Welcome to La La Land Los Angeles, the place the solar shines brighter than a Hollywood smile and the site visitors strikes slower than a sloth on a Sunday stroll!
Los Angeles just isn’t an everybody metropolis. It’s fantastic for many who have ever dreamed of rubbing elbows with stars, love munching on genuine avenue tacos, rollerblading on seaside boardwalks, or wish to take pleasure in world-class nightlife.
In case you solely have three days at your disposal, you then’re in luck! This 3 day Los Angeles itinerary is extra packed than a freeway at rush hour and ticks off the very best issues to do within the metropolis.
From Hollywood to the mountains to seashores – that is the way you see the very best of Tinsel City in only a few days.
Are 3 Days Sufficient For LA?
However first, you may be questioning if three days is sufficient for LA. The reply is sure, three days is loads of time to discover Los Angeles. In three days you’ll be able to tick off the highlights and get a superb really feel for the environment and pulse of the town.
When you may not have the ability to tick off all of the points of interest – there are numerous – those that aren’t used to large and bustling cities will in all probability really feel the chaos and pleasure put on off after this period of time.
The Final 3 Day Los Angeles Itinerary
The next itinerary has been designed to maximise your time and to tick off the highlights of LA.
The primary day ticks off Hollywood and the key film points of interest within the metropolis, the second takes you to the galleries and museums within the Hollywood neighborhood, and the third day takes you to Santa Monica and Venice Seaside to the seashores and amusements there.
Because you solely have three days in LA, we’ve not included points of interest in downtown LA as a result of we don’t really feel they’re a “must-do”, particularly if it’s your first time in Los Angeles.
When you’ve got extra time at your disposal, you’ll be able to see extra concepts for issues to do in LA within the following guides:
Day 1: Films & Theater
Cease 1: Hollywood Behind the Scenes Tour
Okay, you’re in LA, in fact, that you must see Hollywood and find out about its movie-making tradition and historical past. There are such a lot of points of interest devoted to the film business, that you possibly can spend days exploring all of them.
Nevertheless, since you solely have three days at your disposal, I extremely advocate you e book a “Hollywood Behind the Scenes” tour, which takes you to the enduring landmarks and offers you a whistle-stop tour of every attraction.
You’ll begin by strolling alongside the enduring Hollywood Boulevard, which has over 2,700+ brass stars devoted to probably the most well-known celebrities.
After all, the Stroll of Fame spans 15 blocks, and it’s not potential to see all of it, so on this 75-minute tour you’ll be taken to see a number of the greatest names. As you stroll you study concerning the traditions and the way the Stroll of Fame started.
Afterward, you stroll to the Egyptian Theatre, referred to as the birthplace of purple carpet premieres, adopted by a visit to the TCL Chinese language Theatres and Dolby Theatre, the house of the Oscars.
As a part of the tour, you additionally go to the official viewing platform for the Hollywood Signal.
Cease 2: Hollywood Eternally Cemetery
Only a brief stroll away from Hollywood Boulevard is the historic cemetery the place the life and legacy of a number of the biggest entertainers in Hollywood are laid to relaxation.
See the ornamental tombstones of celebrities like Judy Garland and Burton Leon Reynolds Jr, or stroll across the tranquil grounds full with ponds, manicured lawns, and water options, and easily soak within the calming ambiance (a rarity in LA!).
The cemetery can be a preferred occasion house, particularly throughout the summer season and fall months, and infrequently hosts outside film screenings enjoying basic cinema or holds concert events from big-name musicians. Make sure you try what’s on earlier than you go to – you may wish to come again right here within the night for one in all these occasions if one thing pursuits you.
Cease 3: Unique Film Star’s House Tour
Since 1935, vacationers have been invading the house of celebrities by embarking on a Film Star House Tour, which is a bus tour that takes you previous a number of the iconic websites of LA, in addition to, in fact, film star’s houses.
The route of this tour hasn’t modified a lot through the years, and takes you round Hollywood to discover Hollywood Boulevard, Mulholland Drive, and the Hollywood Signal, earlier than venturing up into Beverly Hills the place you go the houses of stars akin to Al Pacino, Halle Berry, Marilyn Monroe, Elton John, Ozzy Osbourne, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, Will Ferrell, and lots of extra!
