Los Angeles
Where golden coastline meets urban sprawl, and every sunset looks like it was colour-graded for the movies.
1 day in Los Angeles
Only got 24 hours? Here's how to experience the best of Los Angeles in a single action-packed day.
LA Highlights in 24 Hours
Santa Monica & Venice Beach
Start at Santa Monica Pier for the iconic ferris wheel, arcade games, and Pacific Ocean views. Walk south along the beach path to Venice Beach, passing Muscle Beach outdoor gym and the Venice Skatepark where locals shred. Stroll the Venice Boardwalk for street performers, artists, and eccentrics. Breakfast burrito from a taco truck on Abbot Kinney Boulevard ($8–10), a street lined with boutiques, coffee shops, and murals.
Hollywood & Griffith Observatory
Drive or Uber to Hollywood Boulevard for the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre handprints, and the chaotic energy of tourist Hollywood. It's tacky but essential. Then head to Griffith Observatory for free entry and the best panoramic views in LA. On a clear day you can see downtown, the Hollywood Sign, and the Pacific. The observatory's planetarium shows are $7 and excellent. Hike the trail to the Hollywood Sign viewpoint (45 min round trip).
Koreatown Dinner & Nightlife
Head to Koreatown, LA's most underrated neighbourhood for food and nightlife. Korean BBQ at Park's BBQ or Kang Ho-dong Baekjeong ($25–35 per person for all-you-can-eat). Then hit the noraebang (karaoke rooms). Pharaoh Karaoke has private rooms from $20/hour. K-town bars stay open until 2am and beyond. Try The Prince for old-Hollywood cocktail bar vibes or Dan Sung Sa for a retro Korean speakeasy.
3 days in Los Angeles
A carefully curated route mixing iconic landmarks, hidden gems, street food, culture, and adventure.
Beach Towns & Westside
Santa Monica & Venice Beach
Start at Santa Monica Pier for the ferris wheel, arcade, and Pacific Ocean panorama. Walk the palisades path above the beach for cleaner views, then descend to the sand and walk south to Venice Beach. Pass Muscle Beach outdoor gym and the Venice Skatepark where locals pull off insane tricks. Breakfast at Gjusta Bakery on Sunset Avenue in Venice, where the smoked fish toast ($14) and pastries are outstanding, or grab a $8 breakfast burrito from a nearby taco truck.
Abbot Kinney & Getty Center
Explore Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice's trendiest strip with boutiques, galleries, and excellent coffee at Intelligentsia. Lunch at Gjelina for seasonal Cal-Italian ($18–25 mains) or keep it cheap at Tacos Por Favor on Olympic ($3.50/taco). Then drive to the Getty Center for free admission, stunning architecture by Richard Meier, an incredible art collection, and panoramic views from the hilltop gardens. The tram ride up is part of the experience.
Sunset Strip & WeHo
Drive up to the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, the legendary stretch of Sunset Boulevard lined with music venues, comedy clubs, and rooftop bars. Catch a comedy show at The Comedy Store ($20–25) where every major comedian has performed. Dinner on Santa Monica Boulevard in WeHo, with night market vibes and global street food. End at a rooftop bar on the Strip, such as Skybar at the Mondrian for cocktails ($18–22) and city views.
Hollywood, Arts & Highland Park
Hollywood Boulevard & Runyon Canyon
Walk Hollywood Boulevard for the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre handprints, and the Egyptian Theatre. It's chaotic and touristy but you need to see it once. Then escape the madness with a hike up Runyon Canyon, where the main trail is a 3.5-mile loop with incredible panoramic views of the city and the Hollywood Sign. The trailhead is on Fuller Avenue just above Hollywood Boulevard. Bring water, as it gets hot fast.
LACMA & Museum Row
Head to Museum Row on Wilshire Boulevard. LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art, $20) houses 140,000 works, and the Urban Light lamppost installation outside is LA's most photographed spot. Next door, the La Brea Tar Pits are a surreal prehistoric site where mammoths were trapped in natural asphalt (free to view the outdoor pits). Lunch at the LACMA cafe or walk to the Original Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax, a 1934 food hall with 100+ vendors.
