Planning to spend 3 days in Los Angeles for your first visit and not sure where to start? This local‑written 3‑day LA itinerary shows you exactly what to see without spending all your time in traffic.
In 3 days in Los Angeles, you can still taste the city’s wildly different sides—beaches, Hollywood glamour, world‑class museums, and a few neighborhoods most visitors miss—without feeling like you’re racing through it
Table of Contents
- How Many Days Do You Need in Los Angeles?
- Why This 3-Day LA Itinerary Works
- 3-Day Los Angeles Itinerary
- Day 3 at a Glance
- What to Skip on a 3-Day Los Angeles Trip
- Getting Around Los Angeles
- Planning a 3 Day Los Angeles Itinerary
- Best Time to Visit Los Angeles
- What 3 Days in Los Angeles Costs (and How to Save)
- Need a Place to Stay?
How Many Days Do You Need in Los Angeles?
Three days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Los Angeles. It gives you enough time to cover the city’s most iconic areas — the beaches, Hollywood, and Downtown — without rushing or burning out on traffic. Anything less, and you are skipping major experiences. Anything more, and you have room to add day trips.
- 1 day in Los Angeles: Only enough for one neighborhood. See my full 1-day Los Angeles itinerary for the best route.
- 2 days in Los Angeles: Hollywood plus one beach day. Doable, but you will skip Downtown LA and the Getty Center.
- 3 days in Los Angeles: The ideal length. Time for beaches, Hollywood, Downtown, and the Getty or Griffith Observatory — without rushing.
- 4 to 5 days in Los Angeles: Adds room for day trips like Vasquez Rocks Park, Universal Studios, or a drive down to Disneyland.
- A week in Los Angeles: Enough to explore the lesser-known neighborhoods, take longer hikes, or pair LA with a short trip up the Pacific Coast Highway.
If this is your first time in the city, 3 days in LA is enough to leave with the right impression — without feeling like you ran a marathon.
Why This 3-Day LA Itinerary Works
Los Angeles is a tough city to plan for. Unlike other big metropolises, L.A.’s attractions are spread all over, and if you’re coming from a smaller place, you’ll most likely feel overwhelmed. The other thing to factor in is the notorious L.A. traffic, which will seriously limit how much ground you can cover in 3 days. So forget the list of 20 some-odd objectives, you won’t hit them all.
This 3-day Los Angeles itinerary keeps things realistic. You’ll see the city’s most iconic spots — Hollywood, Downtown LA, and the Westside beaches — without rushing, and a few of them are completely free. Trying to squeeze in more will only drain your energy and leave you tired and confused.
Here’s how the three days break down:
- Day 1: Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, and Malibu
- Day 2: The Getty Center and the Griffith Observatory
- Day 3: Hollywood and Downtown LA
3-Day Los Angeles Itinerary
L.A. Itinerary Day 1: Santa Monica, Venice, and Malibu
With over 60 beaches along 72 miles of coastline and roughly 330 days of sunshine a year, it makes sense to start your Los Angeles itinerary on the coast. Santa Monica, Venice, and Malibu are the closest and most popular — and they each have a completely different vibe.
Day 1 at a Glance
| Stop | Time to Spend | Drive to Next Stop |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica Beach & Pier | 1.5–2 hours | 10 min |
| Venice Beach & Boardwalk | 1.5–2 hours | 30–45 min |
| Malibu | 2–3 hours | — |
Total: roughly 7–9 hours including drive time.
Tip: On summer weekends, consider reversing the route — start in Malibu early, then work back toward Santa Monica to avoid afternoon PCH traffic.
Stroll the Santa Monica Beach and Pier (free)
Start your day at Santa Monica Beach, a short 20-minute drive from Downtown L.A. The beach stretches along either side of the historic Santa Monica Pier, with plenty of parking, restrooms, and beachside cafés.
The paved path that follows the shoreline all the way to Venice Beach is a paradise for rollerblading, biking, or walking. Small shops along the way rent bikes, rollerblades, boogie boards, chairs, and umbrellas — so you can either lay down on the beach, or grab a bicycle and cruise from the Pier to Venice and back.