The tour additionally goes alongside the enduring Sundown Strip previous legendary music venues akin to The Roxy, the Whiskey A Go-Go, The Rainbow Bar & Grill, and the Viper Room.
Cease 4: Runyon Canyon Park or Griffith Observatory for Sundown
After lunch and a restful bus tour of Beverly Hills, it’s time to get your strolling footwear again out for one in all LA’s most iconic hikes!
The hike up Runyon Canyon is thought for its gorgeous views of the town and the enduring Hollywood signal. It’s a terrific spot for some contemporary air and a little bit train.
There are many climbing trails in Griffith Park, together with a hike to the Hollywood signal.
When you’re within the park, head to the Griffith Observatory, probably the most visited observatory on the earth. Try one in all its a number of telescopes, or come at night time to observe the night time sky in its planetarium.
Cease 5: Nightlife on Sundown Boulevard
When you’ve got power, end your day by exploring the colourful avenue, Sundown Boulevard, also referred to as the Sundown Strip. This avenue is all the time vibing, 24 hours a day, seven days per week.
Cease for dinner at one of many many fashionable eating places or bars alongside the way in which (sizzling canine at Carney’s Railway is iconic), earlier than catching a late-night comedy present at The Comedy Retailer, the place you could uncover a brand new act on the rise, or if music is extra your factor, catch the newest musical expertise at one of many many main music venues on the Strip, which birthed a few of rock n roll’s biggest!
Day 2: Museums & Galleries
Cease 1: The Getty Middle
The Getty Middle is probably the most well-known artwork museum in Los Angeles and options spectacular artwork collections, fantastically sculptured gardens, and breathtaking views of Los Angeles.
Admission is free however parking may be very costly, so we advocate coming through public transport and taking the cable-pulled tram up the hill.
We’re not large artwork or museum folks so discovered the museum itself a little bit boring (although the structure made it value a go to), however artwork lovers all the time rave about it. There wasn’t sufficient trendy artwork for me and the images corridor was closed, however there’s a massive assortment of work from the Medieval occasions as much as at the moment.
Cease 2: Los Angeles County Museum of Artwork (LACMA)
Since I’m extra into trendy artwork, LACMA is extra my fashion. It’s situated only a brief drive away from The Getty Middle and is the most important artwork museum within the West, recognized for the enduring City Gentle set up exterior the doorway!
Not solely is the museum free, however it incorporates practically 152,000 objects from world wide, spanning greater than 6,000 years of historical past.
There are additionally momentary and rotating reveals, so each time you go to there’s something new to see.
Cease 3: La Brea Tar Pits
Proper subsequent to LACMA, is the La Brea Tar Pits, which is THE place to see prehistoric fossils and study concerning the Ice Age.
The La Brea Tar Pits has showcased fossil reveals for over 100 years, however it’s not simply the fossils which can be value seeing, however the website itself.
The tar pits, fashioned by pure asphalt seepage, have preserved the stays of numerous Ice Age animals, together with mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and large floor sloths.
As you stroll across the expansive grounds you’ll be able to see the place energetic excavation continues, and watch the enduring tar pits effervescent away, earlier than heading into the adjoining Web page Museum to see the place the findings of the tar pits are housed.
Cease 4: The Grove & Farmers Market
After a morning of tradition, head to The Grove, a high-end procuring middle recognized for its eating choices and wonderful procuring services.
This outside procuring middle options a wide range of eating places, so you’ll be able to remember to discover one thing to swimsuit any style and funds. Try the eating places in The Grove right here.
Adjoining to the Grove, is a favourite for vacationers and locals in LA, the unique Farmers Market. This iconic market gives a nostalgic slice of LA historical past, the place guests can discover an eclectic mixture of over 100 gourmand grocers, specialty retailers, and artisan distributors.
Whether or not you’re within the temper for contemporary produce, worldwide delicacies, or distinctive souvenirs, the market’s vibrant environment and wealthy culinary variety make it a must-visit vacation spot. Its timeless allure, mixed with the trendy attract of The Grove subsequent door, attracts vacationers and locals who search an genuine and memorable Los Angeles expertise.
Cease 5: Hollywood Bowl
In case you’re not worn out by all of the artwork viewing of the day, head to The Hollywood Bowl within the night to catch a live performance or occasion.
This iconic outside amphitheater has been the go-to venue for reside music concert events since 1922. Able to seating 18,000 folks, it’s one of many largest outside amphitheaters on the earth, and the environment and acoustics are second to none.
