If you only have 3 days in LA and are wondering where to start, you’ve come to the right place. As a local, I can give you some good advice and tips for visiting the city. I can also help you plan the perfect 3 days Los Angeles itinerary that will leave you with lots of great memories.
Table of Contents
About This Los Angeles Itinerary
It’s hard to know where to begin when you visit a large city like Los Angeles. Unlike other metropolises around the world, L.A’s attractions are spread all over. If you are coming from a smaller place, you will most likely feel overwhelmed here.
One thing to consider when planning your Los Angeles itinerary is the notorious L.A. traffic which will limit your ability to cover a lot of ground in these 3 days. That means you probably can’t put together a list of 20 some-odd objectives and expect to hit them all.
With the itinerary below you’ll be able to see some of the L.A’s most iconic places, without rushing. Trying to squeeze more into these three days will only drain your energy and leave you tired and confused.
Some of the places that I included in this list are totally free, which is always a plus. So here is your Los Angeles trip plan:
3-Day Los Angeles Itinerary
Day 1: Santa Monica Pier, Malibu and Venice Beach
Day 2: Getty Center and the Griffith Observatory
Day 3: Hollywood and Downtown Area
L.A. Itinerary Day 1
Santa Monica is one of the most romantic getaways in California. The 72 miles of coastline and approximately 330 days of sunshine are a magnet for the visitors of LA. Besides, the coastal areas are among the most scenic places in Southern California.
In all, there are over 60 beaches on this incredible stretch of coastline. Therefore, I think it’s best if you start your Los Angeles itinerary at the beach. The closest and most popular ones to downtown LA are Santa Monica, Venice and Malibu.
Stroll on the Santa Monica Beach and Pier (free)
You can start your 3 days itinerary at the Santa Monica Beach, just a short 20-minute drive from Downtown Los Angeles. The beach stretches along either side of the historic Santa Monica Pier.
There is plenty of parking, restrooms and beach side cafés along the beach. The paved path that follows the shoreline all the way to Venice Beach is a paradise for rollerblading, biking, or walking.
There are many small shops where you can rent bikes, rollerblades, boogie boards, chairs, and umbrellas. You can either lay down on the beach, or grab a bicycle and cruise from the Pier to Venice Beach and back.
The most popular spot in Santa Monica is the Pier at the foot of Colorado Avenue. This bustling wooden wharf is where the action is. With its shops, small restaurants, arcade, roller coaster and giant Ferris wheel, the historic Santa Monica Pier continues to be the main attraction in Los Angeles for families with kids.
Walk (bike, or rollerblade) to Venice Beach (free)
Just South of Santa Monica is one of Los Angeles’s most popular and eclectic places: Venice Beach. However, this beach is a mixed bag that isn’t for everyone. If you want to experience the bohemian spirit of Los Angeles, you should definitely come here. There are so many things to do on Venice Beach!
Be advised however that the free-spirited Venice Broadwalk may shock you with its colorful graffiti, street performers, and funky shops. You will see some things that you’ve never seen before and will shake your head. But you may very well find all these very entertaining.
I love Venice Beach, always have. It has an indescribable vibe that I have only experienced here. When we were younger we used to rollerblade from here all the way to Santa Monica and back. If you enjoy people watching, then this is the place to be. It is for sure one of the most unique beach-going experiences you’ll have.
Drive to Malibu (free)
Malibu is a must, no matter how many days you have in L.A. This is where the famous Pacific Coast Highway drive starts. Here is where you’ll see some of the most picturesque stretches of beach in Southern California.
The beaches in Malibu are however very different from the ones in Santa Monica or Venice. Some of them are private, so they allow alcohol on the beach (Paradise Cove), but they are notorious for the huge parking fees.
In Malibu you will find surf beaches and stretches of shore with tide pools, caves and strange rock formations (Leo Carillo). If you want to explore the caves and rock formations, you should come prepared with good shoes because you’ll have to walk down a big bluff.
Malibu beaches offer a truly laidback experience where you can just lay in the sand and dip in the ocean. And if you are in Los Angeles when the whales migrate (Dec.-Jan, April-May) you’re likely to see some gray whales, dolphins and seals here. Especially if you visit Malibu early morning.
TOURS WE RECOMMEND:
L.A. Itinerary Day 2
You should make your second day in Los Angeles a museum day. But not just any museum! The Getty Center is a more than just a museum and is a very impressive place to visit. You don’t have to be a huge art or museum devotee to fall in love with this iconic site.