The Pier itself, at the foot of Colorado Avenue, is where the action is. With its shops, small restaurants, arcade, roller coaster and giant Ferris wheel, the historic Santa Monica Pier is still 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 L.A.’s most eclectic spots: Venice Beach. It’s a mixed bag that isn’t for everyone, but if you want to experience the bohemian spirit of Los Angeles, you should definitely come here. There are plenty of things to do on Venice Beach.
Be advised though – the free-spirited Venice Boardwalk may shock you with its colorful graffiti, street performers, and funky shops. You’ll see things you’ve never seen before and shake your head. But you may very well find all of it entertaining.
I love Venice Beach, always have. It has an indescribable vibe I’ve 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, this is the place to be. It’s one of the most unique beach 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, and where you’ll see some of the most picturesque stretches of beach in Southern California.
The beaches here are very different from Santa Monica or Venice. Some are private and allow alcohol (Paradise Cove), but they’re notorious for huge parking fees. Others, like Leo Carrillo, have tide pools, caves, and strange rock formations, Bring good shoes, since you’ll have to walk down a big bluff to reach them.
Malibu beaches offer a truly laid-back experience: lay in the sand, dip in the ocean, and that’s the day. And if you’re in L.A. during whale migration (Dec–Jan, April–May), you’re likely to spot gray whales, dolphins, and seals — especially early in the morning.
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.
Where to eat: Grab fish tacos or grilled shrimp at Reel Inn on PCH — a roadside seafood shack that has been a Malibu staple for decades. Order at the window, eat at the picnic tables out back. Cash-friendly, no reservations, and the line moves fast.
TOURS WE RECOMMEND:
L.A. Itinerary Day 2: The Getty Center and Griffith Observatory
Make your second day in Los Angeles a museum day, but not just any museum. The Getty Center is more than an art collection, and you don’t have to be a museum devotee to fall in love with it.
Day 2 at a Glance
| Stop | Time to Spend | Drive to Next Stop |
|---|---|---|
| Getty Center | 3–4 hours | 25–35 min |
| Griffith Observatory | 2–2.5 hours (incl. sunset) | — |
Total: roughly 6–7 hours including drive time.
Tip: Time your Griffith arrival for about an hour before sunset so you catch the city in daylight, the sunset itself, and the lights coming on after dark.
Visit the Getty Center
The Getty Center (not to be confused with the Getty Villa) sits high on a hill overlooking the city, connected to the parking lot at the bottom by a funicular. Its galleries spread across multiple buildings and hold the best and most valuable art collection in Los Angeles.
Beyond the artwork and the unique architecture, the Getty has an impressive garden. The Central Garden, designed by artist Robert Irwin, sprawls over 134,000 square feet — you can easily spend an entire day here.
For lunch, there are two on-site cafés and a fine dining restaurant, or you can grab a bite between exhibits at one of the snack carts around the museum courtyard.
LACMA vs the Getty Center
I sometimes get asked whether I’d recommend LACMA or the Getty. It’s a tough call, as both are outstanding museums. If you are strictly interested in art, go to LACMA; it has a more comprehensive collection. But I’d choose the Getty simply because it also has an outstanding location, beautiful gardens, and more varied collections. (Note: the Getty Villa is a separate museum where the antiquities are kept.)
Where to eat: Before heading up to Griffith, stop at Yuca’s in Los Feliz — a tiny, family-run taco shack that won a James Beard Award. The carnitas burrito is the move. It is a 10-minute drive from the Observatory.
Visit the Griffith Observatory (free!)
End your second day with a sunset visit to the Griffith Observatory. It features space-related exhibits, star shows in the planetarium, and a public telescope. Admission to the building, grounds, and telescopes is always free. Only the planetarium show requires a ticket.
The grounds are beautiful, with terraces that give you a bird’s-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 is late afternoon into evening, when you can stick around for the sunset and the city lights.
To get there you can rent a car, use public transportation, share a ride, bike, or walk up via N Vermont Canyon Rd (2 miles). Parking near the Observatory costs $8 per hour and is very limited.
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 for the Griffith Observatory is $10 per hour during peak hours (12:00 PM–10:00 PM weekdays, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM weekends). Free parking is available further down the hill or in the Greek Theatre parking lot (when no events are occurring)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 get an unobstructed view of the Hollywood Sign — one of the most iconic sights in L.A.