Highland Park & Echo Park
Head northeast to Highland Park, LA's fastest-evolving neighbourhood. York Boulevard is lined with craft breweries (Highland Park Brewery, excellent IPAs $7–9), taco spots, and vintage stores. Dinner at Café Birdie for Mediterranean plates ($16–24) or keep it real at Tacos El Pollo, where grilled chicken tacos are $3. Then to Echo Park for drinks at The Short Stop (dive bar, $5 beers) or 1642 Bar for mezcal cocktails.
Downtown LA & Griffith Park
Downtown LA & Arts District
Start in DTLA's Arts District, an industrial neighbourhood turned creative hub with galleries, street art, and some of LA's best coffee at Verve on Mateo Street. Walk past the murals on 7th Street and browse the galleries. Head to Grand Central Market on Broadway, a 1917 food hall with 40+ vendors. Egg Slut does the city's most famous breakfast sandwich ($10), or try Tacos Tumbras a Tomas for Oaxacan tlayudas ($12).
Griffith Observatory & Hollywood Sign
Drive or bus to Griffith Observatory for free admission, free parking on weekdays before 2pm, and LA's best panoramic views. On a clear day: downtown skyline, Pacific Ocean, and the Hollywood Sign all in one frame. The observatory's Samuel Oschin Planetarium ($7) runs shows every 45 minutes. Hike the Brush Canyon Trail to the closest Hollywood Sign viewpoint, a 6.3-mile round trip, or take the shorter Charlie Turner trail (1.5 miles).
Koreatown Feast & Karaoke
Finish in Koreatown, LA's densest, most energetic neighbourhood. Korean BBQ at Kang Ho-dong Baekjeong or Quarters ($25–35 per person, you grill your own meat at the table). The soju flows freely. After dinner, rent a noraebang (karaoke room) at Pharaoh Karaoke, with private rooms from $20/hour and a massive song library. K-town nightlife runs late, and bars like The Prince and Dan Sung Sa stay packed until 2am.
7 days in Los Angeles
A full week to go deep: from famous landmarks to local neighbourhoods, day trips, hidden gems, and proper local immersion.
Santa Monica, Venice & Westside
Santa Monica & Venice Beach
Start at Santa Monica Pier for the iconic ferris wheel, Route 66 endpoint sign, and Pacific Ocean panorama. Walk the palisades path above the beach then descend south toward Venice. Pass Muscle Beach, the Venice Skatepark, and the boardwalk's parade of street performers and artists. The Venice Canals, two blocks inland, are a hidden residential gem. Breakfast at Gjusta Bakery for smoked fish toast ($14) and pastries in a converted warehouse.
Abbot Kinney & Getty Center
Explore Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice's coolest strip with boutiques, galleries, and Intelligentsia coffee. Lunch at Gjelina ($18–25 mains) or cheap tacos at Tacos Por Favor on Olympic ($3.50/taco). Then the Getty Center, with free admission, Richard Meier architecture, world-class art, and hilltop gardens with panoramic views. The tram ride up the hill sets the tone. Allow 2–3 hours for the art and gardens.
Malibu Sunset
Drive PCH north to Malibu for sunset. El Matador State Beach ($12 parking) has dramatic sea stacks and caves, making it the most photogenic beach in LA. Or try Point Dume for sweeping coastal views. Dinner at Malibu Seafood ($15–22 fish plates), a casual counter-service spot right on the PCH with ocean views. Drive back along the coast as the sun sets behind you. This is the California dream.
Hollywood & the Hills
Runyon Canyon Hike
Hit Runyon Canyon early, as the south entrance on Fuller Avenue is less crowded. The main loop is 3.5 miles with panoramic city views and the Hollywood Sign as a backdrop. You'll pass celebrity dog walkers and yoga classes on the plateau. Bring water and sunscreen. Post-hike, walk down to Hollywood Boulevard for breakfast at Republique on La Brea, a stunning Parisian-style bakery in a 1929 building. Their kouign-amann ($6) is legendary.
Hollywood Boulevard & Paramount Studios
Walk the Walk of Fame past TCL Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre (Oscars venue). It's chaotic but essential. For a deeper Hollywood experience, take the Paramount Studios lot tour ($65, 2 hours), the only major studio still in Hollywood proper. You'll walk soundstages where movies are actively being filmed. Lunch at Musso & Frank Grill on Hollywood Blvd, LA's oldest restaurant (1919), for classic martinis and chicken pot pie ($28).