The Getty Center (not at the same location as the Getty Villa) sits high up on a hill overlooking the city and is connected to the parking lot at the bottom by a funicular.
The museum has numerous galleries that spread out in multiple buildings. The Center holds the best and most valuable art collection in Los Angeles.
In addition to its extensive artwork collection and unique architecture, the Getty Center features an impressive garden. The Central Garden, designed by artist Robert Irwin, sprawls over 134,000 square feet of green space. You can easily spend an entire day here, admiring the outstanding art collections.
There are several options for lunch at the Getty Center. If you’re looking for a substantial lunch, there are two on-site cafés and a fine dining restaurant. Or you can just grab a bite between the exhibits at one of the several snack carts around the museum courtyard.
LACMA vs the Getty Center
I sometimes get asked whether I would recommend the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) or the Getty Center. This is a difficult decision to make since they are outstanding art museums. If you are strictly interested in art, then you should go to LACMA as it has a more comprehensive art collection. However, I would choose Getty over LACMA simply because it also has an outstanding location, beautiful gardens, and more varied art collections. Note that the Getty Villa is a separate museum where their antiquities are kept.
Visit the Griffith Observatory (free!)
You can end up your 2nd day in L.A. with a sunset visit at the Griffith Observatory. The Observatory features space-related exhibits, star shows in the planetarium, and a telescope.
Admission to the Observatory building, grounds, and telescopes is always free. However, you will have to buy tickets for the planetarium show.
The grounds of the Observatory are very beautiful, featuring some terraces from where you get a bird-eye view of the entire valley. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Santa Monica from up here.
The best time to visit the Observatory is the late afternoon towards the evening when you can stick around to see the sunset and the city lights.
To get to the Griffith Observatory you can either rent a car, use public transportation, share a ride, bike, or walk via N Vermont Canyon Rd (2 miles). Parking near the Observatory costs $8.00 per hour, but is very limited.
Don’t Miss the Hollywood Sign!
On the opposite hill, right across from the Griffith Observatory, you can catch an unobstructed view of the Hollywood Sign, one of the most iconic sights in Los Angeles.
The worldwide symbol of the U.S. movie industry has a very dull and uninteresting beginning. Many people believe the Hollywood Sign was part of a movie set, but it was actually an outdoor billboard for a real-estate development.
L.A. Itinerary Day 3
No Los Angeles itinerary would be complete without a visit to the famous Hollywood. As touristy as this place may be, it should be part of your L.A. list of attractions. Especially if this is your first time in the city!
Hollywood enjoys an international reputation like no other place in the world. Although some parts of the area are undeniably derelict, Hollywood still sparkles with glamor.
Walk the Sunset Strip (free!)
You can start your last day in Los Angeles with a walk on the famous Sunset Strip. The strip is the 1.5 -mile stretch of Sunset Boulevard that passes through West Hollywood. Sunset Boulevard extends from Hollywood all the way to Beverly Hills.
The Sunset Strip is home to flashy boutiques, high end restaurants and nightclubs, as well as huge, colorful billboards. And it’s not impossible to bump into a celebrity at one of the hotel bars in West Hollywood, or in one of the high-end boutiques on Rodeo Drive, in Beverly Hills.
Visit the Chinese Theater (free!)
The Chinese Theater became famous for being the venue of the Academy Awards ceremony from 1944-1946. But most visitors are lured here by the celebrity handprints and footprints in the concrete of the theater’s forecourt.
The tradition began during the theater construction, when one of the Hollywood legends at the time accidentally stepped into the wet cement outside the building.
Instead of covering the imprint, theater owner Sid Grauman encouraged other celebrities to repeat the “mistake.” And so it all began. The courtyard is usually cluttered with tourists trying to snap a shot of the famous imprints.
In 2013, after extensive renovations, the The Chinese Theater was turned into a grandiose 923-seater IMAX auditorium that projects stunning quality movies. If interested, you can still watch a movie in this iconic landmark.
Tour the Dolby Theater
Right next to the Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard is Dolby Theater – the current and permanent home of the Academy Awards. Dolby Theatre opened its doors in 2001 as the Kodak Theatre. Its façade is at the front of the Hollywood & Highland Center, a nice shopping area with boutiques and souvenir shops.
You can take a guided tour of the theater all year round, except for the time leading up to the Academy Awards in February, when the Dolby Theater is off limits.
If the Oscars are your thing, you’ll find the tour very interesting. The guide will take you on the red carpet path that the celebrities follow from Hollywood Boulevard into the theatre. You’ll see the VIP Room, the Green Room and then you’ll go out onto the stage. You will also see where the actors seat while they wait to hear if their names will be called.
Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame (free!)
The Walk of Fame is an internationally recognized Hollywood icon. It encompasses over 2,600 five-pointed stars made of terrazzo and brass and embedded in the sidewalks along Hollywood Boulevard.
The stars bear the names of famous musicians, actors, directors and producers and are given in recognition to achievements in the entertainment industry.
What began as a Chamber of Commerce marketing tactic, is today one of Los Angeles’s biggest magnets. It attracts an estimated 10 million visitors each year. You can read more about the history of the Walk of Fame here.
Unfortunately, the Walk’s fame (pun intended) ruins its appeal. It is always crowded with costumed characters offering to take pictures with the visitors, illegal street vendors handing out CDs and tickets, and shady characters.
Most people who ever visited the celebrated Walk of Fame will probably tell you it’s not worth your time. And truth be told, walking the entire 15 blocks (1.3 miles) from east to west on Hollywood Boulevard is not something I would recommend.
However, you shouldn’t skip this famous landmark if you are in Los Angeles for 3 days. Even if you only take a few steps up and down the street to see what the buzz is all about.
Here are some more popular activities in Hollywood:
- Hollywood: Highlights Guided Walking Tour and Museum Visit
- Los Angeles: Hollywood Celebrity Homes Tour
- Los Angeles: The Official Hollywood Sign Hike
Tour the Disney Concert Hall (free)
Disney Hall has been one of L.A.’s top architectural landmarks since it opened in 2003. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the monumental structure resembles a sailing ship.
Audio tours are the most comprehensive way to explore the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The self-guided audio tour takes you through the concert hall’s history from conception to completion. The audio tour is complimentary for individuals or groups below 14 people and takes about 50 minutes.
How to Move Around L.A.
The places of interest in Los Angeles are as spread out, so you won’t be able walk between them. Whether you have one, two, or three days in L.A. you’ll either have to rent a car, or use public transportation.
By Car
The best way to explore the city is definitely by car, but driving in L.A. may be quite challenging. If you don’t want to face the city’s infernal traffic and tricky parking signs, you will be better off using public transportation. Plenty of Los Angeles neighborhoods are not only walkable, but connected to one another by train. The L.A. Metro system works good and has many stops.
By Public Transport
To use the Metro, purchase a TAP card at any Metro station from one of the vending machines. The Red Line, which begins at the Union Station in downtown L.A, will take you to Los Feliz, Hollywood, and to Universal City (home of Universal Studios).
The Purple Line will take you through Koreatown, and the Gold Line goes through neighborhoods like Chinatown, Highland Park, and Little Tokyo. The Expo Line goes all the way to Santa Monica, just a short walk from the famous Santa Monica Pier and the beach.
TOURS WE RECOMMEND:
Planning a 3 Day Los Angeles Itinerary
There are some facts about Los Angeles that you probably already know. But the first thing you should be aware of is that Los Angeles is MASSIVE! This fact pervades nearly all the advice that follows and will definitely influence your Los Angeles itinerary.
Los Angeles’s points of interest are spread quite far apart from each other, so don’t assume that you can figure out an itinerary as you go. Chances of stumbling upon a great site accidentally are quite slim.
Another important thing to know is that Los Angeles is very eclectic. It’s made up of hundreds of neighborhoods that look and feel quite different from each other.
Deciding what’s the best area to stay in Los Angeles as a visitor may be difficult. While Downtown L.A. is modern and contemporary, neighborhoods like Altadena, or North Hollywood, are way calmer and laid back.
Best Time to Visit Los Angeles
In case you are asking yourself what would be the best time to travel to California, you should know there is no good or bad time for your trip. The weather is perfect almost year round and no matter when you visit, you’ll always have plenty to do in Los Angeles (even in December).
However, you should be aware that during July and August temperatures sometimes climb up to 100ºF (or over!). That may be a concern for spending too much time outside (except for the beaches).
The area around Los Angeles is also full of natural parks and attractions, like the Vasquez Rocks Park, or Mormon Rocks, so if you have more than 3 days I suggest adding them to your itinerary as well.
How to Save Money on a 3-Day Trip to Los Angeles
Visiting L.A. is on many travelers’ bucket lists, but the costs involved scare many people away. The good news is that 3 days in Los Angeles won’t break the bank.
The best way to save money on sightseeing is to buy the Go Los Angeles Card. You can buy an all-inclusive card, or build-your-own. The all-inclusive card saves you up to 50% of the gate price for the attractions.
