Los Angeles itinerary – 3 days in Los Angeles for first timers

From Hollywood showbiz and studio tours to amusement parks and beaches, can you possibly fit it all into 3 days? The answer is yes, you can! And here's how.

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024
Los Angeles

From movie magic to beach days, it's tricky to make sure everyone can see and do all the LA attractions they want to, so kick back, relax, and take advantage of our 3 Days in Los Angeles itinerary. It'll help you plan to visit many of the top attractions and get the full spectrum of LA entertainment in just a long weekend. 

This 3-day Los Angeles itinerary includes...
 

  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Universal Citywalk (free!)
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
  • Madame Tussauds Hollywood
  • Behind-The-Scenes Hollywood Tour
  • Dolby Theatre® Guided Tour
  • Pacific Park
  • Malibu Celebrity Homes Tour
  • Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
  • Perry's Beach Café & Bike Rentals
  • Venice Boardwalk (free!)

Only have a few days in Los Angeles? We’ve also put together a 1 day and weekend in Los Angeles itinerary.

DAY 1 Stop #1: Universal Studios Hollywood

crash-site-universal-studios

You could spend the entire day at this mega-attraction and it will be well worth your time. Universal Studios Hollywood is part working studio, part theme park, and all fun. Take an extensive and informative tour and you'll get a peek behind the scenes at one of the world’s most famous studios. Enjoy thrilling rides, shows, and attractions that feature your favorite films, like TRANSFORMERS, Despicable Me, and more.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a popular attraction with kids and adults alike, providing everything from recreated sets and real props to exciting souvenirs and genuine Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice at the Hog's Head pub (located in the recreated village of Hogsmeade).

We recommend reserving between 5-6 hours for this attraction. Learn more about Universal Studios or Disneyland so you can plan your agenda appropriately.

Stop #2: Universal Citywalk (free!)

This shopping and dining destination is part of the true Universal Studios Hollywood experience, and you’ll want to check it out before you leave. With 30 different restaurants to choose from, you’ll easily be able to enjoy both lunch and dinner here without feeling like you’re restricting your tastebuds.

There’s more to this area than just dining – there are also tons of attractions, shops, and experiences for you to enjoy with the whole family. Admission is free, although additional attractions may incur costs. There are also nightlife spots that adults will enjoy, including music venues.

DAY 2 Stop #1: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

warner-bros-studio-tour

Today’s another day spent in Hollywood. Begin with the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at the world’s busiest studio. You’ll get to see stock sets for locations like “quiet town” and “busy urban exterior,” and the sets of current shows being filmed on location.

Current shows at Warner Bros. Studio include Young Sheldon, Conan, and many more. Several special exhibits pay homage to shows or movies filmed here in the past, like the actual set of Central Perk (the famed coffee shop from Friends), Gilmore Girls, a collection of various Batmobiles, and DC Universe: The Exhibit. This tour typically lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Be sure to check out our post about the best Los Angeles studio tours before your visit.

Stop #2: Madame Tussauds Hollywood

madame-tussaud-outside-view
The images shown depict wax figures created and owned by Madame Tussauds.

Who wouldn’t love the chance to meet their favorite celebrities? (Well, in a way.) Head to the world’s most famous wax museum for a chance to explore celebrity culture the Madame Tussauds Hollywood way.

Some highlighted exhibit areas at Madame Tussauds Hollywood include “Movie Stars,” “Hollywood Icons,” “Pop Stars,” “Sports Stars,” and many more. With over 100 different celebrities and characters depicted at this museum, you’re sure to find a favorite. We recommend leaving at between 1-2 hours for this attraction - that should give you enough time to snap some superb selfies.

Want to save money on those bucket-list attractions? 

Check out passes from Go City and you could save yourself up to 50% on your must-sees – perfect!  

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Stop #3: Behind-The-Scenes Hollywood Tour

Pick up this next tour right in the same neighborhood, conveniently located on Hollywood Boulevard. This behind-the-scenes Hollywood Tour is a fun walking tour that takes you all throughout the Hollywood neighborhood, highlighting both the big-name attractions and the lesser-known points of significance.

