you’ll find a peaceful stretch of sand below the cliffs at Point Dume State Beach  and a series of rock outcroppings perfect for sunset at El Matador State Beach . To the south, you’ll find a series of beach cities, each with its on distinct personality, including the pleasant and posh Manhattan Beach .

5.  Los Angeles has no center

In many world-class cities, you can step off a plane and onto a train that’ll whisk you into the heart of the city. Not so in L.A. While there is an airport people mover and adjacent rail line nearing completion , that still won’t solve this fundamental issue: L.A. is simply too spread out to stick to one compact area. You can’t just wander around most of the city on foot and expect to stumble onto something amazing—walkable exceptions include Santa Monica , Pasadena  and  Downtown L.A. , though more on that last one in a minute.

6.  In fact, L.A. is actually multiple cities

The City of Los Angeles is broadly split into the Valley  (the warmer, suburban sprawl to the north) and the Basin (the ocean-adjacent flat lands south of the Santa Monica Mountains). Within the Basin, you’ll find fancy suburbs and beachfront towns on the Westside, while Central L.A. harbors multicultural enclaves and hip ’hoods. Some famous neighborhoods like Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and West Hollywood (home of the Sunset Strip ) are actually separate cities sandwiched into the middle of the City of Los Angeles. And then there are whole regions like the South Bay and the San Gabriel Valley that exist entirely outside of city limits. But typically we think of all of those areas and even more far-flung spots like Malibu and Pasadena  as  part of L.A.

7.  Downtown L.A. isn’t necessarily the best starting point for a tourist

Head toward the tall buildings—that would probably be pretty sound advice in most cities, but it’s hard to say the same about L.A. Yes, Downtown L.A. has seen a massive development boom over the past decade or so (one that’s slowed if not even somewhat backtracked in the past few years), but its parts are still more compelling than the whole. Families in particular will be disappointed if they’re looking for a friendly, bustling city center akin to New York or Chicago that’s stocked with worthwhile shops and cultural destinations at every corner. It’s best to tackle the uneven area with a specific plan: G rab a bite at  Grand Central Market , spend an afternoon admiring art at the Broad , see the LA Phil or admire the architecture at the Walt Disney Concert Hall , slurp down a bowl of ramen in Little Tokyo and have a drink in the Arts District .

8.  You’re probably going to want a car

Angelenos measure distances in minutes and not miles  because our infamous traffic is often that bad. Even so, a car is still often the quickest way to get about town. In fact, some of L.A.’s most iconic scenic spots , like a cruise along Angeles Crest Highway, Mulholland Drive  or the Pacific Coast Highway can only be experienced by car. If you rent a car, just be aware that you’ll need to pay for parking almost everywhere you go and make sure to read the parking enforcement signs; if you’re in a garage, remember where you parked and validate your ticket. Don’t forget to fire up Waze or Google Maps to avoid (or at least be prepared for) gridlock and getting lost.

9.  But you might not need one

Uber and Lyft have undeniably changed how Angelenos travel short distances (and when they’re a bit tipsy). But we have a respectable public transit system, too, with six Metro  lines, two dedicated busways and countless sort-of-efficient bus routes ( plus bike and scooter rentals ). If your destinations include Downtown, Chinatown , Little Tokyo, Santa Monica, Culver City , Pasadena, Universal Studios  or the museums in Exposition Park , Metro may actually make more sense.

10.  You can take a train to the beach

Sometimes we’d sooner head out of town on a day trip than brave the traffic on the 10 or PCH to Santa Monica. Thankfully, we don’t have to anymore with Metro’s E (Expo) Line. From the light rail line’s stops in Downtown L.A., it’s just under an hour ride to its western terminus in Santa Monica, which will drop you off about three blocks from the beach.

11.  Or you can just rent a bike

Metro operates a bike share program  in Downtown L.A., Hollywood, North Hollywood and parts of the Westside that allowers riders to pick up and return bikes at kiosks around those respective areas. Pay for a day pass ($5) and all rides under 30 minutes are free. In addition, you’ll find a whole bunch of other bike and scooter rental apps that we cover in our in-depth cheap transit guide . We’ll admit that L.A.’s drivers and constructed streetscape aren’t always friendly to cyclists, but there are a number of noteworthy bike trails worth taking.

12.  L.A. is full of free museums

The Broad , Getty Center , Getty Villa , Hammer Museum and MOCA  are always free (though you’ll have to pay for parking). You can skip out on admission fees at L.A.’s remaining institutions if you time it right:  LACMA on the second Tuesday of the month, the Skirball every Thursday and the Huntington Library the first Thursday of the month (with an advance ticket)

13.  Hollywood, West Hollywood and North Hollywood are not at all related

When you’re booking a hotel, pay very close attention to which cardinal direction sits in front of “Hollywood.”

West Hollywood —which is technically a separate city from Los Angeles—probably best fits your image of Hollywood glamour: hilltop mansions, celebrity sightings and glitzy-yet-sleazy nightlife on the Sunset Strip.

Just to the east, Hollywood  is home to all of those familiar Tinseltown attractions  along with a lot of grime and disappointment. The neighborhood is split by the 101 freeway; you won’t find many familiar sites in East Hollywood, but it is home to the Barnsdall Art Park and Hollyhock House , Thai Town and Little Armenia.

Head north over the hills and past Universal Studios, and you’ll reach North Hollywood , which is named as such so you forget that there’s a mountain range between it and Hollywood. The once gritty Valley suburb now boasts its own arts district dotted with small performance spaces.

14.  Also, Hollywood isn’t quite what you’re expecting

Glitz, glamour and celebrities—all things you won’t find in Hollywood, at least not on a daily basis. Once you’ve seen those immortalized names on the sidewalk (which you probably shouldn’t rub your hands all over), there’s not much more than suspect superheroes, claustrophobia-inducing crowds, star tour salesmen and a never-ending line of gift shops. If you want a peek at moviemaking magic, a studio tour  or a TV show taping  are much more satisfying bets.

15.  Last call is an “early” 2am

Despite repeated attempts to keep the booze flowing later into the evening, last call in California is 2am. As a result, to feed your night owl tendencies you’ll need to find your way into a house party—of which there’s no shortage. Now to just make friends.

16.  You can largely skip the hard-shell tacos

Don’t get us wrong: A crunchy taco shell piled high with cheese and sour cream is delicious. But you didn’t come here to subsist on Taco Bell. If you’re looking for a true taste of L.A.’s incredible Mexican cuisine, stick to the open-faced corn and flour tortillas. (There are, of course, some crunchy exceptions in our taco guide, linked above.)

17.  Don’t be afraid of street food

Some of L.A.’s tastiest cuisine can be found outside of concert venues or clubs after closing time . Pupusas, tamales, tacos and “danger dogs” (that’s a bacon-wrapped hot dog) can be found sizzling on shopping carts or served out of food trucks  (the Taco Zone Truck is our go-to) into the wee hours of the night. 

18.  Get to the Griffith Observatory before sunset

We can’t think of a more dazzling spot that so consistently wins over out-of-towners and natives alike than the Griffith Observatory . It’s a sublime place to watch the sunset—but also an exceedingly crowded one. Give yourself plenty of time to get there before the sun goes down—or take the DASH bus from Los Feliz—and stick around into the evening as the city twinkles below. (Seriously, the drive up to the observatory can be a downright nightmare, so head over there on the early side to account for it.)

19.  Fly into Burbank or Long Beach if you can

By 2024, an automated people mover at LAX will shuttle passengers between terminals and outside of its horshoe-shaped automotive hell. Until—and even after—then, you should check out flights into and out of Long Beach or Burbank. The prices are sometimes higher and the connections fewer, but the two low-key airports are considerably less crowded, less traffic-choked and more convenient to certain destinations. Plus, we always get a kick out of boarding a flight straight from the tarmac .

20.  Don’t fear the left turn

While we won’t encourage you to break any traffic laws, we will let you know that almost every car-bound Angeleno technically does so on a daily basis. Relatively few intersections in L.A. have protected left turns (i.e. a green arrow), so one or two cars will pull into the middle of the intersection and make a left once the light turns red. If you don’t, prepare for a few angry honks.

Looking for more inspiration?

The 20 best places to visit in L.A.

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The list of places you could potentially visit in Los Angeles is as long as the city is vast. To get the most from your L.A. getaway, we’ve narrowed things down to these essentials.

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Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Los Angeles Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

Los Angeles takes some getting used to. It’s a love/hate city for most people. When I first visited Los Angeles, I hated it . The city was too big, too vapid, and too expensive.

But, the more I came here, the more I saw that this isn’t a city for tourists — it’s a city for residents. With only a few tourist attractions spread out over a vast distance, it’s hard to “see” LA the way you can easily see NYC, Paris, or London, especially if you don’t rent a car. But this is a city where you come to enjoy life the way the locals do: eat healthy food, go to the beach, go for a run, see a concert, and relax. It’s a city for living .

Once you take the pressure of trying to fit Los Angeles into the tourist box, you see the magic of the city and easygoing lifestyle of the locals. That’s when you fall in love with LA.

This travel guide to Los Angeles will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this iconic destination.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Los Angeles

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Los Angeles

1. Take a day trip to Disneyland

Visit the “Happiest Place on Earth” in nearby Anaheim. I love the rides — like Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain — and just feeling like a kid. Don’t miss the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, with its popular Rise of the Resistance ride (it’s worth the price). Other popular rides include the Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and Indiana Jones’ Adventure. It’s a magical place! A one-day/one-park ticket starts $104 USD.

2. See Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood Boulevard has recently gone through some urban renewal and renovation. See the sidewalk street performers and enjoy the Walk of Fame (with over 2,700 celebrities’ handprints and footprints), Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (now known as TCL Chinese Theatre, which features one of the largest movie screens in the country), and much more. You can also hop on a tourist bus to see where the rich and famous live and work.

3. Tour the Getty Museum

The Getty Museum is amazing for four reasons: its impressive art collection, its dramatic Richard Meier architecture, its ever-changing gardens, and the sweeping views of the city. Opened in 1997, the museum focuses on pre-20th-century European art as well as and 19th- and 20th-century American and European photographs. It features work by Van Gogh, Gauguin, and other masters. Visiting here was a highlight of my time in LA. It’s one of the best spots in the city and, if you only see one museum, make it this one. It’s free to enter, however, you have to pay to park ($25 USD). It’s closed on Mondays.

4. Explore Griffith Park

This place is fantastic for hiking, picnics, and hanging around with friends. The hiking trails lead up to Mulholland Drive and provide great views of the city. Griffith Park has many activities, including the LA Zoo, the Autry Western Museum, pony rides, a golf course, a driving range, and an observatory. Think of it like Central Park in New York City but much larger (it spans 4,310 acres versus Central Park’s 843 acres) and much more rugged. There’s also plenty of wildlife here, including mountain lions, rattlesnakes, and coyotes. Guided hikes are available too if you prefer to go with a group.

5. Relax at Venice Beach

Besides the sand and waves, Venice Beach has street performers, surfers, skaters, and intense basketball games (some of the best streetball players in the world can be found here). Wander around, take in the street art, and eat and drink at many of the restaurants that line the beach. Avoid the weekends if you’re heading to the beach as it gets crowded. It’s just one of the best places to hang out in the city.

Other Things to See and Do in Los Angeles

1. tour universal studios hollywood.

Universal Studios Hollywood is the only working movie studio and theme park in the world. Their studio tour lasts one hour and gives you a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood, including a visit to the plane crash scene from War of the Worlds, Peter Jackson’s King Kong, the Bates Hotel from Psycho, and cars from Fast & Furious (the tour is hosted by Jimmy Fallon on video). The theme park is home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World, The Simpsons ride, special effects shows, and a soon to open Nintendo World. A one-day ticket costs $109 USD while a two-day pass starts at $159 USD. Get your tickets in advance here.

2. Party on Sunset Boulevard

Perhaps one of the world’s most famous streets in the world, Sunset Blvd began as a route between the stars’ posh neighborhoods and the Hollywood studios. It runs from downtown to the ocean, passing through the “Sunset Strip” with its beaches and movie studios on its way. You’ll find a lot of high end clubs, restaurants, and bars here.

3. Explore Old Town Pasadena

Historic downtown Pasadena is located just ten minutes from Los Angeles. Its pedestrian-friendly zone is designated as a National Register Historic District and stretches for twenty-two blocks. It’s filled with boutique shops and restaurants and is also a popular nightspot for all of you party animals out there. It’s an eclectic area where people of all ages come to hang out. The Caltech campus is a nice place to explore with its turtle pond and lush gardens. Eaton Canyon Natural Area is nearby and you can learn about the native landscape, plants, and wildlife as you walk through more than 3.5 miles of trails.

4. Shop at the Farmers Market & The Grove

There’s a great farmer’s market here with loads of fresh bread, fruit, veggies, and a delicious food court. Nearby is an outdoor shopping area featuring all the major brands as well as a movie theater. It’s a nice place to spend an afternoon. You can also learn the history of the farmers market while sampling some of its food with Melting Pot Tours (tours are $89 USD). The tour is 2.5 hours and gives you a chance to sample food from nine different vendors.

5. Take a walk on the beach

Los Angeles beaches are a great place to go for a walk, people-watch, or just lounge in the sun. Venice Beach and Santa Monica are two of the most famous beaches. The Santa Monica Pier, built in 1909, is also a fun way to spend an afternoon thanks to its carnival-like atmosphere right on the beach (it has several rides, greasy food stalls, and carnival games). Huntington Beach, Redondo Beach, and Playa del Rey are some of the other popular beaches around the city as well.

6. Visit the Huntington Library

This beautifully-designed library in nearby Pasadena includes a Chinese and Japanese garden. Additionally, the library has some incredibly rare and valuable books, including a copy of The Canterbury Tales from the 15th century and a 14th-century Gutenberg Bible (which you can see on display in the Main Exhibition Hall). It’s open 10am-5pm Wednesday-Monday (closed Tuesdays) and tickets are $25 USD during the week and $29 USD on weekends.

7. Explore the California Science Center

This kid-friendly attraction has a variety of educational exhibits on topics ranging from ecosystems (complete with forest, river, and island habitats) to space and aviation. The biggest highlight is the American space shuttle, Endeavor, which ran 25 space missions between 1992-2011 for NASA. It’s free to visit but parking costs $15-18 USD and you have to pay extra for special exhibits and IMAX movies (usually $10-20 USD).

8. Go for a hike

Los Angeles has a lot of wonderful hiking and running trails, the most famous being Runyon Canyon. There are some well-marked routes, including a 1.9-mile (3-kilometer) loop and a 2.6-mile (4-kilometer) loop (with higher elevation gain). There’s also a more strenuous 3.3-mile (5-kilometer) hike to the top of the park too. Caballero Canyon (3.4 miles), Fryman Canyon Park (2.5 miles), and Los Liones Trail (3.5 miles) are three other easy trails around the city you can hike too.

9. See the iconic Hollywood Sign

You can hike up to the famous Hollywood sign using trails that are open from sunrise until sunset in Griffith Park. From the sign, you get a sweeping view of Hollywood (which is especially beautiful at sunset with the city lights spread out in front of you). The three trails to get here (from easiest to hardest) are the Mt Hollywood Trail, the Brush Canyon Trail, and the Cahuenga Peak Trail. Expect to spend at least a couple of hours hiking. If you’d rather go with a group, guided hikes from Get Your Guide last 2.5 hours and cost $25 USD.

10. Visit the Grammy Museum

With exhibits, interactive experiences, artifacts and costumes, and numerous films, this museum walks you through the entire music industry and its history as well as the careers of previous Grammy winners. One exhibition showcases some of the most outrageous outfits worn on the Grammy’s red carpet and another houses costumes worn by Michael Jackson. The museum also has regularly rotating special exhibitions about different genres of music and various artists in the industry. It’s not a highlight of the city, but if you’re a music aficionado, it’s one of the best things to do. Admission is $18 USD.

11. Browse The Last Bookstore

This is one of my favorite bookstores in the country (and one of the few remaining big independent ones). They sell books and music records, have art displays, and there’s a cool upstairs area too with books for as little as $1 USD. Located downtown, this space is huge, and you can get lost browsing the shelves for hours. Come here, get a coffee, and buy some books! It’s a must see.

12. Visit LACMA

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is the largest museum in the western United States. It boasts a massive collection of artwork including works by Rembrandt, Cézanne, Ansel Adams, and Magritte. There’s also ancient artwork from around the world, including Egyptian, Greek, and Roman sculptures. There’s modern art here too, including Michael Heizer’s 340-ton boulder which is wedged over a narrow walkway. Tickets are $28 USD.

13. See La Brea Tar Pits

These natural tar pits are in Hancock Park, where the tar has been trapping and fossilizing animals since the Ice Age. More than 3.5 million fossils have been found here, ranging from small honeybees to giant mammoths. This includes thousands of dire wolves! And scientists are still uncovering fossils here nearly every day of the year. It’s right next to LACMA too so you can do both together. Admission is $15 USD (closed Tuesdays).

14. Explore downtown

Downtown has experienced a complete revitalization in recent years, including a brand-new pedestrian center with museums, concert halls, theaters, and dining options. If you do just one thing here, visit the Grand Central Market. It’s home to 40+ of downtown’s best food vendors, including the original Eggslut. You can find literally any type of food here. I love it. Moreover, the Broad contemporary art museum is free and houses works from famous artists like Andy Warhol. Check out Pershing Square, a five-acre park with statues, monuments, fountains, and incredible views of the area’s architecture.

15. Walk Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Near Venice Beach, this boulevard is chock full of diverse shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars. There are all kinds of quirky businesses to pop into and on First Friday (the first Friday of each month), the street gets taken over by live music and food trucks. This is one of the hippest spots in the city. There’s a ton of things going on here and it’s filled with locals at all hours of the day.

16. Visit the Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center

This center is one of the most successful literary arts incubators in the country, with alumni like Tom Waits and Wanda Coleman. It’s housed in Venice’s original city hall and was turned into an art center in 1958. The center is surrounded by a community garden that’s focused on providing an engaging outdoor space for the community. There’s also regular programming here like readings, workshops, and musical performances, as well as a bookstore and archive with over 40,000 books. If you’re a book nerd like me, you’ll love this place!

17. Hang out in Palisades Park

Palisades Park in Santa Monica is a eucalyptus-filled park between the beach area and Ocean Avenue, where you get scenic views over the ocean and of the Santa Monica Mountains. It’s a chill spot to relax and explore. Make sure you stop by the Camera Obscura, an antiquated camera that offers a unique view of the world outside. It’s free to visit and closed on Sundays.

18. Admire Greystone Mansion

Located in Beverly Hills, this is a Tudor Revival surrounded by landscaped English gardens. Also known as Doheny Mansion, the mansion was built in the 1900s as a gift from oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny to his son (the film There Will Be Blood is loosely based on Doheny). It eventually became a public park in the 1970s and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The mansion has a whopping 55 rooms and cost around 70 million dollars (adjusted for inflation), making it the most expensive home in California at the time. The mansion is open to the public on the first Sunday of every month but the grounds are free to visit anytime. It’s a beautiful, relaxing place to go for a stroll or sit with a book when the sun is shining.

19. Enjoy Koreatown

This is one of the most fun spots to enjoy the city’s nightlife. There are tons of tasty BBQ restaurants, lively bars and clubs, and fun karaoke places. It’s a must for foodies though, with over 500 restaurants in the area. The neighborhood was established in the early 1900s by Korean immigrants and has grown into a vibrant part of town that spans over 150 blocks. Don’t miss Dawooljung, the first traditional Korean monument built in the city, and be sure to feast on mouth-watering Korean BBQ while you’re here.

20. Explore Silver Lake

This hip neighborhood is home to cool cafes, trendy shops, vegan restaurants, and boutique galleries. It’s essentially the Brooklyn of LA, named after the Silver Lake Reservoir, which offers a nice 2.25-mile loop where locals walk and jog. You’ll get incredible views of the San Gabriel Mountains along the way. It’s a laid-back spot that most people skip so you won’t be surrounded by tourists! There are live music venues, like Zebulon, where you can catch a show and Sunset Junction is a walkable area along Sunset Boulevard with plenty of interesting shops to check out.

21. Do a Studio Tour

Warner Bros., Universal, Sony, and Paramount all offer studio tours where you can see famous sound stages like the one used in The Wizard of Oz , props from hit movies (like the bench from Forrest Gump ), and so much more. Most tours last 1-2 hours and either involve walking or riding a tram/bus. Prices vary but start around $70 USD per person. Tickets sell out fast so be sure to book in advance. You can get tickets for Warner Bros. here and tickets for Universal here .

Los Angeles Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Prices here vary widely depending on where you stay in the city, though the prices are fairly consistent year-round. Unfortunately, prices aren’t cheap. Dorm rooms start around $30-50 USD per night and go as high as $80 USD. A basic private room with an ensuite bathroom starts around $110 USD per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities. Only a couple of hostels offer free breakfast.

Budget hotel prices Budget two-star hotels start around $110 USD per night, though most are closer to $150 USD. Expect basic amenities like Wi-Fi, AC, TV, and a tea/coffee maker. Three-star hotels start around $135 USD but most comfortable, nice spots cost between $160-200 USD per night. These generally include free breakfast too.

There are also lots of Airbnb options in Los Angeles. A private room starts around $100 USD per night (but averages double that) while entire homes/apartments start around $165 USD per night.

Food – Los Angeles has lots of food trucks and fast-food options for under $10-15 USD. It’s the city of food trucks and anything and everything can be found here. You can get a hearty crepe or sandwich for around $10-12 USD while tacos go for about $3-5 USD each.

At casual restaurants, most main dishes cost around $25 USD. If you want to splash out on a three-course meal, expect to pay at least $50-60 USD.

For fast food (think McDonald’s), a combo meal is around $12 USD. A large pizza starts around $10-15 USD while Chinese food is $11-13 USD.

Beer is around $8-$10 USD while a latte/cappuccino costs around $5.50 USD. Bottled water is $2 USD.

Some of my favorite places to eat are Jitlada, Cafe Los Feliz, The Butcher’s Daughter, Uzumaki Sushi, Frank & Musso’s, Dan Tana’s, Bay Cities Italian Deli, and Meals by Genet. For drinks, check out No Vacancy, Hotel Cafe, Roosterfish, Firestone Water Brewery, and Good Times at Davey Wayne’s.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay $50-75 USD per week for groceries. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, vegetables, and some meat.

Backpacking Los Angeles Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Los Angeles, expect to spend around $75 USD per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, using public transportation, cooking your own meals, and free attractions like the beaches and hiking. If you plan on drinking, add $10-20 USD more per day.

On a mid-range budget of $220 USD per day, you can stay in a private room, eat out for most of your meals, enjoy a couple drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting some museums or going to Disneyland for a day.

On a “luxury” budget of $410 USD or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink as much as you’d like, rent a car to get around or take more taxis, and do as many tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Los Angeles Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Los Angeles can be super expensive. After all, some of the country’s wealthiest people live here! But, thanks to all the food trucks and starving artists, you don’t have to be rich to visit. Here are some ways to save money in Los Angeles:

• Purchase a Go City Los Angeles Card – If you are going to do lots of sightseeing, this card provides discounts to 40 museums, tours, and attractions. It’s priced to save you money when compared to buying separate tickets. A two-day unlimited pass is $264 USD while the three-day unlimited pass is $309 USD. You can also build your own pass, with one-day/two-attraction passes starting at $104 USD.
• Get a TAP card for public transit – The TAP card lets you get a one-day pass on the Metro and bus systems for $5 or a seven-day pass for $18. There are several ways to get a TAP card. You can download the app on your phone, get one from a TAP machine in the Metro stations, or buy one of the hundreds of TAP vendors around the city.
• Avoid celebrity hangouts – Hollywood and Beverly Hills are the two areas you can see the most celebrities but also the two areas where you can spend the most money. While they’re fun to explore, avoid shopping and eating there!
• Redeem hotel points – Be sure to sign up for hotel credit cards before you go and use those points when you travel. This is especially helpful in big cities like LA, where accommodation is expensive. If you have lots of points, use them here and get free rooms! Be aware that most hotels charge parking fees if you have a car. This post has more information on how to get started with points and miles .
• Stay with a local – There are plenty of Couchsurfing hosts throughout the city who can show you around and let you stay for free. In an expensive and ever-changing city like LA, having a local guide can be extremely helpful! Just make sure to send your requests early since it’s a popular destination.
• Take a free walking tour – This is a great way to learn the history behind the places you are seeing and to avoid missing any must-see stops. Free Tours By Foot has a few interesting walking tours that can show you what the city has to offer. Just make sure to tip your guide!
• Save money on rideshares – Uber and Lyft are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi. The shared/pool option (where you share a ride with other people) offers the best savings.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your single-use plastic consumption. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter that ensures your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Accommodation is expensive in Los Angeles. Since the city is so spread out, before you book, make sure you have a spot in the location where you want to spend most of your time. Otherwise, you’ll be driving a lot. Here are some recommended places to stay in Los Angeles:

• Freehand Los Angeles
• HI Los Angeles Santa Monica
• Banana Bungalow Hollywood
• Samesun Venice Beach

For more hostel suggestions, check out my complete list of the best hostels in Los Angeles.

How to Get Around Los Angeles

Public Transportation – The Los Angeles Metro involves both rail and bus service. It’s the most accessible and affordable way to get around the city, with tickets costing just $1.75 USD each way.

Get a TAP Card (you can find them at TAP machines within bus or train stations) so you can load a preset cash value onto the card to be used on all buses and trains. You can get a day pass for $5 USD or a seven-day pass for $18 USD. The subway is kind of sketchy though but super convenient if you are staying downtown or in Hollywood. The line from downtown to Santa Monica takes as long as driving because of all the stops.

Flyaway buses go from LAX to downtown and Hollywood for $9.75 USD one-way.

Taxis – Taxis can be hard to flag down, but you can download the Curb app to request one in advance. Everything is meter-based, starting at $3.10 USD and then $2.97 USD per mile.