Sunset Strip Comedy & Music
Head to the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. Catch a show at The Comedy Store ($20–25 cover) where Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock still do drop-ins. Or live music at the Troubadour ($15–30), where Elton John played his US debut. Pre-show dinner at Petit Trois on Highland: French bistro, no reservations, counter seating, and a double-cheeseburger ($19) that's absurdly good. Late night drinks at Rainbow Bar & Grill, rock and roll's living room.
Downtown LA & Arts District
Grand Central Market & Historic Core
Start at Grand Central Market on Broadway, a 1917 food hall with 40+ vendors. Egg Slut ($10 breakfast sandwich) has a cult following, or try Tacos Tumbras a Tomas for Oaxacan tlayudas ($12). Walk Broadway's Historic Theatre District, full of ornate movie palaces from the 1920s and 30s, some now event venues. The Bradbury Building on Broadway at 3rd (free lobby) has a stunning Victorian interior you'll recognise from Blade Runner.
Arts District & Little Tokyo
Walk to the Arts District, LA's creative heart with massive murals on every warehouse wall, galleries, and the best coffee at Verve on Mateo Street. Browse Hauser & Wirth gallery (free, world-class exhibitions) and the converted warehouses along 7th Street. Then Little Tokyo for ramen at Daikokuya ($14–16, expect a line) or curry at Curry House. The Japanese Village Plaza has mochi shops and a peaceful garden.
Rooftop Bars & DTLA Nightlife
DTLA has transformed into a proper nightlife destination. Drinks at Perch on Pershing Square, a rooftop bar on the 15th floor with city skyline views and French bistro food (cocktails $16–20). Or try the more casual Broken Shaker at the Freehand Hotel. For something different, Angel City Brewery in the Arts District has a huge courtyard, food trucks, and local IPAs ($8). Finish at Barcade on Spring Street for retro arcade games and craft beer.
Museums & Koreatown
LACMA & La Brea Tar Pits
Head to Museum Row on Wilshire Boulevard. LACMA ($20) has 140,000 works spanning ancient to contemporary, and the Chris Burden Urban Light lamppost installation outside is LA's most photographed art piece. Next door, the La Brea Tar Pits are a surreal prehistoric site where ice age animals were trapped in natural asphalt (free to view the outdoor pits). Scientists are still excavating, and you can watch through glass windows.
The Broad & Walt Disney Concert Hall
Metro to DTLA for The Broad, a contemporary art museum that's free (timed entry, book online). Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room is the signature piece ($18 add-on, worth it). Walk next door to Walt Disney Concert Hall, Frank Gehry's swooping stainless steel masterpiece. Free self-guided audio tours let you explore the garden and interior. Lunch at the Original Farmers Market at 3rd & Fairfax, with 100+ vendors since 1934.
Koreatown Feast
Koreatown is LA's most underrated neighbourhood for food. Korean BBQ at Kang Ho-dong Baekjeong or Quarters ($25–35, you grill at the table). All-you-can-eat options at Gen KBBQ are great value. After dinner, noraebang (karaoke) at Pharaoh Karaoke, with private rooms from $20/hour. K-town nightlife runs late, so try The Prince (cocktails in a 1920s setting), Dan Sung Sa (retro Korean speakeasy), or HMS Bounty (dive bar, $5 beers).
Beach Day & Malibu
Surf & Sand
Head to Manhattan Beach or Hermosa Beach, where the South Bay's local beach towns are less touristy and more Californian than Santa Monica. Rent a surfboard ($15/hour) or boogie board ($8/hour) at a beachfront shop. The Strand bike path runs 22 miles along the coast, so rent a beach cruiser ($12/hour) and ride from Hermosa to Redondo Beach Pier. Breakfast at Uncle Bill's Pancake House in Manhattan Beach for silver dollar pancakes ($14), served since 1967.
Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu
Drive PCH north through Pacific Palisades to Malibu. Stop at the Getty Villa (free, but reserve timed entry online), a recreation of a Roman country house filled with Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art on a clifftop above the Pacific. Continue to El Matador State Beach ($12 parking) for dramatic sea stacks, caves, and golden cliffs. It's the most photogenic beach in Southern California. Bring shoes with grip for the steep cliff staircase.
