One Day in Los Angeles Itinerary - Experience LA in a Day for Under $100

By Casey Makovich
Published: July 18, 2024

Traveling to California and only have one day in Los Angeles? Looking for just that perfect combination of must-see attractions to really make your trip shine? We’ve put together a sample one day in Los Angeles itinerary to help you make your travel plans, so you don’t need to worry about what to go and where to see with so little time on your hands. This one day itinerary includes:

  • Hop-on Hop-off Los Angeles Tour
  • Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
  • 3rd Street Promenade (free!)
  • Pacific Park - Santa Monica Pier

Spending more time in Los Angeles? Take a peek at one of our sample 2 day or popular 3 day itineraries.

Save on Attraction Admission

Visit these top attractions and save up to 50% off vs. paying at the gate with a Go Los Angeles® Card. Remember, this one-day itinerary is just one of many ways to experience Los Angeles. The Go Los Angeles® Card gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests.

Stop #1: Hop-on Hop-off Los Angeles Bus Tour

Image of Bus, Vehicle, Tour Bus, Double Decker Bus, Person, If you've only got one day in L.A., then a tour is an excellent way to see a full overview of the city without getting bogged down in the details. Starline Tours offers a hop-on hop-off option that gives you the flexibility to explore where you'd like, or just sit back and enjoy the narration. The entire route takes about two hours to ride straight through, so that might be your smartest bet if you want to fit the most into your one day. Some of the top attractions and sites you'll see on your ride include Rodeo Drive, 3rd Street Promenade, Fox Studios, and many more. The tour departs from and returns to the Santa Monica Pier, so you're right in the neighborhood for your next attractions, too. Getting In: Hop-on Hop-off Los Angeles Tour tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card

Stop #3: Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

Image of Terminal, Banner, Text, Person, Airport, Image Credit: Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is a must-see attraction in the Los Angeles area for nature and science lovers. Featuring nearly 100 different species that are all native to Santa Monica Bay, this interactive aquarium has so many fascinating creatures to examine. From eels and octopi to sharks and sea urchins, they’ve got it all. If you happen to visit on a Sunday, be sure not to miss out on the shark feeding and an informative presentation at the open-top shark exhibit. We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction. It’s only open in the afternoon, so post lunch is the perfect time to visit. Getting In: Santa Monica Pier Aquarium tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card.

Stop #4: 3rd Street Promenade (free!)

This downtown Santa Monica destination is a must-see for visitors to the Los Angeles area. This is really the heart of downtown, filled with all the best shops, restaurants, and more. You can just stroll about, window shop, and people watch, or spend a bit of cash on that perfect souvenir. We recommend reserving about an hour to explore this neighborhood, perhaps more if you’re really interested in some shopping or drinks.

Stop #5: Pacific Park - Santa Monica Pier

Image of Urban, City, Lighting, Person, Night Life, Club, This amusement park is conveniently located right on the Santa Monica Pier, so it’s the perfect end to your day in Santa Monica. Opened in 1916, this historic park is filled with classic rides and modern thrills. Take a spin on the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, whip around the iconic West Coaster--the only West Coast ocean front steel roller coaster--bounce around on Inkie's Wave Jumper, surf simulation ride, drop 9 stories on the Pacific Plunge, and more. They even have a bunch of arcade games for you to enjoy, from the classic “Wac-a-Mole” to the “Riptide Ring Toss.” It’s great fun for kids and adults alike. These arcade games do require additional costs. In order to maximize your one day in Los Angeles, just check in to this attraction before 5:30 and then you can stay as long as you’d like until closing! Getting In: Pacific Park - Santa Monica Pier tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card.

Let’s Recap

So there’s your perfect one day in Los Angeles. From Hollywood and the silver screen to the natural world and the historical fun of a good old-fashioned theme park, this day is sure to make you smile. With the Go Los Angeles Card you can save even more on included extras like dining and shopping!

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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Rollercoaster Ride at Knott's Berry Farm
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Universal Studios vs. Knott’s Berry Farm: The Ultimate Fun Faceoff!