Ridesharing – Uber and Lyft are way cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi.

Bike rental – While I wouldn’t recommend renting a bike if you’re in the middle of the city (traffic is terrible), once you get out to the coast then renting a bike might be a fun way to explore. Expect to pay around $30 USD per day for a rental. There is also a bike share program called Metro Bike Share that offers $5 USD daily rentals as long as each ride is less than 30 minutes.

When to Go to Los Angeles

Summer is the peak season for tourism in LA, with temperatures soaring to 85°F (30°C). Everybody wants to be outside during this time so they head to the beaches, which can get very busy. Attractions get crowded during the summer, especially at family-friendly attractions like Disneyland. Accommodation prices increase, so be sure to book early. On the plus side, it hardly ever rains during the summer.

March-May and September-November (the shoulder seasons) are my favorite times to visit Los Angeles. It’s warm, but there’s no sticky heat and the crowds are less oppressive. Temperatures during these months are between 69-80°F (21-27°C), with very little rain. These are great times to get outside. There are plenty of hiking trails around the area, if you want to get out of the busy city.

December is the coldest month overall, but it’s much cheaper for accommodation if you want to save some cash. Just pack some rain gear if you’re coming in the winter. Expect daily highs around 68°F (21°C).

How to Stay Safe in Los Angeles

Overall, Los Angeles is a safe place to visit. If you stick to touristy areas like Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills, you’ll be fine. There are some questionable areas downtown (like Skid Row) as well as nearby South Central, which should be avoided. Avoid Compton too.

Your biggest issue is going to petty crime, like theft and bag snatching. Petty crime has been on the rise over the last couple of years and it’s something you definitely want to watch out for. As a general rule, don’t wear flashy jewelry, wave around cash, and just keep your valuables secure and hidden when you are eating outside. Don’t bring anything valuable to the beach just in case as theft can occur.

Make sure to keep your personal items closed and near you at all times. Hold your purse or backpack in front of you or close to your body. If you’re out at night, keep to well-lit and well-traveled places. If you have a vehicle, keep it locked at all times and don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. There’s a lot of car break-ins around the city.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk around at night intoxicated, etc.). For specific tips, I would read one of the many incredible solo female travel blogs on the web. They’ll give you tips and advice that I can’t.

Los Angeles also has some pretty unique scams. For example, if you’re approached by someone who says they’re a Hollywood producer, director, or casting agent, they could be legit. However, chances are they’re just trying to scam you into paying fees upfront. Ask for a business card and do your due diligence. Additionally, be wary of people offering Hollywood tours or discounts on open-air bus tours. Do your research and stick to well-known providers to avoid getting ripped off.

To avoid getting ripped off, read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Los Angeles Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Los Angeles Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on United States travel and continue planning your trip:

How to Experience Milwaukee Like a Local

The 7 Best Hotels in New York City

The 7 Best Hotels in Miami

Where to Stay in Miami: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

How to Spend 24 Hours in Raleigh, North Carolina

The 6 Best Hotels in Austin

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• Booking Resources
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5 Days Los Angeles Itinerary + Complete LA Guide & Insider Tips

February 13, 2023

Paula Martinelli

If you are planning a trip to LA and wondering where to start, you are in the right place! I have visited the City of Angels on different occasions and lengths of time. Now, I am happy to share with you this 5 days Los Angeles Itinerary, plus you will find great tips and helpful information to make the best of your LA Itinerary.

The first thing to know is that Los Angeles is a huge city and is very spread out , and visiting with an itinerary in mind, understanding the best things to do and the areas is your smartest choice.

With this 5-day Los Angeles Itinerary, you will be able to visit the bucket list places in LA without rushing and really have the best experience.

This guide is packed with tips that will help you to discover the best of Los Angeles, the best areas to stay , tips on how to save money, and the best options to get around LA Here you can also find the best ways to get around in Los Angeles.

So without further ado, I hope you enjoy this Perfect Los Angeles Itinerary in five days!

You will also love:

• Best Places to Saty in Los Angeles + Top Hotels
• The Ultimate Los Angeles Bucket List
• 20 Cool Things You need to do in Venice Beach

4. Go on a Sunset boat cruise at Marina Del Rey

Marina del rey: for a quieter stay but, but walking distance to the buzz of the venice beach.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide for Los Angeles Bucket List

5-Day Los Angeles Itinerary Overview

If you are wondering, how many days you need to explore the best of Los Angeles , here is my honest answer for you:

Given the size of the city, and how spread out it is, I recommend a 5-day Los Angeles Itinerary. In 5 days in LA, you can avoid spending your visit running around from sight to sight, without time to really enjoy the unique atmosphere of the city.

Just because there is so much to do and see, I highly recommend coming to Los Angeles with a well-defined itinerary , in order to maximize your time. Some areas are walkable, for example, you can walk from Venice to Santa Monica in 1-hour. But in other areas such as Hollywood and Malibu, you will need a car or Uber .

Lastly, make sure you choose accommodation in a good area , where you can walk to the areas you want to visit. Making your reservations in advance is also part of a well-planned Los Angeles Itinerary.

• LOS ANGELES ITINERARY OVERVIEW:
• DAY 1 | Explore Venice Beach, walk Venice Boardwalk, visit Venice Canals, go shopping at Kinney Boulevard, grab a sunset at Venice Beach
• DAY 2 | Explore Santa Monica, enjoy the beach, stroll the Santa Monica Pier, and have a nice dinner at the Ocean Avenue
• DAY 3 | Take a road trip to Malibu, drive the Pacific Coast Highway, head to the Beaches in Malibu, go hiking, and visit a winery in Malibu
• DAY 4 | Visit the Griffith Observatory, hike the Hollywood Sign, walk the sunset strip, visit Beverly Hills
• DAY 5 | Relax by Marina del Rey, go kayaking or paddleboarding, visit the Fisherman’s Village, go on a sunset cruise

How to Save Money on a 5-Day Los Angeles Itinerary

If visiting Los Angeles is on your bucket list, but the costs may scare you away – I have great advice and tips here for you! Yes, it is possible to visit Los Angeles for 5 days without breaking the bank!

You can find inexpensive hotels, there are some restaurants and cafes that have reasonable prices. I also recommend getting the Go Los Angeles Card or  Los Angeles Sightseeing Flex Pass as these passes start at $83 for one-day grant access to a variety of different attractions. Each pass has slightly different terms and attractions on offer so check carefully to see which will suit you better. This card offers 2 options:

• All-Inclusive Card: This is the best option as you can save up to 50% of the gate prices for the main attractions in Los Angeles.
• Build-Your-Own: With this option, you can save up to 20% of the gate prices, and you can choose to see only what is in your interests.
• Hop-off-Bus Ticket: This is a good option too, with options of 24, 48, or 72-hour passes. The tour is narrated and takes you exploring Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and Santa Monica Pier and Beaches.

A Perfect 5-Day in Los Angeles Itinerary

Day 1 los angeles itinerary: explore venice, 1. grab a coffee and an egg sandwich at the egg slut.

• Suggested start time: 9 AM
• Address: 1611 Pacific Ave – Los Angeles, CA

Start your first day of your 5-day Los Angeles itinerary with a hearty and yummy egg sandwich at the Egg Slut. I know right? This name – if you wonder why just like I did here we go: The name refers to a chef who simply adds an egg to everything to make it better. The first public use of it was by chef Anthony Bourdain in season 5, episode 5, of his show No Reservations, which aired on February 2, 2000 .

The egg sandwich is loaded with cheesy soft scrambled scallion eggs, sriracha mayo, crispy bacon, and a buttery toasted brioche bun. It’s the perfect sandwich for hangovers, brunches, or mornings when you need a little something extra to start your day. One of their specialties is the “slut” – a cage-free coddled egg on top of a smooth potato purée, poached in a glass jar – it is just yummy!

2. Visit Venice Beach Boardwalk

• Address: Ocean Front Walk, Venice Beach, California 9029

After grabbing your breakfast (or egg slut sandwich), walk to Venice Beach to enjoy the vibe. This eclectic and buzzing oceanfront playground for Southern Californians, and is one of my favorite things to do when I am visiting L.A. The beach here offers prime surfing, and you can also work on your tan if you feel like taking an easy morning.

But with so much to do, see and explore, I suggest you just walk around and make some stops along the way for a cocktail, pictures, or shopping. Now, talking about my favorite thing: active travel – this is paradise.

Here you can find a boardwalk that runs parallel to the ocean and many attractions line in including tennis courts, beach volleyball courts, bike, and rollerblading trails, a skatepark…

PRO-TIP: Take advantage that you are at one of the most famous beaches and join a Venice Beach 2-hour group surfing lesson , also recommended for beginners. Or you can join a fun gui ded bike tour to explore some of the best sights such as Venice Beach, Santa Monia, and the Venice Canals

4. Stop for a workout at Muscle Beach

• Address: Long Beach, CA 90802
• Price: $10 for a day pass or yearly membership is $200

Now we are talking about – as a bodybuilder athlete myself , I don’t have to say how much I love this place! This is the “Home of Bodybuilding” nestled right in the heart of Venice Beach since 1963.

This is the complete outdoor gym to work out. Some of the biggest names in bodybuilding and film including Franco Columbu, Lou Ferrigno, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Frank Zane have all been called Muscle Beach Venice home, and you can also work out here during your Los Angeles itinerary.

PRO-TIP: Muscle Beach Venice is open 7 days a week except for major holidays and rainy days and you can pay $10 for a day pass.

4. Walk and take some pictures from the Pier in Venice Beach

• Address: 1600 Harbor Dr. S, Venice, FL 34285
• Hours: open from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Located on the southern part of Venice Beach , there is a the1,300-foot concrete fishing pier, built-in 1963. The pier offers great views, including watching the surfers which is my favorite thing to do. Enjoy a stroll while you appreciate the breathtaking views, and take some beautiful pictures here. Occasionally you can see dolphins too.

PRO-TIP: If you feel hungry, grab a fish taco at the Venice Whaler , which is just a few minutes’ walks from the pier.

3. Visit the Venice Canals

• Address: The intersection of Pacific Avenue and Washington Boulevard
• Must read: 20 Cool Things to do in Venice Beach

This is how the Venice name started – these canals were designed in 1905 to turn this area into a cultural center and create an Italian-inspired “Venice of America”. At one point the canals were home to gondolas imported from Italy.

Nowadays, the gondolas are gone, but it offers a beautiful and relaxing place to take a walk, away from the buzzing of the Venice Beach oceanfront.

6. Go shopping at the Kinney Boulevard

This is a mile-long strip of the latest fashion, art, and food and it is just minutes walking from Venice Beach . This is the place if you are searching for a truly eclectic shopping experience during your 5 days Los Angeles Itinerary. This is a bustling district, which stretches from Venice Boulevard to Pacific Avenue, and it is a popular destination for Joho Chip Shoppers. Here you can find one-of-a-kind local products, as well as internationally recognized brands.

If you are looking for a great place to eat, the Felix Trattoria is a temple with hand-made pasta and the traditional menu has a range of delicious antipasti, and second and vegetable contorini.

If you are looking for a great coffee or a small snack, you need to stop at The Butcher’s Daughter   with a delicious menu with plant-based versions of popular favorites, and a beautiful patio.

PRO-TIP: Every first Friday of the month at 5 pm the street becomes a festival, filled with live music and the L.A. Premier Food Truck Event, with dozen of food trucks.

7. Grab Happy Hour and enjoy the sunset

The best way to relax after this busy Los Angeles itinerary is to grab a cocktail and enjoy the magical sunset in Venice Beach. A great place to go is the Hotel Erwins’ Rooftop Lounge. – a stylish and open-air deck where you grab a drink and they also serve small plates. This is a cool place to hang out, with DJs both, night and day, and stunning views. They also offer brunch on the weekends from 11 am to 3 pm.

My personal preference is the Venice Whaler , and also, it is a very laid-back place. I just love the atmosphere, the world-famous fish tacos, and the fantastic margaritas – but the sunset is what makes it even more remarkable. The Whaler has been welcoming locals and celebrities since 1944 – such as the Doors, Beatles, and Beach Boys.

Don’t forget to check for the Los Angeles Hotels with rooftop pools , to take full advantage of the beautiful weather, and pool party scene.

Day 2 Los Angeles Itinerary: Explore Santa Monica

Start day 2 of your 5-Day Los Angeles Itinerary by exploring Santa Monica. It is one of the most scenic places in southern California, one of my favorite places in Los Angeles , offering 72 miles of coastline and sunshine for approximately 330 days in the year. With over 60 stunning beaches to explore, lots of amazing restaurants, and of course, the famous Santa Monica Pier for some fun!

1 . Have a Coffee or Brunch at Urth

Suggested start time: 9 AM Address: 2327 Main St. Santa Monica, CA 90405

Every time I visit Los Angeles, this is a must-stop for me. Founded in 1989, this cafe is widely considered the first coffee roasting company in America to offer exclusively organically grown, heirloom coffees. If you love coffee like me, they offer exclusive signature blends from light to dark roasts – from americano to latte, cappuccinos, and all between.

They also have a large selection of one tea. And the bakery is to die for! From a large variety of rich and creamy cheesecakes to amazing pies, and exquisite cakes. You have to try the chocolate hazelnut cake – layered with Nutella and hazelnut icing, and covered in chocolate hazelnut ganache. O-M-G!!! and don’t feel guilty, because, with all the walks on the second day of your Los Angeles itinerary, you will burn it all 😉

2. Go shopping or a stroll at the Third Street Promenade

After you grab an amazing breakfast at Urth, take a walk to the Third Street Promenade. This is a pedestrian-only stretch in Santa Monica, offering many stores between chains and locals, and the most important thing here, the dinosaur fountains.

PRO-TIP: On Wednesdays and Saturdays morning, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. along Arizona Avenue, you can visit the Santa Monica Farmers Market – where big-name chefs go to stock up on products for their restaurants in Los Angeles.

3. Enjoy the Beach

There is a paved path that follows the shoreline all the way to Venice Beach , and it is a paradise for runners, rollerblades, biking, or walking. If you wish, you can rent a bike and or rollerblades and cruise from the Pier to or from Venice Beach. You can also rent boogie boards or umbrellas and beach chairs at one of the small shops, and just enjoy the beach.

I recommend stopping by Perry’s Cafe for a refreshment or lunch and spending a few hours here. It is a very laid-back restaurant on the sand, with lounge chairs where you can just sit down, relax and enjoy some people-watching. Here you can also find a beach chair and umbrella for rental.

Santa Monica Beach is a very active place and one of the best areas to stay in LA . Here you will find volleyball courts, surf lessons, rent a bike, and ride the 22-mile-long Marvin Braude Beach Trail. Also, Santa Monica Beach is the home to the original Muscle Beach, and today it features gymnastic equipment. including parallel bars, rings, and ropes, that can be used by adults and also kids.

PRO-TIP: If you are driving, there are plenty of parking lots. Here you can also find restrooms and beach cafes along the beach.

4. Stroll the Santa Monica Pier

Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

This is the most popular spot and it symbolizes the heart of Santa Monica. This pier has been around since 1909, and it is considered one of the landmarks in Los Angeles . It was originally built as a public utility for the city of Santa Monica. Considered a National Landmark, the pier remains a nostalgic past day and remains a fun icon today.

I love coming here at sunset for pictures, and just staying for dinner at one of the amazing restaurants in the area. The historic Santa Monica Pier is where all the action is, with shops, small restaurants, cafes, and locals selling arts. The highlight is the Pacific Park , the amusement park on the pier featuring roller coasters, and the Ferris wheel.

PRO-TIP: You can walk here all the way from Venice Beach, which is about 1 hour (2.6 miles). Another great option is to go on a 3-Hour Electric Bike Tour . This is a cool tour as the bicycle allows you to choose your own comfort level between pedaling with 6 gears, using the electric motor power which puts the power completely in your control, or both

5. Have dinner at Water Grill

Address: 1401 Ocean Ave 90401

You will find an infinite of options for great bars and restaurants in Santa Monica. One of my favorite places is the Water Grill – especially if you love fresh seafood.

This is an oceanfront restaurant overlooking beautiful Santa Monica. The outside patio isn’t that big and gets filled up pretty fast during the weekend – so I would recommend making reservations if you are dining here on the weekend.

Bring your jacket because the ocean breeze can make you cold especially when the sun is down. The service is very good, and the inside of the restaurant looks very nice and classy.

Day 3 Los Angeles Itinerary: Take a road trip in Malibu

On the third day of this amazing 5-day Los Angeles Itinerary, you will discover all the magic about Malibu. The famous Pacific Coast Highway starts here, offering some of the most picturesque stretches of beach in Southern California. And then, there are the beaches in Malibu, I recommend spending at least a few hours exploring one of the beaches in Malibu. I have listed a couple of great options below for you. And if you are a wine lover like me, head to one of the amazing wineries in Malibu – with great quality local wine!

1. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu

Suggested start time: 9 AM Start Point: This drive starts at the end of Interstate 10 in Santa Monica

This part is if you have a car if you want to hire a private driver, or even better if you join a Vintage VW hippie sightseeing to tour this beautiful route. The drive to Malibu is an attraction itself.

You will want to stop in some spots to take pictures and appreciate the views. The total distance is about 49 miles and it takes one to two hours, depending on the traffic. Your driving experience will be a little more enjoyable if you drive the route south from Oxnard toward Santa Monica. You’ll be on the ocean side of the highway, with better views. It will be easier to make a beach or photo stop because you won’t have to cross traffic.

2. Head to the Beach in Malibu

The beaches in Malibu are very different from Venice Beach and Santa Monica, including private beaches where alcohol is allowed – but they are also notorious for the huge parking fees. You will find surf beaches, caves, and incredible rock formations.

The beaches in Malibu offer a laidback experience, where you can relax and lay in the sand. Or at least take a walk and enjoy the beauty and take some amazing pictures. Between Dec-Jan and April-May is when the whales migrate, and you have a high chance to see some gray whales, especially in the early morning. Some of the most popular beaches are:

• El Matador State Beach: This is one of the best-kept-secret. Here you can find caves and massive rock formations.
• Paradise Cove: This is a public beach where you and enjoy walking down the coast and marvel at the enormous mansions.
• Surfrider Beach: This is a great beach for surfing due to the long right-hand break. This is a perfect beach for taking the views and watching the action onshore.

3. Hiking in Malibu

If you are looking to go hiking, Malibu offers amazing hiking trails with views of the Pacific Ocean. Some of the best hikes in Malibu are the Escondido Canyon (3.7 miles), The Solstice Canyon Loop Trail (3.2 miles), and MASH Hike (4.85 miles).

Whatever hike trail you choose, you will be served with a beautiful landscape, with a seascape, mountains, and even waterfalls. Malibu hikes cover all difficulties from the easy hikes to difficult hikes for the expert and you can also customize your trail because some trails are linked to each other.

4. Go for a wine taste in Malibu

Location: Rosenthal Wine Bar is at 18741 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265.

Yes, you can (and should) go on wine taste in Malibu too – it is one of the coolest things to do in LA . You can find hidden in the canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains, a couple of great wineries, producing some pretty tasty (and affordable) wines. Some famous wineries are Cornell Winery & Tasting Room, Cielo Winery, and Rosenthal .

I visited Rosenthal, the oldest winery in Malibu. But even if the winery is not open to the public, the wine tasting bar in Malibu is the place to hang out. If you’re looking to taste Malibu wines at a beach party, this is the next best thing. Across from the Pacific Ocean, this Malibu tasting room can get quite crowded and lively. They serve Rosenthal Estate wines by glass, bottle, or flight.

PRO-TIP: If you love wine and are interested on experience some of the top vineyards with spectacular views, the best option is to join the Malibu Wineries Private Group Tour . The tour is a great experience to visit 3 wineries on a private luxury vehicle and with a local expert guide, that will share all about wine, the region, and the history of the area.

Day 4 Los Angeles Itinerary: Hollywood and Beverly Hills

On the fourth day of this 5-day Los Angeles Itinerary, you will explore the famous Hollywood and Beverly Hills area. I only recommend this part of the Los Angeles itinerary, for first-time visitors.

If you are staying in Venice Beach or Marina Del Rey, I recommend taking an Uber to this area. You can also hire a private guide to drive you to the Beverly Hills Celebrity Homes – I know it sounds a little cheesy, but I have to confess that I drove there on my first visit to Los Angeles, and I had fun “hunting” for the amazingly rich and famous mansions.

1. Griffith Observatory

Suggested start time: 9 AM Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

The Observatory features space-related exhibits, star shows in the planetarium, and a telescope. Enjoy the grounds of the Observatory, it is beautiful and it features some terraces from where you get a birdseye view of the entire valley. If you happen to visit on a clear day, you will get to see all the way to Santa Monica from up here.

On the opposite hill, right across from the Griffith Observatory, you can catch an unobstructed view of the Hollywood Sign – that is the next destination of your 5-day Los Angeles itinerary.

PRO-TIP: Admission to the Observatory building, grounds, and telescopes are always free. However, you will have to buy tickets for the planetarium show . The best time to visit the Observatory is late afternoon towards the evening when you can stick around to see the sunset and city lights.

2. Hike the Hollywood Sign

Did you know that you can hike from Griffith Observatory to the Hollywood Sign? It is a 4.4-mile hike each way, The trailhead and the summit are separated by 575 feet of elevation, but because this route crosses a mountain in between, the hike actually has two ascents of 425 feet and 525 feet. If you decide to hike to the Hollywood Sign, you can check here for all the details .

The worldwide symbol of the U.S. movie industry has a very dull and uninteresting beginning. The Hollywood Sign was created as an outdoor billboard for real estate development, and today, it is the most well-known landmark in the city of Los Angeles .

PRO-TIP: If you don’t want to hike, you have the option to take a shuttle to the summit Hollywood summit. Driving to the Hollywood Sign is not allowed.

3. Walk the Sunset Strip

You can continue your fourth day in the Los Angeles itinerary with a walk on the famous Sunset Strip. The strip is the 1.5 -mile stretch of Sunset Boulevard that passes through West Hollywood. Sunset Boulevard extends from Hollywood all the way to Beverly Hills. This is very touristy, as you can imagine, but no Los Angeles itinerary would be complete without a visit to the famous Hollywood.

Here is home to flashy boutiques, high-end restaurants, and nightclubs, as well as huge, colorful billboards. Go shopping (or window shopping) at the famous Rodeo Drive , and walk among some of the world’s well-known fashion icons. 

Another thing you want to do during your first time visiting Los Angeles is to walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame . The internationally-recognized Hollywood landmark . It encompasses over 2,600 five-pointed stars made of terrazzo and brass and embedded in the sidewalks along Hollywood Boulevard.

4. Visit the Chinese Theater

Price to visit: FREE Address:   6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028

Stop by another famous landmark in the city of Los Angeles , the Chinese Theater. it became famous for being the venue of the  Academy Awards   ceremony from 1944 to 1946. But most visitors come here because of the celebrity handprints and footprints in the concrete of the theater’s forecourt. The tradition began during the theater construction when one of the Hollywood legends at the time accidentally stepped into the wet cement outside the building.

5. Visit some Celebrity Homes in Beverly Hills

Finish your Los Angeles Itinerary today by strolling through this tranquil green space filled with landscaped hedges, cascading fountains, and colonnaded walkways in Beverly Hills. While the city offers beautiful green spaces, a jog through  Beverly Gardens Park   offers ample space and a chance to sightsee as well.

If you are curious and want to dive into the “celebrity world” I recommend grabbing a map with the celebrity’s homes, or joining a local tour for a 2-hour fun time around Hollywood and Celebrity homes tour .

Day 5 Los Angeles Itinerary: Relax by the Marina Del Rey

You must be exhausted from this busy itinerary – I know I was after I have done this itinerary myself. And I also consider Marina Del Rey one of the best areas to stay in LA since it is quiet with excellent restaurants, and it is also within walking distance to Venice Beach.

So finish your dreamy 5-day Los Angeles Itinerary by chilling a bit, and here is the best place! The Marina Del Rey is a man-made marina in Los Angeles dating back to the 1960s. Today it is home to approximately 5,000 boats, offering opportunities for paddle-boarding, kayaking, yachting, cycling, and whale watching.

1. Start your day with a Brunch at the Marina Del Rey

Suggested start time: 10 AM Address: 4175 Admiralty Way Marina del Rey, CA 90292

The last day of this 5-day Los Angeles itinerary can start with a relaxing and enjoyable brunch at the stunning Marina Del Rey. My favorite place for brunch is the Jamaica Bay Inn . The brunch here is simply phenomenal, and the views make it a dreamy place you want to be when you visit Los Angeles for 5 days.

It has a great outdoor dining place with nice patios near the beach. It’s the kind of place LA has to offer. I ordered the avocado toast, and it was truly the best I ever had in my life.

PRO-TIP: If you plan to come on the weekend, you will need to make reservations in advance. In this article, you can find the best places to stay in Marina Del Rey .

2. Go for a Walk / Run / Kayaking or Paddleboard on Marina Del Rey

• Address: Parking lot, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

After that brunch, you can pick and choose some of the many activities to do at Marina Del Rey. You can rent a paddleboard or join a stand-up paddle-boarding lesson for all experience and skill levels. This is a fun activity, where your guide will provide information about the local environment and marine life, kayaking/paddle-boarding techniques, and safety while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the Los Angeles boater’s realm.

Then board your kayaks and paddle towards the main channel of the Marina. On the way, observe the beautiful and extraordinary boats. Begin your search for sea lions, birds, dolphins, and other marine life. You will love to just spend a few hours exploring this sanctuary during your Los Angeles Itinerary.

PRO-TIP: You can book this Kayak and/or paddleboard tour to see sea lions , and explore the beauty of the biggest marina in Los Angeles. You have the option to rent a double kayak or a paddleboard, and if you haven’t done it before, the guide will help you to feel comfortable and enjoy the most of this stunning scenario.

