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Ready to experience the magic of Los Angeles? Welcome to our ultimate 3-day LA itinerary!
Los Angeles is famous for its Hollywood glitz and glamor, world-class beaches, and celebrity hotspots. But since it’s a huge, sprawling city with a lot to see, it can feel impossible to fit all of the highlights into just a few days.
However, after exploring LA time and time again, we’ve crafted this itinerary to help you make the most of your trip. We’ve carefully planned the perfect 3 days to ensure that you hit all the must-see spots, savor some amazing food, and discover the city’s most exciting areas. Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Let’s go!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal favorite activity in Los Angeles was this full-day city tour. From the Hollywood Sign to Venice Beach, we saw all the iconic spots without the stress of planning. It’s ideal for first-time visitors and includes hotel pickup, plus local tips that make the city feel way more accessible.
Day 1
Breakfast – On the go!
The tour kicks off bright and early at 8 am, or even earlier if you opt for hotel pick-up. So, grab a quick bite near your hotel or head to one of the many coffee shops around. One of my favorite things about LA is that you’re never far away from a caffeine fix!
Morning – See LA’s highlights
We always think it’s a good idea to take a sightseeing tour on your first day in a new place, especially a big city like Los Angeles! And we found that this LA highlights tour was the perfect way to experience the best of this sprawling city without the stress of planning or navigating.
This tour gives you a whistle-stop tour of LA, and then we’ll return to some of the most exciting spots and vibrant areas later on in our itinerary. It begins at 8 am and ends around 3:30 pm. Pickup is offered at certain LA hotels, and this can be as early as 6:30 am. If your hotel isn’t on the list, then there’s no need to worry, but just remember to allow plenty of drive time because LA is notorious for its heavy traffic.
We promise that the early start will be worth it because we had the best time on this tour! One of the biggest highlights was, of course, the Hollywood Sign. Seeing it up close from a secret vantage point, away from the usual crowds, made for an incredible photo opportunity.
From there, we cruised along Mulholland Drive before heading to Beverly Hills and the world-famous Rodeo Drive. We also explored the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame and then made our way to Santa Monica and Venice Beach, where we enjoyed the ocean views and had fun watching street performers.
What made this experience extra special was our guide, Colin. He made us feel as though we were exploring the city with a friend! The entire day was smooth and enjoyable, so we got the perfect introduction to LA without having to worry about anything. And we’re not the only ones who loved it – check out 5,300+ 5-star reviews here!
Book this epic LA sightseeing tour here, with free cancellation!
Lunch – In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger is a Southern California classic and a total must-try while you’re in LA. I won’t lie, at first I thought that this was just another fast food chain, but after trying their burgers, I realized why everyone raves about it. The beef patties are so juicy and fresh that you’ll never want to go to McDonald’s again, I guarantee it! In-N-Out restaurants are everywhere in LA, so you won’t struggle to find one.
Afternoon – Hit a Museum
LA is home to some of the best museums in the world! So, take advantage of that and visit one of them this afternoon. There are so many great ones available, so here are a few of my top picks to consider:
- Getty Center: An iconic museum in Brentwood that houses hundreds of pre-20th-century paintings, including works by Van Gogh and Rembrandt. I also love wandering through the beautiful gardens here, especially the Cactus Garden!
- The Broad: A contemporary art museum featuring works by iconic artists like Jeff Koons and Andy Warhol. Plus, who doesn’t love free admission?
- LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art): The largest art museum in the U.S., housing everything from ancient artifacts to modern art. The iconic Urban Light installation here has been featured in several films, including La La Land!
- La Brea Tar Pits: This place offers visitors the opportunity to step back in time and explore the prehistoric creatures that once roamed LA, preserved in tar pits. How cool is that?
- Academy Museum of Motion Pictures: This is a must for movie buffs! I loved diving into Hollywood’s rich cinematic history and seeing all of the filmmaking exhibits.
- Natural History Museum: This is the perfect choice for families, especially if you’ve got kids who are into dinosaurs!
