Los Angeles 4 Day Itinerary
Los Angeles 4-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Hollywood Glamour
- Morning: Start your day at the iconic Walk of Fame, where you can see the stars of your favorite celebrities on the sidewalk. Take a stroll along the famous Hollywood Boulevard and grab a coffee at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
- Afternoon: Visit the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards, and take a guided tour of the venue. Afterwards, head to the Griffith Observatory for stunning views of LA and explore the exhibits on space and science.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Musso & Frank Grill, Hollywood’s oldest restaurant, serving up classic American fare since 1919. Catch a show or concert at the legendary Hollywood Bowl.
- Stay: The Loews Hollywood Hotel offers comfortable rooms and a rooftop pool with great views of the city.
Day 2: Beaches and Santa Monica Pier
- Morning: Drive to Santa Monica (about 30 minutes) and visit the iconic Santa Monica Pier, home to the Pacific Park amusement park and stunning ocean views. Take a stroll along the beachfront bike path, which stretches from Santa Monica to Torrance.
- Afternoon: Head to Venice Beach (about 10 minutes away), known for its vibrant boardwalk, street performers, and eclectic shops. Grab lunch at Gjusta, a artisanal bakery and cafe serving up delicious sandwiches and salads.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Strand House, a beachfront restaurant with great sunset views. Take a romantic stroll along the beach or rent a bike and ride along the coast.
- Stay: The Hotel Erwin in Venice offers stylish rooms and a rooftop bar with great ocean views.
Day 3: Culture and Museums
- Morning: Visit the Getty Center (about 20 minutes from Santa Monica), one of the world’s premier art museums, featuring an extensive collection of pre-20th-century European art. Admission is free, but parking costs $20.
- Afternoon: Head to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), which features a diverse range of art exhibitions and installations. Grab lunch at the museum’s cafe or food trucks.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Sqirl, a trendy restaurant in Silverlake serving up creative vegetarian dishes. Explore the vibrant street art scene in the neighborhood.
- Stay: The Farmer’s Daughter Hotel in Hollywood offers cozy rooms and a fun, farm-to-table restaurant.
Day 4: Theme Parks and Studio Tours
- Morning: Spend the day at Universal Studios Hollywood, exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, riding thrilling attractions, and experiencing behind-the-scenes movie magic. Consider purchasing an Express Pass to minimize wait times.
- Afternoon: Take a guided tour of Warner Bros. Studio, where you can see iconic movie sets, props, and costumes up close. Learn about the history of filmmaking and maybe even spot some filming in progress!
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Original Farmers Market, a historic marketplace with over 100 vendors serving up global cuisine. Catch a show or concert at the adjacent Gibson Amphitheatre.
- Stay: The Sheraton Universal Hotel offers comfortable rooms and a free shuttle to Universal Studios.
Transportation
- Rent a car for flexibility, but be aware of LA’s notorious traffic and parking challenges.
- Use public transportation like Metro buses and trains, which cover many popular tourist areas.
- Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available.
Tips and Essentials
- Weather: LA is known for its sunny weather, but be prepared for occasional rain showers or hot summer days. Pack layers and sunscreen!
- Safety: Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded tourist areas. Avoid walking alone at night and use reputable transportation services.
- Tipping: Tip 15-20% at restaurants and bars, as service industry workers rely on gratuities.
- Power: Don’t forget to pack a portable charger for your devices, as you’ll likely be taking many photos!
Other Things to Know
- Traffic: LA is infamous for its traffic congestion. Plan ahead, leave early, and consider using GPS or traffic apps like Waze.
- Parking: Be prepared to pay for parking in popular areas, and consider using public parking structures or street parking with meters.
- Tours: Consider booking guided tours to explore LA’s hidden gems, such as movie star homes, street art, or food scenes.
Enjoy your trip to Los Angeles!