3 Days in Los Angeles
I’ve been to Los Angeles a few times and yes there is terrible traffic and awful parking! There’s also amazing weather, palm tree lined streets, good food and beautiful hikes! Here are suggestions for how to spend 3 days in Los Angeles!
Since Los Angeles is so spread out and traffic can be a nightmare, I’m providing a list and it will be organized based on regions. After all, you may really be interested in some aspects more than others and can tailor your trip to your preferences!
With the list based on regions, you can ensure you plan your 3 days in Los Angeles with some strategy! If you are one who loves an itinerary, I have a couple options for you that can also be a great starting point!
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Ideas for 3 Days in Los Angeles
It’s worth noting I felt safe in Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean everywhere is safe! Keep your wits about you and ask locals for the most up to date advice.
If the photos seems hazy, you would be correct! There were fires around during one of my trips and the smoke was significant! There is smog in L.A., but smoke from fires could also be a factor!
I also spent some time in Los Angeles at the end of my California Road Trip when I had driven from Los Angeles to Yosemite, over to San Francisco and down the Pacific Coast Highway! There were fires in California then too, but the smoke didn’t impact L.A., but it did prevent us from stopping in Sequoia National Park.
Downtown LA and Nearby
I did walk and explore downtown Los Angeles, I saw the Angels Flights Stairs and saw the impressive The Broad building. My friend and I didn’t plan ahead well for The Broad and decided not to wait in line, so if you do want to spend time here, I suggest reserving your free ticket online. For Disney fans, check out the Walt Disney Concert Hall and consider a performance while you’re in L.A.!
If you love to eat, visit the Grand Central Market! Should your budget allow, consider a food tour for downtown Los Angeles! It will not only include this market but other gems in downtown Los Angeles!
Book the Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour
Nearby downtown L.A. you can visit the Arts District or head in the opposite direction and visit the California Science Center and the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
Miracle Mile Vicinity
There is quite a lot in this area including LACMA! We stayed near LACMA so it was an easy place to visit and enjoyed it. It’s also within a 20 minute walk of The Original Farmer’s Market and The Grove!
Museums near LACMA include Petersen Automotive Museum and La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. This whole area is great for a group of varying interests! There’s a variety of museums or shopping at The Grove and then you could meet up for at The Original Farmer’s Market for lunch! For reference, it would take about 22 minutes to walk from LACMA to The Grove.
Beverly Hills
It’s hard not to know of Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles! Parking was easy to find in a garage and that’s good for L.A.! Even if you don’t plan to do much shopping, there’s always some good people-watching! You won’t need to be here for long, unless you’re doing some shopping, but it’s an iconic part of Los Angeles and it’s a very nice area and tends to be safe!
If you enjoy Açaí, consider stopping at Backyard Bowls. It’s in between The Grove and Beverly Hills. I have friends in L.A. and they may or may not see celebs in this area. We didn’t see any, but you never know who you might see during your 3 days in Los Angeles! If that matters to you, keep your eyes peeled. It’s a popular post workout stop. Regardless, if you enjoy Açaí bowls you’ll enjoy this place!
Hollywood and Surrounding Areas
If you were to ask me for my favorite Los Angeles experiences, I would top my list with The Griffith Observatory! We went a little before sunset to enjoy the inside of the Observatory before enjoying the sunset from here. L.A. can like a bit of a let down in some areas. However, this spot is so great! It’s clean, interesting and the views are wonderful, smog or not.
If you were to ask me for my favorite Los Angeles experiences, I would top my list with The Griffith Observatory!
If you have some extra energy and/or time, consider a hike in this area as well! There’s an easy drive where you can get a closer view of the Hollywood sign! Stop for photos whether you got there by foot or car.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is one area that could be a let down. When I went it was dirty. There were a lot of homeless in the area and just overall didn’t feel like the safest area. If this iconic spot is important to you, just be on your guard. There isn’t much to do in this area either. It was a walk, see and leave kind of spot for us. However, if you get lucky, maybe there will be a celebrity getting a star and that might be worth the experience.
We had a friend connection for this, but this might have topped the list for two of my friends! It’s a Warner Bros. Studios Tour! I enjoyed it as well, though not as much as my friends. It was fun to see the Friends set, Gilmore Girls (one of my favorite shows once upon a time) and other sets as well!
Book the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Other ideas for this area include Universal Studios Hollywood if you enjoy a theme park day. I live in Central Florida so this is not high on my list. Though I have Disney friends who LOVE Disneyland which might be worth a visit on your 3 days in Los Angeles even if you’ve been to Disney World. Side note, Disneyland is in Anaheim not technically Los Angeles.
Another idea would be to attend a TV show taping. My niece did this once, but again it’s not something I’d prioritize. However, it’s worth looking into if it interests you!
West L.A. and Beach Towns
An iconic spot is definitely the Santa Monica Pier. Again, this area can feel dirty and sleazy. However, I still consider it worth a visit. We rented a bike in Santa Monica and rode it down and along to the Venice Beach Boardwalk and beyond before heading back to Santa Monica. I definitely recommend this, however, if you don’t want to backtrack consider one of those electric scooter rentals like Lime.
