The Ultimate 3 Day Los Angeles Itinerary (A Local’s Guide)

Los Angeles is massive, so putting together a comprehensive itinerary is a daunting task…especially if you aren’t super familiar with the city! As a Los Angeles local and a lifelong California resident, I’m here to help you plan the perfect LA trip. 

My 3 day Los Angeles itinerary is especially great for first-time visitors. It hits some of the top attractions in the city, including Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Sign, and Rodeo Drive, with options to do a studio tour and visit some of the top LA museums. 

I’m also sharing local tips, as well as my honest takes on which of the more popular activities are worth it…as well as what I think can be skipped! Of course, I’m also including recommendations for my favorite restaurants around the city. 

Most importantly, I’ve outlined this itinerary to help you maximize your time in Los Angeles while minimizing your time in the car.

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Where to Stay for This LA Itinerary

Reducing the amount of time you spend in the car (and in traffic!) is key for having a seamless LA trip. With that in mind, for this itinerary, I recommend staying in or around West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. 

These neighborhoods are centrally located, and very close to the attractions included in the first two days of the itinerary. You’ll just need to drive out to the Santa Monica/Venice area for day three. 

My post on where to stay in LA can give you deeper insight into the best hotels in this part of town, but here’s a quick glimpse at some top options: 

• Petit Ermitage (WeHo) – a colorful, Moroccan-inspired 4-star hotel situated between the Sunset Strip and Santa Monica Boulevard
• The Charlie (WeHo) – a charming 4-star boutique hotel inspired by the English countryside
• The Sun Rose West Hollywood – an elegant 5-star hotel on Sunset Boulevard
• The Beverly Hills Hotel – a sophisticated 5-star hotel, and one of the most iconic hotels in LA

Alternatively, look at vacation house rentals in WeHo or Beverly Hills! This is a great option if you’d like more space. 

How to Spend 3 Days in Los Angeles

Here’s a quick glance at this LA itinerary:

• Day 1 – see the top attractions in and around Hollywood, and do a Warner Brothers Tour.
• Day 2 – explore Beverly Hills before visiting one (or more!) of the top museums in LA. 
• Day 3 – head towards the coast to explore the best of Venice and Santa Monica. 

At the end of this guide, I’ve also included suggestions for additional things to do in the area if you have extra time or want to customize the itinerary! My list includes spending a day at Universal Studios, touring the Getty Villa, exploring the top attractions in Downtown Los Angeles, and more.  

LA Travel Tip: a car is essential for easily getting around Los Angeles. Public transportation isn’t super efficient, and Uber/Lyft prices will quickly add up. I recommend booking a rental car through Expedia, where you can compare prices from different rental car companies that are available at LAX and Burbank airports, as well as around the city. 

Visit Griffith Observatory

First up is the Griffith Observatory. It dates back to 1935, and is the most-visited public observatory in the world. 

This is easily one of the most famous Los Angeles attractions…and there’s a good reason for it! It can definitely be busy, but you can avoid the crowds by going earlier in the day (which is why I put it first in this day’s itinerary!). 

I always enjoy spending time taking in the views of the city and the Hollywood Sign, seeing the cool architecture, and exploring the exhibits inside. It’s also really fun to see the Tesla coil in action! Best part: admission to the observatory is free. 

There are two options for getting up to the observatory: you can drive and park near the property, or do a fairly easy hike. If you’re able to and have the time, I highly recommend the hike.

If you drive, you can try to park at the parking lot in front of the observatory. If it is full, you will need to park on West Observatory Road. Note that you will most likely have to pay for both street parking and parking in the lot. It may be free if you get there early enough in the day (refer to the current paid parking hours). 

If you hike, you can park (for free!) on Fern Dell Drive or in this lot. Walk to the trailhead, and then join the West Observatory Loop Trail up to the observatory. From the trailhead, the loop is just around two miles long. 

Note: the observatory building is closed on certain weekdays, but the grounds are still open to explore daily. If you want to go inside, be sure to refer to the online calendar for the most up-to-date opening information. 

Choose Your Adventure: Stroll Down the Walk of Fame or Tour the Hollyhock House

After Griffith Observatory, it’s time to choose your next activity!

The first option is to visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I’m personally not the biggest fan of the Walk of Fame, and I typically tell friends and family to skip it. It can be very busy, and it definitely doesn’t have the glamour that a lot of people associate with Hollywood.

That said, I totally understand that a lot of people want to check it out during a Los Angeles trip, especially if visiting for the first time! 