2. Visit the Fisherman’s Village

This replica of a New England seaport and the fish town is a quiet harbor front with beautiful views of the Marina, where you can enjoy the sailboats and some wildlife. You can find many restaurants, the Marina del Rey Historical Society exhibit space, and a smattering of shops. There is a lighthouse, and an abundance of bougainvillea to complete the charm of this place.

PRO-TIP: I recommend grabbing a drink and watching the sunset at the SALT Restaurant & Bar. Or take a cruise boat for sunset with wine and cheese.

What a perfect way to end your 5-day Los Angeles itinerary – you can go on a sunset cruise a relaxing ride onboard an electric boat, while you enjoy the beauty of the biggest marina in Los Angeles. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife while you celebrate sunset with a glass of wine and a yummy selection of meat, cheeses, and fruit. Oh, life is good!

How to Get Around Los Angeles in 5 Days

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Best Places to Stay during your 5 Day in Los Angeles Itinerary

The best decision you will make to have the best time during 5 Days in Los Angeles, is the area you choose to stay in, especially if you don’t have a rental car. As I said before, Los Angeles is a huge city, and very spread out.

Make sure you choose your accommodations close to the attractions you want to visit – You must check Where to Stay in Los Angeles, 6 best areas + Hotel Gide. Below is a quick guide for some of the best recommendations:

Downtown Los Angeles: Best for first-time visitors

Good Value Hotel | Freehand Los Angeles is a great option as it offers a combination of styles and is on a budget in the city of L.A. The decoration is to look like you have walked directly into the 60s with shabby chic furniture and colorful print tiles.

Mid Range | Hotel Indigo is a great option for midrange accommodation, offering stylish rooms and spaciousness when compared with the majority of the hotels in this area. With the Metropole Bar and Kitchen on site, and a cool penthouse bar called 18 Social is here too. You will love the pool at this hotel!

Luxury hotel | Conrad Los Angeles is the place for you if you are looking to spoil yourself. This hotel is stunning and it features a bar, restaurant, an amazing pool and a terrace, and incredible views of L.A. It is rated as Superb (9.0) by the guests for a reason.

Santa Monica: If you want to stay close to the beach

Good Value Hotel | The Georgian Hotel is an affordable accommodation, with an exceptional location, just a few steps away from the Santa Monica Pier. With 84 rooms with an ocean view, and a rooftop bar and restaurant.

Mid-Range | The Palihouse Hotel is an excellent option, located only 5-minutes from the beach. This is an iconic hotel that has been around since the 1900s. All the rooms come with kitchenettes, which allow you to prepare your own meals.

Luxury hotel | Casa Del Mar is a luxury hotel and one of the only beachfront hotels in Los Angeles. Here you can enjoy the pool that overlooks the beach, while you enjoy your favorite cocktail and live music. The rooms are lavishly decorated, and the spa offers amazing facials and massages.

Good Value Hotel | Hilton Garden Inn is where I stayed during my last visit to L.A. and I recommend this hotel. Featuring an outdoor pool and hot tub, it is only a 2-minute walk to the beach, and 1 mile from Venice Beach Boardwalk. Very comfortable bed and good size rooms.

Mid-Range | Jamaica Bay Inn is a beautiful collection by Hilton. Of all the hotels in Marina Del Rey, this is the best boutique hotel, right on Marina’s beach, with an outdoor pool, and it is the best option for families to stay in too.

Luxury hotel | Ritz-Carlton, Marina Del Ray One of the highlights of this incredible hotel is the fresh-caught seafood plates at the restaurant Cast and Plow. Also, you can get spoiled with an 80-minute bliss-fest massage, or chill in the poolside cabana, with complimentary sparkling wine and refreshments on tap.

What to Pack for your 5 Day Los Angeles Itinerary

• Los Angles Sightseeing Pass: I also recommend getting the Go Los Angeles Card or  Los Angeles Sightseeing Flex Pass as these passes start at $83 for one-day grant access to a variety of different attractions.
• Comfortable Pair of Shoes: That is the first thing you should pack for your trip to L.A.. you will walk a lot, and you maybe add some hiking too. I love my Nike Air Force as I find it ideal to wear with my gym clothes or a cute dress for a casual dinner.
• Summer dresses: I recommend at least one summer dress as they are versatile to walk during the day or going out in the evening
• Leggings: You will need at least one pair. Leggings are your best friend in L.A., as you can wear them pretty much every day (and night too;-))
• Workout outfit: Dressing in layers and comfortably is the best rule to explore Los Angeles.
• Long sleeves shirt and light sweater: It can get chilly in Los Angeles, even during the summer months. It is always wise to dress in layers!
• Sunscreen : While you are out exploring, make sure to protect yourself from the sun. I recommend the Stream 2 Sea Sunscream and they are reef-safe
• Sunglasses and hat: Don’t forget to pack your pair of sunglasses , you will need them!
• Swimsuit: The water may be chilly, but I recommend planning at least a half-day at the beach, so pack that travel beach bag !
• Beach Towel: This travel towel is a must to be used at the beach, on a picnic, or even as a blanket.
• Day Backpack: This is a must on your packing list – I have a whole article on the best backpack for traveling that I recommend you to check!
• Reusable water bottle: Never travel anywhere without a  reusable water bottle . Remain hydrated without wasting single-use plastic bottles!

5-Day Itinerary Los Angeles Itinerary Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this 5-day Los Angeles Itinerary, and that you have found it very helpful for your trip planning to the city of angels. With so much to do, see and experience, Los Angeles is a must destination for any adventure, outdoor, and art lover.

If you have any further questions, just leave me a comment below and I will be happy to get in touch with you. I have visited Los Angeles many times, and any time I come back, I feel in love with this city again. And I am sure you will also love Los Angeles and will want to come back to continue exploring.

If you love this article, I also recommend:

• The Best Los Angeles Bucket List
• Where to Stay in Los Angeles
• The Top Things to do in Venice Beach, Los Angeles
• How to rent an RV for a Dream Road Trip

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Where to Stay in LA: 6 Best Los Angeles Areas + Hotel Guide

The Ultimate LA Bucket List: 22 Best Things to do in Los Angeles

20 Cool Things to do in Venice Beach, California + Insider Tips

7 thoughts on “5 days los angeles itinerary + complete la guide & insider tips”.

Wow, I definitely didn’t fully experience LA last time I was there—there is so much to do! I’d love to do a road trip around the area some day 🙂

What a fantastic, lively city! The sunset strip looks gorgeous. I’d love to explore LA, the coast, and I’d also love to visit Koreatown.

Santa Monica Pier and Hollywood are high on my list when I finally see more than just the airport in LA. I’m looking forward to it & saving your tips for later!

This is such a great and detailed itinerary, Paula! I still have yet to visit LA. I’d love to check out the Venice Canals, as per your recommendation.

Looks like you had an amazing time! I’ve been to San Diego a few times, but never Los Angeles! I’m clear across the country in Virginia, but next time I visit I plan to visit LA. Thank you for the great list of suggestions!

It looks like you had a great time, and wait to try Egg Slut next time I’m in town!

I visited Venice before the pandemic. It was so fun to see the beach scene. I loved the skater park. And it is free!

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A Los Angeles Itinerary Guide for First Timers: How to Spend 3-4 Days in La La Land

Planning a Los Angeles itinerary for the first time and feeling overwhelmed? Follow this guide below to make it easy!

You know, growing up on the East Coast, LA almost doesn’t feel real . You see it in so many movies and read about it so often with celebrities and actors and singers, but still. It’s some far off place where it’s always sunny and both glamorous and a little seedy! Weird to think, but I visited the big cities of Europe before I even thought of making my way over to the City of Angels!

My first trip happened for two reasons. Since I was teaching in Korea and coming home for summer vacation, I knew I’d be flying through California no matter what. And it just so happens my friend, Elissa, had the same summer vacation and is from Los Angeles! I joined her family on a little California trip that ended up back at their house and managed to get a local introduction to this famous city!

Since then I’ve been back twice. Once on my way home from Korea again where I crashed with Elissa’s family for a few days before getting my next flight to Philly. We did a few things, but mostly I was exhausted and we vegged on her couch watching the BBC miniseries “North & South”!

Recently, though, I returned with my friend, Sher, at the tail end of our California coast road trip! We had about two nights and three-ish days, and I had a list of spots I wanted to see! It was also Sher’s first time in LA, so I re-visited some spots and got to re-remember what I saw the first time.

Between all these visits, I’ve put together what I think is the perfect Los Angeles itinerary for any first time visitor. Before I get in exactly what to do and where to go, I’ve listed some tips below so you know what you’re getting into. LA is not like other cities, so there are some things you should be aware of beforehand!

Tips for Your Los Angeles Itinerary

You’re going to need to drive.

The one thing you have to know about LA, is that it is not a walkable city. Everything is very spread out and the public transportation is okay in the best of times and downright sketchy and unsafe during pandemic times. Even then, it doesn’t cover everything and you’ll still wind up taking an expensive Uber to cover the awkward distance in between.

Elissa obviously drove when I visited her, but when I did my road trip, Sher and I rented a car via RentalCars.com which landed us with Thrifty. I was hesitant to drive in LA but it actually was pretty okay as long as you’re used to driving in cities and on freeways.

Traffic is a guarantee

The downside to LA? The traffic. I mean I’m sure you’ve heard a late night show comedian joke about it, but it’s truly a guarantee. I would say we actually got pretty lucky on this recent trip and traffic was never horrible , but I remember it being pretty bad when I visited Elissa before!

Your best bet is to allot an hour to get anyway just in case, more if you find yourself driving during rush hour.

Where you stay is key

Because of the driving factor, where you stay is key. LA is massive and often expands beyond the city limits. I’ve stayed with Elissa’s family in Glendora and then in Downtown LA, which I honestly hated. I feel like unless you know you’re going out or going to the STAPLES Center, there are a million other nicer neighborhoods to stay in!

For this itinerary, I think the best spot is to stay in Beverly Hills as it’s the most central to all the places you’re going to want to go and the worst you can say about it is that it’s expensive. I’ve only been to The Grove, but it seems nicer than DTLA and is still fairly central.

For this itinerary, if you spend an extra day and want to do Venice Beach, it’s much nicer to just go over the evening before and stay the night! This way you don’t have to worry about packing up in the morning and driving over with traffic and instead can have the whole morning and early afternoon to enjoy the area. Plus parking is kind of frustrating, so it’ll be easier to leave your car at your hotel and bike from there.

It’s almost always hot and sunny (and often smoggy)

Listen, if you go to LA in November and the weather map tells you it’s going to be 50-60F, it’s lying. Chances are it’ll be 90F and if you only bring clothes appropriate for weather 30 degrees cooler, you will sweat your butt off. Take it from me!

Also keep in mind LA smog is a real thing, and probably added to my feelings of exhaustion by the end of our road trip. Shocker – a city where everyone drives and traffic is a guarantee is also home to some of the worst air quality in the country!

What to wear

LA is a very casual city. Unless you’re going to a fancy bar at night, it’s really all about easy, breezy outfits. Elissa joked that if you really want to blend in just wear athleisure everywhere. Each time I’ve been, I’ve always worn casual outfits and never once felt underdressed or overdressed. Keep in mind, LA is a tourist hotspot, so you’ll see everyone in all types of outfits no matter where you go!

How to Spend 3-4 Days in Los Angeles

And now for my LA itinerary guide!

Day 1: Arrival to LA

Hike to Griffith’s Observatory

I’m going to assume you’re not arriving to LA early in the morning but more towards the middle of the day! If this is the case, the first thing you do once you settle-in is to change into some hiking clothes and head over to Griffith’s Observatory for a little hike to stretch your legs. The observatory is on the south side of Mount Hollywood and is pretty iconic. You probably recognize it best from La La Land or, more recently, Adele’s comeback special.

The observatory itself was named after its benefactor, Griffith J. Griffith. While you can go inside, really the coolest part is wandering around outside and taking in the insane views over the LA skyline.

I wish we’d realized that you can still access Griffith Park and wander around the observatory even if it’s closed. The opening times are pretty narrow (Friday – Sunday) and of course the crowds are too much. In fact, I didn’t even get out of my car when we went! Sher just hopped out and ran around, and I circled until she was done. That’s how frustrating the parking was!

If you hike, though, it’s much easier. There are a few various trails (just check AllTrails) or you can book a guide with this hiking tour . You’ll have someone to lead you and tell you more about LA’s history.

Grab either Mexican or Korean for dinner

Once you’re done with Griffith’s Observatory, head back to your hotel get cleaned up and then head into the city for dinner! You could stick around Beverly Hills or La Brea or head more into the city around Koreatown. There are at least two types of cuisines you’ll want to try in LA – Korean and Mexican (I might just be biased). Either head to El Cholo for tacos or Ahgassi Gopchang for Korean BBQ. I haven’t tried either personally, but when I asked Elissa for some restaurant recommendations, she listed both of these spot.

Day 2: Major Sightseeing

See Hollywood Boulevard for yourself

One of the must-see spots on a first visit to LA? Hollywood Boulevard , aka the street with all the stars. I’m going to be honest – it’s not that great. Think of Times Square in NYC . You get there and it’s kind of cool for about a minute and then you’re like, “Ok what else?” Not to mention because it’s such a tourist hot spot, there are tons of tour operators vying for your attention and homeless people asking for spare change. It’s also frankly kind of dirty.

However , beneath this grimy exterior is a street teeming with Tinseltown history. Practically every building has multiple stories going back to the Golden Age of Hollywood, and it’s pretty fun to imagine what kind of craziness this street has seen.

With that said, go with a tour guide . I cannot recommend this enough. Go with someone who can regale you with stories about what went on in this building or how all the old time celebrities, decked out in their Oscars gowns, had dinner at this restaurant before the show. When I worked on my post about Hollywood Boulevard , I found myself wishing I wasn’t finding out all this information after the fact!

Here are some tours worth looking at:

• Hop-on hop off bus
• Hollywood Boulevard bus tour
• Tour Hollywood with an LA filmmaker

Parking: If you’re like us and drove over to Hollywood Boulevard, don’t worry. There are plenty of parking garages. Park at one by the Pantages Theatre as that’s a good starting point!

Get a cool view of the famous sign at Hollywood Lake Park

If you do a Griffith’s Hike on the first day, you’re probably going to encounter the famous Hollywood sign. But if not, or if you want to visit when you’re not sweat from a hike, then drive on over to Hollywood Lake Park! It’s not too long of a drive, and it gives you a few really cool views of the sign.

Just a warning – the street leading up gets very narrow and winding. When you park on the side of the road, don’t forget your emergency break! I’d say the best view is in the little grassy park area (so skip past the dirt area a lot of people will be taking photos from).

Get lunch at Guisados

Once you’ve gotten your pics at the Hollywood sign, find a Guisados on the way back to your hotel. We stayed in downtown LA, so the one we stopped at was on Sunset Boulevard. It’s nice but pretty small and had very limited parking with one of those lots that’s hard to pull out of if you can’t park anywhere. If you stay in Beverly Hills, there’s one on Santa Monica Boulevard and one on S Linden Drive.

Not a taco fan? There’s also a Din Tai Fung on Santa Monica Boulevard where you can get the most delicious xiao long bao!

Once you’ve eaten, relax and freshen back up at your hotel and leave your car with valet for the night!

Spend the evening in Downtown LA

Downtown LA is honestly one of my least favorite areas for now. There’s kind of a weird vibe going on as this part of town is gentrifying rapidly while not properly helping the equally rapidly growing homeless population. I don’t know. I feel like I ought to give it another chance someday but much more rested and wearing more weather-appropriate clothes.

Like Hollywood Boulevard there’s a lot of history and really cool architecture in this part of town that goes beyond Tinseltown history. So while I don’t recommend staying here, I do think spending at least an afternoon or evening is worth it.

Just take an Uber in so you don’t have to worry about parking and maybe do a tour so you have someone who can provide more cultural and historic insight!

Some tours that looked interesting:

• Old and New DTLA Walking Tour
• DTLA Architecture Walking Tour
• Private DTLA Architecture Tour
• DTLA Food Tour
• Private DTLA Foodie Tour

When we went, we hit three main areas in the evening:

Bradbury Building

When getting your Lyft or Uber, have them drop you off at this building from 1893. Its name comes from the gold-mining millionaire Lewis L. Bradbury and is still used for various offices and buildings. The real architectural gem is in the inside, and in normal times you can go in on the first floor to see the gorgeous cast-iron filigree balustrades that line the stairs and halls of all five floors. Unfortunately, things are still closed to tourists for now, so we only managed a peak through the window!

Grand Central Market

This is where you’ll get dinner! Right across the street from the Bradbury Building is Grand Central Market , which has been a mainstay in DTLA since 1917. Situated in a Beaux-Arts building, it’s full of various food vendors of just about any cuisine you could imagine. We pretty much beelined for Sticky Rice, a Thai comfort food stand, and then I tried the vegan ramen spot, Ramen Hood. Elissa also let me know The Donut Man opened up a stall there as well, but by the time I finished my ramen, I was too full for anything else.

I will note that when I posted about Grand Central Market on my stories, a friend replied disappointedly that she can’t believe how quickly the market has gentrified and how it used to be a mecca of Hispanic and Asian hole-in-the-wall vendors as little has half a decade ago but changed the minute Eggslut was added. There’s a really interesting article from LA Mag if you want to dive in more.

The Last Bookstore

I wish I had words to explain how obsessed I am with this bookstore. I mean, I’m a pretty big sucker for bookstores in general, but this has to be one of the coolest. This was the last thing we did on our last full day in California, and it felt like I’d been revived when I exited with my newly purchased book, Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa.

The Last Bookstore has been around since 2005 when it was initially founded by Jos Spencer in a DTLA loft. Today it’s two floors and sells over 250k books both used and new. There’s literally a whole wall of cheap used books that if you’d given me the whole afternoon, I’d probably have sat there and looked at every single one. Seriously do not skip!

Day 3: Beverly Hills

Morning – Getty Villa

After grabbing breakfast, drive over to the gorgeous Getty Villa on the Malibu coast! Hands down this is one of my favorite places in Los Angeles and I’ve been twice over my visits. (It helps that it’s also Elissa’s favorite place in LA, so she’s always down to go).

Not to be confused with the Getty Museum, the Getty Villa was designed after the museum ran out of room with his art collection. Its design is mainly based off the Villa dei Papyri in Italy and is absolutely stunning. Enjoy the various art collections as well as the gardens.

Just be sure to reserve your spot in advance . Even before these times, they limited the number of people so everyone can enjoy the grounds in peace. Tickets are free but parking is $20.

After the Getty Villa, head over to The Grove. Technically it’s just a shopping complex, but it’s really pretty and partially outdoors. I remember going on my first trip with Elissa and her sister, and it was just nice to stroll and do some window shopping. (Also why you guys are getting a circa 2015 style TSGA photo lol).

Plus this is a great spot to get lunch as it’s home to the historic Farmers Market, which has been around since 1880. On your way out grab some cupcakes from Sprinkles!

Parking: There are a few different parking options, but you’ll most likely want the self-parking option. The Grove has a parking structure off Fairfax Avenue that is $2 for the first hour all the way up to $30 for a daily maximum. Double check with restaurants or stores to see if they have complimentary parking. Also if you spend over $250, go to Caruso Concierge and you can get free parking as well.

LACMA & the La Brea Tar Pits

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is still one of those art museums still on my list! It’s just always slightly out of the way for my LA trips, so cross fingers next time I finally make it there and the famous La Brea Tar Pits.

LACMA itself is probably most recognizable from the Urban Lights exhibit at the Wilshire Boulevard entrance. This exhibit, which is an Instagrammer fav, comprises of 202 restored street lamps from the 20s and 30s. This exhibit is free but the museum itself requires tickets purchased in advance.

As for the La Brea Tar Pits, they just look so random and cool! There have been over a hundred excavation done at these asphalt pits, and these fossils, which range from mammoths to sloths and more, are all on display in the museum.

Parking: Parking for LACMA is at the Pritzker Parking Garage on 6th St. and is $18 or $10 after 8PM while parking for La Brea Tar Pits is between Curson Ave and 6th Street. There’s also metered street parking around, but watch the time limits! The two spots are literally a 6-minute walk from each other, so I’m assuming you can parking in one and walk back after you’ve done both sites. (If you go, let me know if they have time limits on parking!)

Drive over to Venice Beach

Once you’ve finished with LACMA and the main part of LA, head over to your Venice Beach hotel for your final night and day! I’m putting my main things to do in Venice Beach below, but feel free to adjust depending on how much time you have in the afternoon and evening on Day 3 and when you fly out on Day 4. Our flights were around 2/3 PM, so we were able to have most of the morning in Venice Beach.

Day 4: Venice Beach

This time about a 120 years ago, Venice Beach was founded as an independent resort town! It’s only about a 20-minute drive from the main areas of LA and a nice way to end your Los Angeles itinerary. The name is obviously inspired by the Italy’s Venice and the founder, Abbot Kinney, even had canals built. Though this was also for practical reasons as the land for Venice Beach was very marshy.

I recommend staying here your final night to have a little more quiet than what LA will offer on its own and to enjoy the area! There are a few ways to do it from walking to surfing and more, but here are some tips from my very brief morning there.

Tours for Venice Beach

• Ultimate Venice Beach experience
• Venice Beach Surf Lessons
• Santa Monica & Venice Beach Ebike Tour
• Venice Beach Private Walking Tour

Brunch at Great White

One of the fun breakfast spots in Venice Beach is Great White . It’s very popular, so I’d make sure to make a reservation, especially if you’re here on a weekend morning. Everywhere has a sizable wait time for weekend brunch times! Great White has a really delicious menu and focuses on seasonal, organic produce from California. Highly recommend the breakfast burrito as well as the salmon mezze board and the shaken iced latte!

Bike around the canals

We didn’t have enough time, so all I did was catch a quick glimpse of the Venice Canals . But if you have more time, I’ do some sort of boardwalk and canals tour !

Shop and eat along Abbot Kinney Boulevard

Afterwards I’d stop in at the different restaurants, cafes, and shop along the palm-tree-lined Abbot Kinney Boulevard named, of course, after Venice Beach’s founder. In normal times, there’s a fun food truck event every first Friday of the month! Keep an eye here for its return.

And there you go! All my best tips for planning a solid Los Angeles itinerary for first time visitors. It hits all the “must-sees” as well as some more underrated gems and, most importantly, hits all the best spots for food. Let me know if you have any questions or even more recommendations below!

For more California travel, read these posts next:

• How to Plan the Perfect Santa Barbara Weekend Escape
• 27 Unique Things to Do in Santa Barbara
• 18 Fun Things to Do in Truckee in the Summer
• Going to San Francisco for the First Time?

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Just wondering….when was this blog written?? I got burned last year following a blog recommendation to go to St John, New Brunswick but it was written before COVID and nothing like the blog when we went!! TIA….

Hi! I went in November 2021, so I probably wrote it end of 2021 or beginning of 2022; well after COVID kicked off.

Wonderful Blog !! It was so interesting to read as it had a lot of information about this amazing city. Would love to visit LA soon.

Thank you! It’s definitely a very cool city!

Your attention to details is one of the reasons why you are one of my favorite bloggers. Thank you so much for this awesome first time guide to LA. I’ve been several times but I need a dedicated weeklong trip to cover the ground I need to. The weather looked absolutely beautiful!

Awww thank you Millette!!!

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How to See Los Angeles in 3 Days – the Perfect Itinerary

Last Modified: March 21, 2024 //  by  Anda //   58 Comments

If you only have 3 days in LA and are wondering where to start, you’ve come to the right place. As a local, I can give you some good advice and tips for visiting the city. I can also help you plan the perfect 3 days Los Angeles itinerary that will leave you with lots of great memories. 

Table of Contents

About This Los Angeles Itinerary

L.a. itinerary day 1, l.a. itinerary day 2, l.a. itinerary day 3, how to move around l.a., best time to visit los angeles, how to save money on a 3-day trip to los angeles, need a place to stay.

It’s hard to know where to begin when you visit a large city like Los Angeles. Unlike other metropolises around the world, L.A’s attractions are spread all over. If you are coming  from a smaller place, you will most likely feel overwhelmed here.

One thing to consider when planning your Los Angeles itinerary is the notorious L.A. traffic which will limit your ability to cover a lot of ground in these 3 days. That means you probably can’t put together a list of 20 some-odd objectives and expect to hit them all.

With the itinerary below you’ll be able to see some of the L.A’s most iconic places, without rushing. Trying to squeeze more into these three days will only drain your energy and leave you tired and confused.

Some of the places that I included in this list are totally free, which is always a plus. So here is your Los Angeles trip plan:

3-Day Los Angeles Itinerary

Day 1: Santa Monica Pier, Malibu and Venice Beach Day 2: Getty Center and the Griffith Observatory Day 3: Hollywood and Downtown Area

Santa Monica is one of the most romantic getaways in California . The 72 miles of coastline and approximately 330 days of sunshine are a magnet for the visitors of LA. Besides, the coastal areas are among the most scenic places in Southern California.

In all, there are over 60 beaches on this incredible stretch of coastline. Therefore, I think it’s best if you start your Los Angeles itinerary at the beach. The closest and most popular ones to downtown LA are Santa Monica, Venice and Malibu.

Stroll on the Santa Monica Beach and Pier (free)

You can start your 3 days itinerary at the Santa Monica Beach, just a short 20-minute drive from Downtown Los Angeles. The beach stretches along either side of the historic Santa Monica Pier.

There is plenty of parking, restrooms and beach side cafés along the beach. The paved path that follows the shoreline all the way to Venice Beach is a paradise for rollerblading, biking, or walking.

There are many small shops where you can rent bikes, rollerblades, boogie boards, chairs, and umbrellas. You can either lay down on the beach, or grab a bicycle and cruise from the Pier to Venice Beach and back.

The most popular spot in Santa Monica is the Pier at the foot of Colorado Avenue. This bustling wooden wharf is where the action is. With its shops, small restaurants, arcade, roller coaster and giant Ferris wheel, the historic Santa Monica Pier continues to be the main attraction in Los Angeles for families with kids .