TCL Chinese Theatre

Some of the highlights of your tour include the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s), the Dolby Theatre, the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Sign, the Roosevelt Hotel, plus famous filming locations and sets. We recommend making reservations if you’re traveling during the busy season, as this tour does fill up fast. Set aside at least 1 hour for this tour.

Stop #4: Dolby Theatre® Guided Tour

This half-hour Dolby Theatre® Guided Tour is your VIP access to the home of the Academy Awards® Ceremonies. Step inside and revel in the elegance of this state-of-the-art facility. During the tour you will get a chance to do several fascinating things, like see an official Oscar® statuette (IRL), visit the Dolby Lounge and spots where only celebs get to go, plus see photos from past ceremonies.

You're essentially walking in the footsteps of the famous actors and actresses who fill this famous building each year for the Academy Awards!

DAY 3 Stop #1: Pacific Park

aerial-view-santa-monica-pier-california

Today is your day to explore charming Santa Monica. Pacific Park, located on the Santa Monica Pier, is a charming amusement park with exciting rides and historic attractions that the whole family will love. Did you know that Pacific Park also owns the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel?

They also have plenty of other classic rides and traditional arcade games to round out a fun morning. It's a great place to go with kids, and is a wonderful little jolt of nostalgia for adults, too. Try some fairground games and save some room for cotton candy! We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction.

Stop #2: Heal the Bay Aquarium

After you’ve taken the time to explore human life in Santa Monica, why not learn about the diverse marine life of the area? A visit to the Heal the Bay Aquarium is the perfect opportunity to do just that. Home to over 100 different species, from sea urchins to sharks, this aquarium is the perfect destination for the aspiring marine biologist or the animal lover in the family.

If you’re visiting on a Sunday, be sure to catch their shark presentation and feeding. We recommend leaving between 1-2 hours for this attraction.

Stop #3: Perry's Beach Café & Bike Rentals

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Experience the authentic California beach lifestyle with a 3-hour bike or rollerblade rental from Perry's Beach Café and Rentals. Part café, part beach rental hotspot, Perry's specializes in gear for active beach-goers. Here you can enjoy a ride along the boardwalk and experience the famous Santa Monica beachside community.

The sun is likely to be shining, so you'll be able to enjoy warm temperatures during your excursion. Plus, after your rental is done, you can stop at the cafe for a sampling of their incredible menu, with diverse organic options and fresh fare.

Stop #4: Venice Boardwalk (free!)

venice-beach-los-angeles-california-la

Head a bit further south along Santa Monica Beach to Venice Beach and explore new territory with a visit to the famous Venice Boardwalk. This charming neighborhood is filled with great photo ops and chances for people-watching, in addition to being a good place to top up your tan. Explore the nearby Abbot Kinney area for something new.

Make the most of your three days in Los Angeles

This itinerary should give you a great selection of places to go and things to do in LA - we hope it'll ensure your vacation is full of fun and entertainment without the stress of planning from scratch.

In terms of getting around In LA, we recommend personal transportation, but there are other options. Spending some more time in sunny California? Then check out our San Diego to San Francisco itinerary - talk about a fun road trip!

Save on admission to top Los Angeles attractions with Go City®  

Discover our full line-up of Los Angeles attractions including the Hollywood Sign Tour, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm, and more.  

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Whichever Los Angeles attraction pass you pick, it'll help you save money on LA's best bits!

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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The Spectator's Guide to the Long Beach Marathon