If you do choose to visit, I recommend parking at the Hollywood and Highland Center garage. From there, you’ll be able to stroll down the Walk of Fame to see the Hollywood stars. 

Be sure to also visit the TCL Chinese Theater, where you can see the cement hand and footprints from major movie stars and entertainment greats, including Mary Pickford, Marilyn Monroe, Cecil B. DeMille, Gene Kelly, and more. 

The second option is to tour the Hollyhock House in the Barnsdall Arts Park. This is an excellent choice if you’re interested in architecture, and are looking for less-touristy things to do in LA!

The Hollyhock House was Frank Lloyd Wright’s first LA commission, and was built between 1918 and 1921. The house has been maintained beautifully, and you can explore the interior with a self-guided tour. I’ve visited twice, and love taking friends and family here!

Timed-entry tickets for a self-guided tour can be booked online. You’ll want to purchase these in advance.

Robin Williams Walk of Fame Star | Hollyhock House | View from Barnsdall Arts Park

Get Lunch in Los Feliz or Hollywood

Depending on which activity you choose, you can grab lunch in Los Feliz (near the Hollyhock House) or in Hollywood.

In Los Feliz, I recommend:

• HomeState: A Tex-Mex spot, and one of my favorite local chains for a casual meal! They have a ton of excellent tacos, including vegetarian and vegan options. Be sure to order a side of crispy potatoes. 
• Home: A homey restaurant set in a craftsman-style house offering delicious comfort food. There are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. 
• Alcove: A cozy eatery (with a great outdoor patio!) serving sandwiches, burgers, salads, all-day breakfast dishes, and more. There are vegetarian and gluten-conscious options. 

In Hollywood, I recommend:

• The Win-Dow: A popular fast-casual spot known for its smash burgers. There is also a vegetarian burger option. 
• Superba Food + Bread: A well-loved bakery and restaurant with a beautiful dining space serving sandwiches, salads, bowls, and more. 

Do A Studio Tour at Warner Brothers Studio 

The Warner Brothers Studio Tour is easily the best studio tour in LA. I’ve done it twice, and have really enjoyed it both times! The whole experience lasts around three hours. 

It starts with a guided tour through the actively operating studio backlot. You’ll learn about the history of Warner Brothers, and see filming locations from Gilmore Girls, Friends, Blade Runner, Spider-Man (2002), Growing Pains, and so much more. 

After that portion of the tour, you are able to do a self-guided tour through different exhibits on the property, getting a chance to learn about the stages of creating films and TV shows. You’ll see recreations of popular TV sets (including Central Perk from Friends), and get an up-close look at costumes, props, and more from the Harry Potter and DC universes. 

It’s important to note that tour tickets can book up quickly, especially around holidays and during peak travel season. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance! 

Not interested in doing a studio tour? An alternative option is to visit the Academy Museum or LACMA. These museums are included as potential afternoon activities on tomorrow’s itinerary – you can read more about them below!

Get Dinner in West Hollywood

After doing your studio tour, you can make your way back to your accommodation to freshen up before dinner. If you’re staying in or around West Hollywood, there are a ton of really great restaurants. Here are a few of my top picks: 

• Gracias Madre: One of my favorite Los Angeles vegan restaurants! This upscale Mexican restaurant has a gorgeous dining space and outdoor patio, and excellent cocktails. I love their chicharron tacos, and highly recommend ordering a side of plantains. 
• Pizanna: A popular upscale pizza place also serving pasta dishes and excellent sides. I really love their funghi pizza! They have vegan and gluten-free options. 
• Guisados: For something a little more casual, you can’t go wrong with this well-loved taco spot. There are vegan and vegetarian options. There is also a location in Beverly Hills if you’re staying over there. 

Stroll Down Rodeo Drive & See the Beverly Hills Sign

Start the day with a stroll down the world-famous Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. This is the city’s premier high-end shopping destination, and it’s great for window (or real!) shopping. 

In addition to luxury staples like Valentino, Gucci, Chanel, and Hermes on Rodeo Drive, you’ll find other popular shops on the surrounding streets. Think Lululemon, Diptyque, Guess, H&M, and so much more. 

If you’ve wanted to try an Erewhon smoothie, this is also a great time to do it. There’s a location on N Beverly Drive. 

While you’re there, if you need a caffeine boost, I recommend Maru Espresso Bar. It’s popular, so there may be a line!

Once you are done exploring the shops, walk over to the beautiful Beverly Hills Garden Park. This is where you’ll see the famous Beverly Hills Sign. 