Walk (bike, or rollerblade) to Venice Beach (free)

Just South of Santa Monica is one of Los Angeles’s most popular and eclectic places: Venice Beach. However, this beach is a mixed bag that isn’t for everyone. If you want to experience the bohemian spirit of Los Angeles, you should definitely come here. There are so many things to do on Venice Beach!

Be advised however that the free-spirited Venice Broadwalk may shock you with its colorful graffiti, street performers, and funky shops. You will see some things that you’ve never seen before and will shake your head. But you may very well find all these very entertaining.

I love Venice Beach, always have. It has an indescribable vibe that I have only experienced here. When we were younger we used to rollerblade from here all the way to Santa Monica and back.  If you enjoy people watching, then this is the place to be. It is for sure one of the most unique beach-going experiences you’ll have.

Drive to Malibu (free)

Malibu is a must, no matter how many days you have in L.A. This is where the famous Pacific Coast Highway drive starts. Here is where you’ll see some of the most picturesque stretches of beach in Southern California.

The beaches in Malibu are however very different from the ones in Santa Monica or Venice. Some of them are private, so they allow alcohol on the beach (Paradise Cove), but they are notorious for the huge parking fees.

In Malibu you will find surf beaches and stretches of shore with tide pools, caves and strange rock formations (Leo Carillo). If you want to explore the caves and rock formations, you should come prepared with good shoes because you’ll have to walk down a big bluff. 

Malibu beaches offer a truly laidback experience where you can just lay in the sand and dip in the ocean. And if you are in Los Angeles when the whales migrate (Dec.-Jan, April-May) you’re likely to see some gray whales, dolphins and seals here. Especially if you visit Malibu early morning. 

TOURS WE RECOMMEND:

You should make your second day in Los Angeles a museum day. But not just any museum! The Getty Center is a more than just a museum and is a very impressive place to visit. You don’t have to be a huge art or museum devotee to fall in love with this iconic site.

The Getty Center (not at the same location as the Getty Villa) sits high up on a hill overlooking the city and is connected to the parking lot at the bottom by a funicular.

The museum has numerous galleries that spread out in multiple buildings. The Center holds the best and most valuable art collection in Los Angeles.

In addition to its extensive artwork collection and unique architecture, the Getty Center features an impressive garden. The Central Garden, designed by artist Robert Irwin, sprawls over 134,000 square feet of green space. You can easily spend an entire day here, admiring the outstanding art collections. 

There are several options for lunch at the Getty Center. If you’re looking for a substantial lunch, there are two on-site cafés and a fine dining restaurant.  Or you can just grab a bite between the exhibits at one of the several snack carts around the museum courtyard.

LACMA vs the Getty Center

I sometimes get asked whether I would recommend the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) or the Getty Center. This is a difficult decision to make since they are outstanding art museums. If you are strictly interested in art, then you should go to LACMA as it has a more comprehensive art collection. However, I would choose Getty over LACMA simply because it also has an outstanding location, beautiful gardens, and more varied art collections. Note that the Getty Villa is a separate museum where their antiquities are kept. 

Visit the Griffith Observatory (free!)

You can end up your 2nd day in L.A. with a sunset visit at the Griffith Observatory. The Observatory features space-related exhibits, star shows in the planetarium, and a telescope.

Admission to the Observatory building, grounds, and telescopes is always free. However, you will have to buy tickets for the planetarium show.

The grounds of the Observatory are very beautiful, featuring some terraces from where you get a bird-eye view of the entire valley. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Santa Monica from up here.

The best time to visit the Observatory is the late afternoon towards the evening when you can stick around to see the sunset and the city lights.

To get to the Griffith Observatory you can either rent a car , use public transportation, share a ride, bike, or walk via N Vermont Canyon Rd (2 miles). Parking near the Observatory costs $8.00 per hour, but is very limited. 

Don’t Miss the Hollywood Sign !

On the opposite hill, right across from the Griffith Observatory, you can catch an unobstructed view of the Hollywood Sign, one of the most iconic sights in Los Angeles.

The worldwide symbol of the U.S. movie industry has a very dull and uninteresting beginning. Many people believe the Hollywood Sign was part of a movie set, but it was actually an outdoor billboard for a real-estate development.

No Los Angeles itinerary would be complete without a visit to the famous Hollywood. As touristy as this place may be, it should be part of your L.A. list of attractions. Especially if this is your first time in the city! 

Hollywood enjoys an international reputation like no other place in the world. Although some parts of the area are undeniably derelict, Hollywood still sparkles with glamor. 

Walk the Sunset Strip (free!)

You can start your last day in Los Angeles with a walk on the famous Sunset Strip. The strip is the 1.5 -mile stretch of Sunset Boulevard that passes through West Hollywood. Sunset Boulevard extends from Hollywood all the way to Beverly Hills.

The Sunset Strip is home to flashy boutiques, high end restaurants and nightclubs, as well as huge, colorful billboards. And it’s not impossible to bump into a celebrity at one of the hotel bars in West Hollywood, or in one of the high-end boutiques on Rodeo Drive, in Beverly Hills.

Visit the Chinese Theater (free!)

The Chinese Theater became famous for being the venue of the  Academy Awards  ceremony from 1944-1946. But most visitors are lured here by the celebrity handprints and footprints in the concrete of the theater’s forecourt.

The tradition began during the theater construction, when one of the Hollywood legends at the time accidentally stepped into the wet cement outside the building.

Instead of covering the imprint, theater owner Sid Grauman encouraged other celebrities to repeat the “mistake.” And so it all began. The courtyard is usually cluttered with tourists trying to snap a shot of the famous imprints. 

In 2013, after extensive renovations, the The Chinese Theater was turned into a grandiose 923-seater IMAX auditorium that projects stunning quality movies. If interested, you can still watch a movie in this iconic landmark.

Tour the Dolby Theater

Right next to the Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard is Dolby Theater – the current and permanent home of the Academy Awards. Dolby Theatre opened its doors in 2001 as the Kodak Theatre . Its façade is at the front of the Hollywood & Highland Center, a nice shopping area with boutiques and souvenir shops.

You can take a guided tour of the theater all year round, except for the time leading up to the Academy Awards in February, when the Dolby Theater is off limits.

If the Oscars are your thing, you’ll find the tour very interesting. The guide will take you on the red carpet path that the celebrities follow from Hollywood Boulevard into the theatre. You’ll see the VIP Room, the Green Room and then you’ll go out onto the stage. You will also see where the actors seat while they wait to hear if their names will be called. 

Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame (free!)

The Walk of Fame is an internationally recognized Hollywood icon. It encompasses over 2,600 five-pointed stars made of terrazzo and brass and embedded in the sidewalks along Hollywood Boulevard. 

The stars bear the names of famous musicians, actors, directors and producers and are given in recognition to achievements in the entertainment industry. 

What began as a Chamber of Commerce marketing tactic, is today one of Los Angeles’s biggest magnets. It attracts an estimated 10 million visitors each year. You can read more about the history of the Walk of Fame  here .

Unfortunately, the Walk’s fame  (pun intended) ruins its appeal. It is always crowded with costumed characters offering to take pictures with the visitors, illegal street vendors handing out CDs and tickets, and shady characters.

Most people who ever visited the celebrated Walk of Fame will probably tell you it’s not worth your time. And truth be told, walking the entire 15 blocks (1.3 miles) from east to west on Hollywood Boulevard is not something I would recommend.

However, you shouldn’t skip this famous landmark if you are in Los Angeles for 3 days. Even if you only take a few steps up and down the street to see what the buzz is all about. 

Here are some more popular activities in Hollywood:

• Hollywood: Highlights Guided Walking Tour and Museum Visit
• Los Angeles: Hollywood Celebrity Homes Tour
• Los Angeles: The Official Hollywood Sign Hike

Tour the Disney Concert Hall (free)

Disney Hall has been one of L.A.’s top architectural landmarks since it opened in 2003. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the monumental structure resembles a sailing ship.

Audio tours are the most comprehensive way to explore the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The self-guided audio tour takes you through the concert hall’s history from conception to completion. The audio tour is complimentary for individuals or groups below 14 people and takes about 50 minutes.

The places of interest in Los Angeles are as spread out, so you won’t be able walk between them. Whether you have one, two, or three days in L.A. you’ll either have to rent a car , or use public transportation.

The best way to explore the city is definitely by car, but  driving in L.A. may be quite challenging. If you don’t want to face the city’s infernal traffic and tricky parking signs, you will be better off using public transportation. Plenty of Los Angeles neighborhoods are not only walkable, but connected to one another by train. The L.A. Metro system works good and has many stops.

By Public Transport

To use the Metro, purchase a TAP card at any Metro station from one of the vending machines.  The Red Line , which begins at the Union Station in downtown L.A, will take you to Los Feliz, Hollywood, and to Universal City (home of Universal Studios). 

The Purple Line  will take you through Koreatown, and  the Gold Line  goes through neighborhoods like Chinatown, Highland Park, and Little Tokyo.  The Expo Line  goes all the way to Santa Monica, just a short walk from the famous Santa Monica Pier and the beach.

Planning a 3 Day Los Angeles Itinerary

There are some  facts about Los Angeles  that you probably already know. But the first thing you should be aware of is that Los Angeles is MASSIVE! This fact pervades nearly all the advice that follows and will definitely influence your Los Angeles itinerary.

Los Angeles’s points of interest are spread quite far apart from each other, so don’t assume that you can figure out an itinerary as you go. Chances of stumbling upon a great site accidentally are quite slim.

Another important thing to know is that Los Angeles is very eclectic. It’s made up of hundreds of neighborhoods that look and feel quite different from each other.

Deciding what’s the best area to stay in Los Angeles as a visitor may be difficult. While Downtown L.A. is modern and contemporary, neighborhoods like Altadena, or North Hollywood, are way calmer and laid back.

In case you are asking yourself what would be the best time to travel to California , you should know there is no good or bad time for your trip. The weather is perfect almost year round and no matter when you visit, you’ll always have plenty to do in Los Angeles (even in December) .

However, you should be aware that during July and August temperatures sometimes climb up to 100ºF (or over!). That may be a concern for spending too much time outside (except for the beaches).

The area around Los Angeles is also full of natural parks and attractions, like the Vasquez Rocks Park, or Mormon Rocks, so if you have more than 3 days I suggest adding them to your itinerary as well.

Visiting L.A. is on many travelers’ bucket lists, but the costs involved scare many people away. The good news is that 3 days in Los Angeles won’t break the bank.

The best way to save money on sightseeing is to buy the Go Los Angeles Card . You can buy an all-inclusive card, or build-your-own. The all-inclusive card saves you up to 50% of the gate price for the attractions.

All you have to do is just pick the number of days you are in Los Angeles and you are ready to do unlimited sightseeing. The build-your-own card will save you only 20% of the gate ticket price, but you can choose to see only what interests you.

I hope this guide will help you make the most of your three day trip to L.A. and go home with some good memories. If you have more than 72 hours in the city, there are some great getaways from Los Angeles to consider

I wrote an in-depth post about the best areas to stay in Los Angeles as a tourist, so if you need more insight information you should check out this insider’s guide . There are many inexpensive hotels in the suburbs around L.A. that you can choose from. You can also choose to rent an entire house, or an apartment through AirBnB, or VRBO . If you want to check hotel prices in L.A. using the box below:

If you found this information helpful, please pin it to help others find the best itinerary for first time visitors to Los Angeles.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Los Angeles How to Spend One Perfect Day in L.A. Hidden Treasures of Los Angeles Los Angeles County Arboretum

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Reader Interactions

April 7, 2024 at 8:58 am

Thanks for informative blog

Shikha Sharma

January 10, 2024 at 9:38 pm

Well-Written article! Your post is commendable. I am a travel-loving person and also I like to know more about different places. I don’t know about this place. I searched travel blogs and found this blog. This place looks very beautiful. I would like to add it to my bucket list.

July 1, 2023 at 1:00 am

Los Angeles would be a dream to visit! I wish i could visit in one day!

March 24, 2023 at 5:09 am

It was a very nice introduction article, you explained it in every detail.

C.M. Chamber

March 9, 2022 at 10:05 am

This article is very helpful! We are headed out in a week. Just wanted to ask rent a car or Uber/Lyft? We’re staying in Hollywood at a hotel so I’m debating the cost of parking/rental vs. Uber/Lyft. Any info is helpful thanks!

March 9, 2022 at 11:32 am

Renting a car in L.A. is pretty inconvenient. Gas is expensive, parking fees are huge, traffic is a nightmare! Even if you break even with Uber/Lyft, it’s still worth saving yourself the hassle of driving in Los Angeles.

Go Wander Wild

August 24, 2021 at 12:48 am

This Los Angeles guide is incredibly helpful. You’ve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!

August 24, 2021 at 8:55 am

Thank you for your helpful feedback.

March 3, 2022 at 9:36 pm

This is very helpful, great little weekend guide to a great la. Vacation thank you so much.😊✌

November 20, 2020 at 1:41 am

I absolutely love this post! So many great places to visit in Los Angeles. I can hardly wait for my trip.

February 13, 2020 at 7:35 am

This is an amazing itenarary and I will be following this when I visit LA for the first time in April. I just wanted to ask if you recommend any hotel or Air BnB which is family friendly and local to using Hollywood and all these attractions? x

February 13, 2020 at 10:54 am

Hi Taj, thank you for your nice comment. I’m really glad if my information was helpful to you. I don’t have a specific recommendation for you, as Los Angeles is such a huge area. However, I always use VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner) which is very similar to AirBnB. They have lower prices and don’t charge booking fees.For hotels and other resource recommendations, you can also check my Travel Resource Page . Hope you’ll find the information helpful.

October 26, 2019 at 9:33 pm

Hi I am going for the first time to LA for 3 days.In which area should i stay so that the itinerary listed above would be more convenient.i would be using public transportation. Any suggestion would be truly appreciated. Thanks.

Anda Galffy

October 28, 2019 at 5:05 am

Hi Sam, the best place for you is to stay in Santa Monica, or Pacific Palisades. It would be however more efficient if you could rent a car. While public transportation works all right, it’s more time consuming taking the bus.

Catherine Salvador Mendoza

September 19, 2019 at 3:53 am

Oh, Malibu! One of my dream beaches because of Rhianna! HAHA! Anyway, love the itinerary that the first day includes a beach. I’m a big fan of beaches and whenever I read posts and itis including beaches, makes me happy! LA is a place in the US I’ve been dreaming too, aside from New York! Great tips you got as well, I think having a car tho is the best way to be able to free roam!

September 18, 2019 at 6:54 pm

I didn’t realize that LA is so spread out, so it’s really helpful to have a suggested itinerary to focus on highlights. And it’s good to know that renting a car is the easiest to explore but that we should manage our expectations with it being very traffic heavy.

September 17, 2019 at 2:16 pm

I love the highlights of L.A. I love going to the beautiful beaches and shopping! LA is so fun! xo – Kam

September 16, 2019 at 10:37 pm

Great itinerary. Didn’t know there is a Venice beach there. Walk of Fame sounds interesting and makes me curious too. Thanks for highlighting the free things to do in LA.

Linda (LD Holland)

September 16, 2019 at 6:38 pm

This is a timely post. We are doing a cruise in and out of LA. So were wondering what to do when we arrive for a few days before the cruise. On our last visit we stayed in Santa Monica but it might be fun to return. We missed spending time in Malibu so maybe that would be a good place to visit. It would be great to head to the Griffith Observatory for a panoramic view. A good tip to head there at sunset. We will defiantly check out public transit. We really don’t want to drive in the city.

September 17, 2019 at 10:39 am

I strongly recommend driving up to the Observatory. It’s a great spot to admire the city from above.

September 16, 2019 at 1:58 pm

Great guide with all the LA highlights. It is a fascinating city with so much to do. When we first moved to Los Angeles, the size and scale of the city blew us away. Love how you have organized the itinerary into bite-sized chunks. Out of curiosity, is there any reason you left out the Hollywood Sign? This was on our to-do list when we first moved. Regardless, great post and agree driving is the best way to get around.

September 17, 2019 at 10:38 am

I didn’t leave it out. It’s actually included in the trip to the Griffith Observatory. You can see the sign from there. I don’t think it’s worth hiking to the actual sign itself if you only have 3 days in L.A.

September 15, 2019 at 8:31 pm

I need to get to Venice Beach and check out the free-spirited Venice Boardwalk. It does have such a bohemian vibe to it. I’ve only been to LA on a stopover so I haven’t seen many of these places except for the Walk of Fame.

September 17, 2019 at 10:40 am

Then it’s time for a return trip, Nicole.

September 15, 2019 at 7:39 pm

You got a great photo of downtown LA. I could spend weeks just hanging out at Santa Monica, Malibu and Venice. I went to Grad School in LA and would drive up to the Observatory and stare out at the city lights at night. LA is so big, It really is incredible

September 17, 2019 at 10:36 am

I didn’t know you lived in LA, Sherianne.

Elaine Masters

September 15, 2019 at 5:21 pm

Definitely some great advice here. I’m partial to some of the museums as there are many unique options. Love the idea of being a tourist in LA. Great pictures as always.

Nicole LaBarge

September 14, 2019 at 10:38 pm

I think the 72 miles of coastline is a big driver! I’ve only been to LA once but I want to go back to the the Santa Monica Pier and visit there. I loved the walk of Fame when I was there!

April 2, 2019 at 11:43 am

I haven’t been to the US yet, but I am sure when I make it to the US, I would like to visit Los Angeles. I didn’t know that renting a car is the best way to go around in LA. I also didn’t know how big LA is. It seems so huge. I usually see a lot of photos of Venice beach since many content creators live around by. Thanks for the piece. I found it so useful

April 2, 2019 at 3:09 am

It’s been nearly 20 years since my last visit to LA. I’d like to go back and do it properly. I didn’t realize that the Hollywood sign isn’t lit up at night and spent a lot of time trying to find it unsuccessfully in the dark after attending an awards show. So a return visit is due and I’d definitely like to see the Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach and finally actually see the Hollywood sign.

April 1, 2019 at 10:19 pm

This is the most comprehensive article introducing LA for first timers. I have not been there but for me, public transport any day. Helps me to do other things than watching for the cars on road :). Except probably for places not well connected, if any.

April 1, 2019 at 4:51 am

Massive indeed, and patience is vital. I have not taken the Metro in LA but think that is a huge tip! This a great itinerary and the Griffith Observatory is not to be missed

April 1, 2019 at 9:33 am

If you can drive, is better.

March 31, 2019 at 11:30 pm

I live in LA and have done all the above but I must say, there is so much to see/do here in LA and you have put some of the must do things together in this beautiful post on what to see as a tourist. All the places you’ve listed are the MUST do things for everyone who’s visiting LA

March 31, 2019 at 1:25 pm

I’ve been to L.A. a few times, including my senior trip, many moons ago. My step brother actually lives in Santa Monica. I’ve seen all of these things except the Observatory. If I even went back, I would go there for sure. When I went to Venice Beach, I couldn’t believe everything I was seeing. I was just 17 at that time. There was an outside gym then, full of muscle bound people. The crowds in L.A. are quite overwhelming to me though. Thanks for the introduction to the Observatory.

April 1, 2019 at 9:37 am

The Griffith Observatory is quite interesting to visit and it’s famous for its gorgeous views.

March 31, 2019 at 4:35 am

What a great guide to LA for first-timers. I have only visited Santa Monica, but would love to get to the Getty Center and the hand and foot prints at the Chinese theatre. I’ve wanted to visit the Griffith Observatory since seeing La La Land!

March 31, 2019 at 2:57 am

I never done LA before but hope to do it in the near future but for me, I think I would like to check out the beaches more than the touristy stuff. I am more into nature. Can you still hike up to the Hollywood sign?

April 1, 2019 at 9:35 am

No, you can’t tile to the Hollywood sign.

Carol Colborn

March 30, 2019 at 4:35 pm

It’s good my granddaughter works and lives in Santa Monica. It’s also good that I have covered Day 2 except for the Griffith Observatory. I have also not gone to the Getty Center.

March 28, 2019 at 11:07 pm

I visited LA almost half a decade ago and it’s a pity that I didn’t rent a car and drive to Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach and Malibu. I’ve always regretted that. I don’t think I’d like to drive within the city itself, however, given the traffic and as you said, confusing parking signs! But it’s good that there’s the metro for that 🙂 I had some friends who were nice enough to take me around back then but they’re not there anymore. If I make it back to LA someday, I’d have to find my own way. Definitely making it to the beautiful coast next time!

blair villanueva

March 28, 2019 at 10:31 pm

Thanks for sharing your LA itinerary guide. My other family side lives in LA and some in Santa Barbara, and they all telling me how awesome living in there (even there are many challenges as well, cost of living isn’t cheap though). Someday I will visit my family in LA and have a trip using your guide!

March 28, 2019 at 4:45 pm

I’m yet to head to the American continent and when I do definitely I’d want to visit LA. I’ve heard so much about Malibu beach so definitely it would be in my list. The water is so pristine. I’ve not seen star fishes in wild before. I might just spend an entire day in Malibu.

March 28, 2019 at 6:33 pm

Hope you’ll make it here someday.

March 28, 2019 at 4:19 pm

I have not been to LA in years and years and I would really love to go back one day. The traffic in LA is however such a put off and whilst I would prefer to have the freedom of my own car, I’m not sure I can handle the traffic. Santa Monica Pier looks like so much fun despite the crazy crowds. I guess that just comes with the territory. Those muscle men still at Venice Beach? I’d love to go to the Getty Center….that is my kind of place. And shopping….. I could go crazy!

I agree, the traffic here is a nightmare.

Jane Dempster-Smith

March 27, 2019 at 4:12 pm

This is a perfect 3 day itinerary. In the past I have only spent a day in Los Angeles just passing through and I have really missed out on all the sights. At the top of my list would be the Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A great tip about going to the Observatory late in the afternoon to see the sunsets and the lights below.

Sinjana Ghosh

March 27, 2019 at 11:59 am

I have never visited Los Angeles so this is a great itinerary to begin with. Will keep in mind the vastness and not try to squeeze too much. I think the Santa Mobica beach itself will cover half of the day with all the activities. The sunset strip will be on my list for sure. I understand your point about the walk of fame, I will probably just walk around it for some time and then leave. I don’t find those places particularly interesting but I dont want to miss out on the most celebrated place in Los Angeles either.

March 27, 2019 at 6:43 am

Visiting the beach is one of our favorite things to do anytime our destination is nearby. Venice Beach most likely won’t shock me with its colorful graffiti, street performers, and funky shops. I’ve seen it all!

I’m also game for a laid back experience at Malibu beach, one of my favorite beaches.

March 26, 2019 at 7:55 am

Great post! As a local, I definitely think a car is necessary as our public transportation isn’t very reliable/safe and the city is just so spread out! The things you mentioned always top the list of our visitors and 3 days is the perfect amount of time to hit them all up.

March 26, 2019 at 6:09 am

Hello thanks, Anda for sharing such kind of valuable tips and the images you have used its really appreciable. LA is really a home to some of the USA’s best beaches and each one has its own unique character. I will definitely travel there!!

March 25, 2019 at 4:27 pm

Great tips for a first time visit. I’m passing this along to a friend who will be visiting in May for her first time.

March 25, 2019 at 10:07 pm

Thanks, Jill. Hope your friend will make some use of this information.

Rhonda Albom

March 24, 2019 at 1:38 am

I have been to L.A. many times yet I have not done it all. The Getty Center sounds interesting and it is one of the places I have never visited. I also never walked the Sunset Strip. Thanks for some good recommendations.

March 24, 2019 at 1:55 am

Next time you come here I’ll take you on the Sunset Strip, Rhonda.

March 22, 2019 at 9:33 pm

Great post! I just came back from LA myself. Did a two-day getaway and checked out Hollywood, Santa Monica, USC, Chinatown, and the LA City Hall. You are right about there being plenty of shady people in the Walk of Fame area. I’ll be writing about my visit there on my blog and how I fell for a scam there – come check it out in a few days!

July 24, 2023 at 9:39 am

Thanks 🙏🏼 for the great tips! I’d like to see comedy stand up gigs and drag queen gigs. But I heard LA is dangerous at night in the streets. Are these comedy places in downtown LA (where I plan to stay)? Would you recommend LACMA or Getty Center? Thanks again

July 25, 2023 at 11:58 am

I’m glad you found this information useful, Fabi. Downtown L.A. is overall a very safe area, but I would advise you to stay away from Chinatown at night. In regards to stand-up comedy places, I’ve heard there is a very good comedy theater in downtown called “The Nitecap,” but I didn’t go there personally.

As for LACMA vs the Getty Center, if you are strictly interested in art go to LACMA as it has a more comprehensive collection. However, I would choose Getty over LACMA simply because it also has an outstanding location, beautiful gardens, and more varied art collections. Note that the Getty Villa is a separate museum where their antiquities are kept. Hope this helps.

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Girl Eat World

A girl's adventure in food and travel around the world, optimal los angeles itinerary for first time visitors.

I used to live in LA for a long time – ten years to be exact. I spent a good chunk of my formative year growing up in the suburb of LA before getting thrown straight into the heart of the city when I attended UCLA for my undergrad studies.

Safe to say, I spent my best years in LA. I love the city so much and I want to help make your stay here to be as enjoyable as possible. So, I’ve put together a Los Angeles itinerary that is hopefully easy to follow for you, whether you’re spending just a weekend in LA, or a whole week and more.

It’s going to be a long one, so buckle up!

Before we go on, I wanted to say my special thanks to my good friend Kat for being a true champ. This post would not have been possible without her. Kat and I met a long time ago when we were both students at UCLA. She continued to live in LA while I moved across the world to Singapore.

When I was in LA visiting her, she drove me around LA. And I do mean, EVERYWHERE which is not an easy feat in a city as trafficky as LA! We even went to all the parts that we didn’t get to explore as the poor car-less students that we were.

Thank you so much, Kat!! <3

Okay so without further ado, here is everything I know about visiting Los Angeles.

