Day 1
Beach & the Westside
Start at Santa Monica Pier, rent a bike and roll the coastal path south to Venice with its skate park and Abbot Kinney. Spend the afternoon on the sand and close the day with sunset and an ocean-view dinner.
Los Angeles isn't one city so much as a patchwork of dozens — beach towns, canyons, film studios and neighbourhoods from all over the world, stitched together by freeways and palm trees. The light is golden, the weather is almost annoyingly good, and the distances are big enough that you're better off picking a handful of corners than chasing everything.
The Westside belongs to the ocean, Santa Monica and Venice; Hollywood and the hills to the myth of the movies; Downtown and Koreatown to some of the most exciting food in America. Accept the traffic as a fact of life, plan your days by geography, and you can string together a beach, a hike, a taco truck and a rooftop bar in a single sunny day.
Itinerary
Day 2
Hollywood & the hills
See the Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre in the morning, then drive up to Griffith Observatory for the view over the city and the Hollywood Sign. End the evening with bars or live music along the Sunset Strip.
Day 3
Downtown & Koreatown
Wander Grand Central Market, the Broad museum and the Downtown library, then browse the arty Arts District streets. In the evening head to Koreatown for Korean BBQ and a long wind-down in its hidden bars.
Highlights
🌄Viewpoint
Griffith Observatory
An Art Deco observatory perched high on Mount Hollywood with the best sweeping view over the L.A. sprawl and the Hollywood Sign. Entry is free, so come at dusk to watch the city light up below and budget time for the scarce parking.
🏖️Beach
Santa Monica Pier
A wooden pier topped with a small amusement park, a Ferris wheel and the storied end of Route 66 jutting over the Pacific. Rent a bike and roll the beach path south to Venice when the rides get too crowded.
🏘️Neighbourhood
Venice Beach
A raucous beachfront of outdoor muscle gyms, streetball, a skate park and boardwalk performers, with leafy canals hidden just behind. Stroll the Ocean Front Walk in the morning, then peel off to Abbot Kinney for boutiques and coffee.
🏛️Landmark
Hollywood Boulevard
The glitzy, gritty heart of the movie myth, home to the Walk of Fame, the handprints outside the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Oscars' Dolby Theatre. Come for the Hollywood Sign views and the iconography rather than the overpriced souvenir shops.
🖼️Museum
Getty Center
A museum of travertine-white pavilions above Brentwood, reached by a hillside tram, holding old masters, sculpture gardens and views to the sea. Entry is free with only parking to pay, and pair it with the coastal Getty Villa for antiquities.
✨Experience
Malibu & the Pacific Coast Highway
Twenty-seven miles of coast where the mountains meet the Pacific, strung along one of America's most famous drives. Rent a car, stop at Zuma and El Matador beaches, and expect heavy weekend traffic between Santa Monica and Malibu.
Neighbourhoods
Santa Monica & Venice
The beach side of the city, with the pier, bike paths, the Muscle Beach scene and boutiques along Abbot Kinney. The best base if you want ocean, walkable strolls and mild temperatures over late-night going out.
Hollywood
The central myth district, home to the Walk of Fame, historic movie palaces and Hollywood Sign views, plus bars and live music at night. Conveniently placed for quick trips up to Griffith Observatory and the hills.
Downtown (DTLA)
The vertical heart where skyscrapers, Grand Central Market, the Broad museum and converted lofts collide. Best for foodies, culture and a more urban, walkable side of L.A.
Koreatown
A dense, around-the-clock neighbourhood packed with Korean BBQ, spa houses and hidden bars. Come hungry and late — this is where L.A. eats and drinks when other corners have gone to sleep.
Where to eat
Tacos
From al pastor off a street cart to fish tacos by the coast, they're the staple food of L.A. Find an evening taco truck or a stand in Boyle Heights and eat them standing up with lime and salsa.
Korean BBQ
In Koreatown you grill marinated ribs and pork belly yourself at the table, surrounded by little side dishes. Go as a group, order generously and plan for a long, loud evening.
In-N-Out Burger
The California burger institution with its secret menu — order it 'Animal Style' to fit in. Fresh, cheap and the first stop for many visitors straight off the plane.
Food-truck fusion
L.A. invented the gourmet food truck, led by Korean-Mexican kimchi tacos. Follow the trucks on social media or find an evening truck gathering and graze your way across cuisines.
Good to know
Best time to visit
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal: warm, clear and without the hazy heat of high summer. Summer is hot and crowded, while winter stays mild and sunny with the odd spell of rain and the coolest ocean temperatures.
Getting around
L.A. is built around the car, and a rental gives you the most freedom — but expect heavy traffic and pricey, scarce parking. The Metro and Expo train link Downtown to Santa Monica, and for short hops rideshare or a coastal bike are often easiest. Plan days by area so you're not commuting across freeways for hours.
- Currency
- USD $
- Languages
- English
How much does Los Angeles cost?
A realistic daily budget per person, in three styles.
Backpacker$70per person / day
Mid-range$150per person / day
Comfort$300per person / day
Los Angeles can be expensive, but options exist for all budgets.
Local tips
- ✓Plan each day by area — crossing the city can easily eat an hour or more in rush hour traffic.
- ✓The coastal fog, 'June Gloom', can grey out mornings; the sun usually breaks through by afternoon.
- ✓Buy tickets for the Broad museum or studio tours online in advance — walk-ins often sell out.
