Los Angeles is a city of dreams, where Hollywood glamor meets surf culture, where street tacos rival fine dining, and where every neighborhood feels like its own unique world.
With only three days in LA, you’ll want to hit the highlights without feeling rushed.
This carefully curated itinerary will help first-time visitors experience the very best of LA iconic sights, hidden gems, cultural richness, and practical tips to make your trip smooth and memorable.
Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Classic LA – Hollywood, Griffith Park, Melrose
- Day 2: Coastal Vibes – Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Malibu
- Day 3: Downtown Culture – Arts District, Museums, Historic Landmarks
Before You Go: Travel Tips for Visiting LA
Getting Around
- Public Transit: LA has a Metro system (buses + subway), but it’s not as comprehensive as in NYC or SF. It’s great for downtown, Hollywood, and Santa Monica.
- Best Option: Rent a car if you want to explore comfortably and save time. Be aware of parking fees and traffic.
- Alternatives: Uber, Lyft, and Bird/Lime scooters are widely available.
Budget Tips
- Many attractions like Griffith Observatory, The Getty Center, The Broad Museum, and beaches are free.
- Consider the Go City Los Angeles Pass if you plan on visiting multiple paid attractions like Universal Studios or Hop-On Hop-Off tours.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) offer the best weather without the summer crowds.
- Summers are fun but hot and crowded. Winters are mild but less lively.
What to Pack
- Comfortable shoes (you’ll walk more than you think)
- Layers for cool evenings
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
- Swimsuit, especially in summer
- A light jacket (it cools off at night, even in summer)
DAY 1: HOLLYWOOD & HILLS – THE STAR-STUDDED SIDE OF LA
8:00 AM – Breakfast in Los Feliz
Where: The Alcove Café & Bakery
Start your morning at this beautiful café known for fresh pastries, hearty brunch options, and lush patio seating. Try the breakfast burrito or the eggs benedict paired with a latte.
Local Tip: Sit outside to enjoy the morning sun and people-watch.
9:00 AM – Explore Griffith Park & Observatory
Drive time from café: 10 minutes
Make your way to Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in the U.S.
Must-See:
- Griffith Observatory – Free admission, space exhibits, and telescope views
- Hollywood Sign Views – Take photos from the back terrace or hike up a trail
- Hiking Option: The Mt. Hollywood Trail is a 1.5-2 hour moderate hike with amazing vistas
Don’t Miss: On clear days, you can see the ocean, Downtown LA, and even Catalina Island.
11:30 AM – Hollywood Boulevard Sights
Drive time: 20–30 minutes (allow time for traffic + parking)
Head to the heart of Hollywood to walk the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame.
What to See:
- TCL Chinese Theatre – Snap photos of celebrity handprints
- Dolby Theatre – Home of the Oscars (guided tours available)
- Hollywood & Highland Center – Shopping and a great view of the Hollywood Sign
Parking Tip: Park inside the Hollywood & Highland complex for a central location.
1:00 PM – Lunch at Musso & Frank Grill
Where: 6667 Hollywood Blvd
LA’s oldest restaurant, famous for its vintage ambiance and Old Hollywood history.
Order the classic steak sandwich or the chicken pot pie.
Fun Fact: This place has served stars like Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin.
2:30 PM – Shopping + Street Art on Melrose Avenue
Drive time: 15–20 minutes
Cruise over to Melrose Avenue, known for its artsy boutiques and Instagram-worthy murals.
What to Explore:
- Paul Smith Pink Wall – Perfect for photos
- Wasteland – Vintage clothing store
- Melrose Trading Post (Sundays only) – Flea market with local vendors
Grab a coffee at Alfred Coffee (“But first, coffee”) a cult favorite.
5:30 PM – Sunset Hike or Photo Stop
Option 1: Drive to Runyon Canyon for a quick hike with views
Option 2: Return to Griffith Park for golden hour photos if you skipped hiking earlier
7:00 PM – Rooftop Dinner at Mama Shelter
Where: 6500 Selma Ave, Hollywood
End your day with cocktails, city lights, and creative California cuisine at this trendy rooftop bar and restaurant.
Make a reservation—sunset times are popular!
DAY 2: BEACH DAY – SANTA MONICA, VENICE & MALIBU VIBES
8:00 AM – Breakfast by the Beach
Where: Urth Caffé or Blue Daisy Café in Santa Monica
Healthy, delicious, and Instagrammable breakfasts await.
Try their avocado toast or açai bowl with a cold-pressed juice.
9:30 AM – Santa Monica Pier & Beach
Walk over to the iconic Santa Monica Pier.
