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

The City of Angels has an abundance of things to do…so much so that planning a day trip can feel overwhelming! While you definitely can’t see all of LA in a day, you can have a fun quick trip exploring the sites around one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. 

To help you plan the perfect visit, I’ve put together two different options for how to spend one day in Los Angeles – all from the POV of a California native and an LA local.  

This first itinerary is centered around the Hollywood area, hitting up attractions like Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Sign, and Warner Brothers Studio. The second itinerary is great for visitors looking to explore Beverly Hills and check out an iconic museum. 

I’ve also included suggestions on ways to customize each itinerary, as well as recommendations on additional things to do around the city at the end of this guide.

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The Perfect Los Angeles Day Trip: Two Itinerary Options

As you’re planning your one day in LA, my biggest piece of Los Angeles travel advice is to focus on one area of the city. 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 Santa Monica and Venice day trip itinerary! It includes top attractions like the Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, Abbot Kinney, and the Venice Canals. You can also drive up the Pacific Coast Highway to spend a day in Malibu. That day trip includes Adamson House near Malibu Lagoon State Beach, Malibu Pier, Point Dume, and more!

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. 

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, but it is still very doable. The drive from Hollywood can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. After, you can grab dinner at one of the restaurant recommendations mentioned in the second itinerary. 

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.

Here, you’ll find luxury brands like Gucci, Chanel, and Valentino. You’ll also find popular shops like Lululemon, Guess, H&M, and more on the surrounding streets. 

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!

Get Lunch in West Hollywood

After exploring Greystone Mansion, make your way over to West Hollywood for lunch. Here are a few of my favorite lunch spots in the area: 

• Gracias Madre: An upscale Mexican restaurant with a great outdoor patio (it’s also one of my favorite vegan restaurants in LA!). I particularly love their chicharron tacos, potato flautas, and plantain sides! In addition to being 100% vegan, there are gluten-free options. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. 
• Guisados: A casual eatery known for its high-quality tacos. There are vegan and vegetarian options. 
• Great White: A popular all-day restaurant serving bowls, salads, sandwiches, and much more. They also serve breakfast until 3pm. There are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Just note that you may need to wait for your table, and they don’t take reservations. 

Alternatively, you can get lunch at one of the food stalls at The Original Farmers Market in The Grove Shopping Center. This will work well if you choose to visit the Academy Museum or LACMA next!

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. 
• Jon & Vinny’s (Brentwood): An LA staple serving amazing Italian-inspired dishes, including pasta and pizza. 

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: 

• 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 The Original 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 Downtown LA (you’ll also see famous spots like the Bradbury Building and Grand Central Market!) 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 Behind the Hollywood Sign: For a unique view of the Hollywood Sign, I recommend hiking the Innsdale Trail and Mt Lee Drive. The 4.5-mile out-and-back trail is fairly easy. It’s partially paved, and otherwise the ground is even. That said, there is some elevation gain! The trailhead for this hike is located right by Lake Hollywood Park. In my experience, it tends to be much less crowded compared to the park! 
• 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.