Los Angeles California 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Downtown LA & Surroundings

Morning:

  • Hotel Check-in: Start your day by checking into a hotel conveniently located in or around Downtown Los Angeles. Some options include JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. Live, The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles or The W Hollywood.
  • Breakfast: Grab a bite at Sqirl (2134 N Fairfax Ave) for delicious and Instagrammable breakfast bowls.

Afternoon:

  • Griffith Observatory: Head to Griffith Park (4730 Crystal Spring Dr.) to visit the Griffith Observatory offering breathtaking views of Los Angeles and space exhibits.
  • Hollywood Sign: Take a hike up to the Hollywood sign (2000 Canyon Lake Dr) or join a guided tour for an unforgettable experience.

Evening:

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Bestia (101 E 3rd St #104) offering modern Italian cuisine in a casual setting.
  • Nightlife: Explore the vibrant nightlife of Downtown LA with options such as The Roof on Wilshire (1 S Figueroa St #24), a rooftop bar with stunning city views.

Day 2: Santa Monica & Venice Beach

Morning:

  • Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at Gjusta (320 Sunset Ave) in Venice, serving artisanal bread, pastries, and sandwiches.
  • Santa Monica Pier: Make your way to Santa Monica Pier (200 Santa Monica Pier) to enjoy the ocean view, carousel, and Pacific Park amusement park.

Afternoon:

  • Venice Beach: Explore the eclectic Venice Beach (1800 Ocean Front Walk) with its Muscle Beach, skatepark, and colorful murals. Don’t forget to visit the iconic Venice sign!
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at Tacos Betty’s (1726 Abbot Kinney Blvd) or Gjelina (1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd), both offering delicious Californian cuisine.

Evening:

  • Dinner: Dine at The Tavern (320 Santa Monica Pier) for oceanfront dining with a variety of options.
  • Nightlife: Check out Bar Martina (1647 Abbot Kinney Blvd) in Venice, offering an extensive cocktail menu and a lively atmosphere.

Day 3: Museums & Beverly Hills

Morning:

  • Breakfast: Start the day with breakfast at Eggslut (1600 S Broadway) in Little Tokyo, known for their creative egg sandwiches.
  • LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art): Visit LACMA (5905 Wilshire Blvd.) to explore various art exhibitions and installations, including Urban Light and Levitated Mass.
  • GRAMMY Museum: Just next door to LACMA, immerse yourself in the history of music at the GRAMMY Museum (800 W Olympic Blvd).

Afternoon:

  • Lunch: Grab lunch at Plan Check Kitchen + Bar (850 S Flower St) for modern takes on American comfort food.
  • Beverly Hills: Take a drive through Beverly Hills to admire the famous mansions and Rodeo Drive (24 S Rodeo Dr), home to luxury boutiques.
  • The Getty Center: Visit The Getty Center (1200 Getty Center Dr) in Brentwood for beautiful art, gardens, and stunning views of Los Angeles.

Evening:

  • Dinner: Dine at BOA Steakhouse (9200 Sunset Blvd) for an upscale dining experience featuring contemporary American cuisine.
  • Nightlife: End your night with a drink at The Den at The West Hollywood EDITION (9040 Sunset Blvd) or the rooftop at the Mondrian Hotel (8440 Sunset Blvd).

Things to know:

  • Traffic: LA traffic can be notorious, so plan accordingly and allow extra time for travel between destinations.
  • Weather: LA has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm summers. Check the weather forecast before your visit and pack accordingly.
  • Public Transportation: The Metro Rail offers several lines covering various areas of Los Angeles, making it an affordable option for exploring the city.
  • Tips: Always tip service workers in the hospitality industry. A general rule is to tip 15-20% depending on the level of service received.