How to Spend One Day in Los Angeles (Two Itinerary Options!)

How to Spend One Day in Los Angeles, CA

As you’re planning your Los Angeles day trip itinerary, my biggest piece of advice is to focus on one area of LA. People often underestimate how big the city is, as well as how brutal the traffic can be! 

I’ve seen far too many itineraries where people attempt to cram a ton in, trying to hit up the biggest attractions between Pasadena to the east and Santa Monica to the west. This is simply unrealistic…and you’ll be exhausted from all the driving! 

With that in mind, the two itineraries I’ve crafted below are centered around the most popular areas to visit in Los Angeles, and include some of the city’s best attractions and activities. 

If you’d prefer to spend some time by the coast, take a look at my Malibu day trip itinerary!

Itinerary Option 1: A Hollywood Experience

Here’s one option on how to spend a day in Los Angeles – specifically around the Hollywood area.

Get Breakfast or Coffee in Silver Lake

Before your first stop of the day, make your way to the neighborhood of Silver Lake for a caffeine boost and a quick bite to eat. There are plenty of great breakfast spots and coffee shops in the area, including:

• Good Friend Coffee: A coffee shop serving classic coffee and tea drinks, as well as more unique creations (like a peanut butter and jelly coffee and a yuzu latte). 
• Tartine: A bakery and cafe serving a selection of pastries and all-day breakfast items. They also have great coffee – I love their Morning Bun latte.
• Millie’s Cafe: A classic breakfast joint with an expansive menu. They also have a ton of vegan and gluten-free options. 
• Courage Bagels: A majorly popular bagel shop. Huge caveat – there is often a big line, especially on weekends! I only recommend stopping by if you get an early start to your day, or if you are visiting on a weekday. 
• The Trails: If you’ll be hiking up to Griffith (the first stop in the itinerary), consider grabbing a coffee and a light breakfast from this outdoor cafe. It’s located right by the trailhead. Alternatively, you can also stop here for lunch after your hike! 

Visit Griffith Observatory & See the Hollywood Sign

After breakfast, make your way up to the Griffith Observatory. This famous observatory dates back to 1935, and is the most-visited public observatory. 

You have two options for getting up there: drive and park near the observatory, or hike up. If you are able to and have the time, I recommend hiking! 

If you choose to drive, you can try to get a spot at the parking lot right 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 website for the current paid parking hours). 

If you choose to hike, you can street park on Fern Dell Drive or in this parking lot. Parking is free. Walk to the trailhead, and then join the West Observatory Loop Trail up to the observatory. The whole loop from the trailhead is just under two miles. 

Once you are up at Griffith Observatory, be sure to walk around the property to enjoy the breathtaking views of LA! You’ll also be able to see the Hollywood Sign on the northwest side of the observatory. 

Additionally, you can go inside the observatory building to check out the planetarium, explore the different exhibits and shows, see the Tesla coil demonstration, and more. Admission is free.

Note that the observatory building is closed on some weekdays, but the grounds are always open to explore. If you’re interested in going inside the observatory, refer to the online calendar for the most up-to-date opening information, as well as to learn about the different programs and shows. 

Visit the Hollyhock House or do the Warner Brothers Studio Tour

For the next stop, you have two choices: visit the historic Hollyhock House or do a studio tour at Warner Brothers.

The Warner Brothers Studio Tour is located in Burbank, about a 15-minute drive north of Los Feliz. I’ve done the Warner Brothers tour twice now, and in my opinion, it’s the best studio tour in LA!

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

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

If you do decide to go to Warner Brothers Studios, be sure to reserve your tickets in advance online! They can book up, particularly around holidays and peak travel season. 

The Hollyhock House is located in the Barnsdall Arts Park, less than a 5-minute drive from Los Feliz. It’s a must-visit for any architecture aficionados! This was Frank Lloyd Wright’s first LA commission, and was built between 1918 and 1921. The house has been maintained beautifully, and you can do a self-guided tour to enjoy the interior. 

The schedule is fairly limited, so be sure to reserve your timed-entry ticket in advance online. After your tour, spend some time at Barnsdall Art Park. You get incredible views of the Hollywood Sign and the observatory from the property! 

Another option is to visit LACMA or the Academy Museum – you can read about both in the next itinerary option to see if that interests you. These museums are a bit further away (which is why I didn’t include them in this itinerary), but it is still very doable. The drive from Los Feliz can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. After, you can grab dinner at one of the restaurant recommendations mentioned in the second itinerary. 