The worldwide symbol of the U.S. movie industry has a surprisingly dull origin. Many people assume the sign was part of a movie set, but it actually started as an outdoor billboard for a real-estate development.
L.A. Itinerary Day 3: Hollywood and Downtown LA
No Los Angeles itinerary would be complete without a visit to Hollywood. As touristy as the area may be, it should be part of your L.A. list, especially if this is your first time in the city. Hollywood enjoys an international reputation like no other place in the world, and although some parts are undeniably derelict, it still sparkles with glamor.
Day 3 at a Glance
| Stop | Time to Spend | Drive/Walk to Next Stop |
|---|---|---|
| Sunset Strip | 45 min – 1 hour | 15 min drive |
| Chinese Theater & Walk of Fame | 1–1.5 hours | 5 min walk |
| Dolby Theater (tour) | 45 min – 1 hour | 15–25 min drive |
| Walt Disney Concert Hall | 1 hour | — |
Total: roughly 4.5–6 hours including drive time.
Tip: Day 3 is the most compact, so it leaves room for dinner in Downtown LA or a Grand Central Market lunch stop between the Walk of Fame and the Disney Concert Hall.
Walk the Sunset Strip (free!)
Start your last day in Los Angeles with a walk on the famous Sunset Strip — the 1.5-mile stretch of Sunset Boulevard that passes through West Hollywood. Sunset Boulevard itself extends from Hollywood all the way to Beverly Hills.
The Strip is home to flashy boutiques, high-end restaurants and nightclubs, and huge, colorful billboards. It is 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 as the venue of the Academy Awards ceremony from 1944 to 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’s construction, when one of the Hollywood legends of 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 Chinese Theater was turned into a grandiose 923-seat 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 the Dolby Theater — the current and permanent home of the Academy Awards. It opened its doors in 2001 as the Kodak Theatre, and its façade fronts 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 in the weeks leading up to the Academy Awards in February, when the theater is off limits.
If the Oscars are your thing, the tour is very interesting. The guide walks you along the red carpet path that celebrities follow from Hollywood Boulevard into the theater, then through the VIP Room, the Green Room, and out onto the stage. You will also see where the actors sit while waiting 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, made up of over 2,600 five-pointed stars in terrazzo and brass, embedded in the sidewalks along Hollywood Boulevard. The stars bear the names of famous musicians, actors, directors, and producers, given in recognition of achievements in the entertainment industry.
What began as a Chamber of Commerce marketing tactic is today one of the city’s biggest magnets, drawing 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.
Unfortunately, the Walk’s fame (pun intended) also ruins its appeal. It is always crowded with costumed characters offering to take pictures with visitors, illegal street vendors handing out CDs and tickets, and shady characters. Most people who have visited will tell you it is not worth your time, and truthfully, walking the entire 15 blocks (1.3 miles) from end to end is not something I would recommend. But you should not skip it altogether either — take a few steps up and down the street just to see what the buzz is 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)
The Walt Disney Concert Hall has been one of L.A.’s top architectural landmarks since it opened in 2003. Designed by Frank Gehry, the monumental structure resembles a sailing ship.
Audio tours are the most comprehensive way to explore it. The self-guided audio tour walks you through the hall’s history from conception to completion, takes about 50 minutes, and is complimentary for individuals or groups under 14 people.
Where to eat: End your day at Grand Central Market downtown — a 100-year-old food hall with everything from Eggslut breakfast sandwiches to handmade pasta at Knead. Walk over from the Disney Concert Hall in about 10 minutes.
What to Skip on a 3-Day Los Angeles Trip
With only 3 days in L.A., a few popular stops are not worth the time they take. Skip Universal Studios — it eats a full day and pulls you away from the rest of the itinerary. Skip Rodeo Drive, unless shopping is the point of your trip; it looks underwhelming in person if you are just window-browsing. Skip walking the entire Walk of Fame — a few blocks gives you the same experience as the full 1.3 miles. And skip driving yourself through Downtown LA at rush hour. Park once and walk between Disney Hall, Grand Central Market, and the Broad.
Getting Around Los Angeles
The places of interest in Los Angeles are spread far apart, so you will not be able to walk between them. Whether you have one, two, or three days in L.A., you will either need to rent a car or use public transportation.