Venice Beach is an interesting place! For a cool area in Venice to explore visit Abbott Kinney Blvd. It’s a great street to walk, explore the shops and grab a bite to eat! You’re looking for the stretch between Venice Blvd and Main Street.
If you are a museum person, consider visiting the Getty Center. It’s just under twenty minutes drive from Santa Monica Pier. Alternatively, you can visit Malibu if you’re willing to drive a bit further West. I’m a beach girl, so you can guess which of the two I’ve been!
There are plenty of beach towns to explore! If beach town hopping sounds appealing, consider driving South and stopping at places like Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and more!
They each have a strip near the beach with shops and restaurants. Laguna and Newport Beach felt cleaner but Huntington Beach had more of a buzz. All had their charm and beauty but the views at Laguna Beach were wonderful!
Los Angeles Food & Coffee
Here’s a list of some iconic and popular food and dessert spots to consider for your 3 days in Los Angeles. I loved spots like Salt & Straw and Blue Bottle, both I associate with Los Angeles but are now in other locations! I love ice cream and coffee! Food wise, I love a market and when in the West I have to make a stop at In-N-Out Burger.
I visited some restaurants my friends suggested as well and didn’t have a negative experience anywhere I ate. The below lists are not exhaustive as there are SO MANY OPTIONS in Los Angeles. Healthy food to greasy burgers to delicious tacos and all at every price point! The below list is just meant to offer some suggestions of places to check out, and is not necessarily a recommendation.
The options are limitless but hopefully this can be a starting point.
Food
- In-N-Out Burger – Classic California fast-food chain
- Philippe The Original – Home of the French Dip sandwich
- Langer’s Delicatessen – Famous for pastrami sandwiches
- Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles
- Grand Central Market – Various food vendors
- Pink’s Hot Dogs – Hollywood landmark since 1939
- Kogi BBQ Truck – Korean-Mexican fusion
- The Original Farmers Market – Various food stalls
- Sqirl – Known for ricotta toast and unique jams
- Nobu Malibu – High-end sushi with ocean views
Coffee
- Intelligentsia Coffee – Known for high-quality beans and expert brewing
- Blue Bottle Coffee – Specialty coffee chain with a focus on freshness
- Verve Coffee Roasters – Santa Cruz-based roaster with stylish LA cafes
- Go Get Em Tiger – Local chain with a cult following and innovative drinks
- Alfred Coffee – Instagram-friendly local chain, famous for “But first, coffee” slogan
Desserts
- Sprinkles Cupcakes – Gourmet cupcakes, including a 24-hour cupcake ATM
- Salt & Straw – Artisanal ice cream with unique, often locally-inspired flavors
- Milk Bar – Known for cereal milk ice cream and innovative desserts
- The Pie Hole – Variety of sweet and savory pies with rotating seasonal options
- Fosselman’s Ice Cream – Family-owned since 1919, offering classic and creative flavors
Itinerary Options for 3 Days in Los Angeles
Option 1 for 3 Days in Los Angeles
Day 1 – Downtown LA and Hollywood
1. California Science Center
- Highlights: Interactive exhibits and the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
- Tip: Arrive early to make the most of the exhibits.
2. The Broad or LACMA
- Highlights: Modern art at The Broad or extensive art collections at LACMA.
- Tip: The Broad offers free admission but requires advanced reservations; LACMA’s Urban Light is a must-see.
3. Grand Central Market
- Highlights: A vibrant food market with diverse dining options.
- Tip: Try a variety of local and international foods for lunch.
4. Walt Disney Concert Hall
- Highlights: Admire the stunning architecture and, if possible, catch a performance or tour.
- Tip: Check the schedule ahead of time for tours or events.
5. Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory
- Highlights: Enjoy a hike with views of the city and the Hollywood Sign; visit the observatory for sunset.
- Tip: The observatory offers great views and is an excellent spot for evening stargazing.
Day 2 – West LA, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills
1. Santa Monica Pier and Beach
- Highlights: Enjoy the amusement park, aquarium, and beachfront boardwalk.
- Tip: Spend time on the beach or explore the pier’s attractions.
2. Venice Beach and Canals
- Highlights: Experience the lively boardwalk and explore the scenic canals.
- Tip: Rent a bike or scooter to cover more ground.
3. Abbott Kinney Blvd.
- Highlights: Stroll along this trendy street known for its boutiques and eateries.
- Tip: Great for grabbing a coffee or enjoying a unique shopping experience.
4. Rodeo Drive
- Highlights: Browse luxury shops and take a leisurely stroll down this famous street.
- Tip: Even if you’re not shopping, it’s fun to window shop and soak in the glamorous atmosphere.
Day 3 – Hollywood and Studio Areas
1. Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Highlights: See the stars of your favorite celebrities on Hollywood Boulevard.
- Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds.
2. Warner Bros. Studios Tour
- Highlights: Get a behind-the-scenes look at how movies and TV shows are made.
- Tip: Book your tour in advance to secure your spot.