Deciding between Universal Studios and Knott’s Berry Farm? Here’s your guide to LA’s best theme parks.
Interior view of SoFi Stadium's LED canopy.
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Guide to SoFi Stadium

The SoFi Stadium is something else. This megalithic shrine to football draws around 70,000 fans to its seats every week. On this brilliant 60-minute tour of the SoFi Stadium, you'll get an exclusive look behind the scenes of two of the NFL's biggest teams; the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers. See the locker rooms, where driven coaches give inspiring team talks. Travel through the player tunnel and get a glimpse of life as a sporting giant. Then, run onto the field and try your hand at scoring a field goal. All of that beneath the stadium's incredible LED canopy. Image courtesy of Elliott Cowand Jr/Shutterstock How to get SoFi Stadium tour tickets? We've got you covered – SoFi Stadium tour tickets are available with the below money-saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that's right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Includes admission to over 40 attractions. 2. Explorer Pass – Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 7 attractions. Tips for visiting SoFi Stadium While walk-ins are possible, SoFi Stadium is a highly-visited attraction. Therefore, we recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment on the day. SoFi Stadium is big. Real big. So definitely slip into some comfortable footwear before you visit, and be prepared to get some steps in. There will be plenty of opportunities to take photos and videos of your time in the stadium, so make sure your phone's got plenty of space on it, or bring a camera with a fresh roll/memory card. Image courtesy of Elliott Cowand Jr/Shutterstock When is the best time to take a tour of SoFi Stadium? Given the enclosed nature of the stadium, thanks to its canopy, and the fact that winters in LA tend to land on the milder side, you can visit SoFi Stadium any time of year! What is there to see and do on the SoFi Stadium Tour? Follow in the steps of fans, commentators, and players alike as you explore this awe-inspiring stadium. Go behind the scenes and see where the players prepare for battle, the commentators sit to narrate the game, and where the fans praise their almighty teams. You'll even step foot on the field - any football fan's dream! SoFi Stadium tour highlights Feel the adrenalin rush as you pass through the players' tunnel and onto the field. Run the '40', throw balls at targets and kick a field goal on the turf. See the locker rooms and explore the commentary box Explore the Kinsey African American Art & History Collection exhibit, which explores the lives and accomplishments of 16th-century African Americans. Image courtesy of Elliott Cowand Jr/Shutterstock What attractions are near SoFi Stadium? Given the nature of huge stadiums, they're often rather isolated from other things to do. The same can be said for SoFi Stadium. Found between Inglewood and Lennox, and just beneath Morningside Park, it's mainly surrounded by residential streets, shops, bars, and hotels. However, if you like playing the odds, you'll find Hollywood park Casino just a short walk from the stadium. Where is there to eat nearby? Burger fans visiting Los Angeles ought to try In-N-Out Burger, arguably one of the best fast food restaurants on the planet. If you're looking for more of a sit-down American dining experience, check out Century Bar and Grill, which also has an array of craft beers and cocktails on offer. In the market for something a bit spicier? Casa Ruis Restaurante has you covered. Serving delicious Mexican dishes from 9AM, you're bound to find something tasty there. Need to massage that sweet tooth? Try Crumbl Cookies, which offers a myriad of sweet treats all throughout the day. Need to know For opening time and to find your slot, visit their website here. When arriving at the stadium for your tour, please use the entrance at the intersections of Prairie Avenue & Arbor Vitae. Directions and Address SoFi Stadium 1001 Stadium Dr Inglewood CA 90301 Closest Subway Stops C Line - Hawthorne/Lennox Save on Tickets with Go City Remember, Go City is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which can include SoFi Stadium tour tickets, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. You'll make great savings on entry to top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple attractions for one low price.
Dom Bewley
Best Aquariums in Los Angeles
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Best Aquariums in Los Angeles