Through the years, it has hosted many well-known artists, from The Beatles to Stevie Surprise to Adele.
Examine the schedule forward of time for performances throughout your go to. One other favourite outside venue of ours in LA is the Greek Theater situated inside Griffith Park. We noticed Ben Harper right here one 12 months and it was good.
Day 3: Seashores & Boardwalks
Cease 1: Santa Monica Pier
Begin your day on the iconic Santa Monica Pier, which is known for its amusement park rides and meals kiosks.
Personally, we’ve NEVER been enormous followers of Santa Monica Pier, or the Third Avenue Promenade. We discover the pier too busy, cheesy, with crappy meals and rides. If you need rides, I counsel you go to Common, Six Flags, or Disneyland, however this might be an extra day onto your already packed 3-day itinerary.
That being stated, that’s simply our opinion, and plenty of folks go and completely like it. If it’s your first time visiting LA, in fact, go see it for your self and make up your personal thoughts.
In case you discover it cheesy like we did, don’t fear, you’ll be able to merely skip it and spend extra time on the seaside later.
Cease 2: Third Avenue Promenade
Only a brief stroll from the pier is Third Avenue Promenade which is a pedestrian-friendly procuring district crammed with boutiques, eating places, and avenue performers.
It’s solely 400 meters lengthy and doesn’t take too lengthy to discover, so seize your self a espresso take your “I’ve been right here” selfie, and head on to the subsequent cease.
Cease 3: Bike Trip to Venice Seaside Boardwalk
An effective way to get from Santa Monica to Venice Seaside is to rent a motorcycle and cycle or make the most of the town’s Lime e-bikes or electrical scooters. This lets you comply with the coast, see the native folks out on their curler skates and skateboards (sure they really do that, it’s not simply within the films), and absorb some Vitamin D.
The space is about 3 miles and can take you round 20-Half-hour to cycle. When you learn Venice Seaside, discover its vibrant boardwalk tradition.
Seize your self some lunch from a meals truck and sit on the grassy areas to observe the road performers, wander previous the well-known Muscle Seaside, and do some window procuring within the distinctive retailers.
Cease 4: Abbot Kinney Boulevard
For extra procuring, because it’s the final day in LA, head inland just a few blocks to Abbot Kinney Boulevard, recognized for its fashionable boutiques, artwork galleries, and eateries.
This mile-long avenue is thought for having hipster and distinctive shops, and self proclaims itself to be “the best block in LA” – which contemplating it’s LA, is kind of a boast.
Cease 5: Marina del Rey
Head again all the way down to Marina del Rey for waterfront views. Get your self one other e-bike and discover the Mariana and its number of points of interest, such because the Ferris Wheel or Fisherman’s Village.
Marina del Rey is a bustling place with a lot occurring. The seaside, Mom’s Seaside, may be very family-friendly and has light water, excellent for youths to paddle in, and there’s typically reside music and occasions occurring in Burton Chace Park.
There’s additionally a 22-mile bike path, Marvin Braude bike path, which takes you across the Marina and all the way down to our subsequent cease, Manhattan Seaside.
Cease 6: Bike Trip to Manhattan Seaside
Wrap up your LA journey with a visit to the seaside. Manhattan Seaside is our favourite seaside for swimming, browsing, and having fun with the California solar.
Cycle alongside The Strand bike path from Marina del Rey to Manhattan Seaside, cycle previous the million-dollar oceanfront mansions, and glimpse how the rich and elite reside. We additionally like biking from Manhattan to Hermosa Seaside.
Spend a while having fun with the seaside, enjoying volleyball at one of many seaside courts, or head over to the Manhattan Seaside Pier for a laid-back vibe and unbelievable views.
Simply behind the seaside is a small downtown space the place you’ll find low-key eating spots and locations to buy last-minute souvenirs.
The Greatest Time To Go to Los Angeles
In case you’re nonetheless within the stage of planning a visit to Los Angeles and haven’t set your dates but, timing is every little thing if you wish to have an pleasurable expertise within the metropolis!
One of the best time to go to is throughout the spring and fall when the climate is nice and the crowds are thinner than an actor’s weight-reduction plan plan. In spring (April and Could), the seashores beckon, making it the right season to take in some rays with out breaking a sweat!