3. The Grove and Farmers Market
- Highlights: Shop at The Grove and explore the diverse food options at the Farmers Market.
- Tip: The Farmers Market is great for a variety of tasty bites and local crafts.
Option 2 for 3 Days in Los Angeles
Day 1: Iconic Los Angeles
1. Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Highlights: See the stars of your favorite celebrities on Hollywood Boulevard.
- Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds.
2. Griffith Observatory
- Highlights: Stunning views of the city and the Hollywood Sign; free public telescopes.
- Tip: Plan your visit around sunset for breathtaking views.
3. Sunset Boulevard
- Highlights: Drive down this legendary street and take in the diverse culture and landmarks.
- Tip: Stop for a meal at one of the iconic diners or cafes along the way.
4. Dinner at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
- Highlights: Enjoy a meal at one of LA’s historic hotels with a rich history of celebrity sightings.
Day 2: Arts, Culture, and Relaxation
1. The Getty Center
- Highlights: Explore impressive art collections and beautiful gardens.
- Tip: Admission is free, but parking is $20.
2. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
- Highlights: Home to an extensive collection of art spanning several centuries.
- Tip: Don’t miss the iconic Urban Light installation.
3. Rodeo Drive
- Highlights: Stroll through this luxury shopping district in Beverly Hills.
- Tip: Even if you’re not shopping, it’s fun to window shop and people-watch.
4. Santa Monica Pier
- Highlights: Enjoy the amusement park, aquarium, and beachfront boardwalk.
- Tip: Grab a snack or a meal at one of the nearby restaurants.
5. Dinner in Santa Monica
- Highlights: Choose from a variety of dining options with ocean views.
Day 3: Relaxing and Exploring
1. Venice Beach
- Highlights: Experience the lively boardwalk, street performers, and eclectic shops.
- Tip: Rent a bike or rollerblades to explore the area.
2. The Original Farmers Market & The Grove
- Highlights: Sample delicious food and enjoy a shopping spree at this popular spot.
- Tip: The Farmers Market offers a wide range of international foods.
3. La Brea Tar Pits
- Highlights: Discover this fascinating site where prehistoric fossils were found.
- Tip: The museum offers interactive exhibits that are great for all ages.
4. Dinner at a Trendy Downtown LA Restaurant
- Highlights: Choose from the diverse culinary scene in Downtown LA for your final meal.
- Tip: Check out rooftop dining options for a memorable view of the city lights.
Los Angeles Weather
Coming from Florida, Los Angeles is usually cooler in temperature and much dryer! Despite sweating excessively, I like the humidity! I mean it’s good for the skin! Generally though, the temperatures in Los Angeles are much more pleasant and nice for walking around and exploring outside! Though I don’t consider the cold ocean a pleasant experience ever!
Below is a breakdown per season, but Los Angeles will have pleasant weather year round! However, this will help you pack appropriate clothing for your 3 days in Los Angeles.
Spring (March to May) Spring in Los Angeles is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-70s °F (around 12-24°C). This season is characterized by clear skies and blooming flowers, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the city.
Summer (June to August) Summer in LA is warm and often hot, with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s °F (18-30°C). Coastal areas enjoy cooler temperatures thanks to the Pacific Ocean’s influence, while inland regions can experience hotter conditions. It’s a great time to hit the beaches or enjoy the city’s numerous outdoor events.
Fall (September to November) Fall offers cooler temperatures, ranging from the mid-50s to mid-70s °F (13-24°C), with less humidity and fewer crowds. The weather is generally sunny and dry, making it a great season for sightseeing and hiking. The fall colors in certain areas can be a delightful bonus.
Winter (December to February) Winter in Los Angeles is mild compared to many other places, with temperatures averaging between the mid-40s and mid-60s °F (7-18°C). While it’s the coolest time of year, it rarely gets cold enough for snow. Rain is more common in winter, but it typically comes in short, occasional showers.
How to Get Around
Los Angeles requires a car but has some infuriating parking issues and awful traffic! It’s not hard to drive around, but those two factors are always present.
You can always use ride sharing apps like Uber, but I recommend being extra strategic if you do or the cost will rack up fast. Another option is public transport, but it’s limited. I’ve never used it so I can’t speak to it fully.
Lastly, walking and renting scooters are the best way to get around once you are in a neighborhood. This will help you to avoid parking headaches too often if you’re driving or excessive Uber costs.
Where to Stay
With 3 days in Los Angeles, you have plenty of options especially if you rent a car! You can stay more centrally located or enjoy an ocean view!
I have some options below, but in terms of areas I recommend looking at West Hollywood, Koreatown, Culver City and Beverly Hills. If you want to be ocean side consider the driving distance. I love the beach, but I stayed with friends near LACMA. It ended up being very centrally located which worked out well! Though I’d consider ocean views worth it if I was paying for a hotel!
With an Ocean View
Central Location
I hope this L.A. travel guide was helpful in planning your 3 day itinerary! It is easy to fill up three days in Los Angeles, but be strategic so you aren’t spending those days in traffic! I hope you have the best time in Los Angeles!