Dinner – Sunset Boulevard
No trip to LA would be complete without exploring the legendary Sunset Boulevard! This street is known for its vibrant nightlife and Hollywood history. This is where all of the best comedy shows are, as well as the Sunset Plaza Mall, if you feel like doing some shopping.
Then, after a day of exploring, head to Pinches Tacos for a casual yet delicious meal. This local favorite serves up mouthwatering tacos, and it’s the perfect fuel for the night ahead! I definitely recommend trying the watermelon agua fresca.
Night – See a Comedy Show
LA is home to some legendary comedy clubs, so tonight, head to one of the following and get ready to laugh your socks off. Both are popular spots, so remember to purchase tickets ahead of time!
The Comedy Store
The Comedy Store is a classic place to enjoy comedy in LA. We caught a three-hour show here, which was well worth it. The staff was super friendly, and the comedians were hilarious. I almost busted a rib from laughing so much!
The Laugh Factory
The Laugh Factory in Hollywood promises an absolute blast of an evening! We saw four hilarious comedians here and had a super memorable evening. The crowd was lively, and the staff was super friendly. There’s a two-drink minimum here, but that’s pretty standard for LA comedy clubs, and the experience is well worth it.
Day 2
Breakfast – Red Maple
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Red Maple, a charming diner-style spot in Toluca Lake. We not only love the hearty breakfast plates here, especially the breakfast burritos and huge piles of French toast. But what draws a lot of visitors here is the latte art. You can choose either a celebrity to print on your coffee, or even send in a picture and get yourself or your pet instead!
Oh, and just a quick note: wear good walking shoes today. Make sure you choose comfort over style because you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking and even some easy hiking if you wish!
Morning – Tour Warner Bros Studio
Los Angeles is known as the entertainment capital of the world, and there’s no better way to experience its movie magic than with this Warner Bros. Studio Tour! We loved this experience because we got to step into scenes from some of the most iconic films and TV shows ever made, like Friends and Harry Potter.
Choose either the 9 am or 10 am start time for this tour, and don’t wait too long to book it either, because it always sells out! It takes 2–3 hours, and that time absolutely flew by for us.
This tour has THOUSANDS of great reviews, and it definitely lives up to the hype. We had the best time learning about all of the juicy behind-the-scenes stories from our guide.
We started with a ride through the studio’s legendary backlots, where lots of famous outdoor scenes were filmed. It was incredible to see how the same streets and buildings have been transformed over the years for different movies and TV shows.
One of the highlights for me was stepping inside Central Perk from Friends. Sitting on that famous orange couch and seeing the actual set was surreal!
We also loved seeing Sheldon and Leonard’s apartment from The Big Bang Theory recreated in detail. And for those into superheroes and fantasy, the DC Universe and Harry Potter exhibits are mind-blowing. We even got to pose with the Batmobile and test our wizarding skills!
Throughout the tour, we got hands-on experiences with green-screen technology, sound effects, and set design. It definitely exceeded our expectations, giving us a new appreciation for Hollywood magic. Don’t wait too long to book because we promise you don’t want to miss this!
Book your Warner Bros Studio tour here before it sells out!
Mid-morning/early afternoon – Griffith Park and Observatory
Yesterday’s tour did make a quick stop here, but Griffith Park and the Observatory are definitely worth a longer visit. This spot is a 15-minute drive from the Warner Bros Studios, and it offers a breathtaking view of Los Angeles. The Observatory is also home to tons of fascinating exhibitions and immersive planetary shows. I’m not super into space, but I had the best time learning about the cosmos here.
After exploring inside, make sure that you take some time to wander the park’s scenic trails. The views are fantastic, and most of the walks here are pretty easy. I suggest spending about 2-3 hours here in total, just soaking it all in!
Lunch – Boran Thai Restaurant
Not only does Boran Thai Restaurant serve the most amazing authentic Thai food, but it’s also just a 10-minute drive from the Griffith Observatory! The staff was so sweet to us, and every dish we tried was packed with flavor. We ordered Tom Kha soup, red curry, and pad Thai, then finished with mango sticky rice for dessert. It was absolutely perfect!
