Let me share this 3-day Los Angeles itinerary that helped me enjoy the city during my recent trip to the U.S. My experience left me with mixed feelings, as everything I saw was quite different from my initial expectations. Nevertheless, Los Angeles is a must-see on any American bucket list, so it felt great to finally visit and form my own opinion about the city.
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An Ultimate 3-Day Los Angeles Itinerary
Tips for planning a visit to Los Angeles
One thing everyone agrees on: Los Angeles is a city you either fall in love with at first sight or decide it’s just not your kind of place. There’s no middle ground here—you’re either in or out. So, before you plan your visit, there are a few key things you should keep in mind. I’ve gathered some essential travel tips and ideas in this post because wise planning is crucial for maximizing your 3-day Los Angeles itinerary.
How to get around Los Angeles
Your primary decision will be whether or not to rent a car. Public transportation in LA… well, let’s just say there’s still plenty of room for improvement! The Metro system doesn’t have many stations, buses can arrive late, and taxis can be quite pricey. Overall, it can take a long time to reach your final destination. Having a car will definitely make things easier, but you’ll still need to contend with traffic jams and occasionally expensive parking fees. It’s best to avoid freeways during rush hours if you can (6:00–9:00 a.m. and 4:00–7:00 p.m.).

Where to Stay in Los Angeles
LA is essentially a patchwork of neighborhoods. Start by identifying your must-see sights, favorite restaurants, and shops. Once you have your top choices in mind, look for a smart location that allows you to cover more ground. On my first trip to LA, we stayed in Downtown LA, on another trips – near the airport and in Beverly Hills. Regardless of where you choose to stay, be prepared to do a fair amount of moving around if you want to see all the highlights of the city in just 3 days.
Best tours and experiences in Los Angeles
Whether you’re planning a weekend in Los Angeles or a 3- or 4-day itinerary, there will be plenty of things to do. However, as with any popular travel destination, booking ahead for popular activities is highly recommended:
- Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA (check availability)
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood (check availability)
- Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles (check availability)
- Hollywood Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes Tour (check availability)
- Skip the Line: Express Ticket at Universal Studios Hollywood (check availability)
- The VIP Experience at Universal Studios (check availability)
- Downtown LA Private Sunset and Night Helicopter Tour (check availability)
- Mulholland Trail Horseback Tour (check availability)
- Venice Beach Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours (check availability)

Our 3-day Itinerary for Los Angeles
Day 1: Hollywood and Beverly Hills
- Morning: We started the day at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, while walking around towards TCL Chinese Theatre.
- Afternoon: Next, we headed to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, then to LACMA.
- Evening: We ended our first day in Los Angeles with stunning city views at the Griffith Observatory.
Day 2: Universal Studios and Downtown LA
- Morning: We spent the first half of the day at Universal Studios.
- Afternoon: In the afternoon, we headed to Downtown LA, admiring historic buildings, visiting Grand Central Market, and enjoying a rooftop bar Perch for sunset views.
Day 3: Santa Monica, Venice Beach & Marina del Rey
- Morning: We started the morning at Santa Monica Pier and then headed to Santa Monica Downtown to explore local shops.
- Afternoon: Afterwards, we walked to Venice Beach to enjoy the Canal Historic District and the famous Boardwalk.
- Evening: We finished the day at Marina del Rey, exploring The Fisherman’s village.
Overall, I felt that this 3-day Los Angeles itinerary was great for a first visit. My only regret was missing out on the Getty Center and Malibu. While it’s hard to skip the Walk of Fame and Rodeo Drive on your first trip to LA, I think swapping them for the Getty Center and Malibu would have made my visit even more enjoyable.
Top things to do in Los Angeles in 3 days
1. Architecture and Street Art in Downtown LA