All you have to do is just pick the number of days you are in Los Angeles and you are ready to do unlimited sightseeing. The build-your-own card will save you only 20% of the gate ticket price, but you can choose to see only what interests you.
I hope this guide will help you make the most of your three day trip to L.A. and go home with some good memories. If you have more than 72 hours in the city, there are some great getaways from Los Angeles to consider
Need a Place to Stay?
I wrote an in-depth post about the best areas to stay in Los Angeles as a tourist, so if you need more insight information you should check out this insider’s guide. There are many inexpensive hotels in the suburbs around L.A. that you can choose from. You can also choose to rent an entire house, or an apartment through AirBnB, or VRBO. If you want to check hotel prices in L.A. using the box below:
If you found this information helpful, please pin it to help others find the best itinerary for first time visitors to Los Angeles.
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A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Los Angeles
How to Spend One Perfect Day in L.A.
Hidden Treasures of Los Angeles
Los Angeles County Arboretum
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smith steve
Awesome post! As someone who’s lived here for a while, I totally agree that having a car is essential since public transport can be hit or miss and everything is pretty far apart. You’ve covered all the must-see spots, and 3 days is the perfect amount of time to explore!
Anda
Thank you for your comment. It is for readers like you that I keep writing.
Fethiye
Thanks for informative blog
Shikha Sharma
Well-Written article!
Your post is commendable. I am a travel-loving person and also I like to know more about different places. I don’t know about this place. I searched travel blogs and found this blog. This place looks very beautiful. I would like to add it to my bucket list.
Dimaretx
Los Angeles would be a dream to visit! I wish i could visit in one day!
touristify
It was a very nice introduction article, you explained it in every detail.
C.M. Chamber
This article is very helpful! We are headed out in a week. Just wanted to ask rent a car or Uber/Lyft? We’re staying in Hollywood at a hotel so I’m debating the cost of parking/rental vs. Uber/Lyft. Any info is helpful thanks!
Anda
Renting a car in L.A. is pretty inconvenient. Gas is expensive, parking fees are huge, traffic is a nightmare! Even if you break even with Uber/Lyft, it’s still worth saving yourself the hassle of driving in Los Angeles.
Go Wander Wild
This Los Angeles guide is incredibly helpful. You’ve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!
Anda
Thank you for your helpful feedback.
Tammy
This is very helpful, great little weekend guide to a great la. Vacation thank you so much.😊✌
Ben
I absolutely love this post! So many great places to visit in Los Angeles. I can hardly wait for my trip.
Taj
This is an amazing itenarary and I will be following this when I visit LA for the first time in April. I just wanted to ask if you recommend any hotel or Air BnB which is family friendly and local to using Hollywood and all these attractions? x
Anda
Hi Taj, thank you for your nice comment. I’m really glad if my information was helpful to you. I don’t have a specific recommendation for you, as Los Angeles is such a huge area. However, I always use VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner) which is very similar to AirBnB. They have lower prices and don’t charge booking fees.For hotels and other resource recommendations, you can also check my Travel Resource Page. Hope you’ll find the information helpful.
Sam
Hi
I am going for the first time to LA for 3 days.In which area should i stay so that the itinerary listed above would be more convenient.i would be using public transportation.
Any suggestion would be truly appreciated.
Thanks.
Anda Galffy
Hi Sam, the best place for you is to stay in Santa Monica, or Pacific Palisades. It would be however more efficient if you could rent a car. While public transportation works all right, it’s more time consuming taking the bus.
Catherine Salvador Mendoza
Oh, Malibu! One of my dream beaches because of Rhianna! HAHA! Anyway, love the itinerary that the first day includes a beach. I’m a big fan of beaches and whenever I read posts and itis including beaches, makes me happy! LA is a place in the US I’ve been dreaming too, aside from New York! Great tips you got as well, I think having a car tho is the best way to be able to free roam!
Kate
I didn’t realize that LA is so spread out, so it’s really helpful to have a suggested itinerary to focus on highlights. And it’s good to know that renting a car is the easiest to explore but that we should manage our expectations with it being very traffic heavy.
Kamree
I love the highlights of L.A. I love going to the beautiful beaches and shopping! LA is so fun! xo – Kam
Indrani
Great itinerary. Didn’t know there is a Venice beach there. Walk of Fame sounds interesting and makes me curious too. Thanks for highlighting the free things to do in LA.