• Tips for visiting Los Angeles
• How to drive in Los Angeles
• Parking in Los Angeles
• Public Transportation in Los Angeles
• How much time should I spend in Los Angeles?
• When is the best time to visit Los Angeles?
• Where to stay in Los Angeles
• Day 1: Central LA (Hollywood)
• Day 2: Historic Downtown LA
• Day 3: Westside LA (The beach!)
• Day 4: Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
• Day 5 onward: Day Trip Ideas from LA

My tips for visiting Los Angeles

To make your visit to LA more enjoyable, here are some of my tips:

1. Get a travel pass to save money! – There are lots of things to visit and do in LA, which means you’ll spend money on those activities. Getting a travel pass could ease the pain!

Here are a few travel passes you can consider:

• Go City Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass – If you are only in LA for less than a week and plan to see as many attractions as possible, it’s usually worth it to get the Go City All-Inclusive Pass to cover you for some of those days. The pass will already pay for itself if you plan to get the multi-day card and plan to visit one of the amusement parks (except Disneyland) – check the list of attractions here .

To make it easier for you, I’ll leave note in the itinerary below which landmarks are included with the Go City All-Inclusive Pass.

• Go City Explorer Pass – On the other hand, if you decide that you only want to visit a few select attractions, you can consider this instead. The Explorer Pass entitles you to see these attractions at your own pace – the pass is valid for 60 days and you can select any 2-7 attractions.

2. Book ahead an airport pick up from LAX . Unless you plan to rent a car straight from the airport, this is the best way to get to your hotel from the airport. You can book a private Airport pick up here . Otherwise, you can consider looking at a shuttle bus. It’s cheaper than taking a taxi or ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft.

3. Rent a car. Book a car rental that you can pick up and return at LAX here . Why? Public transportation in LA, though arguably better than what it was before, is not the best – I’ll talk more about this later . Taxis must be booked in advance, and ride-sharing could get expensive. Trust me, I didn’t have a car when I was living in LA, and it was a nightmare. For more information on driving in LA, check out the next section of this blog driving in Los Angeles , which includes things like parking in LA.

4. If you cannot drive , then your best bet is to go by tour or sightseeing tours or bus. While it might not be the most efficient way, it will still take you to all the places you’d want to see in LA. Here are some tours that would take you to most of the must-do activities in LA and include hotel pick-up:

• Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches, and More
• The Best of LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Griffith Park +More

Tip: The Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus 1-Day Classic Tour could be a great option and is included with the Go City All-Inclusive Pass . It normally costs US$ 46 per adult.

5. Take note of the opening time of the attractions you want to see. For example, The Getty and the Griffith Observatory are closed on Mondays and Getty Villa is closed on Tuesdays. So generally, the latter half of the week (Wednesday – Sunday) is the best time to visit LA if you are interested.

6. Learn how to tip the American way – yes, I know, the tipping culture in the US baffles every visitor. It’s confusing! But, you don’t want to shortchange someone just because you disagree with this social norm. The most common instance where you’ll need to tip is when eating at a restaurant. The general rule of thumb is to tip 15% for average service, 20% for great service, and 25% for exceptional service. You don’t need to tip at establishments where the food is not served to you. Fast food, bakeries, or dessert places are examples of these types of establishments, but it certainly would be nice if you felt the staff did an exceptional job. You also don’t need to tip ride-sharing drivers (but again, it is always nice to), but you must tip taxi drivers.

7. Watch out for the CA sales tax! In California, you’re subjected to a sales tax every time you make a purchase. This sales tax is usually not included in the stated price and will be charged upon payment. In Los Angeles, the sales tax is 9.50%. So for example, say you see a nice purse for $30 – it will actually ring up as $32.85 when you pay for it.

8.  Wise Card  worked super well in the US  – If you’re an international visitor like myself, definitely get yourself  a Wise Debit Card . You’ll save on foreign transaction fees with it. I never had to use cash when I was in NYC and  San Francisco !

9. Be at the beach in the late afternoon for sunset – You’ll see some of the best sunsets of your life, so plan to be at the beach during sunset time! I recommend visiting Santa Monica Beach or Venice Beach around 5 PM.

10. Last but not least – HAVE FUN! I feel like most of my travel tips have been negative, but trust me, it will all be worth it. I just wanted you to be mentally prepared to be able to enjoy this special city.

How to drive a car in LA

Ask anyone and they’ll tell you that driving is pretty much a requirement if you want to explore Los Angeles. Aside from the vast area, you would need to cover, there isn’t a good public transportation infrastructure in LA.

Anyone can drive and rent a car in LA so long as they have a valid driving license. Good news for international tourists – you don’t need an International Driving License to drive in California . But you DO need a valid driving license from your country of residence.

What is the driving requirement in California? See the DMV page on California driving requirements .

Once you’ve secured a vehicle, be prepared to deal with the LA traffic. You can try to avoid it, but I’ve been told traffic is bad all day long. You just have to accept it and plan your day around it. Be prepared to factor in extra driving time.

Also, make sure you are a confident driver. LA drivers are notoriously aggressive drivers. You’ll also be doing a lot of street parking so make sure you know how to parallel park.

Last but not least, practice basic safety to ensure your car doesn’t become a target for car break-ins – don’t leave anything visible in the seats (bags, earphones, or other small electronics). Always take your valuables with you.

Parking and car parks in Los Angeles

Another thing you need to learn about is how the car park works here. And let me tell you, parking is expensive in LA, especially in the Downtown area. There are usually parking lots with either an hourly rate (capped to a certain amount per session) or a flat rate regardless of how long you park your car. In the downtown area , this is usually a steep flat rate of US$12-15, so you’ll want to keep your car in the same lot while you’re sightseeing. You can refer to this map to plan your parking before coming to downtown LA.

The cheaper way to park your car is to find street parking , which is sometimes metered or sometimes free, but obviously, these are super coveted spots and everyone wants them. Don’t bank on it, but if you do find a street parking spot, make sure you pay attention to the signs since street parking is usually only allowed at certain hours and there might be a block out time for street cleaning.

If you’re lucky you might be visiting a museum/restaurant/shopping mall that offers validated parking , meaning they’ll cover your parking cost or offer discounted parking up to certain hours, so keep looking out for that too!

And again, please take note to not leave any valuables in the car or even leave anything small on the car seat that can be seen from outside, because it might make you a target for car break-ins.

Taking Public Transportation in LA

I came from Singapore, where public transport is probably the best in the world. So I can’t say I was impressed by public transport in LA, but in retrospect, it’s not too bad. It’s still not the most comprehensive, but at least it’s not nearly non-existent like how it was when I lived here ten years ago!

Here is a quick rundown of the two types of services you’d likely take as a tourist in LA:

• The LA Metro – The metro is a transportation agency consisting of rails and buses. Their rail lines now take you from downtown LA to Santa Monica! This is something that didn’t exist when I was in college.
• DASH Bus service – LADOT (short for Los Angeles Department of Transportation)’s bus service that services mostly downtown. Free with the TAP card you use to ride the metro.

To use the above services, you need to get a TAP card online . If you have a smartphone, you can even just pay for the fares through the app instead of a physical card. Then, you can buy a 1-day, 7-day, or 30-day pass for unlimited rides if you’re in LA for longer.

How much time should I spend in LA?

Let me start by saying that LA is a HUGE city and the landmarks are spread apart from each other. Ideally, you should try to spend 5-7 days here if you don’t want to be rushed and want to see everything.

But if you are okay with missing out on certain stuff, you can still see a good amount of stuff in just 3-4 days, or even a weekend if you’re good at organizing your time. After all, you can always come back 😉

When is the best time to visit LA?

So this is why I love LA so much – the weather here is simply the best. It’s great to visit all year round! The summers are not too hot, and the winters are not too cold. Spring and Fall are just downright beautiful. California tends to be dry, so you don’t have to worry too much about rain ruining your travel.

However, forest fires have unfortunately become a common occurrence in California, so be prepared if you’re visiting when it’s forest fire season. Pay attention to the news!

Where to stay in LA

There isn’t a specific area you can stay in LA where everything will be close by. No matter where you visit, you’ll likely still have to drive. That said, here are some recommendations!

If you have a high budget then staying in Downtown LA or West Hollywood is great for that LA feel. Here are some notable hotels if you need ideas:

• Chateau Marmont – Aside from being one of the most iconic hotels in Los Angeles, this hotel is also frequented by A-list celebrities.
• Ace Hotel DTLA – A historic hotel right in the heart of Downtown LA. The building interior is a spectacle on its own.
• The Beverly Hills Hotel – One of the world’s best-known hotels located on Sunset Blvd. It is said that “Hotel California” by the Eagles is based on this hotel.

Otherwise, if you want a more chill beach vibe then I recommend staying closer to the coastline in Santa Monica or Venice Beach. Bonus: It’s also close to LAX!

• HI Los Angeles – Santa Monica Hostel – This is a hostel so expect basic amenities. You can stay in a bunk bed or opt for a private room.
• The Georgian Hotel – This hotel caught my eye during my visit as it looks straight out of a Wes Anderson movie. Aside from that, the location is also really good – right in front of the beach and within walking distance of the Santa Monica Pier.
• Venice Breeze Suites – Located within walking distance of Venice boardwalk. Venice Beach can be a bit noisy and kind of dodgy at night, but it’s still one of the best places to enjoy LA.

The Must-Do Los Angeles Itinerary

To visualize the itinerary better, I’ve created a Google Maps link that marks all the routes and landmarks I’ll mention in this blog.

Here is the complete LA Itinerary map (If you can’t see the map, click here ):

🗺 Save this map to your phone!  If you are a Google user, click on the image of the map above. The map will then be saved to your “Recent” maps viewed.  Click here for instructions on how to view the map later . It will work from your phone too.

I hope you can see why I keep saying LA is huge. Most of the landmarks and points of interest are not concentrated in one place. But don’t worry! This is why I’ve grouped the activities into one area for each day, so you can plan and optimize your time in LA.

Here is a quick look at the areas we’ll be covering in this itinerary:

• Day 5 etc: Day Trip Ideas from LA

PS: If you are getting a travel pass, the Go City All-Inclusive Pass is mostly useful on Day 1 and 2. If you want to visit an amusement park though, it’s still worth it by adding extra days.

Here is a Los Angeles itinerary for your first visit:

Day 1: Central LA (The Hollywood Route)

This itinerary will take you through what LA is best known for – the fame, glamor, and glitz of Hollywood. On my LA Map itinerary, The Hollywood Route is marked in Purple . Here is the same itinerary map zoomed to just the Central LA portion:

Open Map on a new window

1. The Hollywood Sign & Griffith Observatory

Start your morning by going up to the Griffith Observatory. It’s a great place to see Los Angeles city from above, as well as the famous Hollywood sign. Contrary to popular belief though, you can’t get too close to the Hollywood sign since the area around it are private properties. If you do, it might be considered trespassing unless you know the owners of the lands.

The Griffith Observatory itself is an interesting place to visit, but very limited availability. Please also take note that it’s closed on Mondays . Admission is free though! ( Click here for information on Griffith Observatory )

⛰ Tip: If you fancy a hike, a Hollywood Hills Hike tour is included with the Go City All-Inclusive Pass (normally US $28 per person). They depart at 10 AM and take 2.5 hours, so plan carefully whether you have time for this given all the other stuff you’d want to do for the rest of the day.

2. Hollywood Walk of Fame

Make your way down to Hollywood Blvd for the Walk of Fame, where you can see the star-studded sidewalk, literally! The Walk of Fame is where 2,600 Hollywood entertainers have earned the achievement of a lifetime, in the form of a 5-point star embedded in the sidewalk along the street.

3. Grauman’s Chinese Theater (TCL Chinese Theater)

Down the street from the Walk of Fame is the famous Chinese Theater, a theater whose decor was modeled after the red Chinese pagoda. It is the site where countless blockbuster movies held their global premiere, including the 1977 George Lucas’ Star Wars!

The theater has changed ownership a few times and changed names because of that – it was originally named Grauman’s Chinese Theater, but to me, it was known as Mann’s Chinese Theater. And now, the official name currently is TCL Chinese Theater!

Aside from being the site of major premieres, the theater is also known for housing over 200 handprints and footprints of famous Hollywood celebrities in the front yard of the theater.

Tip: If you fancy a tour, they have a VIP 30-minute walking tour that runs daily ( check the schedule here ) and is included with Go City All-Inclusive Pass (which normally costs US$ 14 per person). Note that if you take this tour, then you cannot go to Hollywood Museum using the Go City All-Inclusive Pass anymore.

4. Kodak Theater (Dolby Theater)

This theater is perhaps best known for hosting the ultimate Hollywood event – the Academy Awards (aka the Oscars) since 2002. The Kodak Theater has been officially known as Dolby Theater since 2012, but it will always be Kodak Theater for long-time LA residents – such as myself, I suppose. I moved away before the name change and was shocked when I found out!

Tip: They used to have a guided tour that runs daily every half hour from 10 AM – 4 PM, but now it runs more on the latter half of the week (check the schedule here ). The tour is included with Go City All-Inclusive Pass . The tour takes 30 minutes.

5. Hollywood Museum

Across the street from the Chinese Theater is the Hollywood Museum, where you can learn about the history of Hollywood and see props, costumes, and scripts from classic movies.

Tip: Admission is included with Go City All-Inclusive Pass (normally US $15 per person) if you didn’t go for a tour at the Chinese Theater.

6. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

If you love museums, definitely stop by here. You’ll probably recognize it right away from the famous Urban Light installation by Chris Burden , placed prominently at the entrance of the museum on Wilshire Blvd, a major street in LA.

Check out the museum during the day if you want to go in (it only opens till 5 PM), but if you’re just there for the Urban Lights then you can come at night since it is open 24 hours and it’s beautifully lit up when the sun goes down.

7. LA’s Farmers Market & The Grove

One block away from LACMA is LA Farmers Market , a fun place to people-watch, grab a bite, and get some refreshments. They are open every day ( click here for more information ).

Right next to it is The Grove , possibly the most beautiful open-air shopping center I’ve ever been to.

8. Rodeo Drive

Rodeo Drive is LA’s most luxurious street, known for its high-end stores, celebrity sightings, and the very fancy cars that often line up the very regular street parking spots. Keep your eyes peeled when you’re here, you never know who you might run into!

Where to eat/drink in Central LA

• Pink’s Hot Dogs – It’s a must-visit in LA. Started as a pushcart in 1939, Pink’s has now become a historic road site spot in LA, serving creative hot dogs.
• Urth Caffe – Organic coffee, tea, and healthy breakfast made from local ingredients. They are mostly known to be frequented by celebrities. There are eight locations around LA now, but the one in Melrose is probably the most convenient to go with your itinerary. It also has the highest chance of celebrity sightings.
• The Griddle Cafe – The place for indulgent hearty American breakfast. Think red velvet pancakes and the like.
• In-N-Out Burger – You haven’t been to California if you did not have In-N-Out. Period. There is a branch near the Chinese Theater on Sunset Blvd, so don’t miss this one!
• LA’s Farmers Market – Great place to get local produce and snacks.
• Yamashiro Hollywood – This place has been here forever! I remember coming here for a date back when I was in college. It’s located on top of a hill, so you’ll get a great view with your meal too.
• Lawry’s The Prime Rib – You might have seen them as the brand for seasoned salt in your grocery store, but Lawry’s is originally a famous steak house that has been around in LA since 1938. Their creamed corn is the best!

Day 2: Historic DTLA (Downtown LA)

This itinerary takes you through the modern, rugged downtown of LA, and what makes the city tick. Most of the landmarks on this route are close to each other and very walkable.

TIP: This is the only itinerary on this post that is potentially walkable or can be done through public transport. If you aren’t already staying in downtown LA, you can just arrange transport to DTLA, as you might not need a car for this day with everything being within walking distance.

On my LA Map itinerary, The DTLA Route is marked in Green . Here is the same itinerary map zoomed to just the DTLA portion:

Optional: Walking Tours!

I included this portion because the downtown LA area is just rich with history and very walkable and I think it’s worth paying extra for some local knowledge. Here are some walking tours you can consider:

• Old and New Downtown Los Angeles Walking Tour
• Downtown Los Angeles Architecture Walking Tour
• Los Angeles Beginnings Walking Tour
• If you are here on a Saturday, check out the walking tour by Los Angeles Conservancy . The tour costs $15 per person and they have tons of interesting options!

1. Bradbury Building

Start your morning at the Blue Bottle Coffee downstairs of the Bradbury Building. Bradbury Building is a prominent architectural landmark in LA. Built in 1893, it still retains the original design open-caged elevator and exquisite ironwork that gave this place its fame, in addition to being featured in famous movies, music videos, and television shows (how very LA of this building, right?). It is also most well known as one of the shooting locations for the 1982 Blade Runner sci-fi movie.

2. The Last Bookstore

Just a block away from Bradbury Building, this independent bookstore was made famous thanks to the round of photos on Instagram, and rightfully so – they house a handful of very Instagrammable beautiful creative art displays, with a theme centered around, well, books.

3. Grand Central Market & Angel’s Flight Railway

Right around the corner from Bradbury Building and The Last Bookstore is Grand Central Market. You can settle down here for lunch with lots of options. I recommend checking out the oyster bar or checking out Eggslut for a popular Egg sandwich.

Then, right across the street from Grand Central Market is Angel’s Flight, a funicular railway that connects Downtown LA to Bunker Hill. The ride lasts no more than thirty seconds and costs $1. Nowadays it’s regarded as a tourist novelty, but a fair amount of locals still use the railway too.

4. The Broad

Make your way down to The Broad, a contemporary art museum. And in true LA fashion, tickets to the museum are free but parking will cost you an arm and a leg. So if you’re already parked somewhere nearby, just leave your car and walk over here. The museum is closed on Mondays ( click here for more info on visiting the broad )

The Broad is yet another place that has been made even more popular by Instagram in recent years – thanks to the famous Yayoi Kusama installation “ Infinity Mirrored Rooms “, which is currently on view at The Broad.

If you’re there mainly for the Kusama installation though, be prepared to line up. The good thing is they have put in a virtual queue system that will notify you when your number is up, so you can use the waiting time to wander around the rest of The Broad! More instructions on visiting Infinity Mirrored Rooms are here .

But aside from the famous Kusama installation (which I did not bother waiting for), I think The Broad has a solid offering of modern art – you can see works by famous contemporary artists like Takashi Murakami, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jeff Koons.

5. Walt Disney Concert Hall

Before leaving The Broad, you can walk around the building and check out Disney Concert Hall. You don’t have to go in, but I think the facade from the outside is such an architectural delight.

But if you’re interested, you can go for a complimentary guided tour or self-guided audio tour which runs in the mornings at around 10 am – 3 pm (please check for availability!)

6. Grammy Museum

If music is your thing you might be interested in visiting the Grammy Museum too, where you can learn about the history and past winners of the Grammys. There are some paid exhibitions too.

Tip: The Grammy Museum is closed on Tuesdays . Admission is included with Go City All-Inclusive Pass (normally US$ 18 per person).

6. Olvera Street / El Pueblo Historic District

Los Angeles is nothing without its Mexican community – even the name of the city “Los Angeles” is in Spanish! So, end your day by visiting the colorful Mexican marketplace at Olvera Street. First opened on easter in 1930, the street now houses shops, restaurants, and souvenir shops. You can take the bus DASH Downtown Route A to get there .

The market is open every day, but most merchants are only open 10 am – 5 pm. Click here for more information on visiting . If you’re lucky, you might be there during one of the big events such as Dia De Los Muertos in October or Cinco de Mayo in May – check their calendar here !

7. Arts District

If you still have time after Olvera Street, you can walk over to the Arts District. The arts district was a pretty run-down, sketchy part of LA, but had undergone a major clean-up under its iconic mayor Joel Bloom. Nowadays, it houses many trendy restaurants, cafes, and breweries! You can take the bus DASH Downtown Route A to get there .

Where to eat/drink in Downtown LA

• Blue Bottle Coffee – I know they are not originally from LA, but there is one right downstairs of the Bradbury Building so you might as well try the coffee here if you haven’t before.
• Grand Central Market – Great place to visit with a group and sample many different things at once.
• Eggslut – This breakfast fast-food restaurant became a viral success back in 2011. The most popular item is “The Slut”, which is a coddled egg on top of a smooth potato puree, poached in a glass jar and served with toasty crostini. There is a branch in Grand Central Market!
• Koreatown – Or locally known as K-town. I’m a huge fan of Korean cuisine , but I find the ones in LA are often even better than in South Korea itself. I recommend checking out BCD Tofu House if you do decide to go.
• Ave 26 Tacos at Little Tokyo – The original location is a little bit out of the way, but now there is a location in Little Tokyo! You don’t get more LA than inhaling Lengua tacos off the back of your friend’s car in some shady parking lot.
• Langer’s Deli – One of the few Jewish delis in LA. I didn’t get to try the matzo ball here , but you should!
• Pacific Dining Car – Another iconic LA steakhouse that’s been around since 1921. I heard reservations are hard to get, but you should still try. As the name says, you’d be dining in a railway dining car.
• Clifton’s Republic – Used to be Clifton’s Cafeteria, the building has now turned into a hip bar. There are a total of 4 floors and each floor has a different theme.
• SUGARFISH by Sushi Nozawa – This is a very trendy sushi place in DTLA that is also known for serving great food.

Day 3: Westside LA (The Beach!)

This itinerary is a much more chilled-out day compared to the previous ones. It takes you what you probably had in mind when you hear “California” – the palm trees and the beach! This area is my favorite since not only is it beautiful, but it’s also my old stomping grounds.

On my LA Map itinerary, The West LA Route is marked in Red . Here is the same itinerary map zoomed to just the West LA portion:

1. UCLA Campus – Where the Internet was born

Okay, I might be super biased cause I’m a Bruin, but I do think UCLA is one of the most beautiful college campuses in the US! You can stroll around the campus, see how American college students go about their daily lives, and visit the room where the internet was born at 3420 Boelter Hall (learn more about it here )

PS: I was a Computer Science student and once spent a week straight, day and night, at Boelter Hall finishing my CS project. I have a love-hate relationship with that place.

UCLA was also used as a set for many Hollywood movies and TV Shows. It’s been used to illustrate Harvard University in Gilmore Girls and Legally Blonde , among many others. If that interests you, check out the full list of movies and TV shows filmed at UCLA .

2. The Getty Center

The real name of this place is The J. Paul Getty Museum, but we all call it “The Getty” for short. It’s only a few miles away from the UCLA Campus. The museum houses famous art and painting (most notably Irises by Vincent van Gogh) but aside from that, it’s also famous for its architectural design and an amazing view of LA from above.

Take note that they are closed on Mondays . Admission is free, but you should still reserve a ticket here . Check out what exhibition is currently on here . Parking costs $20 , but if you plan to visit Getty Villa on the same day, parking there would be free.

3. Santa Monica Pier & Third Street Promenade

Once you’re done with The Getty, drive down to Santa Monica and head to the pier. Santa Monica Pier was declared as the official endpoint of the legendary highway Route 66 on the highway’s 83rd birthday. Nowadays you can see a road sign that marks the end of the trail in the Pacific Ocean.

On the pier is a small amusement park called Pacific Park , where you can grab a bite, get on some rides, or play games.

🛼 Tip: You can also rent a bike/roller skate from Perry’s Cafe, included with Go City All-Inclusive Pass (normally US$12 per hour).

From Santa Monica, it’s just a short walk to Third Street Promenade , a peaceful open-air shopping mall that’s perfect to chill out at. And just to add to the LA-ness of this place, one time as I was shopping here and Vanessa Carlton randomly showed up for an impromptu performance (remember her??).

4. Abbot Kinney Boulevard

Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a neighborhood that started flourishing in the 2010s and was referred to as the coolest block in America by GQ in 2012. You can explore trendy shops, cafes, restaurants, and art galleries here. I recommend checking out Intelligentsia for coffee and Salt & Straw for ice cream.

You can check out merchants in the Abbot Kinney Boulevard here . They also hold events on the first Friday of every month, which you can check out here .

5. Venice Canals Historic District

You can’t stop by Venice without checking out the manmade canals, which are modeled after Venice in Italy (hence the name of this area). If you’ve watched the show “Californication” on Showtime, this area would look REALLY familiar.

If you’re wondering who Abbot Kinney is, he’s the guy responsible for building this area in 1905. The Venice canals used to be 2-3 times bigger than it is today, but most of the canals were closed and turned into normal roads when automobiles gained popularity.

Keep in mind that although historic, they are still expensive high-end residential areas and people DO live here, so be respectful of people’s privacy when visiting… even though I would imagine they’ve gotten used to tourists.

6. Venice Beach Boardwalk

Finally, end your day at Venice Beach, just a short walk from the canals. You should try to get here a little before sunset. Walk around the Venice Boardwalk , check out the famous Venice Beach sign , watch muscular people work out at the open-air Venice Muscle Beach, the Skate bowl watch skaters perform their tricks, and end your day by enjoying one of the best sunsets in the world.

Where to eat/drink in West LA

• C&O Trattoria – Nice place for Italian dinner. The garlic balls are the best!
• In-N-Out – You haven’t been to LA if you did not have In-N-Out!
• SUGARFISH by Sushi Nozawa – I’ve mentioned this in the DTLA portion, but there is also a branch in Santa Monica.
• Sushi Zo – I used to go here for omakase dinner. I’m glad they are still around and kicking!
• Sidecar Doughnuts – My friend Kat brought me here and I’m in love! I did not try the decadent maple bacon doughnut, but I quite enjoyed the Butter & Salt and the Huckleberry doughnuts.
• Afters Ice Cream – Their milk and cereal ice cream is SO good
• Salt & Straw Ice Cream – Portland-based ice cream that has opened a branch in Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Day 4: Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Driving Route

Pacific Coast Highway (or PCH for short) is undoubtedly the most famous highway in America. It’s a very scenic drive along the coast of California, starting from San Francisco and going all the way down to Los Angeles before continuing to San Diego. If you were to do the entire drive it would take you up to a week, but while you’re in LA it’s entirely possible to catch a glimpse of the famous PCH drive.

