Traffic decides everything in LA, so this plan keeps each day in one zone.
Day 1: Hollywood
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | The Warner Bros. or Paramount studio tour. |
| Afternoon | The Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theatre and Hollywood Boulevard. |
| Evening | Sunset at the Griffith Observatory. |
Day 2: The Getty and the beaches
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | The Getty Center (free, with paid parking). |
| Midday | Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive. |
| Afternoon | The Venice canals and boardwalk, then bike to Santa Monica Pier. |
Day 3: Downtown and Mid-City
See The Broad, the Walt Disney Concert Hall and Grand Central Market, then the Arts District. In the late afternoon, visit LACMA’s Urban Light and the La Brea Tar Pits. Spend the evening on Korean BBQ in Koreatown.
Day 4: A theme park
Universal Studios Hollywood (close to Hollywood) or Disneyland (about an hour south).
Day 5: Malibu and the PCH
Drive the Pacific Coast Highway to El Matador and Zuma beaches and the Getty Villa (reservation needed), with seafood at sunset.
Itinerary tips
- Leave early to avoid rush-hour traffic.
- Book studio tours and theme parks ahead.
- Choose your base from where to stay in Los Angeles.
More Los Angeles guides
- Los Angeles travel guide
- 20 best things to do in Los Angeles
- Where to stay in Los Angeles
- Universal Studios Hollywood tickets
- LAX to Downtown, Hollywood and Santa Monica
- Best time to visit Los Angeles
FAQ: Los Angeles itinerary
Is 3 days enough for Los Angeles?
Three days covers Hollywood, the beaches and Downtown. Add days for theme parks and Malibu.
Can I do LA without a car?
Yes, with rideshares and Metro for some routes, but it takes longer.
Can I combine LA with Las Vegas?
Yes. It’s about a 4–5 hour drive or a 1-hour flight. See our Las Vegas guide.
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