3 days in Los Angeles itinerary
Highlights
- Hike to Griffith Observatory for city views
- Browse The Getty Center's gardens and galleries
- Neighborhood strolls: Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Arts District, Melrose
- Arts District dining and galleries (Bestia, Guerilla Tacos, Hauser & Wirth)
- Museum day: The Broad, LACMA, and La Brea Tar Pits
Itinerary
Day 1
Griffith Park views, Los Feliz lunch, afternoon at The Getty, evening in Venice (Abbot Kinney).
Breakfast at The Trails Cafe (Griffith Park)
Casual coffee and pastries to start the day before a hike.
Local tips:
- Arrive early to get a table — outdoor seating only.
- Cash or card accepted; grab a pastry to go if you're short on time.
- If parking at the Fern Dell lot, allow a few extra minutes to walk to the cafe.
Hike Mt. Hollywood Trail to Griffith Observatory (views)
Moderate 2-hour out-and-back hike with panoramic views of the city and Hollywood sign; finish at Griffith Observatory vantage points.
Local tips:
- Wear sun protection and sturdy shoes; bring water.
- Park early — lots fill up on weekends; consider rideshare to the trailhead.
- The Observatory grounds are free; the planetarium shows have a separate fee and timed entry.
Transfer to Los Feliz (drive/rideshare)
Short drive down into Los Feliz for lunch and a neighborhood stroll.
Local tips:
- Allow extra time for traffic if traveling midday.
- If using rideshare, request a drop-off near Vermont Ave or Hillhurst Ave for easy access to restaurants.
- Street parking in Los Feliz is metered in many spots — check signs.
Lunch at Little Dom's (Los Feliz)
Comfortable Italian-American neighborhood restaurant for a relaxed long lunch.
Local tips:
- Popular with locals — consider arriving early or making a reservation.
- Try their pasta or seasonal menu items.
- Street parking and a small lot nearby; valet sometimes available on busy nights.
Transfer to The Getty Center (drive + tram)
Drive to The Getty Center; hop the tram up to the museum grounds.
Local tips:
- Museum parking is paid; tram ride is included with parking.
- Traffic to the Getty can be heavy — allow extra travel time from central LA.
- Bring a hat — the gardens have sunny spots and limited shade.
Explore The Getty Center (collections & gardens)
Allow time for the European paintings, photography, architecture, and the Central Garden.
Local tips:
- Free admission (parking fee applies). Reserve timed tickets for special exhibitions if needed.
- The central garden is a highlight for photos and a pleasant walk.
- Café on-site is good for a light snack or coffee if you need a break.
Drive to Venice / Abbot Kinney (transfer)
Afternoon drive to Venice for a late stroll along Abbot Kinney and the canals.
Local tips:
- Street parking in Venice can be limited; consider parking in a lot and walking Abbot Kinney.
- Abbot Kinney is best enjoyed on foot — lots of independent shops and galleries.
- Allow time to find parking near Abbot Kinney or the Venice Canals.
Stroll Abbot Kinney & Venice Canals
Window shop, people-watch, and walk the quieter Venice Canals for a contrast to the beach.
Local tips:
- Explore side streets for independent boutiques and galleries.
- Venice Canals are residential — be respectful and keep noise low.
- If you want a quick coffee, there are several local cafes along Abbot Kinney.
Dinner at Gjelina (Abbot Kinney, Venice)
One of Venice's most-loved restaurants — seasonal vegetable-forward menu and good pizzas.
Local tips:
- Reservations recommended (they hold some walk-in tables, but wait times can be long).
- Share a few small plates to sample the menu.
- Street parking is tight; consider arriving slightly early to find a spot.
Day 2
Silver Lake morning, Arts District midday for tacos and galleries, evening at Bestia in the Arts District.
Breakfast at Sqirl (Silver Lake)
Popular local spot for inventive breakfast, jams, and great coffee.
Local tips:
- Expect a line — arrive when they open to avoid waits.
- Try the ricotta toast or one of the seasonal bowls.