On my LA Map itinerary, The Pacific Coast Highway Driving Route is marked in Orange . Here is the same itinerary map zoomed to just the PCH portion:

1. The Getty Villa Museum

If you’ve been following my itinerary so far, you would have visited The Getty on the Westside LA route. This villa is part of the same Getty property! But unlike The Getty, Getty Villa is more of an architectural delight than the arts. Sure, the arts were cool, but I feel that the immaculate garden and the beautiful buildings overpowered them.

Take note that they are closed on Tuesdays . Admission is free, but you should still reserve a ticket here – though I must note that nobody checked our reservation when we were there. Check out what exhibition is currently on here .

Parking costs $20 , but if you plan to visit Getty Center on the same day, parking there would be free.

Malibu needs no introduction. You’ve most likely heard of this name before, so try to make a stop here! We stopped by Malibu Lagoon State Beach , evidently a surfer’s paradise based on how many surfboard-carrying vehicles we saw parked on the side of the street. Point Mugu State Park is also a great place to stop and enjoy the beautiful California coastline.

4. Oxnard & Santa Barbara

It’s up to you how long you want to continue the drive, but I suggest making your way up to either Oxnard or Santa Barbara before turning back. Oxnard doesn’t have much for tourists, but it does have some of the BEST Mexican food. We stopped by Carnitas El Rey here, and I still think about their carnitas even 5 years later.

Santa Barbara is a beach town with cute restaurants, spa treatments, and hiking. It could be a day trip in itself if this is something that interests you.

5. Camarillo Premium Outlets

LA is known for shopping, but the best kind of shopping is the one at premium outlets. Stop by here if you need to do some shopping. You can pretty much get the same brands, and sometimes the same clothing that is currently being sold in the mall for much cheaper here. Think Lululemon, Adidas, Banana Republic, Coach, Kate Spade, and so much more. Check out their full list of stores here .

Where to eat along the PCH

• Duke’s Malibu – I have great memories of Duke’s. This was where my sorority held one of our formals!
• Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market – You can enjoy seafood overlooking the Malibu beach
• Carnitas El Rey – If you make it to Oxnard, make sure you stop by here! You know it’s legit when a place only serves one kind of dish – Carnitas. I’m convinced I’ll never find Carnitas as good as this place again…

Looking for more? Day / Short Trip Ideas from LA

If you have more time in LA and you’ve done all of the above itineraries, you can take a look at the following activities:

1. Visit Amusement Parks

Amusement parks are perhaps what Los Angeles is best known for, second to Hollywood. We do have a lot of exciting parks around! Most of these parks are about a 1.5 – 2 hours drive from LA, so visiting one of the parks will take the entire day.

Tip: All of the amusement parks below are already included with the Go City All-Inclusive Pass (except Disneyland) , so if you’re planning to visit these parks and other LA landmarks, highly suggest purchasing the pass !

• Universal Studios – Fun park to visit for movie buffs. It’s the closest to the city out of all the amusement parks near LA. Note that Universal Studios is considered a premium attraction and is only included with the 3, 4, 5, and 7-day Go City pass.
• Six Flags Magic Mountain – Great for those looking for more thrills. The rides here are amazing, full of twists, turns, and loops!
• Knott’s Berry Farm – a quintessentially American amusement park. This is the park I used to go to when I was living in LA. They have rides that cater to both adults and children. If you’re here during Halloween month (October), you can also check out Knott’s Scary Farm, their Halloween event.
• LEGOLAND – This is way down south closer to San Diego, about a 2.5-hour drive from LA, but a must if you love those LEGO blocks! Note that if you use the Go City All-Inclusive Pass here, you cannot use it for San Diego Zoo.

2. Go to Disneyland

There are two Disneyland Parks in Anaheim, CA. Disneyland Park is the original Disney amusement park, built in 1955 under the supervision of Walt Disney himself.  Disney California Adventure is the newer park with more exciting rides – I remember I had just moved to LA when this park was first opened in 2001. I was still in high school back then and I had great memories of this place.

Tips for visiting Disneyland

• If you are only going for one day to either of these parks, you can book Single Day Tickets here, it’s cheaper than booking from the Disneyland website. BUT If you want to go to both parks and you are going during the low season, it would be better to buy separate single-day tickets rather than the multiday link below. Check the calendar in the link above.
• If you want to go to both parks during regular or peak season, then the Multiday Tickets will be a better deal (also cheaper through this link than booking straight from Disneyland’s website).
• Download the Disneyland App and use the Genie service to manage your ride wait times.

3. Nature, Beach, and National Parks

If nature and hiking are more your things, you can check out the following areas:

• Joshua Tree National Park – This park is about a 2.5-hour drive inland from LA. If you want to make this a day trip, you’ll have to leave very early to avoid traffic.
• Palm Springs – Palm Springs is close to Joshua Tree National park, and a popular weekend getaway for Angelenos. It’s one of the earliest settlements that has flourished to this day, offering desert life, resorts, and a spa.
• Mojave National Preserve – Also about a 2.5-hour drive inland from LA, just a bit more north. It’s about the halfway point from LA to Las Vegas.
• Big Bear Lake & Lake Arrowhead – These lakes are up in the mountainous region in San Bernardino, just a little under 2-hour drive from LA. In the winter it’s famous for snow sports such as snowboarding and skiing. In the summer, you can do watersports and hiking.
• Catalina Island – Catalina is an island that is about a one-hour ferry ride off the coast of LA. You can do kayaking, ride a glass bottom boat or go snorkeling and scuba diving.
• Southern California Ghost Towns – Unlike Palm Springs, there are plenty of ghost towns left in the desert of California from the early settlements that did not last. All that’s left is an abandoned town and a cool preserved look into life back in the 1800s. You can read this article for more information .

4. Cities near LA

• Santa Barbara – I’ve mentioned Santa Barbara in the PCH route itinerary, but if you didn’t make it up there, it is a beach town with cute restaurants, spa treatments, and hiking.
• San Diego – Visit San Diego Zoo (included with Go City All-Inclusive Pass if you haven’t used it for LEGOLAND), the beach, or have some good food.
• Beach Cities – Stop by Huntington Beach for a whale-watching cruise or Long Beach for the Aquarium of the Pacific (both activities are included with the Go City All-Inclusive Pass)
• Burbank – North Hollywood, Warner Brother’s Studio Tour (included with Go City All-Inclusive Pass), and Porto’s Bakery!

Okay, that was a lot longer than I expected. I guess after living in LA for 10 years, I do know a thing or two about the place.

Leave me a comment below if you found this itinerary useful. I love hearing from you guys!

PS: If you need this guide for later,  click here to save this post on Pinterest !

99 Comments

• April 28, 2024

Incidentally, I am father of a Bruin who completed undergrad in Math of Computation in March 2024 and am heading to LA for his graduation ceremony in June 2014. Will follow your advice as we plan to stay there for 15 days. Have booked an Airbnb in Westwood. Cheers!

• March 12, 2024

A trip to Los Angeles is always exciting! There’s never a dull moment, whether it’s the famous Hollywood sign or the energetic streets of Venice Beach. A local food truck serves delicious tacos, so make sure to indulge in some delicious food while watching the sunset at Griffith Observatory. There is something for everyone in Los Angeles.

• February 19, 2024

is your iti good for public commute?

Hi Jen, only Downtown area and maybe west LA is good for commute by bus. The rest, you’ll need a car.

• November 24, 2023

HI Melissa, I am visiting LA next month, have marked most of the places your have mentioned in your itinerary but the way you have sought it out region wise. You save my trip. Thanks for making my upcoming trip successful.

• October 15, 2023

Why have I not found your guide sooner!!! This guide is on point and have sent our relatives from other counties to use this. Thank you!!!

Thank you Julie for your kind words! It’s comment like yours that makes writing post like this worth it!

• September 1, 2023

Hi Melissa:

In terms of visiting your alma mater the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), apparently, UCLA has multiple addresses. As a result, for future reference, at which address/location of UCLA should a taxi drop me off at, and at which address/location of UCLA should a taxi pick me up at?

In addition, in terms of eateries in and around UCLA, which eatery (if any) or eateries (if any) would you suggest, advise, and recommend that I consider eating at that is relatively healthy?

I made it to LA! I am currently here for an LA getaway this summer for seven (7) days in which four (4) days have already elapsed.

In terms of transportation, I have utilized the taxi, and my good old fashioned feet to get me to particular places.

Hey TJ, you can ask to get dropped off at Ackerman Union. That is the student center and it has some food options there. I hope you are enjoying LA!

• August 13, 2023

Hi, thank you very much for this, great help in preparing our itinerary. Our family will go to San Francisco, Las Vegas, San Diego and Los Angeles this December. Do you have a suggestions to experience Christmas in LA?

• July 29, 2023

No car, no experience. LA is huge you must rent to get a better view of the LA vibe.

• July 13, 2023

Hello Melissa,

Thank you for your itinerary! I am going to LA for honeymoon with my husband next week. We will be following your itinerary on Day 1 and day 2 (Hollywood and Downtown LA). We will be driving and I am wondering where can I park in these two areas? Thanks!

Hey Rachael, in those areas you’ll want to look for a dedicated carpark or street parking. carpark is easiest to find, but will be more expensive

Thanks for your reply! Do you have any suggested carparks?

I wouldn’t say I have a suggested carpark per se. But I did find this interactive map of carparks which will tell you the cost and where to park: https://downtownla.com/maps/getting-around/parking . I would say if you’re following my itinerary closely, you might want to park close to The last bookstore since it’s closer to where the other stuff is. For hollywood, park near the walk of fame.

Dear Melissa,

Thank you so much! 🫶🏼

• July 5, 2023

This is such a great site! There’s so many amazing spots that I look forward to visiting with my family and friends. I’m completely obsessed, thank you!!

• July 3, 2023

Thank you for this itinerary. I appreciate it. I have not been able to read it in full and in depth yet. However, I will definitely be reading this in full and in depth when I have a chance.

It would be my first (1st) time visiting Los Angeles as I am planning an LA getaway this summer.

Not too short, but not too long either. Perhaps five (5) to seven (7) days (give or take) as you suggested, advised, and recommended.

I am struggling a little bit right now figuring what I would like to do in LA while I am there.

However, I do not know that I am a man who loves to be in the middle of the action, in the middle of the vibe(s), in the middle of the social scene, to be where the action is, etc. (applies to both daytime and nighttime).

I love to party. I love to go clubbin’, bar hoppin’, socially drink, etc. The nightlife is usually my lifestyle.

In terms of the nightlife, where should I go partying, clubbin’, bar hopping, etc.?

Additionally, if I have another question, or, any other questions, how can you be contacted?

• July 4, 2023

Hey TJ. LA is a city that sleeps early 😉 for nightlife, i would suggest heading to west hollywood.

• May 23, 2023

This is such a thorough and great itinerary! Thanks so much for taking the time to craft something so thoughtful. I’ll be in LA at the end of July for five full days, and I’m following your plan very closely.

Have fun Charles! July should be great for weather in LA

• February 12, 2023

thanks this is great itinerary i’ve been looking for..hope can make it this summer

• January 13, 2023

Such a great list! I’ve been living here my whole life and there are several places on here that I still haven’t been to! Sidecar Donuts has been on my list for a long time. I’m gonna have to go this weekend! 🙂

• December 27, 2022

Exactly the info I needed! Thanks for making the time and content for this post. You’re awesome 😎

• December 24, 2022

Thanks for this useful blog. I plan on visiting Los Angeles this January along with my girlfriend and family. I hope I can eat affordable foods there. See you soon LA.

• November 20, 2022

thank you for taking your time and provide us with this post.

• September 6, 2022

This information is very useful for my next trip to the city and to be able to visit it with my family.

• April 20, 2022

The above blog is very useful for first-time visitors to Los Angeles. The places you have mentioned are very beautiful places. and some great information to check the new places.

• November 30, 2021

Hey Melissa! Awesome itinerary and places to visit. I’ll be flying in for the Kanye West show at the LA memorial collisium in about a week, any advice on where to stay the night of the show? I’ll move around after, since I’ll be here for a week, but I want to make sure the day of goes smoothly.

• November 12, 2021

Hi Melissa! I’ll be visiting LA very soon next week with my sister and I’m so excited and thankful for your detailed itinerary, it really gave me a lot of information and I think it would be very helpful to us there since this is our first time in LA (we’ll be staying for about 2 weeks). Thank you so much!

Prestisa, I’m glad you found it useful! Enjoy LA

• October 12, 2021

This is great informative and helpful content. Thanks for the itinerary!

• September 16, 2021

Your post is about some good advice and tips for visiting the city. It is hard to know where to begin when you visit a large city like Los Angeles.

• July 11, 2021

Beautiful article! Thanks for sharing

• June 26, 2021

Actually, it will be my second time in LA but I can’t wait to be there again!

Thanks for this amazing guide!

• May 19, 2021

Hi i’ll be visiting for my first time ever in July this year, whats a good car rental company to rent a car from with good prices?

• August 13, 2020

Thank you so much for this! I’m heading to LA for the weekend for business but wanted some cool things to do during my downtime. I’m really excited about the Hollywood itinerary since I’m staying in that area. This made my planning so much easier!

• May 30, 2020

This is great! I have yet to pass my test (due to the pandemic) but once I do, I do want to go LA and drive around there myself and experience what it’s like there. Thanks for the itinerary!

• May 23, 2020

I’d love to visit LA, your photos look amazing and it looks like there’s loads to there!

• May 4, 2020

Los Angeles is an amazing city with so many things to see and do! This itinerary is very detailed and is indeed a big help.

• March 23, 2020

these tips are surely very helpful and informative as well my brother who is planning to go to Los Angeles may find these tips very informative, I will surely share this with him, and with my friends as well for their future reference. As it is Los Angeles is so beautiful place that everyone seems to visit .

• March 4, 2020

Hi, love how you break down the itinerary by area. We will be renting a car for your holiday as we are driving down to SF, in this case, do you suggest us staying at different hotel or? Thanks

Hey Hazel, the areas I listed is still good even if you’re driving.

Thank you for your reply.

Would it be better if we stay at different hotel? like Santa Barbara? So that it will be easier to drive down Yosemite National Park and Monterey, Big Sur, Carmel? Actually i am still in dilemna, where to visit first….your advise? Do you have itinitery to share on San Francisco, California?

I did SF – LA- Vegas last year and I’m happy to share my experience with you Hazel?

Great, Thank you!

• February 25, 2020

Hello Marissa,

Thank you for the itinerary you posted it gave me some very good ideas for my first trip.

My wife and I and two children (10 and 12) are visiting LA for first time in April 2020. We will rent a car. Is parking available/expensive around Hollywood Walk of Fame, Farmers Market,Walt Disney concert hall, etc? My son will enjoy the skate bowl at Venice beach. Any other ideas for young children? A friend mentioned the San Diego zoo.

Hi James, my name is Melissa 😉 There are parking around these areas, but they tend to be expensive – you’ll probably end up paying about $15 to park your car. You can try to find street metered parking but they are hard to come by so most likely you’ll just have to pay the cost. If you are following my itinerary you only have to pay one parking fee per day (usually $15 is flat rate you need to pay regardless how long you leave the car). San Diego Zoo is quite far from LA but if you don’t mind the drive then it could be a good option (2 hours without traffic). What about amusement parks like Universal Studios and Disneyland?

• June 18, 2021

Hi Melissa If I follow your itinerary you said for each area you pay parking fee once per day, I’m assuming you park your car (example) somewhere in the Hollywood area and then walk to all the different places in Hollywood you want to see? Are they all walkable within its area? What about the Santa Monica area, is it the same?

• January 18, 2020

We went to Venice beach and it was awful! So many homeless people laying around the beach and just everywhere. It was very dirty and had horrible smell. Did not even feel like I was in America. Santa Monica was a little better than Venice but it also had a homeless problem. I would avoid these 2 beaches in the future and maybe go to Laguna Beach area- we did that and it was beatiful.

• January 7, 2020

Can I drive at LA with an Australian driving license?

yes, there shouldn’t be an issue. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/dl/dl_info#international

• December 9, 2019

Hi, first I want to thank you for this amazing article, one of the best written online for such itinerary.

I am traveling with wife and 2 kids (9 and 4), can you recommend some areas to stay at?

Hi Mohammad, it really depends what you want to do in LA. I would recommend staying near the beach (Santa Monica / Venice) or somewhere near West Hollywood would be good if you are planning to follow all of my itineraries. But as I said, you’d have to drive in LA anyway since the area is huge.

• December 3, 2019

Hi Melissa,

I would like to check with you if it is recommended to rent car with driver or get LA pass or both since either me or my hubby cannot drive but we also would like to explore those places recommended by you.

Will that be better to go SF via flight?

• December 5, 2019

Hey Jesslyna, if you can get a car with driver that would be best, but you can also just book Uber or Lyft when you are there to take you around. You can get the LA pass which includes some bus lines, but I don’t really recommend relying on public transport while in LA.

Thanks for your reply. Is it recommended to go both SF and LA in 2 weeks or LA only in 10 days

I think 2 weeks is doable for both SF and LA.

• November 8, 2019

Hello Melissa and thank you for providing us your itenerary,my friends and I are going to Los Angeles in early December for the first time and your blog is the blest helper for our trip.I would like to ask you 2 things,we are from Greece so the drivers license is a European,do you know if we have to make the license international or it is okay with the European?Also we are going to book the Go Los Angeles card you recommend and I am wondering about visiting universal studios which is in the city pass,is there also a way to pay extra for not waiting in the line and for example visiting the Harry Potter experience or Jurassic world,do we have to pay extra for the experiences inside the universal studio? Thank you for your time,you are the best!!Greetings from Greece

• November 11, 2019

1. Universal Studios – Harry potter and Jurassic World should be included in the Go Los Angeles card since it’s part of the theme park. But if you don’t want to wait in line, you can upgrade at the park for Express privilege. I am not sure how much it costs though, and the upgrade is limited per day. If you aren’t able to upgrade, try to get there early to minimize the wait time, and try to not go on weekends. But you should be okay since early December is not yet the peak season for these parks. Note that admission to Universal Studios is available only for the 3, 5, and 7-Day Go Los Angeles Pass packages

Another option is to buy the express pass separately: https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/18057-universal-studios-hollywood-express-vip-los-angeles/?aid=5711 BUT i would only recommend this if you decide not to buy the Go Los Angeles Card.

2. If your driver’s license is in English, you can drive in California with just your European license without converting to international license.

Thank you very much for your help,you are the best!!!

• November 3, 2019

Where would be the best place to stay to do most of what is on your itinerary?

• October 23, 2019

You are a Legend Melissa, amazed by the amount of details especially we are travelling with a little one, so everything counts. Thanks heaps for this and keep posting

i’m glad to have been able to help!

• October 9, 2019

You saved my trip! What a complete and dedicated itinerary. Thank you for that Melissa. Any recommendation for Beverly Hills and hollywood stars homes’ tour ?

Thanks Julia. sorry I just saw your comment – hopefully you found a good tour!

• January 30, 2020

Do you have any recommendations for good home tour?

• September 13, 2019

Thanks for your reply and tips about driving from LA to SD. As for the car rentals, can I use the same car to drive from LAX to SD and to Las Vegas and back? Any trusted car rental companies u recommend?

Hey Adri, yes you can use the same car, provided you pay for the fuel and fill the car up before returning. The road to Las Vegas from LA/SD is nicely built so any car you rent for the city should be fine. As for rental company I usually just go with whatever is the cheapest. I think I went with Enterprise last time and I had no issues.

Great thanks Melissa. Will check them out.

• September 9, 2019

I’m intending to visit grand canyon and antelope canyon next year. Is it mandatory to book a tour in advance? or we can book the entry ticket on the spot

Hey Tris, I’ve only been to grand canyon, but I think you can just purchase ticket on the spot if you are driving. You only need tour if you need transportation to get there too.

• September 8, 2019

This is the best info I have read on LA – thank you!!

I am visiting early October, driving Pacific Highway 1 night Santa Barbara then 2 nights at the Loews Hollywood. So much I want see but so little time. I not bothered about Disney or Wax works etc What are must sees in 2 days? Gosh wish I was there longer!! Should I do beach stuff on day I arrive as we will be that way already? Thank you!

hey Sharon, if you are just there for two days, I recommend doing this itinerary: https://girleatworld.net/los-angeles-itinerary/#westside for the beach, and maybe the downtown LA portion https://girleatworld.net/los-angeles-itinerary/#dtla

This should keep you busy for 2 days!

• August 24, 2019

A great blog to read indeed! Will be visiting LA in Nov for 2weeks. But am totally clueless whether I should be spending time in San Diego or Los Angeles first. Am arriving LAX on a Wednesday morning. Could u kindly advise or propose a route on where I should visit first? Am travelling with teens so we will be doing more of amusement Parks, Disney, Big bear Lake and zoos. Not forgetting outlet shopping as well.

• August 26, 2019

Hey Adri! I am happy you like the blog post. As for San Diego vs LA, I don’t think it matters much which one to go first. However the one you should be aware of is probably the traffic situation when going from SD to LA and then back. I would avoid that route on weekends, and I would also avoid traveling during peak commute times (morning and afternoon).

• August 22, 2019

Loved reading through your adventures! So many places to visit, but we went for a family holiday by car and really enjoyed it. By the way, gorgeous photos!

• July 31, 2019

Hey Melissa

Thank you for your detailed post. Can you recommend a site to buy cheap tickets for Disneyland? The one you posted (klook.com) doesn’t seem to be working now. Thank you!

Hey Andre, I have updated the link. Thank you for spotting this!

• June 7, 2019

Hi Mellisa,

Thanks for sharing with us your itinerary, how about san Francisco? do you have a similar itinerary? thanks

Hey Tris! Glad you enjoyed this LA itinerary. Unfortunately it has been over a decade since I’ve been back to SF, so I don’t have anything on it :/

• May 22, 2019

Hi, Thanks for your detailed itinerary. Which part of LA will you recommend to stay?

• May 20, 2019

I used your itinerary for Tokyo and it was amazing! Will be using your California tips in December 🙂

• May 21, 2019

thanks Emma!! have fun in California

• May 3, 2019

From LAX to the Hotel (i am not sure which hotel to choose) but I am thinking of Hotel Hwood Near the Sunset Strip (Hollywood).of The Dixie Hollywood Hotel.

• May 2, 2019

Hi, your itinerary is very detailed. It will be my first trip to LA. May I know whether should I arrange Greyhound transport instead of the Shared Transport.

Hey Susan – transport to where?

• April 20, 2019

Hi Melissa, great to chance upon your blog and I’m Singaporean. Where would you reccomend the area to stay in LA? I’m travelling with my husband in Nov this year and it is our first time and we would like to get to the know where best to stay for first timers. Thank you

Hey Mael, it really depends what you want to do since LA is huge. If you want to see the Hollywood side then I recommend staying Weho (West Hollywood) area. But if you don’t mind the drive then Santa Monica area close to the beach is nice too!

• April 4, 2019

Thank you, Melissa! I just bought the ticket to LA for the 2nd week of December and it’s gonna be our 1st trip to the states, so your itinerary is really helpful. We’re planning to do the road trip from LA – San Diego – Grand Canyon – Vegas – Pacific Coast – SF. Can you tell me about the December weather in these areas, i. e. How cold will it be in SF and how warm it’ll be in Grand Canyon? Thanks again!

Hey Anya, I assume you are from Singapore? In December it will be cold in all the places you are visiting, especially in relative to Singapore. Definitely bring a jacket and wind breaker for SF. It’s the wind that makes cold weather unbearable. Also note the weather is very dry (again in relative to humid Singapore) so make sure you moisturize hands and especially lips! Mine gets dry to the point my lips start bleeding when I don’t properly moisturize it. It hurts a lot when it gets to that point, so prevent it with daily lip balm.

Hi Melissa, sorry I just realized you replied! Yes we live in Singapore. Thanks a lot! I’ll go with my husband, my 8 yo, and 4 yo daughters so we’ll make sure we prepare the right outfit, esp for the kids.

• March 25, 2019

Thank you so much! I am planning for a trip to LA with senior relatives in a month and I am going crazy with the trip planning. Your itinerary is such a great help!

Thank you for the comment Maggie. Hope you will have fun in LA!!

• March 19, 2019

This is my second time in LA & i must say :: THANK YOU FOR THIS WONDERFUL ITENIRARY 😭😭😭 ! It is the best I have ever seen and have helped me as a tourist know exactly where to go. Thank you so much & keep posting !

Thanks Abi! I guess i should rename this itinerary not just for first time visitors? 😂

• February 21, 2020

Melissa, my Kids (25 & 16) will be visiting California for the first time in July. We want to visit the touristy places; Universal Studios, Hollywood sign, Walk of Fame, Museums, Trendy Eateries, Santa Monica Pier and both Disneyland parks. My dilemma is where to stay to easily navigate to these places. We’ll be there for 4 days and will have a rental car.

Please advise on where to stay

• February 24, 2020

Hi Marissa, I would recommend staying near the beach (Santa Monica / Venice) or somewhere near West Hollywood. But you’d have to drive in LA anyway since the area is huge.

• February 4, 2019

I fully agree that without a rental car in Los Angeles it will be difficult without a rental car. I was here last summer and car rental saved our holiday. It’s good that there are good prices and a normal selection of cars.

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• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Los Angeles 39 min 19 km
• Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) Burbank 25 min 19 km
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• San Diego International Airport (SAN) San Diego 1 hr 54 min 176 km

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Pair these L.A. road trips with a hike and a lunch

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In April 2020 — only a month or so into the COVID-19 pandemic — my wife and I were running out of things to do. The novelty of Zoom calls with friends was wearing off. We’d watched lots of movies and TV. We were itching to get out of our apartment, but with the virus still raging, we couldn’t risk being around other people. Then we had an idea: Why not go for a drive?