Explore Greystone Mansion

Next, you’ll make your way over to the stunning Greystone Mansion. I recommend driving down N Beverly Drive to get there. This is one of those picture-perfect palm tree-lined streets that are often associated with Beverly Hills! 

Greystone Mansion is a gorgeous historic mansion that dates back to 1928. The property was purchased by the City of Beverly Hills in 1965, and today it is a public park that is free to visit (parking is free, as well!). It’s really nice to stroll through the gardens and get a closer look at the architecture.

The mansion and gardens are often used as a filming location for film, TV, and music videos. If you’ve seen Gilmore Girls, you might recognize it as Chilton Academy!

Interior self-guided tours are also offered on a super limited basis, on one weekend day once a month. In my opinion, the tour is interesting but not an absolute must-do…I think the outside space is what really shines! 

That said, it’s still cool to go inside, and the ticket price includes admission to a great short film about the history of the mansion. If you’re interested, take a look at the schedule online to see if they’ll be open during your visit! You will need to purchase tickets in advance to tour the interior.

Get Lunch at a Local Restaurant or at The Original Farmers Market at The Grove

Next up is lunch! There are plenty of great options in the area, with a few recommendations being:

• The Butcher’s Daughter: A personal favorite! This vegetarian restaurant (which also has plenty of vegan options) offers amazing seasonal brunch and lunch dishes. Their pizzas are particularly great. I also always like their waffle and pancake options, as well as their coffees!
• Great White: A well-loved all-day restaurant serving bowls, sandwiches, salads, and more. There are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Note that they don’t take reservations, so you may need to wait a bit for a table. 

An alternative option is to grab lunch at one of the food stalls at The Original Farmers in The Grove Shopping Center. This is a particularly good option if you choose to visit LACMA/the Academy Museum on the next stop. 

There are a ton of food options to choose from, but one that I especially like is Singapore’s Banana Leaf. The curry noodles are great! 

Choose Your Museum Adventure: The Getty Center, the Academy Museum, & LACMA

For your afternoon activity, you can choose whether to go to The Getty Center, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), or The Academy Museum. 

The Academy Museum is personally my favorite of the three, and is well-worth a visit if you’re interested in film and Hollywood history. You’ll learn about the movie-making process, get an in-depth look at the history behind famous films, get up close to Oscar statues, see iconic costumes, and more. Tickets can be purchased at the door, but I recommend booking in advance, especially if you’re visiting LA during peak season. 

LACMA is the largest art museum in the western US, with a collection of over 150,000 pieces that span over a time period of 6000 years.  They also opened the new (massive!) David Geffen Galleries in April 2026. It’s a really incredible space with an excellent collection, and in my opinion, that building alone is worth the price of admission! Be sure to take a look at current exhibitions for more details. Just like with the Academy Museum, tickets can be purchased in person, but it’s smart to book your timed-entry tickets in advance online.  

Note: the Academy Museum and LACMA are right next to each other. While you need around two to three hours to fully experience each museum individually, it is possible to visit both in the afternoon if you move at a quicker pace!

The Getty Center is an expansive museum that is known not only for its amazing art collection (which includes pieces that span from the Middle Ages to modern times), but also for its modern architecture, beautiful gardens, and incredible views of the city. 

It is technically free to visit, but you will still have to pay for parking. You also need to book a timed-entry reservation in advance online. 

LACMA | The Academy Museum | The Getty Center

Get Dinner Near Your Museum

End the day with dinner near your museum of choice. If you chose LACMA or the Academy Museum, any of the West Hollywood restaurants from yesterday’s itinerary (Gracias Madre, Pizanna, or Guisados) will do! Two other options to consider are: 

• Electric Karma: An excellent Indian restaurant with a colorful, dimly lit dining space. I love their samosas and chana masala. There are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. 
• Crossroads Kitchen: A standout in the vegan dining scene in Los Angeles. They have amazing pasta dishes (I love their spicy rigatoni vodka), as well as decadent mains (their eggplant short rib is a standout!). The fully vegan menu also has gluten-free options. 

If you visit The Getty Center, I recommend getting dinner in Sawtelle or Brentwood. Here are my top recommendations: 

• Tsujita (Sawtelle): A Japanese noodle restaurant serving tsukemen, ramen, and more. There are vegan and vegetarian options. They don’t take reservations. 
• Nong Lá (Sawtelle): A casual Vietnamese restaurant. I love their chay pho! There are vegan and vegetarian options. They don’t take reservations. 
• Chinchikurin (Sawtelle): A Japanese restaurant that is known for its Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (a comforting savory pancake dish). They don’t take reservations. 
• Jon & Vinny’s (Brentwood): An LA staple serving amazing Italian-inspired dishes, including pasta and pizza. Reservations recommended. 

