Los Angeles is a city that feels alive in every sense—the sound of the ocean, the hum of freeways, the buzz of Hollywood Boulevard, and the calm of hidden beaches. Planning a perfect three-day trip to this sprawling city can be overwhelming, but with a little foresight, it’s possible to experience a curated mix of iconic landmarks, local hotspots, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. I’ve spent countless days exploring LA, and after many trials of traffic jams, wrong turns, and spontaneous discoveries, I’ve crafted an itinerary that balances culture, nature, and fun. Here’s my personal guide to a three-day Los Angeles adventure, complete with insights, tips, and my favorite booking platforms.
Day 1: Hollywood, Griffith Park, and Downtown LA
Morning: Breakfast and Hollywood Boulevard
I started my first day with breakfast at The Griddle Cafe, located at 7916 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046. This spot is famous for its oversized pancakes and delicious coffee. Walking in, I was instantly drawn to the quirky decor and the aroma of sizzling bacon. The pancakes were enormous, but somehow I devoured a stack topped with caramelized bananas.
After breakfast, it was time to head to Hollywood Boulevard (Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA 90028). I love the energy of the Walk of Fame—the stars embedded in the sidewalks, street performers in costume, and the excitement of tourists snapping endless photos. Standing in front of the TCL Chinese Theatre, I marveled at the handprints of legendary stars. To make the experience richer, I booked a guided tour through Viator (https://www.viator.com) which offered insider stories about Hollywood’s history. Tickets were around \$30 per person, and the tour gave me a sense of the city that walking alone simply couldn’t.
Late Morning: Griffith Observatory and Trails
Next, I drove up to Griffith Observatory (2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027). Arriving early in the morning gave me a panoramic view of the city and the iconic Hollywood Sign, bathed in golden light. Hiking one of the shorter trails around the observatory, I felt a mixture of exhilaration and serenity. The observatory itself is free to enter, though the planetarium shows cost \$7–\$10, and tickets can be booked in advance through the Griffith Observatory website (https://griffithobservatory.org). I spent nearly two hours exploring exhibits on astronomy and stargazing through the public telescopes—a quiet, almost meditative experience amidst the urban chaos below.
Afternoon: Lunch and Downtown LA
For lunch, I ventured into Grand Central Market at 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013. This bustling food hall felt like a microcosm of LA itself, with vendors offering everything from tacos to ramen. I opted for a spicy pupusa from Sarita’s Pupuseria, and the flavors were unforgettable—simple yet vibrant.
After lunch, I explored The Broad Museum (221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012), a contemporary art haven. Walking through the galleries, I was drawn to Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room—it felt as if I was suspended in a universe of light and reflection. Tickets are free, but reservations in advance through The Broad official website (https://www.thebroad.org) are highly recommended to avoid long waits.
Evening: Dinner and City Views
For dinner, I chose Otium (222 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90012), an upscale restaurant right next to The Broad. The combination of modern cuisine and chic atmosphere made it a perfect end to a culturally rich first day. I booked my table via OpenTable (https://www.opentable.com), which made securing a reservation effortless.
Finally, I drove to the OUE Skyspace LA (633 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90071) to catch a nighttime city view. Standing atop the skyscraper, with the city lights stretching endlessly, I felt a mixture of awe and gratitude—a perfect closing to Day 1.
Day 2: Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Beverly Hills
Morning: Breakfast by the Beach
Day two began with a short drive to Santa Monica, and as soon as I arrived, the smell of salty ocean air mixed with the aroma of fresh coffee instantly lifted my spirits. I had breakfast at Urth Caffé (2327 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405), a charming café known for its organic ingredients and artisanal pastries. I ordered a flaky almond croissant and a perfectly brewed cappuccino, and as I sipped my coffee, I couldn’t help but admire the gentle morning light reflecting off the Pacific Ocean. The casual, friendly vibe of the café made it easy to slow down and just enjoy the moment—a luxury in such a bustling city.
Walking along the Santa Monica Pier (200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401) afterward felt like stepping into a lively postcard. The iconic Ferris wheel spun slowly against the sky, its lights sparkling even in the early morning sun, and arcade games called out with cheerful chimes. Street performers dressed in colorful costumes entertained small crowds, performing everything from magic tricks to acrobatics. I bought a wristband for \$35 to enjoy unlimited rides, which I booked directly through Pacific Park’s website (https://www.pacpark.com). I spent a few hours wandering, laughing at performers’ antics, and pausing to watch families and couples share ice cream and cotton candy. Sitting on the pier for a few quiet minutes, just listening to the waves crashing beneath me, was unexpectedly peaceful—a gentle counterpoint to the lively atmosphere around me.