Malibu Sunset Dinner
Watch the sunset from Point Dume or Zuma Beach, where the sky turns impossible shades of pink and orange. Dinner at Malibu Seafood ($15–22) for counter-service fish and chips right on the PCH with ocean views. Or splurge at Nobu Malibu if the budget allows ($40–80 per person). Drive back along the coast road as the last light fades. Stop at the Santa Monica Pier for a nightcap, with the ferris wheel lit up against the dark Pacific.
Silver Lake, Echo Park & East LA
Silver Lake
Silver Lake is LA's hipster heartland: vintage shops, independent bookstores, and the city's best speciality coffee. Start at Intelligentsia on Sunset Boulevard, then walk to the Silver Lake Reservoir loop trail (2.2 miles, flat, stunning skyline views). Browse Mohawk General Store for LA fashion and Skylight Books for independent literature. Breakfast at Sqirl on Virgil, where the ricotta toast with seasonal jam ($16) launched a thousand imitators.
Echo Park & Elysian Park
Walk to Echo Park Lake and rent a swan pedal boat ($11/hour) on the lotus-filled lake with the downtown skyline rising behind the palm trees. Then hike up to Elysian Park for hidden trails and views of Dodger Stadium. For lunch, Guisados on Sunset in Echo Park does braised meat tacos ($4 each) that are worth the detour. Try the cochinita pibil and the chicharron. East LA's taco scene is unmatched.
Highland Park Nightlife
Take the Gold Line to Highland Park, where York Boulevard is lined with craft breweries, taco joints, and vintage shops. Highland Park Brewery does excellent IPAs ($7–9) in a converted warehouse. Dinner at Café Birdie for Mediterranean sharing plates ($16–24) or street tacos at Tacos El Pollo ($3 each). Evening drinks at The Hermosillo (dive bar, $4 Tecates) or Block Party for natural wines and DJ sets in an airy courtyard.
Griffith Park & Farewell
Griffith Observatory & Trails
Drive or bus to Griffith Park early. Hike the Brush Canyon Trail (6.3 miles round trip) or the shorter Charlie Turner Trail (1.5 miles) for the closest Hollywood Sign views. Finish at Griffith Observatory for free admission, free telescopes, and the best panoramic views in LA. The Samuel Oschin Planetarium ($7) is excellent. On a clear morning, you can see the ocean, downtown, mountains, and the San Fernando Valley simultaneously.
Last Bites & Souvenirs
Head to the Original Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax for a final food crawl, with 100+ vendors selling everything from French crepes to Singaporean laksa since 1934. Pick up souvenirs at the adjacent Grove if you need gifts. Or head to Olvera Street in DTLA, LA's historic Mexican marketplace with handmade crafts, churros ($3), and taquitos at Cielito Lindo ($5 for three). The Avila Adobe (1818) is the oldest house in LA.
Farewell Sunset
For your last LA evening, head to the Griffith Observatory for sunset if you missed it earlier, or to the rooftop at Mama Shelter in Hollywood for cocktails ($14–18) with skyline views. A farewell dinner at Bestia in the Arts District ($25–40 mains, Italian-inspired) or keep it budget at Howlin' Ray's for Nashville hot chicken ($14–18). Watch the city lights appear and toast to the city of angels.
Budget tips
Free attractions
Griffith Observatory, Getty Center, Getty Villa, The Broad, LACMA after 3pm (residents), Venice Beach, Runyon Canyon, and dozens of world-class hiking trails are all free.
Taco economy
LA has the best tacos outside Mexico. Street tacos cost $2–4 each. Grand Central Market, Guisados, and East LA taco trucks offer full meals for $8–12.
TAP card transit
Get a TAP card ($2) and load a day pass ($3.50 Metro, $5 Metro + buses). The Metro connects Downtown, Hollywood, Koreatown, Santa Monica, and LAX.
Happy hours
LA bars run happy hours 4–7pm with $6–8 beers and $8–12 cocktails. Koreatown has the best deals, with soju cocktails and Korean fried chicken for under $15.
Free museum days
Most LA museums have free days: LACMA 2nd Tues (residents), Natural History Museum 1st Tues, The Broad is always free. Getty Center and Villa are always free.
Skip the rental car
Metro + Uber for specific trips is often cheaper than renting a car + parking ($20–40/day in most areas). Use Metro for the spine of your journey.