- Limited indoor seating; the line moves fairly quickly on weekdays.
Silver Lake Reservoir loop & neighborhood walk
A peaceful loop for locals with good views of the water and surrounding homes.
Local tips:
- The loop is about a mile — comfortable walking shoes recommended.
- Stroll nearby Sunset Junction afterwards for shops and murals.
- If you want coffee after the walk, there are several small roasters nearby.
Short coffee/rest break in Silver Lake
Grab a quick coffee or sit and plan the midday transfer to the Arts District.
Local tips:
- Use this time to hydrate and check traffic to the Arts District.
- If lines are long at local cafes, consider a bottled drink from a corner market.
- Neighborhood: good chance to people-watch and soak in the local vibe.
Transfer to Arts District (drive/rideshare)
Short drive across to the Arts District for lunch and murals.
Local tips:
- Arts District parking can be limited; rideshare may be faster depending on time of day.
- Plan to walk the neighborhood — many highlights are on foot.
- Use a map of murals to hit favorite spots quickly if time is limited.
Lunch at Guerilla Tacos (Arts District)
Creative tacos and changing daily menus from a celebrated local chef.
Local tips:
- Counter-order style — arrive early for popular items.
- Menus change frequently; ask staff for recommendations.
- Seating is limited — many people eat outside or walk to nearby parks.
Explore Arts District murals & street art
Walk the neighborhood to see large-scale murals, creative storefronts, and independent galleries.
Local tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera — lots of great photo ops.
- Some murals are on private property; enjoy them respectfully from public sidewalks.
- Check for gallery hours if you want to pop inside exhibitions.
Visit Hauser & Wirth (contemporary art)
Large contemporary art gallery with rotating exhibitions and a pleasant courtyard.
Local tips:
- Admission is typically free for the gallery spaces; special exhibitions may have fees.
- The courtyard café is a nice spot for a mid-afternoon break.
- Check current exhibition listings ahead of time for must-sees.
Late-afternoon break at Angel City Brewery
Relax with a local beer at Angel City Brewery's taproom — a popular Arts District gathering spot.
Local tips:
- Try a flight to sample several brews.
- Outdoor seating is available; this is a relaxed local hangout.
- Food trucks are often on-site if you want a snack with your beer.
Dinner at Bestia (Arts District)
Renowned Italian restaurant featuring house-made pastas and a lively atmosphere; reservation recommended.
Local tips:
- Reservations strongly recommended — book well in advance if possible.
- Share a few dishes; the pasta and small plates are highlights.
- Arrive on time for your reservation; the dining room fills quickly.
Evening stroll or nightcap in the Arts District
After dinner, enjoy a relaxed walk or stop at a neighborhood bar for a nightcap.
Local tips:
- The Arts District is lively after dark with bars and late galleries; stay aware of your surroundings.
- If you prefer quieter options, head to a nearby café or dessert spot.
- Rideshare is plentiful in this neighborhood if you're heading back to your hotel.
Day 3
Downtown museum morning, then Mid-City/Melrose museums and shops, finishing with dinner in West Hollywood.
Breakfast at Grand Central Market
Food hall featuring many local vendors — great for a fast but delicious start.
Local tips:
- Try a couple of different stalls (e.g., egg sandwich and coffee) to sample more flavors.
- Arrive early for shorter lines, especially on weekends.
- Seating is communal and can be busy during peak hours.
Visit The Broad (contemporary art)
Major contemporary art museum next to Walt Disney Concert Hall. Reserve tickets if possible.
Local tips:
- Timed entry tickets are free but can sell out — reserve in advance if there's a must-see exhibition.
- The Infinity Mirror rooms (if on view) often require a separate reservation.
- Allow time to also walk to the Walt Disney Concert Hall and Bradbury Building nearby.
Walk by Walt Disney Concert Hall & Bradbury Building
Admire the architecture of the Frank Gehry building and the historic Bradbury Building lobby.
Local tips:
- Bradbury Building lobby is open to the public during business hours — photography is allowed inside the atrium.
