Los Angeles Travel

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Tailored Itineraries

With its diverse neighborhoods, landscapes, and cultural offerings, Los Angeles rewards a well-planned journey. Whether you’re exploring solo, traveling as a couple, or adventuring with kids, a Los Angeles itinerary helps you pack in iconic sights and hidden gems without feeling rushed. Creative pacing lets you dive into Hollywood glamour, scenic coastal trails, and local foodie havens—all in just one memorable trip.

Solo Traveler – 5‑Day Itinerary

Day 1: 10:00 AM – Downtown & Artsy Exploration

  • 10:00 AM | Grand Central Market (317 S Broadway): Free to browse, $8-15 for food.
    Start your day with a fresh croissant or exotic taco.
  • 11:30 AM | The Broad (221 S Grand Ave): Free but reserve online.
    Immerse yourself in modern art; don’t miss the Infinity Mirror Room.
  • 1:00 PM | Lunch break in DTLA, plenty of affordable eats nearby.
  • 2:30 PM | Walt Disney Concert Hall tour (111 S Grand Ave): Free guided tours on Saturdays.
    Admire Gehry’s iconic architecture up close.
  • 4:00 PM | Explore The Last Bookstore (453 S Spring St): Free.
    Browse quirky shelves and art installations in a converted bank building.
  • 6:00 PM | Dinner in Arts District: Local breweries, tacos, galleries.
  • 8:00 PM | Drinks & jazz at a hidden speakeasy: end the evening with local flair.

Day 2: 10:00 AM – Hollywood & City Views

  • 10:00 AM | Griffith Observatory (2800 Observatory Rd): Free entry; parking ~$4/hr.
    Hike briefly or drive up for cityscapes and exhibit exploring.
  • 12:00 PM | Hollywood Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre (Hollywood Blvd): Free walk; theatre tour ~$20.
  • 1:30 PM | Lunch at Pink’s Hot Dogs: $5-10.
  • 2:30 PM | Runyon Canyon Hike (2000 N Fuller Ave): Free.
    Enjoy skyline views and casual trails.
  • 5:00 PM | Wind down at Funky Hollywood café with a light bite & espresso.
  • 7:30 PM | Open mic or indie gig: delve into LA’s emerging music scene.

Day 3: 10:00 AM – Coastal and Creative Vibes

  • 10:00 AM | Santa Monica Pier & beach walk (200 Santa Monica Pier): Free entry; rides $3-10.
    Enjoy carnival atmosphere and seaside charm.
  • 12:00 PM | Venice Boardwalk stroll: Free.
  • 1:00 PM | Lunch on Abbot Kinney Blvd: $$-$$$.
    Catch artisanal bites and beachy energy.
  • 3:00 PM | Street art tour on Venice Canals (Dell Ave & Venice Blvd): Free.
  • 4:30 PM | Gelato and chill at a canalside cafe.
  • 6:00 PM | Sunset at Venice Pier with street performers in the background.
  • 8:00 PM | Relaxed dinner at local taco spot—flavor-forward and unpretentious.

Day 4: 10:00 AM – Museums & Cultural Gems

  • 10:00 AM | Getty Center (1200 Getty Center Dr): Free entry; $20 parking.
    Explore art and gardens with sweeping views.
  • 12:30 PM | Lunch at Getty café or picnic in the terrace gardens.
  • 2:00 PM | LACMA + Urban Light (5905 Wilshire Blvd): $25; free sculpture area.
  • 4:00 PM | Stroll next door to La Brea Tar Pits: $15.
  • 6:00 PM | Coffee break at a museum café—ideal reset.
  • 7:00 PM | Catch an indie screening or lecture—film culture awaits.