Day 3: Santa Monica & Venice 

On day three, spend some time by the coast to explore the best of the Westside of Los Angeles!

Note that this is a fairly active day, and you’ll at the very least do a good amount of walking (and potentially some biking!). Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. 

If you’d prefer to skip Venice and Santa Monica (but would still like to be by the water), an alternative option is to spend a day in Malibu. It’s a bit more of a drive, but the beaches are gorgeous…and Malibu is easily one of my favorite places in LA county! You can stroll around Point Dume, walk down the Malibu Pier, tour Adamson House near Malibu Lagoon State Beach, and more. 

Get Breakfast or Coffee Near Montana Avenue in Santa Monica

Montana Avenue is easily my favorite street in Santa Monica. It’s lined with excellent eateries and shops, and has a more local feel compared to the more touristy Downtown Santa Monica area. 

This street is also a great place to grab a bite to eat or a coffee, so it’s a perfect spot to kick off a day in Santa Monica! With that said, here are a few of my favorite cafes and restaurants in the area: 

• Tartine Bakery: This is technically a few blocks south of Montana Avenue, but it’s one of my favorite bakeries/coffee shops in all of Los Angeles, so it’s worth highlighting! Tartine offers baked goods, excellent coffee drinks, and a small menu of more substantial breakfast dishes. It also happens to be located in a former mortuary.
• The Courtyard Kitchen: A popular restaurant with a very charming outdoor patio serving classic breakfast dishes. I recommend making reservations, particularly if you’re visiting on a weekend. 
• Primo Passo Coffee: A cute coffee shop serving high-quality coffee and tea drinks, as well as pastries (including vegan and gluten-free options) and bagels. 

Walk Through Third Street Promenade and Palisades Park

After breakfast, drive towards Downtown Santa Monica and head to Third Street Promenade. This lively outdoor pedestrian shopping street is the hub of Downtown Santa Monica. Even if you don’t want to shop, it’s a fun place to stroll through before continuing on to the next stop in the itinerary. 

If you happen to be visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday, you can also pass through the Santa Monica Farmers Market on Arizona Street (which intersects 3rd Street). 

Next, walk over to the picture-perfect Palisades Park. This palm tree-lined park parallels Ocean Avenue and overlooks Santa Monica State Beach, offering amazing views of the Santa Monica Pier and the Pacific Coast Highway below. Enjoy a stroll through the park and take in the view before making your way to the pier. 

Parking Note: there are public lots and garages all around Downtown Santa Monica, and you can also choose to street park. If you do street park, pay close attention to the street signs! 

Check Out the Santa Monica Pier and Muscle Beach

Continue walking south through Palisades Park, and you’ll find your way to the entrance of the Santa Monica Pier. 

I’ll be super honest here: I’m not the biggest fan of actually walking out on the pier, particularly during peak travel season! It can be incredibly crowded, and I find it to be more stressful than enjoyable when it is busy. 

With that said, if you want to visit, this is the time to do it! Take a stroll and enjoy the views of the coastline. You can even go on a ride or two at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, an oceanfront amusement park!

Next, you can take the stairs down to Muscle Beach, which is just south of the pier. The famous oceanside workout space dates back to the 1930s. You might spot some gymnasts and athletes showing off their skills on the bars, swings, and ropes! 

Choose Your Adventure: Bike or Drive Down to Venice Beach

It’s time to make your way to Venice Beach, which is south of Santa Monica. You have two options for getting down to Venice.

The first option is to drive to Venice. If you drive, you’ll need to street park. I usually have the best luck finding parking on Venice Boulevard (more inland, east of Abbot Kinney) or in the surrounding neighborhood streets. Again, pay attention to street parking signs!

The second option is to bike down The Strand, a paved bike path that leads straight to the Venice Beach Boardwalk. This is such a fun, classic activity to do in Santa Monica, especially when the weather is good! 

You can rent a bike from Perry’s Cafe and Beach Rentals. There are multiple locations along Ocean Front Walk, but I recommend renting from the 1200 Pacific Coast Highway location. 

The ride from this shop to Venice Beach is about 2.5 miles. It will take around 15 to 20 minutes if you don’t stop. 

You can rent the bike for an hour and take it one way. In this case, you can take an Uber or Lyft back to Santa Monica once you’re done exploring Venice. If you do this, you can drop your bike off at one of the Venice Perry’s locations (3100 Ocean Front Walk or 2100-1 Ocean Front Walk). 