The hours are ticking down to the 28th annual Long Beach International City Bank Marathon, which will take over the city on Sunday, October 7th. One of the most scenic and flat courses in America, the Long Beach Marathon draws tens of thousands of athletes and spectators each year. The course meanders through quaint seaside communities and urban landmarks, offering ocean views throughout 80% of the route. Although 23,000 athletes are expected to take part in the five events offered, only about 5,000 will be running the full marathon, making it a somewhat intimate event. Moreover, the certified marathon course is the perfect qualifier for other popular races, even the notorious Boston Marathon. As a spectator, you’ll appreciate Long Beach’s moderate Mediterranean climate and the spectacular views of the ocean and the cityscape along the race course. So whether you're a runner yourself, or just someone who loves excitement and good cheer, viewing the Long Beach Marathon is one of the truly unique things to do in Los Angeles. To make the most of your marathon experience, check out the guide below. Events Five separate athletic events will take place over the race weekend: the Marathon, Half-Marathon, 26.2 Mile Bike Tour, Run Forest Run 5k, and the Aquarium of the Pacific Kids Fun Run. The Kids Fun Run will take place on Saturday, October 6th, while all the other events will be held on the official race day (Sunday). The race day events will kick-off with the Bike Tour at 6 AM, followed by the Marathon and Half Marathon at 7AM and finally the Run Forest Run 5k at 8:30 AM. Fore more information on start times and specific waves, visit the Marathon’s official website. The Health & Fitness expo draws nearly 50,000 visitors each year, and is the perfect prelude to the race. A surplus of vendors and exhibitors will be on display, selling official Long Beach Marathon merchandise, including top-of-the-line performance gear, running caps, visors, headbands, and much more. The Finish Line Festival on Marina Green is THE place to be as exhausted runners cross the finish line. Celebrate with the athletes and enjoy a wide variety of vendors as well as a Beer Garden for those of age. Best Viewing Areas  The Long Beach Marathon boasts one of the most beautiful courses in the country. Start/Finish Line – As this is a loop course, you can catch the start and the end of the race without moving a muscle. You’ll also be able to enjoy the food, drinks, and other entertainment as the first runners cross the line. Situate yourself on Shoreline Drive between Linden and Pine. Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool (Mile 9) – Catch the runners here as they get into their groove. There’s a huge grass area to sit on while you wait for the runners. Colorado Lagoon (miles 14 and 22.5) – This is an ideal spot because you can catch the runners in two places, just by taking a quick walk along the grassy Lagoon. Cal State University (Mile 17-20) – If you want to be there for the runners as they “hit the wall,” find yourself a viewing spot by the California State Academy. Ocean Avenue between Livingston and Alamitos (Mile 24-26) – Cheer the runners on as they race to the finish on Ocean Avenue. You’ll also be able to catch the end of the half marathon from this spot. Accommodations Finding inexpensive accommodations on marathon weekend can be tricky. However, these hotels offer reasonable prices and still currently have vacancy. Best Western Golden Sails Hotel 6285 E Pacific Coast Highway Long Beach, California, 90803-4803 Phone: (562) 596-1631 Holiday Inn Downtown 1133 Atlantic Avenue Long Beach, California 90813 Phone: (562) 590-8858 Parking By far the most convenient place to park on race day is in the Convention Center/Arena/Terrace Theater parking lots. Although there is a $10 charge for parking, you will be located adjacent to the Long Beach Arena and will be within walking distance of the official start/finish line. Make Your Way Around LA While in Greater Los Angeles for the race day festivities, why not see what else the area has to offer? Spend the day before the marathon taking advantage of our Go Los Angeles Card including access to over 39 attractions for one low price. Some of the most popular attractions include the Warner Brothers Studio Tour, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, and Knotts Berry Farm—to name a few.
Go City Expert
Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles
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Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles

Are you heading to Los Angeles this year? Then you ought to check out the city's market scene. With a market for pretty much every need, you'll be well served! Today, we're talking about the best markets in LA's downtown district, so if you plan to stay in or around the area, this one's for you! From flower markets to farm-to-table grocers, we've got you covered. Including: Grand Central Market Downtown LA Farmer's Market Smorgasburg LA Wholesale Produce Market The Santee Alley ...and more! Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: Grand Central Market Hold on to your taste buds, because we're diving straight into a gastronomic wonderland. If you want nothing but the freshest fruit and veg, or some of the tastiest street food in the city, look no further than Grand Central Market. Taking up an enviable 30,000 square feet, it's one of the larger markets on this list. It's unsurprising, then, that it attracts plenty of food establishments from across the city to set up shop. Popular joints like Eggslut and Press Brothers have stalls where you can sample their culinary delights, but that just scratches the surface. Every cuisine under the sun is represented here under the sun, so go and see what other secrets await you at Grand Central Market. For foodies, it's one of the best markets in Downtown Los Angeles. Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: Downtown LA Farmers Market Even if you've never been to the Downtown Los Angeles Farmer's Market before, you may have seen it. A certain angry Brit is often there buying stuff on his cooking shows, so if you hear someone shouting expletives and spot a spikey mop of blonde hair, you'll know you're in the right place. But it's not just modern celebrities like Gordon Ramsey who have frequented the Downtown Los Angeles Farmer's Market. The Beatles, Marylin Monroe, and Frank Sinatra are just some of the many famous faces that have graced its stalls and halls. So, what brings all these recognizable people to the Downtown Los Angeles Farmer's Market? Well, it's likely the produce. Tons of family-run businesses set up shop here, offering top-quality, fresh produce to all who visit. If you live locally, or plan to stay in an Airbnb instead of a hotel, you won't find a better place to pick up ingredients. There are also recognizable brands like Starbucks there, if you need some creature comforts. Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: Smorgasburg If you're happy to hit up a market that only opens its doors once a week, then Smorgasburg is one of the best markets in Downtown Los Angeles. Just be prepared for crowds - after all, plenty of people likely have the exact same idea as you. If you do brave it, you'll find a market offering tons of food, drink, and a variety of specialty items collectors will die for. LA powerhouses like Baohaus, Daddy's Chicken Shack, and Big Mozz all have pop-up stalls at Smorgasburg, so your tastebuds are in for a treat. However, what's unique about Smorgasburg, and what makes it one of the best markets in Downtown Los Angeles, is that on every third Sunday of the month, the Record Fair and Vintage Market turns up. You'll find thousands of rare vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and merch for underground bands and artists. If you love discovering new talent, or just want to show off when they eventually blow up, then you owe it to yourself to go check it out. Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: LA Wholesale Produce Market Need a load of fresh produce in a pinch? Why go to a supermarket when you can get it fresh from the farm at the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market? Offering arguably the widest selection of locally-sourced produce in Downtown, it's a great place to buy early. If you arrive before today's produce is trucked in, you can get great deals on yesterday's produce they'll just throw out. So be savvy, set your alarm, and rise and shine for some sweet, sweet deals. Just be prepared to buy big - after all, it's a wholesale market. You'll need to buy in bulk - by the box. Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: The Santee Alley Calling all bargain hunters! Welcome to Santee Alley, where haggling is a sport, and finding a hidden gem is the ultimate victory. This bustling street market is like a maze of fashion chaos, and the perfect place to unleash your inner fashionista without maxing your credit cards. You'll find both recognizable labels and unique boutique items on offer, as well as handmade oddities from homebound seamsters. Fashion lovers will be in heaven, but really, you need to be prepared to barter. Every item has a hidden price, but you'll need to negotiate to get the best deal. If you don't have wheeling and dealing up your sleeve, prepare to pay a premium. Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: Original LA Flower Market And finally, if you're after flowers, then the Original Los Angeles Flower Market is a must-visit! Local florists, event planners, and flower enthusiasts flock to discover a wide array of flora. You'll find bunches of pretty much every flower imaginable here, from roses to chrysanthemums, and everything in between. Want to make a big impression on a first date? You know where to go. There's not much more to say, really. It's flowers. If you want or need flowers, this is your best bet. Just bear in mind that the Original Los Angeles Flower Market can get a little hectic on weekends. If you want to beat the rush of frothy-mouthed flower enthusiasts, best head there during the week. And those were our picks of the best markets in Downtown Los Angeles! If you're a local who wants some entertainment ideas, or on vacation and need some inspiration, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of LA's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Things to do in Los Angeles at Night
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Things to do in Los Angeles at Night