One of my favorite aspects of traveling is exploring a new place on foot as much as possible. That’s how you truly experience the sights, smells, and sounds of a location, right? While Los Angeles is often associated with car culture, there’s one area where you can actually stroll around – Downtown LA. This neighborhood is home to many stunning buildings, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Broad Museum (be sure to book in advance if you plan to visit), MOCA, LA’s Broadway Theater District, the Million Dollar Theater, and The Last Bookstore. If you’re a graffiti enthusiast, keep your eyes peeled, as Downtown LA is also renowned for its vibrant and ever-changing murals.
- Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour (check availability)
- Downtown Los Angeles Architecture Walking Tour (check availability)
- Old and New Downtown Los Angeles Walking Tour (check availability)
- Downtown Los Angeles Bike Tour (check availability)
2. Outdoor activities in Los Angeles

If there’s one thing that won’t disappoint you in Los Angeles, it’s the weather. Everything you’ve heard about LA’s perfect blue skies, towering palm trees, and sunny days is absolutely true. This makes Los Angeles an ideal outdoor destination! If you enjoy an active vacation, your weekend in LA should definitely include biking, hiking, beach strolls, or even surfing. You can kick off your 3-day Los Angeles itinerary with a hike in the Hollywood Hills or explore the trails in Griffith Park, such as the Bronson Canyon Trail and the Fern Dell Trail. For biking enthusiasts, the Santa Monica Bike Path is a must-visit. This scenic route connects Santa Monica to Venice Beach, offering stunning ocean views along the way.
- Hollywood Sign Walking Tour (check availability)
- Griffith Observatory Hike (check availability)
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Tour & Sunset Hike Adventure (check availability)
- Movie Star Homes and LA Sightseeing by E-Bike (check availability)
- Small-Group Electric Bike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice (check availability)
- Griffith Park Observatory E-Bike Tour Private Adventure (check availability)
- Full Day Sightseeing Tour On Electric Bike (check availability)
3. Unique Museums in Los Angeles
If you’re not into hiking or the outdoors, you can focus on the cultural side of your three days in Los Angeles by visiting some of the most interesting museums. Don’t miss the Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, The Broad, LACMA, La Brea Tar Pits Museum, and the Petersen Automotive Museum, among others.
- Battleship USS Iowa General Access Pass (check availability)
- Demystifying Art at The Getty Two Hours (check availability)
- La Brea Tar Pits Tour by Segway (check availability)
4. Food tours in Los Angles
IIf you’re into fancy restaurants, fine dining, world cuisines, and gastronomic innovations, LA has plenty to offer. Even if you’re vegan or vegetarian, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Be sure to visit the Grand Central Market, an open-air market that’s been operating since 1917. While you’re there, grab an iconic burger at In-N-Out. Speaking of burgers, you might have heard about the ongoing debate between two famous American burger chains: Shake Shack vs. In-N-Out. You really can’t leave the West Coast without trying both and deciding for yourself!
- LA Food Tour: Exploring America’s Culinary Frontier (check availability)
- Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour (check availability)
- Venice Beach Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours (check availability)
- Silverlake Food Tour with Comedian Guide (check availability)
- Santa Monica Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour (check availability)
5. Universal Studios Hollywood
If you’re a Harry Potter fan and looking to add some extra excitement to your weekend in Los Angeles, Universal Studios Hollywood is a fantastic choice thanks to its Hogwarts Castle, interactive wands, and thrilling rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. You can also get a behind-the-scenes look at real working movie sets. The famous Studio Tour takes you through iconic locations and lets you experience special effects, including the intense King Kong 360 3-D and Fast & Furious: Supercharged.
- Skip the Line: Express Ticket at Universal Studios Hollywood (check availability)
- The VIP Experience at Universal Studios (check availability)
6. Santa Monica Pier and Boutiques

The iconic Santa Monica Pier is sure to give you a strong sense of déjà vu. It feels like most movies set in Los Angeles feature this spot as a filming location. Plus, Pacific Park, located on the world-famous pier, is one of the best family-friendly attractions in LA. It’s a great place to enjoy fun rides, midway games, and even the first solar-powered Ferris wheel.
Don’t forget to check out Third Street Promenade for cool restaurants and trendy boutiques. And if you’re in the mood for more shopping, head to Santa Monica Place, a modern open-air mall.
- 2h of Private Surf Lesson for Beginners in Santa Monica (check availability)
- Santa Monica Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour (check availability)
- Small-Group Electric Bike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice (check availability)