Visit the Walk of Fame (If You Want!)

Full disclosure: I’m not the biggest fan of the Walk of Fame, and I typically tell friends and family to skip it when they visit. It’s busy, very touristy, and doesn’t have the glitz and glam that many people associate with Hollywood. That said, I get that people want to see it – especially if it’s their first time in LA! 

If you do choose to visit, I recommend parking at the Hollywood and Highland Center garage. From there, you can walk down the Walk of Fame, and can also see the exterior of the TCL Chinese Theater. This is where you’ll see the cement hand and footprints from major movie stars and entertainment greats, including Mary Pickford, Marilyn Monroe, Cecil B. DeMille, Gene Kelly, and many more. 

Note: if you decide to do the Warner Brothers tour, it may make more sense to stop at the Walk of Fame before you head up to Burbank. 

End the Day with Dinner in the Area

End your day trip to Los Angeles with dinner in the area. Here are a few recommendations:

• Pine & Crane (Silver Lake): A popular Taiwanese eatery, and one of my favorite restaurants in LA! Be sure to order the dan dan noodles and the basil eggplant. There are vegetarian and vegan options. Note that it’s walk-ins only. 
• Santo (Silver Lake): A restaurant that combines Japanese dishes with a subtle touch of Mexican cuisine. There are vegetarian and vegan options. Reservations are recommended.
• Cascabel (Toluca Lake): If you’re looking for a dinner spot near Warner Brothers, try this popular Mexican restaurant. There are vegetarian options. 

Itinerary Option 2: Beverly Hills & an Iconic LA Museum 

Here’s another look at how you can spend your LA day trip. You’ll start in Beverly Hills, and then choose between a few popular museum options. 

Get Breakfast or Coffee in Beverly Hills

Start off your day with breakfast or coffee at one of these spots: 

• Chaumont Bakery & Cafe: A French eatery serving breakfast dishes and delicious pastries. If you’re looking for vegan options, you can also visit Chaumont Vegan, which is right next door! 
• Tryst Caffe: A coffee shop and restaurant serving a variety of all-day breakfast dishes. 
• Maru Espresso Bar: If you’re in need of a great cup of coffee, it doesn’t get better than this popular coffee shop. 

Parking note: there are numerous garages around the Beverly Hills area. You can also street park – just be sure to pay attention to the parking signs!

Stroll Down Rodeo Drive & Check Out the Beverly Hills Sign

After breakfast, it’s time to explore the designer stores and luxury boutiques on Beverly Hill’s famous Rodeo Drive. Enjoy some window shopping (or real shopping!) as you take a stroll down this scenic street.

Once you’ve explored Rodeo Drive and the surrounding streets, walk over to the beautifully landscaped Beverly Hills Garden Park. This is where you’ll find the famous Beverly Hills sign!

Afternoon & Evening Option 1: The Getty Center

For the afternoon, one option is to make your way over to the famous Getty Center. The drive from West Hollywood is about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. 

This expansive museum is just as famous for its collection as it is for its modern architecture, beautiful gardens, and incredible views of the city. In addition to exploring the world-class art collection (which includes pieces that span from the Middle Ages to modern times), be sure to leave some time to stroll around the property.  

Note that the Getty Center is technically free, but you still need to pay for parking on-site. You’ll also still need to book a timed-entry reservation in advance online.

Once you are done at the Getty, make your way over to either the Brentwood or Sawtelle neighborhood for dinner. Sawtelle is home to some of LA’s best Asian restaurants (just give yourself time to find parking – it’s not always easy!), while Brentwood has a variety of amazing eateries. Some options to consider include: 

• Tsujita (Sawtelle): A popular Japanese noodle eatery serving tsukemen, ramen, and more. There are vegan and vegetarian options. They don’t take reservations, so there may be a wait. 
• Nong Lá (Sawtelle): A casual Vietnamese restaurant. I love their chay pho! There are vegan and vegetarian options. Note that 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. 
• Planta (Brentwood): A popular vegan restaurant set in a gorgeous space. I especially love their unagi eggplant nigiri, bang bang broccoli, and udon noodles. They have amazing cocktails, as well. There are gluten-free options. Reservations are recommended! 
• Jon & Vinny’s (Brentwood): An LA staple serving amazing Italian-inspired dishes, including pasta and pizza. 