Fall (September and October) gives an analogous vibe, with the bonus of fewer strains at theme parks — as a result of no person needs to spend their trip ready in a queue.
Peak season is July and August, throughout the peak of summer season. That is when the youngsters are off college and the climate is at its hottest, bringing massive crowds to the town to go to the theme parks particularly.
One other standard time to go to is over the winter holidays, between Thanksgiving and Christmas. LA experiences excessive demand in November and December which implies increased costs, lots of good lodging will get booked up upfront, and there are crowds in every single place.
In case you plan to go to within the peak seasons, e book effectively upfront so that you don’t find yourself paying a excessive value for a crummy lodge that appears like a scene out of Bates Motel…
Getting Round Los Angeles
Navigating Los Angeles could be the final word take a look at of endurance. Regardless of the way you select to get round, anticipate chaos!
The best approach to get round is to journey the Metro. Not like main cities like New York and Chicago, LA’s metro is clear, has extra sunshine and fewer rats. The metro connects most main components of the town, however it’s nonetheless not that effectively related.
The metro additionally consists of a Metro bus route, which has way more stops and repair areas. It’s also possible to pay for it utilizing your contactless cost card. You possibly can learn extra concerning the metro providers right here.
The metro additionally hasn’t received the very best security fame, though the town has elevated safety at main stops, so it’s unlikely you’ll encounter any points. Nevertheless, in case you choose to not take any probabilities, the subsequent neatest thing is to make use of Lyft or Uber, that are in excessive operation in LA. You gained’t have to attend greater than a few minutes to discover a journey.
For many who love a superb exercise, leap on an e-bike or electrical scooter service; it’s a good way to see the town whereas avoiding the dreaded “caught in site visitors” blues.
Lastly, you’ll be able to hire a automotive and drive. In case you’re not used to large cities, we don’t advocate this feature as site visitors is notoriously unhealthy in LA.
The place To Keep In Los Angeles
In case you’re visiting LA for the primary time, choosing the proper neighborhood is like selecting the right avocado — get it proper, and also you’re in for a clean journey; get it unsuitable, and also you may find yourself with one thing a bit too exhausting to deal with!
For first timers, we advocate staying close to Hollywood, as that is the place a lot of the points of interest will probably be. The costs in Hollywood do are usually pricier, however in case you solely plan to go to as soon as, then it is going to be definitely worth the funding to remain nearer to the locations you wish to go to.
Alternatively, in case you crave seaside vibes, Santa Monica is a good shout. It’s not too removed from Hollywood and the primary points of interest and has a surprising shoreline and vibrant pier which can be the right sundown spot after a day of exploring.
For nightlife, West Hollywood is the place the night time sparkles brighter than a Hollywood premiere — simply bear in mind to remain off Sundown Boulevard. It’s a terrific place to go to, however staying there would maintain even the useless awake!
You possibly can learn extra about the place to remain in LA within the following guides:
Earlier than You Go: Remaining Suggestions For Visiting LA
As you gear up for a visit to Los Angeles, listed below are some remaining phrases of recommendation to make sure you have a clean expertise.
- Keep in mind that site visitors is an artwork kind right here — so plan your outings earlier than you go and keep away from rush hour. You might wish to embrace the “scenic route” (a.ok.a. the great distance round) to keep away from freeways at a standstill.
- In case you plan to drive, plan your parking upfront. Examine web sites like Parkopedia and e book a parking house earlier than you go. Avenue parking could be difficult, and lots of areas require a allow.
- Don’t neglect to hydrate; the California solar could be relentless.
- Pack layers, as a result of LA climate has extra temper swings than a actuality TV star.
- On the subject of eating, don’t be shy about making an attempt meals vehicles; they are often probably the most scrumptious and cost-effective approach to eat in LA! A few of them serve up flavors that would make even a Michelin-star chef weep with pleasure!
- Tipping is customary in eating places, bars, and for providers as it’s in every single place within the U.S. However requirements are increased in LA, and most providers anticipate a 15-20% tip as a typical.
So there you have got it, that is our full 3 day itinerary for Los Angeles for first-timers, and as you’ll be able to see, there’s lots of enjoyable to pack into simply three days.
We hope this information, and all the ideas we’ve shared, have helped you intend the right journey. When you’ve got any extra questions, be happy to succeed in out to us within the feedback!