Ahoy there, traveler! Are you a creature of the night? Do you sleep all day and party all night? If so, check out our picks of the best things to do in Los Angeles at night, and make the most of your evening! Including: Ghost Hunting Tour of Chinatown Yoga on Huntington Beach A nighttime tour of LA by Star Track Two Bit Circus and more! Ghost Hunting Tour of Chinatown It's a nighttime blog, so let's kick things off with some spooky evening fun! Chinatown is one of the most popular districts of Los Angeles, and it's also seen its fair share of gruesome goings-on. So, why not follow in Jack Nichelson's footsteps and see what's really going on in Chinatown on this ghost-hunting tour? With a professional paranormal investigator in tow, you'll walk the streets, learn about the tools and tricks every paranormal investigator should use, and stop off every time their equipment starts popping off. Starting at the Chinatown Metro Station, you'll pass the cemeteries that were uncovered during the station's building. Next, you'll explore a nearby warehouse said to be haunted by its former employees. Next up is the neighborhood's oldest cottage, which has received claims of haunting for decades. If you can stomach the spookiness, this ghost-hunting tour is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles at night! Haunted Hollywood Walking Tour But wait, there's more! You thought one spooky tour of Los Angeles was enough? Think again. Hollywood is known for many things; the glitz and glamor, the A-list celebrities, the home of cinema, and more. But did you know it's also been the scene of many a grisly murder?! Shocking, we know. If you fancy seeing the sights and learning all about them, this haunted Hollywood walking tour should be top of your list of things to do in LA at night! Your fright-filled walk will take you down the Boulevard of Broken Dreams as you visit haunted landmarks aplenty. Hotels, theaters, and other landmarks where gruesome hijinks have taken place. And don't worry; you won't be alone. Your spook-certified guide will be right there with you, dropping knowledge bombs about each location like some kind of information exploder. Highlights include the Pantages Theatre, where Howard Hughes supposedly wanders the halls; the Knickerbocker Hotel, where Houdini put in his final performance; the Hollywood Sign, which has seen its fair share of violence; the Hollywood & Highland Complex, where both the Hollywood Ripper and Manson murders occurred; and finally the Roosevelt Hotel, where famous ghosts such as Marylin Monroe's are said to lie in wait. Spooky stuff, indeed! Yoga on Huntington Beach Now we're going to swiftly shift gears from outer spooks to inner peace. If you're longing to align your chakras, do a downward dog, and breathe in that sweet sea air on your Los Angeles vacation, why not do a beach-based yoga class? And don't worry; if you have a busy day, you can even do one during sunset. Interested? Head to LA's famous Huntington Beach for blissful views of Orange County's sunset while your certified teacher takes you through the steps, stretches, and poses. These classes are for all types, so if you're a seasoned stretcher or a yoga newb, you'll be welcomed with open arms. And, with a whole host of chakra-aligning activities to choose from, including yoga, pilates, and qigong, you're sure to find something to help you unwind - or prepare you for a night of fun. Huntington Beach's sun-kissed sands provide a picturesque setting for your class, creating a calming and mindful environment as the waves lap gently at the shore. So, why not take a load off and check it out? A nighttime tour of LA by Star Track Of course, not every tour of Los Angeles needs to be filled with spooks and shocks. You don't even need to use your legs. So, why not hop aboard one of Star Track's luxurious vehicles, and get an A-list tour of the City of Angels? Your tour vessel is fitted out with comfortable seats and massive TV screens that'll give you sweet morsels of information as you drive. Then, your driver/guide will take you on a rollercoaster of sightseeing wonder. You'll pass places from famous movie scenes and learn some behind-the-scenes gossip. You'll pass several celebrities' homes and, thanks to the TVs on board, you'll even see walkthroughs from inside said homes. Imagine yourself living there, and slap yourself and put such foolish ambitions to rest. Luck out, and you may even see some famous faces in their driveways as they stumble home from the latest celeb house party. So whose houses will you see? Well, you may have heard of them. Tom Cruise, anyone? How about Ellen DeGeneres? That's right, star chasers, and those are but two of the many homes you'll see on your travels from Hollywood Boulevard to Mulholland Drive. Two Bit Circus If the tour life just isn't for you, why not explore the digital delights that Los Angeles has on offer? At Two Bit Circus, you'll enter the virtual world to do battle with beasts, or just settle in for some classic arcade fun. Two Bit's piece de resistance is unarguably its Virtual Reality Playground, where state-of-the-art equipment will transport you to other realms, where possibilities are endless. Jump incredible distances, fight unimaginable horrors, and do it all with $30 credit on us. Or, if you'd rather stay in actual reality, hit the arcade to play some old-school cool like Pacman, or team up with a buddy on NBA Jam. Remember NBA Jam? Ah, simpler times. You can even dare to challenge one of their escape rooms. Oh, and there's a bar. Happy days. If you're looking for some digital evening fun, then Two Bit Circus is a must-visit, and one of the best things to do in Los Angeles at night! And those are our picks of the best things to do in Los Angeles at night! If you're looking for some daytime fun too, check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of LA's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley

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