Los Angeles, California 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of LA

Morning:

  • Breakfast at Eggslut (Grand Central Market): Start your day with a delicious egg sandwich at this popular spot.
  • The Broad Museum: Visit this contemporary art museum featuring works by artists like Yayoi Kusama and Cy Twombly. Admission is free, but tickets should be reserved online in advance.
  • Grand Central Market: Browse the various food stalls for a quick lunch or grab some snacks for later.

Afternoon:

  • The Grammy Museum: Dive into the history of music at this museum located in downtown LA.
  • Staples Center and Microsoft Theater: Take a tour of these iconic sports and entertainment venues (tours must be booked in advance).
  • Little Tokyo: Explore this historic neighborhood, visit Japanese American National Museum, and grab some treats from one of the many cafes and bakeries.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Bestia: Enjoy Italian cuisine made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Reservations are recommended.
  • The Last Bookstore: Visit this unique bookstore with its labyrinthine layout and vast selection of books.
  • Roof DTLA: Catch a breathtaking view of the city while sipping on a cocktail at this rooftop bar.

Transportation: Use the Metro Rail system to get around downtown LA. Purchase a day pass for unlimited travel within the system.

Day 2: Beach and Beyond

Morning:

  • Breakfast at Gjusta (Venice): Stop by this bakery and cafĂ© for pastries, sandwiches, and coffee before heading to the beach.
  • Venice Beach: Soak up the sun, take a dip in the Pacific Ocean, or watch the skateboarders and street performers along the boardwalk.
  • Santa Monica Pier: Walk out to the end of the pier, grab lunch at one of the food stands, and enjoy the view.

Afternoon:

  • The Getty Center: Head to the museum district and explore this hilltop museum featuring European paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and gardens. Admission is free but tickets must be reserved online in advance.
  • Farmers Market and The Grove: Browse the stalls at the historic farmers market for fresh produce, cheese, and other goodies. Then, visit The Grove, an outdoor shopping mall with a variety of stores and restaurants.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Gjelina (Abbot Kinney Blvd): Enjoy farm-to-table Mediterranean cuisine in a stylish setting. Reservations are highly recommended.
  • Venice Canals: Take a leisurely walk around the canals, which were inspired by the Venetian waterways.
  • Groundwork Coffee (Abbot Kinney Blvd): Grab a nightcap at this popular coffee shop and people watch as you wind down your day in LA.

Things to Know:

  • Traffic can be heavy, so allow plenty of time for travel between destinations.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
  • Dress in layers as temperatures can vary depending on location and time of day.
  • Always check the hours of operation and reservation policies before visiting attractions.

Stay:

  • Hotel Shangri-La (Santa Monica): A historic art deco hotel with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
  • The Line Hotel (Koreatown): Modern design, excellent on-site dining options, and easy access to downtown LA’s attractions.
  • Hotel Erwin (Venice): Budget-friendly hotel located steps from the Venice Beach boardwalk.