- The concert hall exterior is great for photos; guided tours of the hall may be available.
- This is an easy walk from The Broad — no transfer needed.
Lunch at Bottega Louie (DTLA)
Vibrant downtown restaurant and patisserie — roomy and convenient for midday dining.
Local tips:
- Dish suggestions: pizza, pasta, or pastries from the bakery counter.
- If it's busy, the bakery counter has grab-and-go options.
- Metered street parking and several nearby lots; allow time to find a spot.
Transfer to LACMA (drive/rideshare)
Head west to Museum Row (Mid-City) to visit LACMA and the adjacent La Brea Tar Pits.
Local tips:
- Expect 20–40 minutes travel depending on traffic — plan accordingly.
- Parking is available at LACMA (paid).
- If you prefer transit, several bus routes connect downtown to the Mid-Wilshire area.
Explore LACMA collections (Urban Light & galleries)
See the iconic Urban Light installation and pick one or two galleries/exhibitions to explore.
Local tips:
- Urban Light is outside — a popular photo spot, best visited in the afternoon light.
- Plan which exhibitions you want in advance to make the most of your time.
- LACMA has a café if you need a short rest between galleries.
Visit La Brea Tar Pits and Museum (short visit)
See tar pits and ice-age fossils at the outdoor site and museum displays.
Local tips:
- The outdoor site is free to walk; the museum has an admission fee for indoor exhibits.
- Allow 30–45 minutes for a focused visit to the pits and a quick museum walkthrough.
- Combine this with LACMA for a full Museum Row afternoon.
Coffee / break on Museum Row
Recharge with a coffee or snack near LACMA before heading to Melrose/WeHo for the evening.
Local tips:
- Good moment to review the rest of your day and shop for any museum store souvenirs.
- If you're tired of walking, this is a good time to call a rideshare.
- Several cafés and bakeries are within a few blocks of LACMA.
Transfer to Melrose Avenue / West Hollywood (drive/rideshare)
Short drive to Melrose for shopping, street art, and to reach West Hollywood for dinner.
Local tips:
- Melrose has great boutique shopping and street art — plan a short walking loop.
- Parking is metered in parts of Melrose; rideshare can be an efficient option.
- If you prefer, skip Melrose and head straight to West Hollywood for an earlier dinner.
Stroll Melrose shops & street art
Browse independent boutiques, vintage shops, and notable street art installations.
Local tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes; Melrose is best explored on foot in short segments.
- If there's a specific shop you want, check opening hours ahead of time.
- The area has many photo-friendly murals — great for a casual wander.
Dinner at Gracias Madre (West Hollywood)
Popular plant-based Mexican restaurant in West Hollywood — flavorful and vibrant atmosphere.
Local tips:
- Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
- Menu is plant-based; great for vegetarians and adventurous diners alike.
- Street parking or a nearby lot; rideshare is convenient for West Hollywood.
The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour in Los Angeles
Go on an adventure in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park up to the Hollywood Sign by following a guide who knows the area well. Your guide also provides snacks, bottled water, and sunscreen for the hike. Once you meet your guide at the designa...
$20
per adult
Los Angeles and Hollywood: Ultimate Small-Group Photo Tour
If you are a first-time visitor to Los Angeles, this small-group tour is an excellent way to see the city. Starting at the Dolby Theater, you'll visit the highlights of LA and Hollywood, as well as a few unexpected, lesser-known spots. Your g...
$69
per adult
LA Movie and TV Show Locations Tour
Movie buffs can discover a variety of filming locations with the help of an industry insider during this tour. Hear exclusive stories, including celebrity interviews and red-carpet moments. Meet Leo, who has interviewed stars like Ryan Reynol...
$40
per adult
Los Angeles Essentials Private Full-Day Sightseeing Tour
Have only a short amount of time in Los Angeles? Leave the logistics to someone else, and discover many of the city’s top landmarks all in one day, on this seamless, private tour. Following pickup from your hotel, travel in an air-conditioned...