Mid-afternoon – Visit the Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign is arguably the most famous sight in LA, so visiting it is a must while you’re in town. So if you’re an active and adventurous traveler, then we highly recommend hiking up to the famous sign to see it up close. Now there’s something you don’t get to do every day!
Hiking
The Mt Hollywood Trail is the most straightforward way to hike to the sign. It’s a well-maintained 5.3-mile (8.5 km) loop that’s pretty easy to follow. There are a few moderate incline sections, but beginner hikers should be perfectly fine! You get stunning panoramic views on the way up and especially at the sign itself. This took us about 2.5 hours in total, with plenty of time to pause and take in the views.
Hollywood Sign Tour
If you’d rather not hike to the Hollywood Sign, you can get up close and personal on this fun sightseeing tour instead! We had the best time, and thanks to our guide, Justin, we got to avoid the crowded viewpoints that most tourists visit and find secret vantage points instead.
Honestly, having these spots all to ourselves was amazing. There were no tourists photobombing our pictures, and we had first-class views of the iconic white letters standing proudly against the LA skyline. We also loved hearing about the story of the famous sign. Did you know it started as a real estate ad?
This tour made it super easy to get to the sign, as we were driven there rather than undertaking an hours-long hike! This stop alone made the tour worth it, but getting to see other iconic LA spots such as the Beverly Hills sign, the Walk of Fame, and Rodeo Drive made it even better. Justin even played clips from movies that were filmed in each area, so that we could fully appreciate just how many Hollywood classics were shot right where we were standing.
When booking this tour, go for “Second Tour A”, as it begins at 2:30 pm. This later start time should give you plenty of time to wrap up the morning’s studio tour and enjoy lunch before heading to the meeting point. It’s just a 10-minute drive from Boran Thai Restaurant, but you should allow a little extra time as LA’s traffic is famously unpredictable.
Grab your spot on this VIP Hollywood Sign tour here with FREE cancellation!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Dinner – Kouraku Japanese Ramen & Grill
LA’s Little Tokyo is a fun and artistic district that’s definitely worth checking out, and our favorite spot to dine here is definitely Kouraku Japanese Ramen & Grill. Whether you’re craving steaming tonkotsu ramen or classic gyoza, this place has got you covered with its yummy, authentic food. We’ve travelled all over Japan and this restaurant took us right back there!
Evening – Arts District
LA’s Arts District borders Little Tokyo, and its trendy nightlife scene makes it the perfect place to spend an evening in the City of Angels. Whether you’re in the mood for a trendy cocktail bar, a laid-back brewery, or a lively nightclub, there’s truly something for every kind of night out here. We love EightyTwo because of its retro arcade games!
Related Read: Heading to Arizona next? We’ve rounded up the best things to do in Phoenix to help you plan!
Day 3
Breakfast – Coffee in Venice Beach
Venice Beach might just be my favorite part of LA, with its stunning shores, street art, and fun atmosphere. So, where better to start your morning than at one of the many coffee shops along the boardwalk? But hold off on breakfast because we’ve got a food tour coming right up, and trust me, you’ll need to save room! The tour doesn’t start until 11 am, though, so just relax and enjoy people watching as the area comes alive.
Morning – Venice Beach Food and Walking Tour
Nothing says LA like food, culture, and a good ocean breeze—and that’s why we love this Venice Beach food tour so much. It begins at 11 am and lasts until 2 pm, and it’s the perfect way to discover the highlights of the vibrant and beautiful Venice Beach area while sampling some of its best food!
Our guide, Sade, was wonderful. She was full of local knowledge, fun stories, and insider tips about Venice Beach. We had so much fun with her as we visited iconic food spots and hidden gems that we would never have found on our own.
I think my favorite dish was the crispy beef taco, although the birria quesadilla was a very close second, or maybe the Argentinian empanada. It was all just so good! Then for dessert, we were treated to churro waffle bites and a refreshing acai bowl.
Each stop on the tour was thoughtfully chosen to highlight a different side of LA’s incredible food culture, from classic Mexican street eats to trendy, health-conscious bites. Whether you’re a foodie or just love a good adventure, this tour is a must-do in LA! And we’re not the only ones who think so—check out all of the glowing reviews here.