Day 5: 10:00 AM – Canyon Tranquility & Hidden Beauty

  • 10:00 AM | Hollywood Reservoir loop (Nichols Canyon Rd): Free.
    Peaceful, light-filled walk with city views.
  • 11:30 AM | Transfer to Descanso Gardens (1418 Descanso Dr): $15.
    Immerse in wildflowers and shaded trails.
  • 1:30 PM | Late lunch picnic in the gardens.
  • 3:00 PM | Drive along Mulholland Drive with scenic pull-outs.
  • 5:00 PM | Send-off sunset photo at overlook—perfect wrap-up.
Couples – 5‑Day Romantic Itinerary

Day 1: 10:00 AM – Glamour & Green Spaces

  • 10:00 AM | Brunch at République (624 S La Brea Ave): $$–$$$.
    Elegant French-tinged bakery in a bright setting.
  • 12:00 PM | The Grove & Farmers Market (6333 W 3rd St): Free to stroll.
  • 2:30 PM | Griffith Observatory sunset visit (2800 Observatory Rd): Free entry.
  • 6:00 PM | Dinner at a rooftop bar near Hollywood Hills.
  • 8:00 PM | Stargazing or evening walk around Griffith.

Day 2: 10:00 AM – Coastal Date Day

  • 10:00 AM | Getty Villa & beach drive (17985 Pacific Coast Hwy): Free entry; $20 parking.
  • 1:00 PM | Lunch at Neptune’s Net (42505 Pacific Coast Hwy): $$
  • 3:00 PM | Venice Canals stroll (Venice Blvd & Dell Ave): Free.
  • 5:00 PM | Sunset drinks at canal-side café.
  • 7:00 PM | Evening show at Pantages Theatre (6233 Hollywood Blvd).

Day 3: 10:00 AM – Arts & Intimate Flavors

  • 10:00 AM | Brunch at Fig & Olive (8490 Melrose Pl): $$–$$$.
  • 12:00 PM | Arts District street art walk: Free.
  • 2:00 PM | Rooftop craft beers at Angel City Brewery.
  • 4:00 PM | Chill break, gelato, gallery stroll.
  • 7:00 PM | Dinner at Jaleo by José Andrés (3708 Las Vegas Blvd): $$–$$$.

Day 4: 10:00 AM – Mountain Views & Vintage Glam

  • 10:00 AM | Hike Wisdom Tree/Mount Hollywood (Fern Dell trailhead): Free.
  • 1:00 PM | Lunch in Hollywood Hills café.
  • 2:30 PM | Stroll Sunset Boulevard shops & vintage stores.
  • 5:00 PM | Sunset cocktails at rooftop bar on Sunset Strip: $$.
  • 7:30 PM | Late-night rooftop dinner or jazz lounge.

Day 5: 10:00 AM – Final Cityscape & Dining Finale

  • 10:00 AM | Breakfast and chill at Park MGM’s Primrose.
  • 12:00 PM | CityCenter art walk + Aria’s sculpture collection.
  • 2:30 PM | Sweet stop at Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Cactus Garden (2 Cactus Garden Dr): Free entry.
  • 5:00 PM | Final cocktails at a West Hollywood bar.
  • 7:00 PM | Romantic dinner at upscale chef-driven LA restaurant + a nightcap at a hidden bar.
Family – 5‑Day Itinerary

Day 1: 10:00 AM – Beaches, Boardwalk & Aquatic Attractions

  • 10:00 AM | Santa Monica Pier (200 Santa Monica Pier): Free to explore; rides ~$3–10
    Classic seaside kick-off: ferris wheel, arcade games, and ocean breeze.
    Insider tip: Head straight for the west end for fewer crowds and better views.
  • 11:30 AM | Heal The Bay Aquarium (130 Aquarium Way): $3 per person
    Meet sharks, starfish, and interactive tanks—perfect for curious kids and adults alike.
    Insider tip: Great happy hour-style feeds at 12:30 PM when tide pools get busy.
  • 1:00 PM | Lunch at Pier food court: $7–15 per dish
    Choose from tacos, burgers, or healthy bowls—all kid-approved and quick.
  • 2:00 PM | Beach time at Santa Monica (free):
    Let kids play in the sand or rent a boogie board (~$10/hr).
  • 4:00 PM | Bike ride on the Strand: Free if you bring your own bike, or ~$10/hr rental.
    Smooth, scenic ride south toward Venice—flat paths with beach views.
  • 6:00 PM | Dinner on Abbot Kinney Blvd: $$–$$$
    Casual dinner at a family-friendly pizza or ramen spot.
  • 7:30 PM | Evening stroll along Venice Canals: Free
    Quiet, romantic, and perfect for kids to enjoy duck-watching and bridge exploring.

