Morning: Hollywood Walk of Fame (free). TCL Chinese Theatre — free to view the footprints outside. Grab breakfast at one of the cafes on Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles 3-Day Itinerary
A practical day-by-day plan covering Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach, the Getty, and Downtown LA. Built around real travel logistics — driving times, parking costs, and what actually fits in a day.
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Day 1: Hollywood & Griffith Observatory
Midday: Drive up to Griffith Observatory (free entry, $10 parking). Best panoramic view of the Hollywood Sign and the entire LA basin. Allow 2 hours.
Afternoon: Head to Los Feliz for lunch — Sqirl, Cafe Zinc, or any spot on Vermont Ave. Walk Barnsdall Art Park for an elevated garden view of the city.
Evening: Sunset on the Hollywood Hills via Mulholland Drive. Dinner in West Hollywood — Sunset Strip has dozens of options from $20 tacos to $100 tasting menus.
Day 2: Santa Monica, Venice Beach & the Coast
Morning: Santa Monica Pier (free). Bike rental from one of the shops along Ocean Ave — $15–$25/hr. Cycle south toward Venice Beach on the flat coastal path.
Midday: Venice Beach Boardwalk. Street performers, muscle beach, and the eclectic boardwalk market. Lunch at one of the beachside spots — Abbot Kinney Blvd is one block east and worth the detour.
Afternoon: Continue cycling to Manhattan Beach or turn back. The coastal route is 22 miles total — go as far as you like. Sunset from the Santa Monica Pier is spectacular.
Evening: Dinner in Santa Monica. Third Street Promenade is the tourist strip — go one block east to 2nd or 4th Street for better options with fewer crowds.
Day 3: The Getty & Downtown LA
Morning: The Getty Center (free admission, $20 parking — arrive by 10am before it fills). Allow 2–3 hours for the collection and the garden terrace views over the city.
Midday: Drive to Downtown LA. Grand Central Market for lunch ($10–$15). Walk to The Broad (book ahead, $18) or MOCA if contemporary art is your interest.
Afternoon: Arts District walk — Hauser & Wirth gallery (free), street murals, specialty coffee. Angel's Flight funicular ($1 per ride) from Hill St up to Bunker Hill.
Evening: Last dinner in DTLA — Bestia in the Arts District is excellent if you book ahead. Or Tacos 1986 for $5 tacos and a line worth waiting in.
LA Itinerary — Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Los Angeles?
Three days covers the core highlights — Griffith, the Getty, Venice, and DTLA — but LA is a city that rewards longer stays. With 3 days, pick one side of the city (Westside or Eastside) and go deep rather than trying to cover everything.
Do I need a car for this itinerary?
This itinerary is designed for drivers but is adaptable. Day 1 (Hollywood/Griffith) works by Uber. Day 2 (Santa Monica/Venice) is best by bike or Uber. Day 3 (Getty/DTLA) requires a car for the Getty — the free shuttle from UCLA is the alternative.
What is the best area to stay for this itinerary?
West Hollywood or Silver Lake puts you central to all three days. Santa Monica is ideal if you prioritise the beach. Avoid DTLA as a base unless you're specifically there for a conference or event.
How much does this 3-day LA trip cost?
Budget traveller: $120–160/day (hostel, Metro + one Uber, taco meals, free sites). Mid-range: $220–320/day (3-star hotel, rental car, one sit-down meal). Most attractions on this itinerary are free — the Getty, Griffith Observatory, and beaches charge nothing for entry.
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