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For our first trip, we drove the length of Little Tujunga Canyon Road in the Angeles National Forest. After that, we were hooked. In the ensuing months, we crisscrossed the Santa Monica Mountains and made trips into Los Padres National Forest and beyond.

My wife bought me a California road atlas, and it became part of our scenic drive ritual: We’d consult its pages for inspiration, looking for two-lane roads and state highways that squiggled through mountain ranges or meandered through deserts. After returning home, I’d highlight our route. Four years after our first drive, the atlas is full of highlights documenting our travels — and there’s still a lifetime’s worth of backroads we haven’t covered yet.

No matter where we go, each drive gives me a deeper appreciation for the incredible range of landscapes in Southern California. And these journeys have led to many rewarding discoveries, from out-of-the-way diners to new trailheads for hiking and biking.

If you’re tired of visiting the same places, it’s time to hit the road. These two trips — all within a three-hour drive of the city — will get you started.

Los Padres National Forest and Carrizo Plain National Monument This route traverses winding mountain roads through Los Padres and spits you out near the southern entrance to Carrizo Plain — a vast preserve of native grassland and a hotspot for wildflowers (at least on some years ) and birdwatching . From Interstate 5, take Exit 205 and head west on Frazier Mountain Park Road. This two-lane road changes names several times as it ascends into the San Emigdio Mountains, passing forested slopes and epic canyon views along the way.

After about 42 miles, you’ll meet California 166. Take a right here and then a left on Soda Lake Road to enter Carrizo Plain National Monument. Drive northwest for 35 miles to the parking lot for the Soda Lake Trail, a short boardwalk that gets you up close to the park’s salt-crusted lake. If you plan ahead, you can also book a guided tour of Painted Rock, a sandstone outcrop with Native American rock art.

Hungry? Head back the way you came, take a right on California 166, and drive west 15 miles to the Cuyama Buckhorn , a renovated ’50s motel, restaurant and bar. The eatery’s Santa Maria-style tri-tip is superb, and if you grab a room, you can turn this scenic drive into a full weekend escape .

Volcan Mountain and Julian This route will take you to Julian , a mountain town famous for its apple orchards and delicious pies. From Interstate 15, take Exit 58 for California 79. Take a right on Pechanga Parkway and head south. The road becomes Pala Temecula Road and emerges into a wide canyon with mountains towering on either side. Take a left at Pala Mission Road and continue east on California 76, which hugs the San Luis Rey River before ascending more than 1,000 feet up a chaparral-covered ridgeline.

After some hairpin turns, the road levels off and skirts Lake Henshaw, a picturesque reservoir. Take a right on California 79, and after 10 miles, take a left on Wynola Road. Follow that road for about 3.5 miles, then take a left on Farmer Road to arrive at Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve. Stretch your legs on the Five Oaks Trail , a 1.2-mile path that ascends the western flank of Volcan Mountain and offers sweeping views of the orchards below.

With your appetite revved up, head south on Farmer Road into Julian and make a stop at the Julian Pie Co . Grab a well-deserved slice of apple pie and some apple cider and rest your feet at a picnic table while you chow down.

3 things to do

1. Race plankton in Manhattan Beach In celebration of Earth Day, the Roundhouse Aquarium will hold a day full of educational activities inside and outside its facilities. Highlights include dolphin spotting, a fish feeding, crafts, games, a “shark shack” and, yes, plankton racing. The festivities kick off at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and go until 4 p.m. The event is free, but be sure to register ahead of time at roundhouseaquarium.org .

2. Go gardening in San Pedro Give back to the land by planting native species, removing weeds, mulching and watering the White Point Nature Preserve’s garden with the folks at Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. You’ll also have the chance to enter a raffle and take a guided nature walk. As a bonus, refreshments will be provided by Starbucks to keep you cool and hydrated. The three-hour event begins at 9 a.m. Saturday. All volunteers under age 16 should be accompanied by an adult, and all volunteers under age 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver at the event. Register at pvplc.com .

3. Stretch your legs on Venice Boulevard CicLAvia is back. And this time it’s shutting down a 5.75-mile stretch of Venice Boulevard that connects Palms, Mar Vista and Venice Beach for walkers, joggers, bikers, roller skaters, unicyclers, penny-farthings, pogo sticks — anything as long as it’s completely powered by humans. There will be three local hubs along the route where you’ll be able to partake in family-friendly activities, pump air into your bike’s tires, refill your water bottle and use the restroom. Be sure to reference CicLAvia’s digital map so you can scope out the local businesses you’d like to visit along the way. It all takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information about the event and the area it covers, visit ciclavia.org .

The must-read

The Klamath River in Northern California has turned brown and muddy, but that’s a good thing. As Times writer Ian James reports , it’s a side effect of the largest dam removal project in history, which aims to restore the river to its natural state. Four dams are being removed along the Klamath, and the river is passing freely through tunnels in three of them, draining reservoirs and churning up an estimated 2.3 million tons of sediment that had settled along the bottom of those man-made lakes. Although the turbid water might look ugly, restoration advocates and tribal leaders see it as a sign of healing. The muck is passing out of the Klamath, and new life — everything from salmon heading upstream to native plant seedlings along the riverbanks — will soon take its place.

Happy adventuring,

Want to try birding but don’t have binoculars? Head to the Audubon Center in Ernest E. Debs Regional Park. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, and you can borrow a free pair of binoculars (as well as a birding guide, backpack and other gear) to help you spot the 140 species of birds that call the park home.

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild . And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here .

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We’ll help you find the best places to hike, bike and run, as well as the perfect silent spots for meditation and yoga.

Michael Charboneau is a freelance writer covering gear and the outdoors, and he’s writing The Wild newsletter for a few months. He has written for a variety of publications, including Men’s Journal, Runner’s World and InsideHook, and he lives in West L.A. When he’s not writing, he can be found running, hiking and biking around Los Angeles and its mountains.

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How to Spend 5 Days in Los Angeles According to a Local

Due to the global pandemic, travel looks different right now depending on where you're going from/to. Please check for travel restrictions and adhere to all local guidelines before planning a trip to any destination you may read about on this site.  Please note: this post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something by clicking the links, I will get a small compensation, at no extra cost to you.

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Dreaming of sunny, year-round weather? Some of the most amazing food in the US ? Or endless entertainment? Then, Los Angeles is the perfect destination for you! I’m from Los Angeles ( born and raised ), so I know what’s really worth your time if you only have 5 days in Los Angeles! Let’s dive in to this unforgettable 5 day Los Angeles itinerary (and head to the end for FAQ’s including how to get around, where to stay, and if 5 days in LA is really enough).

Map of LA Activities, Restaurants, and Highlights

Day 1 – Icons of Los Angeles

Breakfast at beabea’s.

BeaBea’s in Burbank has the most incredible breakfast menu with 21 pancake options, 17 types of French toast, and 10 variations of waffles! Plus they have crepes and classic breakfast choices with eggs, bagels, bacon, sausage, and potatoes. You won’t go wrong, I promise! After your breakfast, drive 20 minutes to one of LA’s top attractions, Griffith Observatory.

Griffith Observatory

There’s no better start to discovering Los Angeles than this icon! Sitting atop Mount Hollywood, is Griffith Observatory – one of the most iconic attractions in Los Angeles! It is my number must-do for anyone visiting Los Angeles since its free and has the best views of downtown LA, stunning astronomy exhibits, and incredible wrap around walkways that are perfect for snapping some photos. I have a whole guide to Griffith Observatory , so read that for all the info you need on parking, admission, and how to get there via public transportation.

Griffith was used as a filming location for La La Land, Transformers, The Terminator, and more! It’s a great way to start your trip in Los Angeles.

Lunch…and a side of  murder

Next, head down the mountain for some lunch. My top picks are Yuca’s , a taco stand with yummy, authentic Mexican eats. Alternatively, head to Little Armenia just down the hill to eat at the infamous Zankou Chicken , an LA chain that serves spit-cooked chicken with signature garlic spread and in the true crime world is also known for the Zankou Chicken Murders of the founding family members. It’s a grizzly tale, but the food is iconic.

Hollywood Sign/Hike

No trip to LA is complete without seeing the Hollywood Sign. It’s a classic LA once in a lifetime experience ! While you may have glimpsed it from Griffith Observatory, there are plenty more great viewpoints. Here are my top places to see the Hollywood Sign:

• Lake Hollywood Park – At the base of the mountain is Lake Hollywood Park, a dog park with dedicated parking and great views. It’s not the closest viewpoint but it’s definitely the easiest and most accessible.
• Brush Canyon Trail – This hiking trail takes you to the top of Mount Lee, behind the Hollywood Sign. This is the most unique viewpoint and definitely recommended if you want to dabble in Los Angeles hiking (we actually have lots of great hikes, believe it or not).
• Palm Tree Insta-worthy Viewpoint – At S Windsor Blvd and 5 th Street in the actual city of Los Angeles ( as opposed to the county ), you’ll find the iconic palm-tree lined street with the Hollywood Sign in the background dead center.
• Hollywood and Highland – Later in this itinerary, you’ll have the option to spend a day in Hollywood. It’s not my top recommendation for how to spend your precious 5 days in LA, but if you do so, head to the corner of Hollywood and Highland (the northeast corner) and you’ll see the Hollywood sign.

Dinner Choices

For dinner head to Lankershim Blvd which passes through Toulca Lake and North Hollywood. There are a number of great restaurants to try for dinner including Angelino’s Trattoria with amazing Italian food or Rustic Spoon that has delicious Thai food! If you’re not burnt out from the day, you can also head to Universal CityWalk, which is free (aside from parking) and has a ton of great restaurants, shopping, and even a luxe movie theatre with reclining seats! Read my guide to Universal CityWalk to see how to get free parking when you visit the movie theatre, plus other great things to do there!

Day 2 – Downtown LA

This is my preferred way to spend one day in LA . Skip the Original Farmer’s Market (that’ll be tomorrow) then hit these downtown LA gems.

Breakfast at Grand Central

First head to Grand Central Market for a late breakfast. Now is a good time to try Eggslut, a popular breakfast spot, or fresh bagels at Wexler’s Deli.

Nearby Highlights

Next head across the street to take the world’s shortest railway – Angel’s Flight . It only costs $1 each way and even less if you have an active Metro card. The views from the top are beautiful and its been used in movies, like La La Land.

Once you’ve finished that, walk back towards Grand Central Market and pass through. When you come out the other side, go across the street to the Bradbury Building , an architectural marvel with ornate ironwork, skylights, and old-fashioned elevators. It’s been the backdrop of many movies like 500 Days of Summer and Blade Runner.

Make your way around the block to the Last Bookstore , one of LA’s most photogenic spots with its Insta-worthy book window, a book tunnel, flying books, and even the book vault. It’s a running book shop, so pick up a new read while you’re taking photos. Note that it can get busy, so be patient when trying to take photos.

Lunch: Ethnic Food of Choice

For lunch you have two options. You should go to both anyway, but you’ll probably only be eating one meal so you decide the order you visit.

First is Olvera Street , an historic Mexican cobblestone street that’s been around since 1930 and is the street on which the oldest house in Los Angeles is found (you can visit for free!). Here, you’ll find authentic Mexican food and street vendors, some of whom are descended from the original vendors of the 1930’s. For food, try Cielito Lindo with incredible taquitos with a delicious avocado sauce, and be sure to grab a churro.

The second option is Chinatown with unbeatable restaurants like Yang Chow , Full Moon House , or Chinese Friends Restaurant . Whether you eat here or not, stroll through Main Plaza or Central Plaza to see recreations of Shaghai streets with beautiful architecture, hanging red lanterns, and shops. Rush Hour and Lethal Weapon were filmed here and you can even spot a Bruce Lee statue.

Other DTLA Activities

The rest of the day is free to explore more of downtown LA. Other highlights include:

• Walt Disney Concert Hall designed by Frank Gehry is an architectural landmark where the LA Philharmonic plays. Catch a show or just walk around the exterior for some fun photos.
• The Broad Museum is a free art museum in downtown LA with mostly modern art.
• Stroll the Art’s District where you can take walkable art tours or hunt down the epic murals on your own.
• OUE SkySpace is an observation deck that also has a glass slide on the exterior of the US Bank Tower that travels down from the 70 th to 69 th
• Grammy Museum is for music lovers! It has interactive exhibits and pieces of history with musician’s famous memorabilia.
• Little Tokyo is another cultural hub where you can try authentic Japanese food! This would be my choice for dinner!

Day 3 – Classic Los Angeles

Have you seen the second season of You on Netflix? If so then this day is for you ( pun intended ). This is a classic Los Angeles day with a bit of stereotypes, but for good reason. All of these activities are famous for a reason. This itinerary is probably what comes to mind when you think of LA…so let’s go!

Breakfast at the Original Farmer’s Market LA

On the corner of 3 rd and Fairfax sits the Original Farmer’s Market , established in 1934. My absolute favorite vendor is Bob’s Coffee & Doughnuts. Stop there first for the absolute best donuts and unique coffee slushies. *Note: they only take cash and there are ATMs on the property.

Walk around a bit. Sample Little John’s English Toffee and grab an empanada to go from Nonna’s Empanadas. You can even head over to The Americana, an outdoor mall, with a beautiful fountain, high end shopping, and even a movie theatre.

U-Pick Museum

Take your pick at one of these top museums in LA :

• LACMA , aka the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is a great option for art-lovers. Snaps some pics at the Urban Light display out front too!
• Around the corner are the La Brea Tar Pits , a fun science destination for families, couples, and whoever wants to learn about the Ice Age! Walk around the grounds to see actual tar pits and watch where you step – tiny ones are all over the property.
• Petersen’s Automotive Museum is an amazing and unique car museum with exhibits like the Cars of Hollywood – Science Fiction and Fantasy, Art Design, and the Fall and Rise of Electric Vehicles.

Lunch: Pink’s Hot Dogs or Melrose Trading Post

For lunch head to one (or both…no judgement) of these options. First is Pink’s Hot Dogs , a famous hot dog eatery near the above museums that was established in 1939. Try the chili dog and wait for the signature “pop” sound and feel that comes with your first bite into their hot dogs. If it’s a Sunday, I recommend the Melrose Trading Post where you can shop from local vendors and grab lunch from a visiting food truck. You can purchase $7 tickets ahead of time online or in person for $5 cash.

Instagram Outing

Did you really go to LA, if you didn’t take an iconic Instagram photo? Sure there are plenty of instagrammable spots in Los Angeles, but the Pink Wall is one of the best! You can find this photo op at the Paul Smith store on Melrose, near the Melrose Trading Post. Snap some pics and wander in the store if you’d like.

Some other Instagram-friendly options are Urth Caffe , a famous LA coffee hotspot with a location down Melrose, Carrerra Café (across from the Paul Smith store) with a beautiful floral wall on the entrance, or even the crocheted rainbow by London Kaye. You can even hit up Rodeo Drive (and the picturesque Golden Triangle) plus the unique Spadena House, a storybook house also known as the Witch’s House.

Now would be a good time to relax back at your hotel/Airbnb and get ready for your evening.

Dinner with a View

End your day with dinner (and drinks) with a view at Perch LA , one of the finest rooftop restaurants in LA. This two story restaurant on the 15 th and 16 th floors has epic views of the Los Angeles skyline and serves fine French cuisine with options like Bouillabaisse, Fillet Mignon au Poivre, and Steak Frites. Needless-to-say the wine options are pristine.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a unique LA evening, head to Melrose Rooftop Theatre where you can eat dinner and watch a movie on the rooftop! Rooftop Cinema Club is another option with a few locations throughout the city. If it’s the summer, I recommend Cinespia at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery , another special movie watching atmosphere only in Los Angeles!

Day 4 – Relax at the Beach

For today, you’ll be exploring two of Los Angeles’ most popular beach towns – Venice and Santa Monica. Each one has its own personality, so you decide which is superior.

Breakfast in Venice Beach

Start your day with some breakfast in Venice Beach. I recommend Flake , Great White , or The Cow’s End Café , all with 4.4+ stars and hundreds of reviews. If you want to get to the beach itself first, a popular breakfast chain called Eggslut (also at Grand Central Market) sits just next to your first stop.

Either way, make your way to Venice Beach. A good place to start is Windward Ave and Pacific Ave, where you’ll find the hanging Venice sign. It makes for a good photo op, but it is in the middle of a busy intersection, so please only take pictures from a crosswalk, when allowed. Don’t be that tourist standing in the middle of the street for a picture when crazy LA drivers are trying to get somewhere. Just my word of warning.

If you drive down Windward toward the beach, you’ll see some street parking and signs for public parking, which usually costs $10 for the day.

Explore the Ocean Front Walk

Venice Beach is one of the top 10 beaches in LA , and it is a wide beach – meaning the distance from the ocean to the storefronts/parking is far. You can absolutely walk up to the ocean, but the draw of Venice isn’t the water. You’ll want to walk along the boardwalk or “Ocean-Front Walk” to experience the weirdness that is Venice. Enjoy the eclectic art, shops, and people. You can also find unique food, similar to that you’d find at a fair…like fried oreos!

The Ocean-Front Walk is 1.0 mile in length, depending where you start and end. An alternative way to experience Venice is to take a nice bike ride. You can bike along the Ocean-Front Walk or on a paved path that weaves along the sand. Rent bikes from Bike Skate Surf Rentals, Boneshaker Electric Bikes, or Jay’s Rentals at the end of Windward Ave.

Lunch: Options Galore in Downtown Santa Monica

For lunch, head to downtown Santa Monica for some great lunch options! Try Pono Burger for classic burgers and beer with a Hawaiian theme, Tar and Roses , a higher end American restaurant that uses seasonal ingredients, or Fritto Misto where you can create your own pasta. Honestly if you head down Wilshire Blvd or Santa Monica Blvd, you can’t go wrong!

Gems of 3 rd Street Promenade

Spend the first half of your afternoon wandering through Santa Monica’s 3 rd Street Promenade. This is an outdoor walkable mall with fun activities besides shopping! I recommend checking out the #3DAR Museum , a trick art museum where you can interact with the art and create amazing 3D pictures to take home with you! Test your hand at an incredible Virtual Reality experience at The Void , where as a group of four, you’ll be immersed in a play-able story, such as Jumanji: Reverse the Curse, Nicodemus: Demon of Evanishment, or Ghostbusters: Dimension.

As the day winds down, take a lovely stroll on the Santa Monica Pier. Watch the sunset and even go for a Ferris Wheel ride at Pacific Park , the mini theme park on the pier. You can also play some arcade games, ride the original carousel, explore the aquarium, and admire the street ( read: pier ) performers.

Dinner on the Pier

There are plenty of food options on the pier for dinner including bigger restaurants like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co (with awesome views of the beach), Pier Burger , a classic burger joint in the center of the pier, Hot Dog on a Stick at the base of the pier, or even Maria Sol , the Mexican restaurant at the end of the pier. Don’t forget to grab cotton candy or popcorn from Pacific Park!

Day 5 – Choose Your Own Adventure

Since there is so much to do in Los Angeles, today is the day to explore something based on your own interests or even cross off a bucket list item. It’s a freebie. However, here are some options:

1. Visit one of the many theme parks in Los Angeles

Obviously, there’s Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure (with the incredible new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge ). And trust me you really can do Disneyland in just one day . But, don’t sleep on these lesser known parks:

• Six Flags Magic Mountain (or Hurricane Harbor in the summer) with above-and-beyond rollercoasters with a DC universe theme
• Universal Studios Hollywood where you can experience the new Jurassic World ride and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Knott’s Berry Farm , a local Snoopy/Peanuts themed park with Soak City, the accompanying water park
• Raging Waters , a fun water park that’s pretty inexpensive

2. Take a hike…literally

• Millard Falls trail takes you to a small waterfall
• Runyon Canyon is one of the most popular trails that has nice city views
• Brush Canyon trail goes to the Hollywood Sign from behind
• Echo Mountain trail (my personal favorite) that takes you to ruins of the Mount Lowe Railway and the Echo Mountain House, a fancy 70-room hotel built in the 1930’s

3. Explore Hollywood

If Hollywood has always been on your bucket list, now is the time! Here are some top sights in Hollywood:

• Hollywood Walk of Fame – try to find your favorite celeb!
• TCL Chinese Theatre , an icon of old Hollywood
• See a show at the Hollywood Bowl , where sometimes tickets are as cheap as $20 (plus you can bring in outside food and drinks)
• Stroll the Hollywood Forever Cemetery (one of my favorite free things to do in Los Angeles ) where you can find the graves of famous celebs like Cecil B. DeMille, Charlie Chaplin, Chris Cornell, George Harrison, and Judy Garland, among others.
• See a Broadway show at the Pantages Theatre , which is stunning in its art deco style

Los Angeles FAQ’s

Is 5 days in los angeles enough time.

Yes, absolutely! While I think Los Angeles has enough activities and hidden gems to keep even locals busy for a lifetime, 5 days is plenty of time to see the highlights and cover a lot of ground.

Who is this 5 day itinerary for?

This is a good first time guide to Los Angeles. It covers everything you will want to see if you only have 5 days. However, if you’re a local or it’s your 100 th time visiting Los Angeles, I encourage you to read my suggestions because chances are, you haven’t been to all of these places either. I definitely hadn’t as a local before I started travel blogging and actively seeking out local travel destinations.

Do I have to follow this itinerary to a T?

Of course not! I recommend reading it over, picking out what sounds good, doing your own research on what activities sound fun (beyond what’s covered here), and creating your own lineup – especially for restaurants, bars, or coffee shops you may want to try! I never even mentioned In-N-Out, a California classic!

How do I get around LA?

Traveling by car is the easiest, but not necessarily the cheapest. Rental cars can cost you $20/day on the upper end, while public transportation costs $25 for the week. It comes down to your budget and how much time you want to spend getting from point A to B. Public transportation in LA is abundant but not always efficient – meaning it might take you multiple train/bus transfers plus a lengthy walk to get to your destination. For my full thoughts on the best way to get around in LA, read this post .

For this itinerary, where is the best place to stay?

I would stay in Burbank , Glendale , or Silver Lake , where the prices increase in that order, generally speaking. Burbank has a lot to do on its own and it’s just north of Universal Studios, Warner Bros Studios, and Griffith Park. Glendale is more suburban and residential, but still has big malls and things to do. Silver Lake is in the heart of LA in an artsy area with lots of parks, coffee shops, and bars. If you want a livelier stay, Silver Lake is the best choice. Introverts, Burbank and Glendale are for you. For more information on where to stay, my budget guide to LA has lots of tips.

When is the best time to visit Los Angeles?

I recommend spring or fall for mild weather. The summer heat can be unbearable, especially July-September. Winter in LA is sometimes cold, especially at night but unless you’re looking for a traditional beach day, you can still see everything in winter. I would visit in early May for fewest crowds and best chance at nice weather or January and February if you don’t mind “chilly” temperatures (which for LA is in the 50s and 60s during the day).

Are people in Los Angeles rude?

Yes I’m including this in my post because I genuinely want to answer, explain, and prepare you for what people are like in LA if you’ve never been.

The answer is that if you’re from LA, it’s just the way of life. It’s not rude, it’s just minding your own business. Here’s why: LA is the most populated county in the country. In 2019 there were 10 million people in LA County! When you’re surrounded by lots of people all the time, you learn to keep to yourself. People in LA generally won’t have full conversations with strangers and they don’t say hi to strangers on the street. They have places to be.

If you visit from out of town, I’m not saying don’t talk to anyone. However, don’t be surprised if people are curt. It’s a dead giveaway that you’re not from LA if you start telling your life story to strangers ( I’m talking to you Georgians ).

Is Los Angeles safe to visit?

Aside from a certain pandemic…yes. As with any big city, there are dodgy areas and people. Be aware of your surroundings. Never leave your belongings unattended or visible in a parked car. It’s not the South. People will take things (speaking from experience having lived in Los Angeles and Georgia).

There is a big homelessness problem in Los Angeles. Don’t be surprised or alarmed if you see large encampments on the sides of roads. The people are generally very nice, but be cautious. As an example, I was leaving a restaurant once with my leftovers in hand and a homeless man approached me asking if he could have my leftovers. I gave it to him of course. Might seem sketchy at first, but often people are just desperate. Trust your gut.

In this itinerary, the dodgiest parts are the tourist areas of Hollywood and Venice’s Ocean Front Walk. Use the most caution there. Locals say that those two areas are for “freaks or tourists” only.

Not satisfied with this itinerary?

Check out my other Los Angeles posts for ideas on more fun things to do in Los Angeles.

Complete Budget Guide to LA

Top 25 Museums in LA (with price info)

Top Things to Do in LA for Science Lovers

Best Gardens in LA

10 Stunning LA Beaches

How to Spend One Day in LA

Disneyland vs California Adventure Park

Guide to Avila Adobe: LA’s oldest home

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My Travel Essentials

• Travel Insurance  – Going on an international trip? Don’t forget travel and medical insurance with SafetyWing .
• Travel Card  – If you’re new to travel hacking, fear not! My favorite card for beginners gives you $750 in rewards when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months, plus lounge access, 10x points on hotel bookings, and free TSA pre-check!
• Get Your Guide  – Check out Get Your Guide for a one-stop-shop for booking travel activities.
• Booking.com  – This is my favorite hotel search aggregator, specifically for reading reviews. On Booking.com , the reviews can be searched for keywords like WiFi, breakfast, pool, amenities, etc.! So helpful!
• Anti-pickpocket bag – Worried about having your valuables swiped? PacSafe makes the best travel bags with zippers and straps that lock and with mesh steel enforced fabric.
• Merino Wool  – Where are my chronic over-packers? Merino wool is the material you’ve been looking for. It’s naturally anti-microbial, so you can rewear it…so, less clothes to pack! I’m a fan of WoolX Merino .
• Give the Gift of Travel  – This is the perfect gift for travelers in your life! Tinggly allows you to gift experiences around the world, perfect for birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries.
• Staycation Idea  – Check out Resort Pass , which gives you day passes to resorts so you can use their pool, spa, and fitness center, a great staycation idea!