Late Morning: Venice Canals and Boardwalk
After soaking in the pier’s energy, I strolled over to the Venice Canals Historic District, a hidden gem that contrasts sharply with the bustling boardwalk. The canals exude a European charm, with quaint bridges arching over calm waters and pastel-colored houses adorned with flowers. Walking along the winding paths, I paused countless times to snap photos, marveling at the serenity amidst a city known for its constant motion. I found myself imagining what it would be like to live here, surrounded by water and peaceful streets, just a few miles from the ocean.
From there, I ventured to the Venice Beach Boardwalk (1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291), which could not have been more different from the canals. The energy here was electric: skateboarders showing off tricks at Muscle Beach, street artists painting portraits, and vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to fresh smoothies. I treated myself to freshly made churros and coconut water, enjoying the combination of sweet and refreshing flavors while watching the lively crowd. A guided walking tour I booked through Airbnb Experiences (https://www.airbnb.com/experiences) provided fascinating historical insights and highlighted the best spots for photography, including hidden murals that many casual visitors miss.
Afternoon: Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive
After grabbing a light snack, I drove to Beverly Hills to explore its iconic streets. Starting with Rodeo Drive (Beverly Hills, CA 90210), I found myself mesmerized by the upscale shops and immaculate storefronts. Even though I wasn’t planning to shop, window-shopping here felt like an art form. The palm-lined streets, elegant architecture, and occasional glimpse of a celebrity or luxury car made the walk feel cinematic.
For a late lunch, I headed to The Ivy (113 N Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048), a restaurant famous for its classic Californian cuisine and celebrity clientele. The bright, flower-filled patio made the meal feel like a special occasion, and the California-style seafood salad paired with a crisp white wine was both refreshing and satisfying. Booking ahead through OpenTable ensured I didn’t have to wait, which is essential for such a popular spot.
Evening: Sunset and Dinner
To end the day, I drove up the coast to Malibu and visited El Matador Beach (32215 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265). As the sun began its slow descent, painting the sky with shades of orange and pink, I wandered along the rocky shoreline, listening to the waves crash against the cliffs. The scene felt cinematic, almost as if the entire coastline had been preserved for a perfect sunset. Dinner was simple but incredibly satisfying: a fresh seafood platter at Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Café (25653 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265). Sitting outdoors with the ocean breeze, I savored the perfectly grilled fish, calamari, and shrimp while reflecting on a day full of contrasts—from bustling piers to tranquil canals and the quiet majesty of Malibu’s coastline.
Day 3: Universal Studios, The Getty Center, and West Hollywood
Morning: Universal Studios Adventure
On the third day, I dedicated the morning to Universal Studios Hollywood (100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608). Entering the park, I felt the excitement of stepping into a living movie set. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World rides, and interactive attractions made the experience immersive.
Tickets can be purchased directly via Universal Studios Hollywood website (https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com), with prices starting at \$109 for adults. For shorter wait times, I highly recommend the Express Pass.
Afternoon: The Getty Center and Lunch
After Universal Studios, I headed to The Getty Center (1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049). The combination of stunning architecture, gardens, and art collections is breathtaking. I spent hours wandering the galleries and enjoying panoramic views of the city. Parking is \$20, but the visit is free otherwise.
Lunch was at The Restaurant at The Getty, which offers a refined menu and scenic views. Pre-booking through OpenTable ensured a smooth experience.
Evening: Sunset Boulevard and Nightlife
I wrapped up the day in West Hollywood, strolling along Sunset Boulevard. The mix of trendy bars, live music venues, and bustling restaurants made the evening vibrant. I had dinner at Catch LA (8715 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069), a rooftop restaurant with incredible views of the city lights.
Travel and Booking Platforms Recommendations
Throughout my trip, I relied on several platforms to make planning seamless:
- Flights: Kayak (https://www.kayak.com), Skyscanner (https://www.skyscanner.com)
- Accommodation: Booking.com, Airbnb, Vrbo
- Tickets & Experiences: Viator, GetYourGuide, Tiqets, TripAdvisor
- Restaurant Reservations: OpenTable (https://www.opentable.com)
Using these platforms allowed me to compare prices, book ahead, and avoid long waits—essential in a busy city like LA.
Spending three days in Los Angeles is like catching glimpses of a city that is constantly in motion yet simultaneously serene. Each neighborhood offers its own flavor—from the glitz of Hollywood to the artistic energy of Venice, the peaceful Malibu beaches, and the sophisticated elegance of Beverly Hills. By blending iconic attractions with personal discoveries, I created an itinerary that allowed me to experience both the famous and the hidden gems.
The city can feel overwhelming at times, especially with traffic and the vast distances between attractions, but planning carefully and booking tickets in advance made my trip smooth and stress-free. I left LA with countless memories, endless photos, and a renewed love for exploring. If you follow this itinerary—or at least draw inspiration from it—you’ll walk away with a sense of the city that feels uniquely your own.