Note that there is a small one-way bike drop-off fee! 

Alternatively, you can rent the bike for the entire afternoon. You’ll then ride it back up to Santa Monica once you’re done in Venice. Of course, you’ll need to be mindful of when Perry’s closes for the day. If you do this, there are bike racks around Venice. You’ll find some around Windward Plaza and along Abbot Kinney. Be sure to rent a lock from Perry’s. 

If you’d like a guided biking experience, I recommend booking a small group electric bike tour of Santa Monica and Venice. This 3-hour tour includes a ride down The Strand, as well as stops at some of the most famous spots in the area, including the Venice Canals and the Santa Monica Pier. 

Check Out the Venice Boardwalk 

Start your time in Venice at the vibrant (and I’ll be honest…often very busy!) Venice Boardwalk and Windward Plaza. You’ll likely see street performers, as well as vendors selling their goods along the palm tree-lined boardwalk.

While you’re there, you can watch the skateboarders at the Venice Beach Skatepark, which is located right on the beach. I also recommend taking a look at the nearby public art walls, and walking up Windward Avenue to see the Venice Sign. 

Get Lunch in Venice 

Next on the itinerary is lunch in Venice. There are some excellent restaurants on Abbot Kinney (the next stop on the itinerary) that I love, but there are also a few eateries right by the boardwalk. Here are a few of my recommendations:

• The Butcher’s Daughter: I already included the WeHo location on yesterday’s itinerary…if you don’t go then, I recommend visiting the Abbot Kinney location! The fully vegetarian restaurant has an excellent, seasonally-inspired menu. I recommend making a reservation. 
• Ggiata Delicatessen: This popular eatery has excellent classic sandwiches and wraps, as well as salads and other sides. They also always have a vegan and a vegetarian sandwich option!
• Eggslut: As you can guess, this well-loved breakfast and lunch spot has a very egg-centric menu! They offer a variety of egg sandwiches, as well as their poached egg in a jar. 

For a bit of a different experience, consider booking a Venice Beach food tour! This is a fun way to explore the Venice food scene. You’ll try dishes from local restaurants serving tacos, empanadas, acai, and more.

Explore Abbot Kinney

Next, it’s time to stroll down Abbot Kinney…dubbed the coolest block in America. This is my favorite pocket of Venice. In addition to the great eateries, you’ll find an eclectic mix of local boutiques and recognizable brand stores (the Farm Rio store is a must if you’re looking for a bold statement piece!), as well as galleries. 

I recommend stopping by Goodies, a small shop selling unique home goods. All items are priced under $25! I’m also a big fan of Burro. This artsy shop sells books, stationery, home goods, apparel, and more. Both shops are great spots to pick up a souvenir. 

If you need some caffeine, I recommend grabbing a drink at Intelligentsia. Their Avena latte is my favorite! 

As you are exploring the area, be sure to keep an eye out for the cool and colorful street art on the sides of the buildings. 

Stroll Through the Venice Canals 

After visiting Abbot Kinney, walk over to the Venice Canals. You can enter from Carroll Avenue or Dell Avenue. 

The man made canals date back to the early 1900s, and bring a touch of Italy to California! There are pedestrian walkways and footbridges throughout the area, so you can easily stroll through the canals and enjoy the views. 

Note that this is a neighborhood, so be sure to be respectful of the residents. 

Get Dinner at a Local Restaurant 

End your LA trip on a high note with dinner in Venice or Santa Monica. You’ll find plenty of great options in both towns, but here are a few worth highlighting: 

• Élephante: The perfect spot for an upscale night out in Santa Monica! Élephante offers elevated coastal Italian dishes in a beautifully designed space that overlooks the coast. They have vegetarian options. Reservations recommended. 
• Cobi’s: This Southeast Asian restaurant in Santa Monica serves shareable dishes inspired by Indonesian, Thai, and Indian cuisines. They have vegan and vegetarian options. The maximalist and colorful space boasts a dining room complete with kitschy (but fun!) decor, as well as a lovely outdoor patio. Reservations recommended. 
• Library Alehouse: A cozy spot in Santa Monica’s Ocean Park neighborhood serving delicious burgers and tap beers. They have vegetarian and vegan options. Reservations recommended. 
• Chulita: A modern Mexican restaurant in Venice with a Tulum-inspired space serving tacos, ceviche, nachos, and more. They also have amazing tequila and mezcal-based cocktails. The menu includes vegetarian and vegan options. Reservations recommended.