Los Angeles, California 5 Day Itinerary

Los Angeles, California: 5-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to LA!

  • Morning: Check into your hotel in Downtown LA. Some recommendations include The Broadwater by Hilton, InterContinental LA Downtown, or The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Griffith Observatory for stunning views of the city and the stars. Don’t forget to check out the iconic Hollywood Sign from here!
  • Evening: Dine at Plan Check Kitchen & Bar in Downtown LA for some innovative American comfort food. After dinner, explore The Broad contemporary art museum.
  • Things to Know: Traffic can be heavy, so use Google Maps or Waze for navigation and plan ahead.

Day 2 - Explore Santa Monica & Venice Beach

  • Morning: Take the Expo Line from Downtown LA to Santa Monica Pier. Stroll along the iconic pier, enjoy the beach, or rent a bike for a leisurely ride.
  • Afternoon: Head north to Venice Beach and check out the famous Muscle Beach, Venice Canals, and the eclectic shops and street performers on Ocean Front Walk.
  • Evening: Dine at Gjelina in Venice, known for its farm-to-table California cuisine. After dinner, walk around Abbot Kinney Boulevard for some shopping.

Day 3 - Museum Day

  • Morning: Visit the Getty Center to admire Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and European and American art in a beautiful hilltop setting with panoramic views of LA.
  • Afternoon: Head to the California Science Center, home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour and various interactive exhibits. Grab lunch at Cafe@Caltech.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Tavern on the Left near the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Afterward, stroll along Hollywood Boulevard and see the stars.

Day 4 - Universal Studios Hollywood

  • Full Day: Spend the day at Universal Studios Hollywood for thrilling rides, shows, and behind-the-scenes tours. Make sure to check out The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the new Jurassic World ride.
  • Tips: Purchase a Front of Line Pass to minimize wait times, especially during peak season.

Day 5 - Farmers Market & The Grove

  • Morning: Visit the Original Farmers Market for breakfast at one of the many food stalls. Check out nearby The Grove for shopping and a movie at the historic Grauman’s Theatre.
  • Afternoon: Head to LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) and the La Brea Tar Pits. Grab lunch at Ray’s & Stark Bar, located within LACMA.
  • Evening: Wrap up your LA trip with a farewell dinner at Little Sister in Koreatown, offering delicious Southeast Asian cuisine.
  • Departure: Fly home or prepare for the next destination!

Transportation: The best way to navigate Los Angeles is by car, but public transportation options include Metro Rail and Bus lines. Uber and Lyft are also readily available.

Tips: Remember to bring layers as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day. Also, parking can be challenging in busy areas, so plan ahead or consider using valet services when available. Enjoy your trip to LA! 🌴🌞🏙️