Afternoon & Evening Option 2: LACMA or the Academy Museum 

Alternatively, head to one of the museums that are just south of West Hollywood: Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. They are located right next to each other. Before you go into your museum of choice, check out the famous (and very photo-worthy) Urban Light art installation (pictured below in the center). It features 202 restored street lamps!

LACMA features a collection of over 150,000 pieces, making it the largest art museum in the western US! Exhibitions include objects that span over a time period of 6000 years. Note that there is currently construction of a new building on the campus, but there is still plenty to see – take a look at their current exhibitions. 

You can buy tickets for LACMA in person or in advance online. If you are visiting during peak travel season, I recommend getting your tickets in advance!

The Academy Museum is easily one of my favorite museums in LA, and one that I especially recommend for anyone that has an interest in film and entertainment. There is so much to see, and they’ve done an incredible job curating and designing the museum. You’ll get a chance to 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 for The Academy Museum can be purchased in advance online or in person. It’s smart to buy in advance if you’re visiting on a weekend or during peak travel season! 

Once you’ve explored your museum of choice, you can end your quick Los Angeles visit with dinner in the area. Great White, Gracias Madre, and Guisados (which are recommended above for lunch) are all open for dinner, but some additional options nearby include: 

• Crossroads Kitchen: A standout in the vegan dining scene in LA. 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. 
• Electric Karma: A really great Indian restaurant with a colorful, dimly lit dining space. I love their samosas and chana masala. There are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. 

Additional Things to do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is huge, and of course, there are so many more activities you can do during your visit! If you want to customize your schedule, here are some additional ideas on things you can add to your Los Angeles trip itinerary: 

• Get a Closer Look at the Hollywood Sign: If you want to get a closer look at the famous Hollywood Sign, plan a stop at Lake Hollywood Park. Just note that it can get busy, especially on weekends and in the summer! 
• Do a Private Electric Bike Tour of Hollywood: Spend more time exploring the main sites in Hollywood on this private E-bike tour! You’ll get a chance to ride up close to the Hollywood Sign, while also passing by iconic attractions in and around Hollywood. 
• Go on a Hollywood Sightseeing Open-Air Bus Tour: Sure, it’s a bit touristy, but this highly-rated Hollywood tour is a great way to see some of LA’s most iconic spots! You’ll get a chance to drive by the Walk of Fame, the Dolby Theatre, the Sunset Strip, the Beverly Hills Hotel, Rodeo Drive, and much more. You’ll also drive down the famous Mulholland Drive. 
• Shop at The Grove: The Grove is a scenic outdoor shopping center that is located near LACMA and The Academy Museum. There is also a fun daily farmers market next door, which features a variety of permanent food stands. 
• Check Out the La Brea Tar Pits: Another cool spot worth checking out is the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. The tar pits are the world’s only active urban fossil dig sites! 
• Do a Local Food Tour: Consider yourself a foodie? Experience LA’s dining scene with a food tour of DTLA or Venice Beach.  
• Do a Horseback Tour of Mulholland Trail: If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, consider booking this one-hour horseback tour. You’ll ride through the hills of Griffith Park, and get a chance to see the observatory and the Hollywood Sign. 
• Hike Runyon Canyon: The 2.7-mile Runyon Canyon Trail is one of the most famous hiking trails in Los Angeles! You’ll enjoy incredible views of the Hollywood Sign and LA. 
• See a Show at the Hollywood Bowl: The Hollywood Bowl is one of the most iconic concert venues in LA. Their schedule includes a wide range of shows, from popular bands (I’ve seen Tame Impala and Khruangbin perform at the Bowl) to orchestral performances to sing-a-long shows. 
• Ride on a Swan Boat in Echo Park: Enjoy a moment of peace out on the water of Echo Park Lake! Not only is the park itself incredibly beautiful, but you also get killer views of DTLA. 
• Do a Walking Tour Around Downtown Los Angeles: If you want to explore DTLA, consider doing this walking tour. You’ll see must-visit spots in the city, including Grand Central Market, the Bradbury Building, Angels Flight Railway, and more. 
• Enjoy a Electric Bike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice: If you want to explore the coast, consider booking this guided E-bike tour of Venice Beach and Santa Monica. You’ll see Santa Monica Pier, the Venice Canals, and more.  
• Explore Huntington Library and Gardens in Pasadena: Huntington Gardens is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Los Angeles! Note that you’ll want to buy your tickets in advance online.