$899
per adult
Classic Convertible Car Tour of Los Angeles
Hit the Los Angeles roads feeling like you’re in a Hollywood movie on this one-of-a-kind private tour of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Drive around Tinseltown in a 1970s classic convertible, the wind in your hair as you explore these glos...
$1000
per adult
Hollywood Sign Express Walk in Los Angeles
Join this group walking tour that takes you all the way to the Hollywood sign in a short amount of time. You’ll still get a great walk in, with a few photo spots with great views thrown in there too. Your guide will tell you loads of stories ...
$15
per adult
Beverly Hills Food, Film, and Fashion Tour
Explore secret bars and truly cinematic settings with the help of a guide who’ll have you wining and dining like a Beverly Hills local. Spend a delicious 3.5 hours eating your way around town and get special access to a fashion house on Rodeo...
$189
per adult
Santa Monica and Venice Electric Bike Tour with Pier, Beaches
Explore Santa Monica on a private tour by electric bike and see the highlights of the vibrant coastal city. Follow your guide along Santa Monica’s palm-lined streets. Stroll the boardwalk at the Santa Monica Pier, dip your toes in the Pacific...
$119
per adult
Venice Beach Scenic Photo Tour of Famous Iconic Spots
Capture the vibrant energy of Venice Beach and Marina del Rey with a professional photographer. Explore the Venice Beach Boardwalk, the Venice Canals, and the Marina del Rey Harbor, and learn how to take the best photos of these iconic locations. Sta...
$87
per adult
Venice Beach & Marina Del Rey: A Scenic tour & Photo Session
Capture the vibrant energy of Venice Beach and Marina del Rey with a professional photographer and Foodie. A photography journey, Exploring the Venice Beach Boardwalk and best foods around Venice beach and the Marina del Rey Harbor. Learn how to take...
$131
per adult
Long Beach: Private Night Yacht Cruise With City Lights
Live the high life with a luxury yacht cruise from Rainbow Harbor with the stunning and colorful Long Beach cityscape reflecting on the water all around you. View the sea life and city lights as your group cruises in style on board a 42-foot twin-eng...
$236
per adult
Marina Del Rey: Romantic Cruise, Dinner Charcuterie or Sushi
Set sail on one or two eco-friendly, fully electric noise free, pollution free Duffy boat and experience the beauty of California coasline in Los Angeles’ most stunning marina. We can accommodate up to 20 people with 2 boats. ( 10 passengers each) E...
$96
per adult
Private Rickshaw Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach
Relax as you take a ride on a private rickshaw along the streets and beaches of Santa Monica. Enjoy the fresh ocean breezes while touring the area to locations such as the Santa Monica Pier, Muscle Beach, Venice Boardwalk and the Venice Skate...
$120
per adult
Southern California 2 Day Beginner Surf Adventure
Treat yourself to the ultimate Southern California experience with this 2-day surfing trip. Over one weekend, immerse yourself in both ocean and mountain environments, and sleep under the stars. Learn how to surf and become a surfer in a rela...
$365
per adult
Marina Del Rey Luxury Boat Cruise Wine, Charcuterie Sealions
Embark on a lavish aquatic journey aboard a Duffy boat, and enjoy this experience specially curated for an enchanting blend of luxury and adventure. Cruise through breathtaking waters with your experienced captain, offering you front-row seats to obs...
$131
per adult
Luxury Cruise with Wine, Cheese & Sea Lions
Enjoy wine and charcuterie board with a selection of meat, cheeses, and fruit while cruising in a fully electric Duffy boat along Los Angeles' largest marina. Start from the dock where the boat is parked and make your way towards the main channel of...
$105
per adult
Griffith Park Observatory Comedy Tour
Join your local guide for a walk right to Griffith Observatory! Be guided up the best path to get to the Observatory as your host entertains you with fun historical facts and stories relating to one of the most recognizable signs in the world. In ad...
