01GRIFFITH PARK
Griffith Observatory
Look across the city from the hillside, then spend time with the observatory's exhibits if they fit your day. It is a good way to understand LA's scale before you explore it.
Check current visiting information.
NORTH AMERICA✳UNITED STATES
Los Angeles.
Hills, neighborhoods and the Pacific — a city best explored one area at a time.
EXPLORE THE GUIDE01 / THE FEELCoast and creativity
02 / FIRST VISIT3–5 days suggested
03 / GETTING AROUNDPlan by neighborhood
04 / IN THIS GUIDEA two-day starting route
01 / GET TO KNOW THE CITY
Think in
neighborhoods.
Los Angeles is less a single center than a collection of places with different rhythms. The best day is often the one you do not spend crossing the whole city.
There is a postcard version of LA: the Hollywood Sign, palm trees and sunset over the Pacific. It is real, but only part of the experience. Make time for museums, food halls, hillside views and a neighborhood that feels like its own small city.
Choose a base and group nearby stops together. Public transit can work well for some routes, while other journeys may need a different option. LA Metro's trip planner helps you check the route for the day.
Use this overview to decide what interests you, then follow our longer itinerary for a detailed plan.
Start with the highlights02 / SEE & DO
Three sides
of LA.
City views, ocean air and downtown culture.
01
02THE COAST
Santa Monica & Venice
Walk the beach, watch the neighborhoods change and let the Pacific set the pace. Keep the two areas together in one day so you can enjoy the coast without rushing back across town.
A bike ride is one option; a walk works too.
03DOWNTOWN
Downtown LA
Spend an afternoon around Grand Central Market, bookshops and the Arts District. It is an easy area to build a day around if food, architecture and contemporary art appeal to you.
Check venue hours before setting out.A LITTLE FURTHER
Choose your angle.
Different interests can lead to very different LA days.
04 / OUTDOORS
Hillside walks
Find a trail that suits your ability, weather and available time.
05 / FOOD
Grand Central Market
Browse the stalls and make lunch part of your downtown visit.
06 / CULTURE
More museums
Choose a collection or a film-focused stop that matches your interests.
03 / A SIMPLE ROUTE
Two days,
two moods.
Keep each day geographically focused. Our longer itinerary adds more neighborhoods and optional activities.
TRAVEL TIMES CHANGE; CHECK YOUR ROUTE ON THE DAY.DAY 01HILLS & CITY VIEWS
Start above the city.
- MorningExplore a neighborhood around Hollywood or Los Feliz.
- AfternoonMake time for Griffith Park and the observatory.
- EveningStay nearby for dinner instead of crossing town again.
DAY 02COAST & SLOWER STREETS
Let the Pacific lead.
- MorningBegin around Santa Monica and the beach.
- AfternoonContinue toward Venice at your own pace.
- EveningStay for the coastal light, then plan your return route.
04 / PICK YOUR MOMENT
When to go.
Build the trip around what you want to do outdoors.
Spring
A useful season for mixing city walks with hillside time.
Summer
Plan shade and water for warmer inland days; the coast may feel different.
Autumn
Keep an eye on local conditions for outdoor plans and make room for museums.
Winter
Bring layers and a flexible plan for shorter days or rain.
05 / TASTE THE CITY
Follow the
appetite.
LA's dining scene reflects its many communities. Pick a neighborhood and let food be part of exploring it.
Taco stops
Look for a local stand or restaurant that fits your route.
Grand Central Market
A downtown food hall with plenty of choices under one roof.
Neighborhood cafés
Make a coffee stop between galleries, shops or parks.
Something new
Use the trip to try a cuisine you do not often find at home.
06 / BEFORE YOU GO
Plan for the distance.
Our three-to-five-day Los Angeles itinerary has a fuller day-by-day plan. This guide helps you pick the neighborhoods and experiences that deserve your time first.
Check current weather, transit, opening hours and prices for your dates. Entry rules depend on your nationality and circumstances.THE WORLD IS WIDE OPEN ✳GOOD TO KNOW
A few last
questions.
How many days should I spend in Los Angeles? ＋
Three to five days gives a first visitor time for several areas without trying to see everything. For a shorter trip, choose two or three neighborhoods and keep travel time in mind.
Do I need a car in Los Angeles? ＋
It depends on where you stay and what you plan. Metro rail and buses serve many routes, while some trips work better with a different option. Check each day's journey before booking transport.
What should I do first? ＋
Choose your priorities: coast, hills, museums, film or food. Then group nearby places into a day instead of making long cross-city journeys.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Make Los Angeles Travel Guide happen.
Find experiences, choose a place to stay and compare flights. Check current details with each provider before you book.
THINGS TO DO01 / EXPLORE
Discover Los Angeles Travel Guide.
Three ways to start exploring. Open an idea to see current activities and availability.
01 / Los Angeles Travel GuideExplore the highlightsFind activities and sights for your visit.Explore activities 02 / Los Angeles Travel GuideGo with a local guideBrowse guided tours and small group experiences.Explore activities 03 / Los Angeles Travel GuideTickets and experiencesSee available tickets and things to do.Explore activities 
STAYS02 / STAY
Find your place to stay.
Explore accommodation near Los Angeles Travel Guide, then choose dates and check availability on Booking.com.
Compare places that fit your dates and budget.
See available stays
FLIGHTS03 / GET THERE
Find a route that works.
Choose your departure point and dates, then compare flights on Expedia. You can edit the destination if another airport works better.
Check baggage and final prices on Expedia before booking.Browse all flights ↗
Partner links via Stay22: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability are provided by the partner.