Things to Do in Los Angeles: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Los Angeles is a sprawling city of beaches, movie magic and world-class museums. The Hollywood sign and Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica and Venice beaches, the Getty Center, Universal Studios and nearby Disneyland, Malibu's coastline and a booming food scene make LA a destination for every kind of traveler.
This guide covers the best things to do in Los Angeles, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in Los Angeles
Griffith Observatory
Hollywood sign views.
Walk of Fame
Hollywood.
Santa Monica Pier
Beach.
Venice Beach
Boardwalk.
Getty Center
Art and views.
Universal Studios
Theme park.
The Broad
Contemporary art.
Malibu
Coastline.
Los Angeles in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Hollywood
Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, see the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre, then hike to Griffith Observatory for views of the Hollywood sign. Lunch in Los Feliz. In the afternoon tour the observatory's free exhibits. In the evening watch the city lights from the observatory lawn.
2Day 2 · Beaches
Spend the day in Santa Monica with the pier and Ferris wheel, then rent a bike to ride the beach path to Venice Beach with its boardwalk, skate park and canals. Lunch on Abbot Kinney Boulevard. In the evening sunset on the beach and dinner in Santa Monica.
3Day 3 · Museums
Visit the Getty Center for European art, gardens and sweeping views, reached by tram. Lunch at the Getty. In the afternoon see LACMA's Urban Light installation and the La Brea Tar Pits next door. In the evening dinner in West Hollywood and a stroll on Sunset Boulevard.
Los Angeles in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Downtown
Explore Downtown LA with The Broad's contemporary art, Walt Disney Concert Hall and Grand Central Market for lunch. In the afternoon visit the historic Bradbury Building, Olvera Street and Little Tokyo. In the evening catch a Lakers or Dodgers game or a show at the Arts District.
5Day 5 · Universal Studios
Spend a full day at Universal Studios Hollywood with the studio tour and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Lunch in the park. In the evening walk Universal CityWalk. Alternatively, choose Disneyland in Anaheim, about an hour south.
Los Angeles in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Malibu
Drive the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu, with El Matador Beach and the Getty Villa's antiquities. Lunch at a beach café. In the afternoon hike in Point Mugu or Topanga. In the evening a final seafood dinner overlooking the ocean.
7Day 7 · Farewell
Breakfast at a classic diner, shopping on Melrose Avenue or at The Grove, and a last taco crawl. LAX is often slow to reach, so allow at least 90 minutes; the FlyAway bus and the Metro K Line help avoid traffic.
What to do in Los Angeles on a weekend
Things to do in Los Angeles on a weekend? Saturday: Hollywood and Griffith. Sunday: Santa Monica and Venice.
Oscars in early spring and Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Year's Day.
What to do in Los Angeles in the evening
In the evening, rooftop bars and Hollywood.
Griffith at night.
Los Angeles for couples
For couples, Malibu sunsets, the Getty and rooftop dinners.
Los Angeles with kids
With kids, Disneyland, Universal Studios and the beaches.
What to eat in Los Angeles
Tacos
Street food.
In-N-Out
Burgers.
Korean BBQ
Koreatown.
Avocado toast
Brunch.
Dim sum
San Gabriel Valley.
Where to stay in Los Angeles: best areas
Santa Monica
Beach.
Hollywood
Central.
West Hollywood
Nightlife.
Downtown
Culture.
What to do in Los Angeles when it rains
Things to do in Los Angeles when it rains? Getty, LACMA, The Broad and Universal Studios.
How much does a trip to Los Angeles cost?
Expect $180–400 per night.
Practical tips for Los Angeles
Best time to visit
March–May and September–November.
Getting around
Car, Metro and rideshare.
Our practical tips
- Rent a car or plan Metro.
- Book The Broad free tickets.
- Avoid rush hour.
- Sunscreen.
- Group sights by area.
- Start early at Griffith.
Mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating traffic.
- Leaving valuables in cars.
- Hiking without water.
- Only seeing Hollywood.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Los Angeles?
Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica and the Getty.
How many days in LA?
Four to five.
Do I need a car?
It helps a lot.
Best time to visit?
Spring and fall.