7. Malibu
Malibu is known for one of the most stunning coastal stretches in California and is an epic spot for watching sunsets. It was the one place my local friends highly recommended, but unfortunately, we didn’t get to visit. Instead, we ended up spending an entire day in the overly touristy parts of LA (despite all the warnings). Malibu will definitely be my first must-visit on my next trip to Los Angeles. If you decide to go, be sure to explore Malibu Pier, Surfrider Beach, Point Dume Beach, El Matador State Beach, and the historic Adamson House. For a more urban experience, don’t miss Third Street Promenade, where you’ll find cool restaurants and trendy boutiques. And if you’re in the mood for more shopping, head over to The Santa Monica Place, a contemporary open-air mall with plenty to offer.
- 5.5-Hour Exclusive Malibu Stars Homes & Beautiful Beach Tour (check availability)
- Malibu: Guided Vineyard Hike with Photo Stops and Wine (check availability)
- Los Angeles: Private Vintage VW Bus Tour in Malibu (check availability)
- Private Luxury Picnic at El Matador Beach in Malibu (check availability)
- Private Surf Lessons in Malibu (check availability)
8. Hollywood Walk of Fame and Rodeo Drive



We decided to visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Rodeo Drive since it was our first time in Los Angeles, but honestly, it’s not something I’d recommend. It’s a common belief that you can’t visit LA without stopping by these iconic spots, especially as a first-timer. How can you resist those cliché locations? Knowing that it was considered one of the tourist traps in LA, we initially planned to visit Malibu instead. However, once we arrived in Los Angeles, the curiosity got the better of us, and we ended up heading to Hollywood Walk of Fame and Rodeo Drive.
If you go, just be aware of what you’re getting into. There’s nothing glamorous or celebrity-like about the Hollywood Walk of Fame – you won’t run into any stars. It’s a typical tourist trap with a lot of homeless people and some street performers trying to show off. Rodeo Drive is filled with fancy cars, high-end shops, and tourists snapping pictures of everything. It feels pretty superficial, especially when you compare it to the more authentic neighborhoods around Los Angeles.

Is Los Angeles Worth Visiting?
Los Angeles is worth visiting, but I must admit it didn’t quite live up to my personal expectations. The so-called City of Angels was full of strange contrasts, surprising revelations, and epic disappointments. I felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster, swinging between complete astonishment and intense dislike. How could so many different things coexist in one place?
On one hand, there’s the homeless crisis, smog, insane traffic jams, and a poor public transportation system. Not to mention that the top attractions LA is internationally known for can often feel like mere tourist traps. On the other hand, there were tons of interesting activities, amazing weather, trendy restaurants, posh neighborhoods, and the beautiful ocean. You can definitely find something for every taste and preference, but there’s absolutely no balance in Los Angeles.
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For more travel tips check my Pinterest Board Los Angeles.

