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How to Spend Five Days in Los Angeles
Sun, sand, surf, glitz, and glamour all accurately describe Los Angeles. For these reasons, in 2018 LA reached a historic milestone, welcoming 50 million visitors for the first time. This allowed the city to accomplish its aggressive and ambitious tourism goal two-years earlier than planned. From crazy food trucks to five-star restaurants to diverse neighborhoods and world-class attractions, the city has it all. When visiting, tourists do not typically have the time to explore all the nooks and crannies of the area and trying to fit them all into a single trip is overwhelming. Where do you begin? How do you choose one attraction over another? By using the Go City Los Angeles pass in conjunction with the below five-day Los Angeles itinerary, you can maximize your vacation, see it all, and save money. It's win-win.
Day 1 - Start with a whistle-stop tour
Begin your Los Angeles five-day vacation by taking a quick tour of the sights to get your bearings. A Hop-On Hop-Off Los Angeles Bus Tour is the perfect way to get acquainted with the city when you first arrive, with a guide providing plenty of top tips and commentary on various points around the city. The Hop-On Hop-Off bus takes you straight to the most popular attractions including the Hollywood sign, Rodeo Drive, Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Madame Tussauds, Warner Brothers Studios, Universal Studios, Legoland, and much more. You can hop off and get a closer look at any attraction that takes your fancy, or use the tour to plan which attractions you want to go and explore on the following days.
Day 2 – Discover Hollywood's secrets
The city really started its growth with Hollywood, so you can't visit LA without getting to know the famous showbiz spots. You'll spot so many iconic landmarks from television shows, movies, magazines and online in Hollywood; many of which can be found along the Hollywood Boulevard. Start your day in showbiz central with breakfast at Mel’s Drive-In Hollywood - a popular eatery that's been around since the 1950s. Once you've had your fill of waffles and fresh juices, indulge in some star-spotting on the Hollywood Movie Star Home tour. You'll be taken to Hollywood's most luxurious houses and movie star hangouts for a sneak peek at the lives of rich and famous. Lucky looky-loos may even get an opportunity to see a movie star or two going about their daily lives. Make sure to snap plenty of Instagram-worthy photos. After seeing what life is like as a Hollywood A-lister, head to the Grauman's Chinese Theatre to check out the famous footprints and handprints adorning the floor outside. This is also the perfect place to snap some photos of the Hollywood sign.Day 3 – Enjoy some movie magic
Dedicate day three of your vacation to 'riding the movies' at Universal Studios Hollywood. This attraction is perfect for all ages and an absolute must-do for pop culture buffs. You'll find plenty of thrilling rides and shows using out-of-this-world special effects, play areas and character meet-and-greets for little ones, and themed eateries for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss the world-famous backlot tour where you'll be taken on a journey through some iconic film sets from Back to the Future, Jaws, Psycho, Desperate Housewives, and more. If you'd rather experience something a little more unique, pick Knott’s Berry Farm as your theme park of choice. It's California’s world-renowned first theme park which started off as a small berry farm before it grew into the attraction is it today. Along with first-class rollercoasters, interactive experiences, stage shows and incredible food options for the entire family, you'll still find fresh boysenberries, fried chicken dinners, and the traditional Old West Ghost Town. While in the park, do not miss Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant for that old-fashioned delicious fried chicken. End the day with dinner under the stars at the Café at the End of the Universe at the Griffith Observatory. Offering a variety of drinks and meals situated in an overlook of the LA Basin, slowly watch the sun disappear under the horizon as night sets in.
Day 4 – Warner Brothers Studio
No Los Angeles five-day vacation is complete without a studio tour. Pick the Warner Brothers Studio Tour and you'll learn all about how a movie studio operates and get a unique insight into Hollywood history. From set design to editing to sound, the tour covers all aspects of a working movie studio and everything that goes into producing a film. Guests may also be able to see an actual movie being filmed or spot a celebrity on the property. To grab a quick bite from the exciting day tour, stop by Olive and Thyme - a quaint café and market featuring gourmet eats and cold drinks.Day 5 – Hit the beach
Relax and enjoy your last day in Los Angeles by soaking up the sun and checking out some of the city's famous beaches. You can stroll from quirky Venice Beach to the more upmarket Santa Monica Pier to find your perfect sunbathing spot. Discover LA's sea life at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium or enjoy an old-fashioned fairground experience at Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier. End your perfect vacation with a trip to Father's Office where you can feast on classic American fare paired with a choice of over 30 beers.