Reserve your Venice Beach food tour here with FREE cancellation!
Afternoon – Rent a bicycle to explore the Strand
After letting your meal settle, rent a bike or use a bike share to cruise along The Strand at a relaxed pace. This costs around $15 USD per hour or $45 USD for a day rate, although prices can vary slightly between rental shops. Or, you can use a Metro Bike Share, which is usually cheaper and means you won’t have to cycle back to return your bike.
Either way, the ride from Venice Beach to Santa Monica only takes about 15 minutes, but it’s very scenic. However, you keep going if you’re up for more exploring. If you carry on for another 10 minutes or so, you’ll see the “Barbenheimer” houses that went viral during Summer 2023!
After you’re done pedaling, spend the afternoon enjoying Santa Monica. I love hanging out here and enjoying the amusement rides, fried food, and sandy beach.
Sunset – Santa Monica Pier
LA boasts some spectacular sunsets, so catch one from the Santa Monica Pier. Not only is it epic to see the sky turn vibrant shades of pink and purple as the sun sinks over the sea, but watching the pier’s attractions light up adds an extra layer of magic. Sunsets here are truly a photographer’s dream!
Dinner – King and Queen Cantina
Now, tonight for dinner, you’ve got a few choices! You can always grab something along the pier as it’s full of food trucks selling LA classics like corn dogs, tacos, and fries.
However, if you feel like a sit-down meal, head to King and Queen Cantina. It’s an absolute gem of a spot situated a 10-minute walk from the pier, and it offers a heavenly blend of Japanese and Mexican flavors. The service is top tier here, and they make killer margaritas, so treat yourself and toast to the end of an amazing three days in LA!
Related Read: If you enjoy our itineraries, don’t miss our 3-day Las Vegas itinerary for a step-by-step guide to exploring the best of Sin City!
Where to Stay in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is a massive city with tons of unique neighborhoods, so choosing the right place to stay can make all the difference! If you want easy access to major attractions and the activities in this itinerary, Hollywood is our top pick! So to help you find the best place to stay, I’ve rounded up my top hotel recommendations for every budget below:
Luxury – $$$
1 Hotel West Hollywood is a 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of West Hollywood. The sleek, modern rooms feature natural decor (with live plants!) and many have incredible views of the LA skyline. Guests can relax at the rooftop pool, work out at the state-of-the-art fitness center, and enjoy multiple on-site dining options.
The hotel offers a complimentary drop-off service, making it easy to explore Hollywood’s top attractions in style! Oh, and it’s on the free pickup list for the sightseeing tour on day one, which makes life super easy.
Prices vary depending on the time of year but usually start around $830 USD per night. Check prices and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza Hotel is a fantastic mid-range stay right on LA’s iconic Sunset Strip. The spacious rooms are well-equipped with microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee makers, and guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast before heading out to explore.
The hotel also features a beautiful outdoor pool perfect for unwinding after a day in the city. Plus, with its prime location, you’ll be just steps from Sunset Boulevard’s famous restaurants, nightlife, and the comedy clubs that we mentioned earlier!
Prices usually range between $280–$400 USD per night, depending on the time of year. Book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Orange Drive Hostel is a budget-friendly stay in an unbeatable location, just steps from Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame. Set in a historic building, it offers a mix of private rooms and dorms, with shared or en-suite bathrooms. Guests can make use of the communal kitchen and enjoy the cozy outdoor patio, which is perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring LA!
Private rooms usually start at around $90 USD per night, and dorm beds are around $40 USD. You can reserve your room here on Booking.com!
For more options, see all of the hotels in Los Angeles here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Los Angeles has so much to offer, and we hope this 3-day itinerary has made it easier to map out your trip! This is the exact route we followed on our latest visit, and it really gave us a great mix of must-see spots and a few lesser-known favorites we’ve come to really enjoy. Wishing you an incredible time soaking up everything LA has in store!
If LA is just one stop on your adventure, be sure to check out our other USA blogs here. Or take a peek at a few of our favorites below!
10 Best Things to do in Los Angeles