- Accommodation: For short stays, I usually book via Agoda, Booking, and Hotellook
- Tours&excursions: My favorites for guided tours are GetYourGuide and Viator
- Museums&attractions: Get mobile tickets for attractions via Tiqets (use ATC5 code for a 5% discount via this link)
- Semi-private & private tours: LivTours is my favorite place for unique & crafted experiences in Europe
- For Foodies: Eatwith is a unique platform for finding culinary experiences with locals around the world
- Audio guides: Book audio excursions & tours in 35+ countries via WeGoTrip
- Flights: Find the best deals with Skyscanner, WayAway, and Kiwi
- Driving in a new country? – Check out Tripiamo guides (do not miss Tripiamo Driving in Spain Guide)
- Train&bus tickets: Currently, I book via Trainline, Busbud, and Omio
- Car rental: To find the best deals, I use Rental Cars and Discover Cars
- Top E-Sim: GigSky helps me to avoid roaming fees and provides connectivity everywhere (even on a cruise ship)
- Internet Security on the road: Connect safely to public Wi-Fi and bypass censorship with NordVPN
- Transfers: For individual transfer services, I like GetTransfer and Kiwitaxi
- Suitcases&Luggage: Discover where to store your luggage on the go with Radical Storage
- Travel Insurance: Find the best trip insurance plans via VisitorsCoverage and EKTA
- Compensation for delayed/canceled flights: Check out AirHelp and Compensair
- Renting Bikes: To find motorcycles, scooters, quads, and bicycles, I use BikesBooking
- Package Tours: Head to CheapOair and Expedia
- For Bloggers: To monetize my blog, I work with Travelpayouts and Stay22
I love LA. I was there in July and I want to go back!
Jennifer
i always forget i live in a touristy city hehe. mel’s drive in would be another great option for food.
Joy
I was just in LA last week! I wish I read this before. But I’ll save it for next time!
Los Angeles is such an amazing city! It’s so much fun to explore all the famous landmarks. I’ve even gotten a glimpse of a celebrity from time to time!
Hhhhmmmm….the food and street-art! These are two, very convincing, items to check out on my visit and time in L.A!
I love Los Angeles, its been years since ive visited but cant wait to get back
We love visiting LA, there’s so much to do and see! Some great tips here for our next visit!
I haven’t been to LA yet! I hope I can visit next year. So excited! OMG!
All very good ideas! I grew up in California and would visit LA often since I had cousins there. Now living in Phoenix, I am only 5 hours away from LA. haha which is closer than when I lived in San Jose, CA! The traffic is a nightmare there, but so much to see and do!
A great review of LA. You’re honest about the ups and the downs and give good advice about how to really get what you want out of a quick trip!
Those are some great tips and will keep those in mind. Definitely a great place to visit with family and friends. Plenty of exciting areas to explore too.
These are some great tips and ideas for a great weekend in Las Angeles. I’ve never been but some of my friends and family love it there.
Great tips for a weekend in LA. I love LA I always have a great time when I visit.
These are fabulous ideas! I used to visit California a lot and I miss it. The traffic is TERRIBLE there, but so much to see and do and it’s just a matter of planning your day.
There are some really fab ideas. A great place to start if you are thinking about an exciting L.A adventure xx
What a great and informative post. Oh what a holiday that would be, eh!
I’ve never been to L.A., but this is an amazing guide!!
I love LA so much! I’ve only been once but I’m hoping to go back soon!
xx Chelsea
That’s a great guide and beautiful photos!!! Happy Sunday xx
Yiota
I’ve always wanted to visit LA but I’ve heard this kind of feedback about it from quite a few people now- that the reality is very unlike expectations of it. Unfortunately I think that homelessness crisis are rife in any big city, but it is a massive shame, especially considering the wealth that’s there. A really interesting read!
Soph
I would like to visit those places!!
I would love to visit Los Angeles one day.
My husband who already visited the walk of fame before told me the same thing. It’s just dirty nothing glamourous.
But of course I still want to see all the stars.
I really enjoyed reading about your trip.
xx
Margot
I live in LA and it is so cool to see bloggers visit. It is great that you got to see all sorts of sightings. Though, there are some cons with LA. Either you’re on the upper end or you’re in poverty line. It is unfortunate, as we have a homelessness crisis. You really don’t want to drive through downtown during rush hour. There are a lot of great places to check out! I’ve seen so many high end cars in Beverly Hills, it’s crazy! Glad you got to spend some time out there.
Nancy ♥
I would love to visit LA with my hubby. I visited a while back with a girl friend of mine. Looking at all your pics are bringing back some great memories. Hope I make it back someday soon. Thank you for sharing.
Xx
Nikki
I love LA.