If you're looking for the best aquariums to visit in Los Angeles, check out our picks and make it an underwater adventure to remember! Including: Which U.S. city has the largest aquarium? What is the biggest Aquarium in L.A.? How many aquariums are in L.A.? Best Aquariums in Los Angeles Which U.S. city has the largest aquarium? You may be surprised to find out that the biggest aquarium in the U.S. is found in Atlanta. It's called the Georgia Aquarium, and it features a mind-boggling 10 million gallons of water! What is the biggest Aquarium in L.A.? The Aquarium of the Pacific is L.A.'s largest aquarium - more on that down below! How many aquariums are in L.A.? Los Angeles features four aquariums around the city, and we cover each and every one here! We've also added a few non-aquarium choices, just to spice things up, because we're kind. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Aquarium of the Pacific If you fancy spending the day in L.A.'s largest aquarium, hanging out with more than 11,000 animals, then Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the best aquariums in Los Angeles! The aquarium's centerpiece is its comprehensive portrayal of the Pacific Ocean, the Earth's largest body of water, stretching from the vibrant coral reefs of the tropics to the icy waters of the north. It's the only place to see so much coral and so many coral-residing creatures up close, so prepare for an explosion of colorful, exotic fish! There's also the Shark Lagoon, where you can pet - yes, pet - some of the many sharks that call it home, the Blue Cavern kelp forest tank, an aviary featuring hundreds of birds, and an entire penguin colony to marvel at. Brilliant stuff. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Heal The Bay Heal The Bay's aquarium is a hidden gem, often overlooked because it's nestled beneath the Santa Monica Pier, but underwater lovers shouldn't miss it! This family-friendly aquarium is part underwater showcase, part learning experience, featuring more than 100 different species of fish that call Santa Monica Bay home. Every Tuesday and Friday at 2.30PM, you can check out feeding events where you and your little ones will learn all about the fish and what they eat. And then on Sundays at 3.30PM, they have a shark feeding showcase, which is a little more on the gruesome side, but still fascinating nonetheless. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Situated a short stroll from the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is a smaller facility that offers the most comprehensive insight into local marine life. The main exhibit hall alone boasts nearly 40 individual tanks featuring local marvels. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is more hands-on than some of the others on this list, with a touch pool that lets you get up close with the safer side of L.A.'s underwater life. The Exploration Center and Aquatic Nursery explore the aquarium's research into local life, as well as its breeding initiatives for certain dwindling species. After you're done exploring, you'll find Cabrillo Coastal Park right outside, featuring pristine beaches, the Point Fermin tidepools, and an excellent birdwatching location within the Salinas de San Pedro salt marsh. For a nature-filled day out, you know where to go. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Roundhouse Aquarium Only slightly bigger than many people's flats, the Roundhouse Aquarium is bite-sized fun that can be seen in no time at all. That doesn't mean it's not worth a visit, though! See sanddabs and juvenile rays as they gracefully glide in circular patterns within the sandy-bottom tank. Look, but don't touch - they don't do that here. Still, you'll get plenty of snaps of these wonderful creatures up close, so why not? For an extra dose of excitement, make sure to visit on Saturdays at 12.30PM, when you'll see leopard and horn sharks feeding. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: California Science Center So yes, technically, the California Science Center isn't an aquarium, but on the other hand, it does have a fully-functioning kelp tank, includes a walkthrough tunnel where you can see plenty of underwater wonders up close, and even has dive shows where the audience can ask the divers questions pre-dive. You'll also find a Deep Sea exhibit, where you can control mock-ups of underwater robots, all while learning about deep sea exploration and how it has progressed in the last 200 years. And while you can come for the underwater goodness, you can stay for all the other sciency stuff! See the Space Shuttle Endeavor up close, learn all about the progression of space travel, and even explore creepy crawlies in the Rot Room. Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour Yes, this is another non-aquarium option, but it's the only way you'll get up close and personal with some of the ocean's most revered creatures! If the weather's good, take a whale and dolphin watching tour and see them up close. Board a 65-foot double-decker ship, which includes seating on both decks, sunbeds, and even a snack bar if you need to refuel. Then, sit back, and enjoy the experience. With any luck, you'll see humpback whales, orcas (also known as "killer whales"), and, if you really luck out, a blue whale. Seals and dolphins are also often sighted in L.A.'s waters, so keep an eye out and your camera on standby. The ship itself is luxurious and comfortable, certainly taking the sting out of any missed sightings. And, with your captain narrating the trip, you'll learn more about all of the above, as well as local conservation efforts and migration patterns. An all-round good time if the sun stays put! And that's everything you need to know about the best aquariums in Los Angeles, as well as all the other underwater highlights you'll find in the city! Of course, there's much more to Los Angeles than what you find beneath the surface, so go with Go City to make sure you see it all! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you'll see all the city's best bits for one low price.
Dom Bewley

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