What to Do:
- Ride the Pacific Wheel for ocean views
- Explore Pacific Park (mini amusement park)
- Relax on the sandy Santa Monica Beach
Photo Tip: The best views of the pier are from the beach just north or south of it.
11:30 AM – Bike to Venice Beach
Rent a bike or scooter and cruise the scenic beach path known as The Strand (3-mile ride, very easy and flat).
Arrive at Venice Beach, known for its artsy, eclectic vibe.
Explore:
- Muscle Beach – Outdoor gym by the sea
- Venice Skate Park – Watch pros and teens land crazy tricks
- Venice Boardwalk – Street performers, funky shops, henna tattoos
- Venice Canals – Quiet residential area with arch bridges and beautiful homes
1:00 PM – Lunch at Gjelina
Where: Abbot Kinney Blvd
Upscale, seasonal dishes with plenty of vegetarian options.
Try the wood-fired pizza or roasted vegetables.
Reservation highly recommended
3:00 PM – Shopping + Coffee on Abbot Kinney
Wander the boutiques, art galleries, and cafes:
- The Piece Collective – Modern home goods + fashion
- Burro – Cute souvenirs and LA gifts
- Salt & Straw – Creative ice cream flavors (try the sea salt with caramel ribbons!)
5:30 PM – Optional Detour to Malibu
Drive time: 45–60 minutes from Venice
If you’re up for a scenic drive, cruise along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to El Matador Beach a hidden cove with sea caves and rock formations.
7:00 PM – Dinner with a View
Options:
- The Misfit (Santa Monica) – Fun and lively, good cocktails
- Elephante – Trendy rooftop with Mediterranean small plates
- The Bungalow – Beachfront bar, great for post-dinner drinks
DAY 3: DOWNTOWN CULTURE & LA’S CREATIVE SIDE
8:30 AM – Breakfast at Grand Central Market
Where: 317 S Broadway, DTLA
This food hall is a global flavor haven.
Top Picks:
- Eggslut – Breakfast sandwich with cult status
- Villa Moreliana – Carnitas tacos
- G&B Coffee – Barista-quality lattes
10:00 AM – Visit The Broad Museum & Walt Disney Concert Hall
Reserve free tickets for The Broad in advance
- See works by Yayoi Kusama, Jeff Koons, and more
- Pop outside to admire the Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by Frank Gehry
Optional: Walk to MOCA across the street for even more art.
12:30 PM – Lunch in Little Tokyo
Drive time: 10 mins or walkable
Explore Little Tokyo, a historic Japanese-American neighborhood.
Eat at:
- Daikokuya – Rich, authentic ramen
- Marugame Udon – Fresh noodles made on-site
Afterward, browse Japanese gift shops or check out the Japanese American National Museum.
2:30 PM – Explore the Arts District
What to Do:
- Discover huge murals and graffiti art
- Grab coffee at Stumptown or Verve
- Browse indie boutiques and bookshops
- Stop at Hauser & Wirth Gallery – Free, contemporary art exhibits
5:00 PM – Rooftop Drinks or Breweries
Options:
- Perch LA – Parisian-style rooftop lounge
- Angel City Brewery – Local beer, great vibe
- Arts District Brewing Co. – Craft beer + arcade games
7:30 PM – Dinner at Bestia or Bavel
End your trip with an unforgettable meal.
- Bestia – Italian with house-cured meats and handmade pasta
- Bavel – Modern Middle Eastern food in a buzzing setting
Both are very popular – reserve at least 2 weeks in advance!
Final Travel Tips for LA Visitors
- Traffic is real – Always allow extra travel time
- Group your activities by area to save time
- Public restrooms can be scarce—use them in malls, museums, and cafes
- Tipping is expected – 18–20% at restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars
- LAX Airport – Arrive 3 hours early for international flights, 2 for domestic
- Safety – Stick to well-lit areas at night; avoid flashing valuables in crowded areas
Bonus Add-Ons If You Have More Time
- The Getty Center – Incredible art + gardens (free, parking extra)
- La Brea Tar Pits & Museum – Fossils in the middle of the city
- The Grove + Original Farmers Market – Shopping + food stalls
- Universal Studios Hollywood – Movie-themed rides and fun
- Day Trip to Disneyland – 1 hour away in Anaheim
Wrapping Up
Los Angeles is a sprawling city full of contrast where palm trees meet skyscrapers, and street food meets Michelin stars.
This 3-day itinerary gives you a balanced, experience-rich taste of LA that blends the classic, the local, and the unforgettable.
You’ll leave with amazing photos, new favorite foods, and maybe even a few celebrity sightings.