Linda (LD Holland)
This is a timely post. We are doing a cruise in and out of LA. So were wondering what to do when we arrive for a few days before the cruise. On our last visit we stayed in Santa Monica but it might be fun to return. We missed spending time in Malibu so maybe that would be a good place to visit. It would be great to head to the Griffith Observatory for a panoramic view. A good tip to head there at sunset. We will defiantly check out public transit. We really don’t want to drive in the city.
Anda Galffy
I strongly recommend driving up to the Observatory. It’s a great spot to admire the city from above.
Rosemary
Great guide with all the LA highlights. It is a fascinating city with so much to do. When we first moved to Los Angeles, the size and scale of the city blew us away. Love how you have organized the itinerary into bite-sized chunks. Out of curiosity, is there any reason you left out the Hollywood Sign? This was on our to-do list when we first moved. Regardless, great post and agree driving is the best way to get around.
Anda Galffy
I didn’t leave it out. It’s actually included in the trip to the Griffith Observatory. You can see the sign from there. I don’t think it’s worth hiking to the actual sign itself if you only have 3 days in L.A.
nicole
I need to get to Venice Beach and check out the free-spirited Venice Boardwalk. It does have such a bohemian vibe to it. I’ve only been to LA on a stopover so I haven’t seen many of these places except for the Walk of Fame.
Anda Galffy
Then it’s time for a return trip, Nicole.
sherianne
You got a great photo of downtown LA. I could spend weeks just hanging out at Santa Monica, Malibu and Venice. I went to Grad School in LA and would drive up to the Observatory and stare out at the city lights at night. LA is so big, It really is incredible
Anda Galffy
I didn’t know you lived in LA, Sherianne.
Elaine Masters
Definitely some great advice here. I’m partial to some of the museums as there are many unique options. Love the idea of being a tourist in LA. Great pictures as always.
Nicole LaBarge
I think the 72 miles of coastline is a big driver! I’ve only been to LA once but I want to go back to the the Santa Monica Pier and visit there. I loved the walk of Fame when I was there!
Mansoureh
I haven’t been to the US yet, but I am sure when I make it to the US, I would like to visit Los Angeles. I didn’t know that renting a car is the best way to go around in LA. I also didn’t know how big LA is. It seems so huge. I usually see a lot of photos of Venice beach since many content creators live around by. Thanks for the piece. I found it so useful
Jennifer
It’s been nearly 20 years since my last visit to LA. I’d like to go back and do it properly. I didn’t realize that the Hollywood sign isn’t lit up at night and spent a lot of time trying to find it unsuccessfully in the dark after attending an awards show. So a return visit is due and I’d definitely like to see the Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach and finally actually see the Hollywood sign.
Vasu Devan
This is the most comprehensive article introducing LA for first timers. I have not been there but for me, public transport any day. Helps me to do other things than watching for the cars on road :). Except probably for places not well connected, if any.
sherianne
Massive indeed, and patience is vital. I have not taken the Metro in LA but think that is a huge tip! This a great itinerary and the Griffith Observatory is not to be missed
Anda Galffy
If you can drive, is better.
Aareeba
I live in LA and have done all the above but I must say, there is so much to see/do here in LA and you have put some of the must do things together in this beautiful post on what to see as a tourist. All the places you’ve listed are the MUST do things for everyone who’s visiting LA
Kathleen
I’ve been to L.A. a few times, including my senior trip, many moons ago. My step brother actually lives in Santa Monica. I’ve seen all of these things except the Observatory. If I even went back, I would go there for sure. When I went to Venice Beach, I couldn’t believe everything I was seeing. I was just 17 at that time. There was an outside gym then, full of muscle bound people. The crowds in L.A. are quite overwhelming to me though. Thanks for the introduction to the Observatory.
Anda Galffy
The Griffith Observatory is quite interesting to visit and it’s famous for its gorgeous views.
Hannah
What a great guide to LA for first-timers. I have only visited Santa Monica, but would love to get to the Getty Center and the hand and foot prints at the Chinese theatre. I’ve wanted to visit the Griffith Observatory since seeing La La Land!
Danik
I never done LA before but hope to do it in the near future but for me, I think I would like to check out the beaches more than the touristy stuff. I am more into nature. Can you still hike up to the Hollywood sign?
Anda Galffy
No, you can’t tile to the Hollywood sign.
Carol Colborn
It’s good my granddaughter works and lives in Santa Monica. It’s also good that I have covered Day 2 except for the Griffith Observatory. I have also not gone to the Getty Center.