Day 2: 10:00 AM – Wildlife, Gardens & Explorers’ Fun

  • 10:00 AM | Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens (5333 Zoo Dr): $22 adults / $17 kids
    Home to giraffes, elephants, and peacocks—ripe for a day of wandering and wonder.
    Insider tip: Pack a lunch and picnic near the playground for a break.
  • 1:00 PM | Lunch at zoo café or nearby Farmer’s Market: $10–15 per person.
  • 2:30 PM | Travel to Griffith Park—visit the Old Zoo Ruins (Spring Canyon Dr): Free
    Kids love exploring old cages and open-air spaces—a safe creative play pit.
  • 4:00 PM | Ride the Griffith Park Miniature Railroad (4801 Crystal Springs Dr): $3 per ride
    Fun for all ages—a short but memorable spin through trees.
  • 5:00 PM | Early dinner at Trails Café (2333 Fern Dell Dr): $8–12
    A relaxed spot with pastries, sandwiches, and easy parking near the Observatory.
  • 6:00 PM | Sunset at Griffith Observatory terrace (2800 Observatory Rd): Free entry
    Navigate exhibits, peek through telescopes, and watch the sun dip behind hills.

Day 3: 10:00 AM – Interactive and Creative

  • 10:00 AM | California Science Center (700 Exposition Park Dr): Free (IMAX shows ~$7)
    Explore space shuttles, ecosystems, and rotating exhibits—hands-on wonder all day.
    Insider tip: Book IMAX tickets early to guarantee a seat, especially on weekends.
  • 1:00 PM | Lunch in Exposition Park: $10–15 per meal
    Casual café with healthy bowls, sandwiches, and kid-friendly selections.
  • 2:30 PM | Natural History Museum (900 Exposition Blvd): $15 adults / $7 kids
    Dinosaurs, gems, and rotating galleries—perfect for curious minds and budding scientists.
  • 4:00 PM | Walk through Exposition Park Rose Garden: Free
    Strollers, lawns, and even grassy trails add a calm, scenic pause to your afternoon.
  • 5:30 PM | Early street food dinner or picnic
    Rent spots near the park, then relax before the next day’s big adventures.

Day 4: 10:00 AM – Outdoors, Culture & Miniature Towns

  • 10:00 AM | El Matador State Beach (32215 Pacific Coast Hwy): Free (parking ~$8)
    Dramatic rock formations, tide pools, and sandy coves—nature meets coast exploration.
    Insider tip: Low tide equals cooler sand and safe water pools for younger kids.
  • 12:30 PM | Lunch at Malibu Farm Café (23000 Pacific Coast Hwy): $$
    Simple farm-to-table menu, great for families with scenic ocean views.
  • 2:00 PM | Visit Point Dume State Beach (Malibu): Free
    Gentle tide pools and safe swimming areas—perfect for curious children and quiet beach strolls.
  • 3:30 PM | Head to Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park (6200 Kanan Rd): $6 cars, free pedestrians
    Imagine strolling through old ranch houses, peacocks, and orange groves—a calm rural escape.
  • 5:00 PM | Return to LA by 6 PM for dinner—easy burger or taco spot near your next day’s stop.

Day 5: 10:00 AM – Hike, Play & Final LA Moments

  • 10:00 AM | Runyon Canyon Park (2000 N Fuller Ave): Free
    A family-friendly loop with city views, open meadows, and off-leash space for pups.
  • 11:30 AM | Brunch in Hollywood: $$
    Kid-approved café with pancakes and relaxed seating.
  • 1:00 PM | La Brea Tar Pits & Museum (5801 Wilshire Blvd): $15 adults / $7 kids
    Pull tar-covered woolly mammoth bones or watch live excavations.
    Insider tip: Enjoy open-site tar pits behind the building if small kids tire early.
  • 3:00 PM | Visit the adjacent LACMA sculptures (5905 Wilshire Blvd): Free outdoor area
    Urban Light is a hit with kids and great for family photos.
  • 4:00 PM | Last-minute snack stop at The Original Farmers Market (6333 W 3rd St): $5–15
    Choose tacos, crepes, or ice cream—perfect for a sweet finale.
  • 5:30 PM | Optional early dinner or pick up food for your drive home.