Los Angeles, California-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Hollywood Glam

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at The Original Pantry Cafe, a 24-hour diner that’s been a LA staple since 1924.
  • 9:00 AM: Head to the iconic Walk of Fame, where you can find the stars of your favorite celebrities on the sidewalk. Take a stroll along Hollywood Boulevard and grab some souvenirs at the Hollywood & Highland Center.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at The Apple Pan, a retro-style diner that’s been featured in movies and TV shows.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, a historic movie palace where you can see handprints and signatures of Hollywood legends in the forecourt. Catch a matinee showing of a classic movie or a recent release at one of the on-site theaters.
  • 6:00 PM: Head to Sunset Boulevard for dinner and drinks. Try The Tam O’Shanter, a Scottish-themed restaurant that’s been a LA institution since 1922, or grab a burger at The Apple Pan’s sister location, The Tam O’Shanter’s next-door neighbor, Apple Pan Jr.
  • Where to stay: Stay at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, a historic hotel that’s hosted countless celebrities and events.
  • Things to know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and traffic on Hollywood Boulevard.
    • Don’t miss the famous Capitol Records Building, a iconic landmark shaped like a stack of records.
    • Take a stroll through the Hollywood Forever Cemetery to see the final resting places of many Hollywood legends.

Day 2: Beach Day

  • 9:00 AM: Head to the beach! Drive to Santa Monica State Beach, where you can park and enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.
  • 10:00 AM: Rent a bike or take a leisurely walk along the Beachside Bike Path. Stop by the Pier Aquarium, which features an array of marine life.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at The Albright, a beachfront restaurant that serves up fresh seafood and sandwiches.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the iconic Santa Monica Pier, where you can ride the historic Ferris wheel or play games at the amusement park.
  • 5:00 PM: Head back to your hotel or grab dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area. Try The Strand House for upscale dining with a view.
  • Where to stay: Stay at the Shutters on the Beach, a beachfront hotel that offers stunning views and comfortable rooms.
  • Things to know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and parking challenges at popular beaches like Santa Monica.
    • Don’t miss the Third Street Promenade, a pedestrian shopping street with street performers, live music, and great people-watching.

Day 3: Art and Culture

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day with breakfast at The Original Farmers Market, where you can find international cuisine and fresh produce.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), which features an extensive collection of art from around the world. Be sure to see the famous Urban Light installation by Chris Burden.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at The Farmers Market’s food stalls, where you can try everything from Korean BBQ to authentic Mexican cuisine.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Hammer Museum, which showcases a diverse collection of art and cultural exhibitions. Don’t miss the stunning architecture of the museum itself!
  • 5:00 PM: Head back to your hotel or grab dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area. Try The Spotted Pig for upscale dining with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
  • Where to stay: Stay at the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City, which offers comfortable rooms and easy access to LACMA and other cultural attractions.
  • Things to know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and parking challenges at popular museums like LACMA.
    • Don’t miss the Korean Cultural Center, which features traditional Korean architecture, art, and cuisine.

Day 4: Theme Parks

  • 9:00 AM: Head to Universal Studios Hollywood, where you can explore behind-the-scenes of movie magic. Take a guided tour or ride thrilling attractions like the Transformers: The Ride-3D.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at The Studio Tour’s food stalls, where you can try everything from classic burgers to gourmet sandwiches.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit Universal CityWalk, a vibrant shopping and entertainment district with street performers, live music, and great people-watching. Don’t miss the iconic CityWalk globe!
  • 5:00 PM: Head back to your hotel or grab dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area. Try The Cheesecake Factory for a decadent dessert.
  • Where to stay: Stay at the Loews Hollywood Hotel, which offers comfortable rooms and easy access to Universal Studios and other attractions.
  • Things to know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and long wait times at popular theme parks like Universal Studios.
    • Don’t miss the Universal Studios’ behind-the-scenes tours, which offer a unique glimpse into movie magic.

Day 5: Downtown LA

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day with breakfast at The Grand Central Market, where you can find international cuisine and fresh produce.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Broad Museum, which features an extensive collection of contemporary art and architecture. Don’t miss the stunning Inverted staircase!
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at The Broad’s food stalls, where you can try everything from Korean BBQ to authentic Mexican cuisine.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Disney Concert Hall, a iconic landmark designed by Frank Gehry. Take a stroll through the adjacent MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art).
  • 5:00 PM: Head back to your hotel or grab dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area. Try The Bestia for upscale dining with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
  • Where to stay: Stay at the The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, which offers comfortable rooms and easy access to downtown LA attractions.
  • Things to know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and parking challenges in downtown LA.
    • Don’t miss the Olvera Street, a historic pedestrian shopping street with street performers, live music, and great people-watching.

Tips and Transportation

  • Rent a car or use public transportation (Metro) to get around LA. Be prepared for traffic congestion and parking challenges.
  • Use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft to get around the city.
  • Don’t miss the LA Metro’s free shuttle service, which offers a convenient way to get around downtown LA without a car.
  • Try to avoid driving during rush hour (7-9 am and 4-6 pm) to minimize traffic congestion.

Other things of interest:

  • Take a stroll along the Santa Monica Pier’s Beachside Bike Path for stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
  • Visit the Los Angeles Zoo, which features over 1,100 animals from around the world.
  • Explore the Griffith Observatory, which offers stunning views of LA and a planetarium with educational programs.
  • Don’t miss the Getty Center’s gardens, which feature beautiful architecture and stunning views of the city.