Itineraries for Your Trip to Los Angeles
3 Days in Los Angeles for First Timers
I've been enjoying life in Los Angeles since 2007, and after 15 years here, I'm still discovering new ways to experience the city. Due to its size and varied attractions, it can be an overwhelming place for a first-time visit. But three days is the perfect amount of time to experience many of its joys: It's possible to dive into the beach, pop culture history, the diverse food scene, and the hills above the city on a long weekend.
By focusing on one area at a time—Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Downtown—you'll lessen the stress of driving in traffic and navigating this enormous, and fascinating, metropolis.
Even on hot days, nights can be cool—pack a light jacket.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the beach.
Take the morning to get an overview of this enormous metropolis. Los Angeles is roughly 500 square miles (in comparison to San Francisco's 49!), so there's a lot of ground to cover. Bus tours allow you to see how everything fits together and note where you'd like to explore further.
Downtown LA and its Arts District are not always thought of as a destination, but they should be. With good food, an arts scene, trendy spots, and fascinating history, there's a lot to see. Don't miss Grand Central Market and its wonderful assortment of food stalls and vendors.
The entertainment industry makes LA tick, especially when it comes to the city's mythical pop culture status. Learn about the magic of movie making on a studio tour, many of which are located just over the Hollywood Hills in the Valley.
Pop over Cahuenga Pass on Highway 101 to Hollywood for a hike in the Hollywood Hills. Other stops I love include Barnsdall Park, Amoeba Records, El Capitan movie theater, Musso & Frank Grill, and Griffith Observatory. The area really comes alive at night, so be sure to check out the thriving restaurant and bar scene.
Explore LA's "Westside" today at the beach. Consider brunch on Malibu's historic pier and make your way down to Santa Monica for some sun and surf. You'll cover a lot of ground by renting a bike and riding the boardwalk to see Venice, Muscle Beach, and the beach cities of Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Manhattan Beach.
Grab lunch at a cafe along the shoreline, the birthplace of California Cool. Finish the day in the water and try the activity that locals love: surfing.