By Car
The best way to explore the city is by car, but driving in L.A. can be challenging. If you would rather skip the infernal traffic and tricky parking signs, public transportation is a solid alternative. Plenty of L.A. neighborhoods are walkable and well-connected by train.
By Public Transport
To use the Metro, purchase a TAP card at any Metro station from one of the vending machines. The Red Line begins at Union Station in Downtown L.A. and takes you to Los Feliz, Hollywood, and Universal City (home of Universal Studios). The Purple Line runs through Koreatown, and the Gold Line goes through Chinatown, Highland Park, and Little Tokyo. The Expo Line goes all the way to Santa Monica, just a short walk from the Pier and the beach.
A TAP card costs $2 as a one-time fee, and a single ride is $1.75 with two hours of free transfers included. Instead of selling day or weekly passes, LA Metro now uses fare capping: you will never pay more than $5 in a single day or $18 over any 7-day period. Once you hit the cap, the rest of your rides are free. You can buy and reload TAP cards at any Metro station vending machine, online at TapToGo.net, or through the TAP app — and starting in 2026, you can also tap a credit or debit card directly at the fare gates.
TOURS WE RECOMMEND:
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Planning a 3 Day Los Angeles Itinerary
There are some facts about Los Angeles you probably already know, but the first thing to be aware of is that the city is MASSIVE. Its points of interest are spread quite far apart, so do not assume you can figure out an itinerary as you go — the chances of stumbling on a great site by accident are slim.
L.A. is also very eclectic, made up of hundreds of neighborhoods that look and feel quite different from each other. Deciding the best area to stay in Los Angeles as a visitor can be tricky. Downtown L.A. is modern and contemporary, while neighborhoods like Altadena or North Hollywood feel calmer and more laid back.
Best Time to Visit Los Angeles
If you are wondering about the best time to travel to California, the honest answer is that there is no bad time. The weather is perfect almost year round, and no matter when you visit, you will always have plenty to do in Los Angeles, even in December.
One thing to keep in mind: in July and August, temperatures can climb to 100ºF or higher, which makes spending long stretches outside uncomfortable (except at the beach).
The area around Los Angeles is also full of natural parks and mountain resorts like Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear, or Mormon Rocks. So if you have more than 3 days, it is worth adding them to your itinerary.
When to Visit Los Angeles by Season
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 60–75°F | Moderate | Whale watching, hiking, wildflowers |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 75–95°F | High | Beach days, outdoor festivals |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 65–80°F | Low | Best overall value, warm ocean |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 55–70°F | Low | Budget travel, fewer lines, whale watching |
My take: Early fall (September to October) is the sweet spot — beach weather is still strong, summer crowds have thinned, and hotel prices drop noticeably.
What 3 Days in Los Angeles Costs (and How to Save)
Visiting L.A. is on many travelers’ bucket lists, but the costs scare some people away. The good news is that 3 days in Los Angeles does not have to break the bank.
The easiest way to save on sightseeing is to buy the Go Los Angeles Card. The all-inclusive version saves you up to 50% off the gate price — pick the number of days you are in town and do unlimited sightseeing. The build-your-own card saves only 20%, but lets you choose only the attractions that interest you.
Cost Breakdown Box
Place this near the end, ideally in or just before the “How to Save Money” section.
What a 3-Day Trip to LA Actually Costs
| Expense | Budget | Mid-range | Higher-end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodging (per night) | $90–140 | $180–280 | $350+ |
| Food (per person, per day) | $35–50 | $70–100 | $150+ |
| Car rental (per day) | $45–65 | $65–90 | $100+ |
| Gas + parking (3 days total) | $60–90 | $90–120 | $120+ |
| Attractions (3 days total) | $40–60 | $80–120 | $150+ |
| 3-day total per person | ~$550 | ~$1,100 | ~$2,000+ |
Numbers reflect 2026 averages for solo or per-person travel based on double occupancy. Two travelers sharing lodging and a rental car can comfortably bring the budget total under $400 per person.
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, check out this insider’s guide. There are many inexpensive hotels in the suburbs around L.A. to choose from, or you can rent an entire house or apartment through AirBnB or VRBO.
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:
I hope this guide helps you make the most of your three days in 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 worth considering.
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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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.