$22
per adult
LA Medieval Torture Museum Ticket with Audio Guide and Ghost Hunting
The Torture Museum Ticket includes admission to the unique exhibition that covers more than 7,000 sqft, audioguide (available in English and Spanish) and the Ghost Hunting Experience.
$30
per adult
Mount Hollywood Hike
The view from Mount Hollywood is epic. Come see it for yourself on this fun, educational, and accessible hike in the city. On the way we'll talk about the city's original inhabitants, the development of the city, and the layout of the land as...
$60
per adult
Petersen Automotive Museum Private Highlights Tour
Enjoy a private 1-hour tour of the highlights of the Petersen Automotive Museum, which gives a more personalized and in-depth experience. The Petersen Automotive Museum boasts one of the largest vintage car collections in the world. See a vast array ...
$150
per adult
Holocaust Museum LA Admission Ticket
Founded in 1961 by Holocaust survivors, Holocaust Museum LA is the oldest museum of its kind in the United States. Its mission is to commemorate those who perished, honor those who survived, educate about the Holocaust, and inspire a more dignified a...
Battleship Iowa Museum Ticket
Learn about the Battleship of Presidents and see how sailors lived during your visit to the Battleship IOWA Museum. As you walk onboard you'll be greeted on the quarter deck and be given a safety briefing. Appreciate Iowa’s graceful, narrow lifted bo...
$26
per adult
Petersen Automotive Museum Vault Access
The Petersen Automotive Museum is home to one of the largest collections of automobiles in the world. Combine an admission ticket to current exhibits spanning 25 galleries with entry to the famous "Vault", which features over 250 vehicles from the la...
$42
per adult
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Ticket
Experience the magic of cinema through the lens of those who participate in the creative, collaborative process of filmmaking with this entry ticket to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. Get access to the Dolby Family Terrace for s...
$22
per adult
Surf Lesson at Venice Beach
Learn how to hang ten with a surf lesson in Venice Beach. Before you head into the water, you’ll learn about board design and dynamics, ocean safety, surf etiquette, pop-up technique, and form. Plus, learn about California surf culture. The l...
$140
per adult
Surf Lesson 2 Hr. Santa Monica
Kapowui, was awarded best surf school in Venice beach for the last 5 years in a row.Kapowui is a family run business and and an icon of southern California. We live, eat, and dream surfing and teach surfing because we want to sh...
$145
per adult
Venice Beach Private Surfing Lessons
Immerse yourself in the SoCal lifestyle—and learn the basics of surfing in an accessible, hands-on way—with private surfing lessons. Choose from multiple convenient class times, and meet your instructor right on the legendary Venice Beach. Wi...
$125
per adult
Santa Monica: Bike and eBike Rentals with Map
Enjoy the best of Los Angeles with this self-guided bike ride that begins in Santa Monica near the famous Santa Monica Pier! Our Cannondale hybrid bikes are hybrids between comfort and performance and are excellent for riders of all ages and skill le...
$19
per adult
Venice Beach Private Surfing Lesson
Enjoy unique and personalized surfing lessons at one of Los Angeles’ top-rated surf schools that caters to all skill levels. Certified instructors with global teaching experience ensure you get quality lessons. Beginners receive comprehensive...
$99
per adult
Shared 2 Hour Small Group Surf Lesson in Santa Monica
Learn to surf at one of California’s most famous spots during this introductory surfing class at Venice Beach. This class is suitable for all levels, whether it's your first time surfing or you are advancing your skills. Spend some time train...
$85
per adult
Mulholland Trail Horseback Riding Tour
Ride up in the Hollywood Hills where you will get unforgettable views of the LA Basin and the Hollywood Sign. Embark on a relaxing horseback riding adventure through the spectacular hills of Griffith Park. Meet your tour guide and group at Sunset Ran...
$66
per adult
Shared 2 Hours Group Surf Lesson in Venice Beach
We are a surf school based on Venice Beach. Our goal is for you to have an excellent experience surfing, whether it's your first time trying surfing or you are trying to advance your skills. For the first 30-40 minutes we will be training on ...
$69
per adult