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Alanna Koritzke

Recent PhD graduate and hyper-planner of Periodic Adventures, my goal is to share travel inspiration, budget tips, detailed guides, and fun travel stories!

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Great itinerary! Very detailed and varied. I have an outstanding invite to visit a friend living in L.A. once covid is a thing of the past, so I’m bookmarking this 🙂 thanks for sharing!

Thank you so much! I hope you get a chance to visit!

kariss Ainsworth

Fantastic master post! I’ve only beeen to Disneyland here so saving this for as soon as I can get back over!

Thanks Kariss! Disneyland is definitely a highlight.

This is a fabulous, detailed post. I’ve been to LA briefly but would love to go back and explore a lot of the places you mentioned. Great post!

Thank you Michele. I hope you’re able to visit LA soon. It’s truly a great city!

I haven’t been to LA yet so I found this post really interesting and helpful – saving it for later trip planning!

I’m so glad! Happy travels 🙂

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Maple Leafs giving Matthews ’time that he needs’ to recover from illness

Tavares' lack of output, other observations from the maple leafs' game 4 loss, 'they're here': dangerous worms now wriggling in ontario soil, facing elimination, it's time for maple leafs' big-time players to make impact, terrazzano: trudeau loots canadians with capital gains tax hike, planning a summer trip to quebec’s iles-de-la-madeleine you’ll have to pay up..

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MONTREAL — Tens of thousands of visitors flock to Quebec’s Iles-de-la-Madeleine every summer to behold its cliff-framed seascapes and sandy beaches. But starting next month, those island sojourns will come with an added cost.

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Planning a summer trip to Quebec’s Iles-de-la-Madeleine? You’ll have to pay up. Back to video

The small archipelago northeast of Prince Edward Island is introducing a $30 visitor fee to raise funds for tourist infrastructure, environmental protection and waste management. Called the Passe Archipel, the new fee will be mandatory for domestic and international travellers who stay on the islands for more than 24 hours between May 1 and Oct. 14. Individuals who fail to comply will risk a $1,000 fine.

Iles-de-la-Madeleine Mayor Antonin Valiquette says the fee is necessary because tourists are burdening local services and straining existing municipal revenue. The islands have a population of roughly 13,000 but welcomed about five times that many visitors between May and October 2023, according to the local tourism board.

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“If you think the Iles-de-la-Madeleine are beautiful, are magnificent, and that’s why you come to see them, then we have to ask you to contribute a little to preserving this quality of life and this quality of tourist destination,” Valiquette said in an interview Wednesday.

Valiquette insists the pass does not constitute a barrier to accessing or leaving the islands, but the fee nevertheless has some islanders concerned it will infringe on the freedom of Quebecers and other Canadians to travel within their own country.

“I think it’s outrageous to ask someone to identify themselves in order to get out of their own town,” local hotel owner Chanie Theriault said Wednesday. She was one of several people who voiced opposition to the visitor fee during a tense April 9 local government meeting during which elected officials passed the bylaws that established it.

In an interview, Theriault said she considers the fee especially unfair because it will charge mainland Quebecers for using public resources partially financed by the provincial government, such as roads. “So we end up charging Quebecers for visiting their own infrastructure, which they pay for with their own taxes,” she said.

Suzie Leblanc, a former Iles-de-la-Madeleine town councillor, said she sympathizes with the municipality’s budgetary challenges but is disturbed by the implications of the Passe Archipel rules for citizens’ mobility. “There really is an obstacle to my freedom of movement,” she said. “It’s the first time in my life that this is happening to me and I find it nonsensical.”

Valiquette, however, likened the visitor fee to the $50.25 toll car drivers must pay to cross the Confederation Bridge between New Brunswick and P.E.I. If Confederation Bridge officials introduced a toll exemption for Iles-de-la-Madeleine residents transiting through P.E.I., he said, “I don’t think there would be many who wouldn’t show their driver’s licence, or their ID or their proof of residence rather than pay $50. So it’s exactly the same principle here.”

He argued that the Passe Archipel is less intrusive for islanders than alternative fundraising strategies, such as parking fees at local beaches. And fees for accommodation would be difficult to levy, he said, because many of the islands’ tourist lodgings are single-family home rentals, not hotels.

The Passe Archipel will be payable through a forthcoming online platform and certified with a QR code visitors will receive by email. An official will validate visitors’ codes upon their departure by ferry or plane. Island residents are exempt from the Passe Archipel but will have to furnish proof of residence when they leave the islands to avoid the fee, which only applies to travellers who are at least 13 years old, and is capped at $100 for families _ up to two adults and five children — travelling together. There’s also an exception for second-home owners.

The Passe Archipel isn’t the first attempt by a Quebec town to pass infrastructure costs on to tourists. Last year, a Quebec Superior Court judge struck down an effort by the Gaspe Peninsula town of Perce to make companies charge visitors an extra $1 on purchases of more than $20, saying the municipality overstepped its powers by compelling the local businesses to apply the fee. Perce has appealed the ruling.

Dominic Lapointe, a professor of urban studies and tourism at the Universite du Quebec a Montreal, says popular destinations often struggle with what he called an “imbalance” between tourism and the capacity of municipal resources. The Passe Archipel model is a first in Quebec, he said, but similar fees exist elsewhere in the world. The City of Venice launched a pilot program Thursday that charges day-trippers a five euro fee.

Lapointe said in an interview the Iles-de-la-Madeleine fee manages to “spare residents while maintaining a very high level of accessibility to public facilities.” Direct fees on local services create “a much greater sense of dispossession for the local population,” he said.

Lapointe doubts the islands’ visitor fee will lead to fewer tourists. Michel Bonato, general manager of the Iles-de-la-Madeleine tourism board, said his office has not observed a recent drop in bookings.

Theriault worries the Passe Archipel model could spread. “It sets a dangerous precedent for other municipalities in Quebec,” she asserted. “So if it’s accepted here, why would each city hesitate to establish the same measures?”

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Money: Take-home pay calculator - find out how much extra you're getting this month with National Insurance cut

Your take-home pay will likely be higher this month due to a National Insurance cut. Use our calculator to find out how much, enjoy our weekend reads and leave a comment below, and we'll be back with all the latest personal finance and consumer news on Monday.

Sunday 28 April 2024 15:22, UK

Weekend Money

• Calculate how much your take-home pay will change this month with national insurance reduction
• '£2,000 landed in my account' - The people who say they're manifesting riches
• Iceland's new slogan and cash for grades: What our readers said this week
• Why are mortgage rates going up?

Best of the week

• The world of dark tourism - what is it, is it ethical and where can you go?
• Virgin Media customers share their bad experiences of customer service
• More Britons paying inheritance tax after chancellor freezes threshold - so how can you beat it?
• 'More important than a will': What are lasting power of attorneys and how much do they cost?
• 'I have a mortgage offer - will it change now rates are rising?'

Ask a question or make a comment

National insurance was cut this month, for the second time this year, from 10% to 8% on employee earnings between £12,570 and £50,270.

The change, announced by the chancellor in his March budget, impacts around 27 million payroll employees across the UK - starting this pay day.

The cut is worth almost £250 to someone earning £25,000 a year and almost £750 for those earning £50,000.

Use our tool below for a rough guide to what tax changes can be expected for most people, as there are other variables not included which might affect how much tax you pay including being in receipt of the blind person's allowance or the marriage allowance. It also assumes you are not self-employed and are under pension age...

There are also national insurance cuts for the self-employed. This includes the scrapping of Class 2 contributions, as well as a reduction of the rate of Class 4 contributions from 9% to 6% for the £12,570 to £50,270 earnings bracket.

These will impact nearly two million self-employed people, according to the Treasury.

While many campaigners welcomed the national insurance announcement last month, they pointed out that the tax burden remains at record high levels for Britons - thanks in part to the threshold at which people start paying income tax being frozen, rather than rising with inflation.

By Jess Sharp , Money team

My journey into the world of manifestation (the belief that you can attract success in your life through positive affirmations and visualisation) has taken me places I never thought I'd go.

Like woods in Edenbridge, where I stood meditating under a tree in the pouring rain. I don't yet know where my journey will end (I've been hoping for an engagement ring but my boyfriend hasn't yet seen my visualisations), but it started with a conversation with Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, one of many people who say manifestation has transformed their lives.

"About a year ago, there was something happening and I thought we just need two grand to cover the expense," Jamie, a former dancer from London, told me. "The following day £2,000 landed in my account."

It sounded like a coincidence to me, too.

But Jamie was adamant. His husband calls him "the master manifester" because of his "ability to bring in money".

"It's happened on so many occasions, like four, five times," he said. "I've become very clear on what I want and the amount of money I need and literally it can be within 24 hours that I get a phone call for a job and it's almost identical to what I asked for money-wise."

When I asked the now-psychic where the £2,000 actually came from, he said it was payment for a modelling job he had been offered.

"With manifesting you don't get caught up in the how, and often it comes in ways that you don't expect," he added, explaining it could come as the result of a claim after being in a car crash.

"It's not always coming in the way that you think but money is out there for us to take in the world. It's just having the confidence to receive it and we are worthy of it."

"Even if it is a placebo effect, does it matter?" he said.

The 43-year-old also believes he manifested his husband Fiongal after being diagnosed with cancer. While going through treatment and dating "a lot" of people, he decided to take matters into his own hands, or rather his own head, and started visualising his perfect partner.

"I decided to spend a good couple of weeks getting really, really, super clear in my mind what this person looked like. Then I started creating lists asking about personality traits, and all the things that I wanted that person to be," the former dancer said.

"The day I got the all clear from cancer I randomly met my husband and when I look at the list of the things I asked for, he pretty much ticks every single box. I really, really believe that is because I got super clear on what I wanted and I put that out to the universe to bring to me."

Jim Carrey and manifestation

If you think this is a new practice, it isn't. Jim Carrey was doing it back in the 90s. He famously wrote himself a $10m cheque for "acting services rendered" and dated it years in advance. Then in 1995, he was told he was going to make the exact amount for filming Dumb and Dumber.

The idea shot up in popularity again in 2006 after Rhonda Byrne published her self-help book The Secret.

Since then, it has hit every inch of the internet and has resurfaced on TikTok with videos posted under #manifesting accumulating a huge 13 billion views.

I tried to learn manifesting - I felt like an idiot

After hearing Jamie's story and seeing the idea was popular with so many people, I thought it best to try to learn manifestation myself. I mean, who wouldn't want money landing in their account and a work promotion from the universe?

As I stood in the woods, in the pouring rain, being told to imagine roots growing from the soles of my feet, I felt like an idiot.

I was soaking wet (of course I had forgotten a coat with a hood) and while my mind kept wandering through thoughts about being cold, if I'd hit traffic on the way home and how dirty my white trainers were getting, a gentle, soothing voice kept bringing me back to what I was supposed to be thinking about.

"How we are all connected, how the trees and plants produce oxygen that we breathe, and we breathe out carbon dioxide which they need to survive."

While some people focus their manifestation practices on being grateful to the universe, Tansy Jane Dowman believes we need to get "out of our heads, into our bodies", connect with nature and find our true selves before we can practice it successfully.

My meditation in the woods was just one part of a six-hour workshop run by Tansy, which aimed to send me off with a clearer vision of what I truly desired.

Tansy charges anywhere from £25 to £580 for her courses, which range from one-on-one sessions and an online six-week programme, to forest bathing workshops and weekend-long nature retreats.

But some courses have popped up online which cost more than £1,000.

Tansy started practising manifestation in 2018 after going through a difficult period in her life. She eventually quit her job in events management and started teaching others how to do it successfully.

"The way I manifest is not to focus on material wealth or gain. I would ask my clients what an abundant life means to them in terms of feelings, experiences, connections, people and places," she explained.

"The more authentic you are, the more of a beacon you become for those things to find you."

After spending time walking in the rain and meditating under a tree, Tansy and I sat in her dining room and explored some of the happiest moments in my life and the feelings I experienced. It became clear I like feeling accomplished, needed and excited.

We also spoke about challenging times, but the conversation focused on the positives, like how I had overcome them and what I had learned.

"It's so important to bring in your values with manifestation because sometimes we can get really confused with what we want, with social media especially," she told me.

Throughout her house, Tansy has a number of "abundance boards" proudly on display - some she has made with her children, others are from her annual January tradition of setting out her desires for the year.

"I've had some really wonderful goosebump things happen to me. I did a board at the beginning of 2020... I put a picture of a microphone on it. I just thought I really like that image and I didn't immediately place any meaning onto it," she said.

"Then as the world was shutting down for lockdown, I did a press event and I met a lady who worked for Wellbeing Radio and she wondered if I would be interested in trying out as a presenter."

She explained that some people will be very specific with their desires, like selecting a photo of the exact car they want, or the perfect house, but that isn't how manifestation works. There needs to be an element of trust in the universe giving them what they attract.

As we created my abundance board, which Tansy describes as being like a "personal algorithm", she told me to select images and words from heaps of magazines that called to me intuitively.

As you can see from the picture below, mine calls for being "financially fabulous", travelling, getting engaged (coughs loudly in earshot of boyfriend) and living stress-free.

And while I'd love a big cash injection, Tansy explained to me that money is "only a stepping stone to a feeling" and, ultimately, I'm aiming to create an emotion with it.

Manifesters more likely to go bankrupt

While all the manifestation believers I spoke to said there was no downside to the practice, a researcher has been looking into whether it really does pay off.

Based in Australia, Dr Lucas Dixon (who specialises in consumer psychology) created a scale from one to seven to rank a person's strength of belief and found those who practice it are more likely to have been victims of fraud and declared bankruptcy.

He said there was a "danger" that manifesting could become harmful if taken to an extreme level.

He found those who believe in manifesting tend to think more positively and have a confident attitude when it comes to success, and while that can be helpful in business, it can also cause them to take unnecessary risks.

"They weren't more objectively successful in terms of having higher income or higher education attainment," he said.

"We also found that they are more likely to believe in get-rich-quick schemes, more likely to take higher risks... to have risky financial investments and more likely to have investments in cryptocurrency rather than traditional stock."

Using the scale he created, Dr Dixon found those who have "very strong beliefs", ranking at a seven, were 40% more likely to have gone bankrupt.

"The danger comes in a couple of different forms," he said, explaining that a "worst case scenario" could see people getting into financial difficulty by being encouraged to "just look at the positives".

"Someone might say it's not harmful because it is really just thinking positively but I think even that can be harmful because of what you might call an opportunity cost," he said.

"You're spending time, energy and money doing something that doesn't have a lot of evidence behind it. We found it does make you feel good but you don't need to pay thousands to do it."

Okay, so back to me...

I did my manifestation course about two months ago, and I have done as I was instructed - my abundance board is up in sight inside the flat, and I often have a cup of coffee in front of it.

But, so far I'm still using a credit card, the most travelling I've done has been to work and back and there is still no rock on my finger. I have been given an annual pay rise, though, and would say I am less stressed.

Perhaps believing that I'm just doing my best and there's a chance that I'll be rewarded for that one day, eventually, in the future, maybe, is making me feel better... who knows?

Each week, Money blog readers share their thoughts on the subjects we've been covering, and over the last seven days your correspondence has been dominated by these topics...

• Iceland's new slogan
• Rising mortgage rates
• Giving kids cash for grades

Iceland's new catchphrase

We learnt on Monday that Iceland had dropped its tagline "That's why mums go to Iceland", replacing it with "That's why we go to Iceland".

The move was made to reflect the store is for everybody, said brand ambassador Josie Gibson. Readers were split - with some feeling so strongly that they're prepared, they suggest, to sacrifice those frozen Greggs steak bakes forever...

I previously contacted Iceland about their slogan because I didn't think it did single dads justice, as dads can go to Iceland too. Their response was that people understood that it's not just mums that go to Iceland. It's about time they changed the message. Dave T  

Neither I, my wife or my children will shop in Iceland again due to this stupidness and woke attitude. To hell with you [Iceland boss] Richard Walker. John  

Banks hike mortgage rates

This week we reported that high street lenders such as Halifax, TSB, NatWest, Barclays, Leeds Building Society, HSBC and Coventry had all hiked mortgage rates. 

You said...

With house prices at already extortionate levels, now mortgage rates rising again, is there any hope for first-time buyers? Honestly, the situation is so bleak, people may need to consider other countries. GenZ 

Why would this happen? So many young couples struggling to get on the property ladder. I live in Dorset - a one-bedroom flat costs from £230,000. In Scotland, one can get a beautiful two-bed house for that price. Feel sorry for all couples living down in the South. Need huge deposits. Barbs

Why are they called high-street banks? Most banks in my town have closed. Martin J

Parents offering cash for good grades

A lot of views came in after our feature exploring the positives and negatives of parents incentivising good school grades with cash...

We had scores of comments on this - with a fairly even split...

We did it for our son at GCSE time. We think it made a difference of about a grade on most subjects. Got a two-grade lift on maths. Cost us £350. Thought it was good value as it has taught him how things work in the world. Andy

The whole world is built on a reward system which symbolises access to money commensurate with effort and excellence. The Nobel prize goes with a cash reward! Tom Deggs

Employees are offered incentives for achieving targets, so why not offer kids incentives for better grades? Claire228 

But others had concerns...

I think it puts too much pressure on kids who are under enough pressure at exam time. Parents should encourage their kids to do the best they can, not add to their stress levels. Emma

Children should value their education without it being monetised. My parents expected my brother and I to have the motivation, maturity and self-discipline to work hard for our GCSEs. We both achieved all As and A*s. Eliza 

When I was at school, from 1964-83, my parents never gave me money for good exam results, because "I should want to do well for myself". No matter what my grades were, they said that they would be proud of me if I had tried my best. Cash kills self-motivation. Nicola B 

The money story of the week has been mortgage rates - with a host of major lenders announcing hikes amid fears the Bank of England may delay interest rate cuts.

Swap rates - which dictate how much it costs to lend money - have risen on the back of higher than expected US inflation data, and concerns this could delay interest rate cuts there. 

US trends often materialise elsewhere - though many economists are still expecting a base rate cut from 5.25% to 5% in the UK in June.

The reliable Bloomberg reported this week: "Still, while some economists have since scaled back their predictions for BOE cuts, most haven't changed expectations for a summer move.

"Analysts at Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs Group, Capital Economics and Bloomberg Economics are all among those still anticipating a shift toward easing in June."

The publication also quoted Sanjay Raja, chief UK economist at Deutsche Bank, as saying: "Markets have superimposed the US cycle on the UK, but the US and UK are on very different tracks.

"The UK is coming out of technical recession. Inflation is falling more convincingly. Pay settlements are following inflation expectations. And crucially, real policy rates in the UK will be higher than in the US."

None of this reassurance changes the fact that financial markets, which dictate swap rates, are pricing in delays.

This week's hikes came from Halifax, BM Solutions, TSB, NatWest, Virgin, Barclays, Accord, Leeds Building Society, HSBC and Coventry.

This is what average mortgage rates looked like as of Thursday...

The next Bank of England decision on rates comes on 9 May - and pretty much no one is expecting a cut from the 16-year high of 5.25% at that stage.

The Money blog is your place for consumer news, economic analysis and everything you need to know about the cost of living - bookmark news.sky.com/money.

It runs with live updates every weekday - while on Saturdays we scale back and offer you a selection of weekend reads.

Check them out this morning and we'll be back on Monday with rolling news and features.

The Money team is Emily Mee, Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young and Ollie Cooper, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

The family home where Captain Sir Tom Moore walked 100 laps to raise nearly £40m for the NHS during the first COVID lockdown is up for sale for £2.25m.

The Grade II-listed Old Rectory is described as a "magnificent seven-bedroom property" by estate agents Fine & Country.

In a video tour of the house, a sculpture of Captain Tom with his walking frame can be seen in the hallway, while a photo of the fundraising hero being knighted by the Queen is on a wall in the separate coach house building.

Introducing the property, an estate agent says in the tour video: "I'm sure you'll recognise this iconic and very famous driveway behind me as it was home to the late Captain Sir Tom Moore who walked 100 laps of his garden, raising over £37m for NHS charities."

It comes less than three months after the demolition of an unauthorised spa pool block in the grounds of the property in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire.

Speaking at an appeal hearing over that spa, Scott Stemp, representing Captain Tom's daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore and her husband, said the foundation named after the fundraising hero "is to be closed down" following a Charity Commission probe launched amid concerns about its management.

For the full story, click here ...

"Status symbol" pets are being given up by owners who get scared as they grow up, an animal charity has said, with the cost of living possibly paying a part in a rise in separations.

The Exotic Pet Refuge, which homes parrots, monkeys, snakes and alligators among others, says it receives referrals across the country, including from zoos and the RSPCA.

"They're a status symbol. People will say, 'OK, I'll have an alligator or a 10ft boa constrictor'," co-owner Pam Mansfield told the BBC.

"But when the animal gets big, they will get too frightened to handle them, and then the pet has to go."

She added people who want to get rid of the pets sometimes call zoos for help, which then call on her charity.

In some cases, owners don't have licences to own dangerous animals, she says, blaming a "lack of understanding" for what she says is a rise in the number of exotic animals needing to be rehomed.

She says people "just don't have the space" for some snakes, for example, with some growing to as much as 12ft and needing their own room.

The cost of living crisis has also forced owners to give their pets away, she says.

Her charity has also been affected by those increased costs, with the electricity bill rising to £10,000 a month at their highest, to fund things like heated pools for alligators.

Private car parks are accused of "confusing drivers" after introducing a new code of conduct - despite "doing all they can" to prevent an official government version.

The code of practice launched by two industry bodies - British Parking Association and the International Parking Community - includes a ten-minute grace period for motorists to leave a car park after the parking period they paid for ends.

It also features requirements for consistent signage, a single set of rules for operators on private land and an "appeals charter".

Private parking businesses have been accused of using misleading and confusing signs, aggressive debt collection and unreasonable fees.

That comes after a government-backed code of conduct was withdrawn in June 2022, after a legal challenges by parking companies.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "We're flabbergasted that the BPA and the IPC have suddenly announced plans to introduce their own private parking code after doing all they can over the last five years to prevent the official government code created by an act of Parliament coming into force.

"While there are clearly some positive elements to what the private parking industry is proposing, it conveniently avoids some of the biggest issues around caps on penalty charges and debt recovery fees which badly need to be addressed to prevent drivers being taken advantage of."

BPA chief executive Andrew Pester said: "This is a crucial milestone as we work closely with government, consumer bodies and others to deliver fairer and more consistent parking standards for motorists."

IPC chief executive Will Hurley said: "The single code will benefit all compliant motorists and will present clear consequences for those who decide to break the rules."

Sky News has learnt the owner of Superdry's flagship store is weighing up a legal challenge to a rescue plan launched by the struggling fashion retailer.

M&G, the London-listed asset manager, has engaged lawyers from Hogan Lovells to scrutinise the restructuring plan.

The move by M&G, which owns the fashion retailer's 32,000 square foot Oxford Street store, will not necessarily result in a formal legal challenge - but sources say it's possible.

Read City editor Mark Kleinman 's story here...

NatWest says its mortgage lending nearly halved at the start of the year as it retreated from parts of the market when competition among lenders stepped up.

New mortgage lending totalled £5.2bn in the first three months of 2024, the banking group has revealed, down from £9.9bn the previous year.

The group, which includes Royal Bank of Scotland and Coutts, also reported an operating pre-tax profit of £1.3bn for the first quarter, down 27% from £1.8bn the previous year.

An unexplained flow of British luxury cars into states neighbouring Russia continued into February, new data shows.

About £26m worth of British cars were exported to Azerbaijan, making the former Soviet country the 17th biggest destination for UK cars - bigger than long-established export markets such as Ireland, Portugal and Qatar.

Azerbaijan's ascent has coincided almost to the month with the imposition of sanctions on the export of cars to Russia.

Read the rest of economics and data editor Ed Conway 's analysis here...

Rishi Sunak has hailed the arrival of pay day with a reminder his government's additional National Insurance tax cut kicks in this month for the first time.

At last month's budget, the chancellor announced NI will be cut by a further 2p - so some workers will pay 8% of their earnings instead of the 12% if was before autumn.

The prime minister has repeated his claim this will be worth £900 for someone on the average UK salary.

While this additional cut - on top of the previous 2p cut in January - does equate to £900 for those on average full-time earnings of £35,000, there are two key issues with Mr Sunak's claim:

• Once the effect of all income tax changes since 2021 are taken into account, the Institute for Fiscal Studies reports an average earner will benefit from a tax cut of £340 - far less than £900;
• Moreover, anyone earning less than £26,000 or between £55,000-£131,000 will ultimately be worse off.

In short, this is because NI cuts are more than offset by other tax rises.

We explain below how this is the case...

Tax thresholds

This is partly down to tax thresholds - the amount you are allowed to earn before you start paying tax (and national insurance) and before you start paying the higher rate of tax - will remain frozen. 

This means people end up paying more tax than they otherwise would, when their pay rises with inflation but the thresholds don't keep up. 

This phenomenon is known as "fiscal drag" and it's often called a stealth tax because it's not as noticeable immediately in your pay packet.

That low threshold of £12,570 has been in place since April 2021. 

The Office for Budget Responsibility says if it had increased with inflation it would be set at £15,220 for 2024/25.

If that were the case, workers could earn an extra £2,650 tax-free each year.

Less give, more take

Sky News analysis shows someone on £16,000 a year will pay £607 more in total - equivalent to more than three months of average household spending on food. 

Their income level means national insurance savings are limited but they are paying 20% in income tax on an additional £2,650 of earnings.

In its analysis , the IFS states: "In aggregate the NICs cuts just serve to give back a portion of the money that is being taken away through other income tax and NICs changes - in particular, multi-year freezes to tax thresholds at a time of high inflation."

Overall, according to the institute, for every £1 given back to workers by the National Insurance cuts, £1.30 will have been taken away due to threshold changes between 2021 and 2024.

This rises to £1.90 in 2027.

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