Medha
I visited LA almost half a decade ago and it’s a pity that I didn’t rent a car and drive to Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach and Malibu. I’ve always regretted that. I don’t think I’d like to drive within the city itself, however, given the traffic and as you said, confusing parking signs! But it’s good that there’s the metro for that 🙂 I had some friends who were nice enough to take me around back then but they’re not there anymore. If I make it back to LA someday, I’d have to find my own way. Definitely making it to the beautiful coast next time!
blair villanueva
Thanks for sharing your LA itinerary guide. My other family side lives in LA and some in Santa Barbara, and they all telling me how awesome living in there (even there are many challenges as well, cost of living isn’t cheap though). Someday I will visit my family in LA and have a trip using your guide!
Bhushavali
I’m yet to head to the American continent and when I do definitely I’d want to visit LA.
I’ve heard so much about Malibu beach so definitely it would be in my list. The water is so pristine. I’ve not seen star fishes in wild before. I might just spend an entire day in Malibu.
Anda Galffy
Hope you’ll make it here someday.
Amy Chung
I have not been to LA in years and years and I would really love to go back one day. The traffic in LA is however such a put off and whilst I would prefer to have the freedom of my own car, I’m not sure I can handle the traffic. Santa Monica Pier looks like so much fun despite the crazy crowds. I guess that just comes with the territory. Those muscle men still at Venice Beach? I’d love to go to the Getty Center….that is my kind of place. And shopping….. I could go crazy!
Anda Galffy
I agree, the traffic here is a nightmare.
Jane Dempster-Smith
This is a perfect 3 day itinerary. In the past I have only spent a day in Los Angeles just passing through and I have really missed out on all the sights. At the top of my list would be the Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A great tip about going to the Observatory late in the afternoon to see the sunsets and the lights below.
Sinjana Ghosh
I have never visited Los Angeles so this is a great itinerary to begin with. Will keep in mind the vastness and not try to squeeze too much. I think the Santa Mobica beach itself will cover half of the day with all the activities. The sunset strip will be on my list for sure. I understand your point about the walk of fame, I will probably just walk around it for some time and then leave. I don’t find those places particularly interesting but I dont want to miss out on the most celebrated place in Los Angeles either.
Cat
Visiting the beach is one of our favorite things to do anytime our destination is nearby. Venice Beach most likely won’t shock me with its colorful graffiti, street performers, and funky shops. I’ve seen it all!
I’m also game for a laid back experience at Malibu beach, one of my favorite beaches.
Maggie
Great post! As a local, I definitely think a car is necessary as our public transportation isn’t very reliable/safe and the city is just so spread out! The things you mentioned always top the list of our visitors and 3 days is the perfect amount of time to hit them all up.
Matt Adams
Hello thanks, Anda for sharing such kind of valuable tips and the images you have used its really appreciable. LA is really a home to some of the USA’s best beaches and each one has its own unique character. I will definitely travel there!!
Jill
Great tips for a first time visit. I’m passing this along to a friend who will be visiting in May for her first time.
Anda Galffy
Thanks, Jill. Hope your friend will make some use of this information.
Rhonda Albom
I have been to L.A. many times yet I have not done it all. The Getty Center sounds interesting and it is one of the places I have never visited. I also never walked the Sunset Strip. Thanks for some good recommendations.
Anda Galffy
Next time you come here I’ll take you on the Sunset Strip, Rhonda.
Eric Men
Great post! I just came back from LA myself. Did a two-day getaway and checked out Hollywood, Santa Monica, USC, Chinatown, and the LA City Hall. You are right about there being plenty of shady people in the Walk of Fame area. I’ll be writing about my visit there on my blog and how I fell for a scam there – come check it out in a few days!
Fabi
Thanks 🙏🏼 for the great tips!
I’d like to see comedy stand up gigs and drag queen gigs. But I heard LA is dangerous at night in the streets. Are these comedy places in downtown LA (where I plan to stay)?
Would you recommend LACMA or Getty Center? Thanks again
Anda
I’m glad you found this information useful, Fabi. Downtown L.A. is overall a very safe area, but I would advise you to stay away from Chinatown at night. In regards to stand-up comedy places, I’ve heard there is a very good comedy theater in downtown called “The Nitecap,” but I didn’t go there personally.
As for LACMA vs the Getty Center, if you are strictly interested in art go to LACMA as it has a more comprehensive collection. However, I would choose Getty over LACMA simply because it also has an outstanding location, beautiful gardens, and more varied art collections. Note that the Getty Villa is a separate museum where their antiquities are kept. Hope this helps.