Budget breakdown
Daily costs per person in USD. LA can be surprisingly affordable, with free museums, cheap tacos, and Metro transit keeping the budget under control.
| 🎒 Budget | ✨ Mid-Range | 💎 Splurge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation Hostels → boutique hotels → beachfront luxury | $35–70 | $120–220 | $350+ |
| Food Tacos & food trucks → casual restaurants → fine dining | $20–35 | $50–80 | $120+ |
| Transport Metro + walking → Metro + Uber → rental car + parking | $5–15 | $25–50 | $80+ |
| Activities Free hikes & museums → paid attractions → studio tours + VIP | $0–15 | $30–60 | $100+ |
| Drinks Happy hour beers → craft cocktails → rooftop bars | $8–15 | $25–40 | $60+ |
| Daily Total Budget → comfortable → luxury | $68–150 | $250–450 | $710+ |
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Visa Waiver Program countries need an ESTA ($21), applied for at least 72 hours before travel at esta.cbp.dhs.gov
- LAX is the main airport. The FlyAway bus to Union Station is $9.75. Metro C Line connects to the city via Aviation/LAX station
- Burbank (BUR) is closer to Hollywood and often has cheaper domestic flights with shorter security lines
Health & Safety
- Travel insurance essential, as US healthcare is extremely expensive without it. Urgent care visits start at $150+
- LA is generally safe for tourists. Be aware of your surroundings in Hollywood at night and parts of downtown
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable, as UV is intense even on overcast days. Stay hydrated, especially when hiking
Getting Around
- Get a TAP card ($2) for Metro rail and buses. Day pass: $3.50 (rail) or $5 (rail + bus). Metro runs 4am–12:30am
- Metro connects DTLA, Hollywood, Koreatown, Santa Monica (Expo Line), and LAX area. The system is expanding fast
- Uber/Lyft are essential for areas Metro doesn't cover. Traffic is brutal 7–10am and 4–7pm, so plan around it or take the Metro
Connectivity
- Free WiFi at most cafes, libraries, and Metro stations. Starbucks and McDonald's have reliable free WiFi
- US SIM: T-Mobile prepaid ($30/month unlimited) or Mint Mobile eSIM. Available at any phone store or Target/Walmart
- Cell coverage is excellent everywhere except deep canyon hikes. Download offline maps for Griffith Park and Malibu trails
Money
- Cards accepted virtually everywhere, and many places are cashless. Apple Pay and Google Pay widely used
- Tipping: 18–20% at restaurants, $1–2/drink at bars, 15–20% for Uber/Lyft. Pre-tax total is the tipping base
- ATMs everywhere. Avoid currency exchange, as US bank ATMs give the best rates. Charles Schwab refunds all ATM fees
Packing Tips
- Layers are essential: mornings are cool (15°C), afternoons hot (28°C+), and nights cool again. Marine layer keeps the coast cooler
- Comfortable walking shoes plus something for beach/hiking. Flip-flops for the beach, trail shoes for canyons
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, reusable water bottle, and a light jacket for ocean breezes and air-conditioned restaurants
Cultural tips
LA is laid-back on the surface but has its own unwritten rules. Embrace the diversity, tip properly, and don't knock the avocado toast.
Tipping Culture
Tip 18–20% at restaurants. It's not optional, as servers depend on tips for income. Tip $1–2 per drink at bars, 15–20% for rideshare. Counter service tip jars are optional but appreciated.
Car Culture
LA is a driving city but you can survive without a car using Metro + Uber. If you rent, expect to spend $20–40/day on parking alone. Valet is common ($5–10 tip). Right turn on red is legal unless signed otherwise.
Beach Etiquette
All California beaches are public below the high tide line. No glass containers on the beach (strictly enforced). Smoking is banned on most beaches. Respect surfer right-of-way in the water.
Cannabis
Recreational cannabis is legal in California for 21+. Only buy from licensed dispensaries (check for the state license number). No smoking in public, hotel rooms, or beaches, with designated areas and private property only.
Health Culture
LA takes health and fitness seriously. Vegan and gluten-free options are everywhere. Juice bars and acai bowls are a way of life. Don't be surprised by $16 smoothies, as it's normal here.
Diversity
LA is one of the most diverse cities on earth, with 224 languages spoken. Every neighbourhood has its own cultural identity. Respect local communities when visiting ethnic neighbourhoods.
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