Three Days in LA: Sun, Stars and Seriously Good Eats

See the best of LA in three sun-drenched, star-studded days!

Published: June 12, 2026
Los Angeles Skyline

Ever landed in Los Angeles and wondered how to squeeze every last drop of sunshine, celebrity sparkle and west coast flavor into just three days? With so much ground to cover—from red carpet photo ops to bicycle rides by the sea—conquering LA can feel like trying to order just one taco at a food truck (impossible!). We’re here to map out the city’s greatest hits, hidden gems and fantastic food, making sure you leave with sand in your shoes, selfies with stars, and memories for days. 

Our favorite things to do in Los Angeles include: 

  • Universal Studios 
  • The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes 
  • Madame Tussauds Hollywood 
  • Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour 
  • Aquarium of the Pacific 
  • Griffith Observatory Tour 
  • Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking 
  • The Getty Center Guided Tour 
  • California Science Center IMAX Movie 
  • The Hollywood Museum 

Day 1: Hollywood Stars, Downtown Delights and City Views 

Ready for a little glitz to kick things off? Start your LA adventure in the heart of Hollywood, where legends, landmarks and pure movie magic await. 

Morning: Walk Among the Stars

Hollywood Walk of Fame Plaque

Jump on the Metro Red Line to Hollywood/Highland station. You’ll pop up at Hollywood Boulevard—an energy-packed stretch lined with stars beneath your sneakers and souvenir shops as far as the eye can see. 

Snap a selfie by your favorite handprints outside the TCL Chinese Theatre. Get the inside scoop on film premieres and maybe picture yourself waving from a future red carpet. 

Step next door for nine decades of Tinseltown history at The Hollywood Museum. You’ll wander through walls of costumes, props, and quirky trivia. 

Next, become part of the LA scene at Madame Tussauds Hollywood. The wax figures here are so lifelike you’ll probably double-take—plus, classic film sets and photo ops make it a blast for every age. 

Lunch Break: For a quick and tasty pit stop, head to Mel’s Drive-In on Highland Ave. Mid-century vibes, neon lights and killer milkshakes make it a favorite. The patty melt with shoestring fries is a star in its own right. 

Afternoon: City Sights and Celebrity Stories 

Board the Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour. Sit back, relax, and rubberneck as your guide points out star-studded mansions, historic hotels and filming locations around Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. The open top offers killer views—and maybe a celebrity sighting. 

Fancy stretching your legs? Try The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes. Guides whisk you up gentle paths, sharing LA lore and unbeatable ‘gram-worthy views of the city. 

Dinner Time: Wrap your day at Musso & Frank Grill—the oldest restaurant in Hollywood. Classic steakhouse eats (prime rib and martinis!) in gorgeously old-school surroundings make every guest feel like Hollywood royalty. 

Day 2: Art, Science and Beachside Biking 

Shake off the star-dust—today we’re heading west for a heavy dose of culture, coastal air, and taco-fueled pedal power. 

Morning: Nature, Science and Space

Dinosaur Skeletons at the Natural History Museum

Hop on the Metro Expo Line to Expo Park/USC station. 

Dive right into the Natural History Museum or catch a film at the California Science Center’s IMAX Theater. Butterflies, dinosaur skeletons, and rocket ships spark discovery for travelers of any age. 

Lunch Alert: Check out Mercado La Paloma, just a few minutes’ walk away. Try Chichen Itza’s cochinita pibil tacos (slow-roasted, deeply spiced pork) with homemade salsas—the bustling, communal vibe is hard to beat. 

Afternoon: Getty Greatness 

Ride the Expo Line back to 7th St/Metro Center, then transfer to the Metro Purple Line to Wilshire/Western. Catch the 761 Metro Rapid north—the bus will drop you at the base of The Getty Center tram. 

The Getty Center boasts incredible city views, free art and photography galleries, and ever-changing sculpture gardens. A guided tour reveals the stories behind masterpieces and the modern design of the museum itself. 

Evening: Santa Monica Slices 

Take bus 234 or Uber to Santa Monica. 

For Dinner, Hit up Cassia: Southeast Asian-Californian fusion in an art deco building, with shareable dishes like spicy lamb curry noodles and Vietnamese pot au feu. Sunsets from its patio are an extra treat. 

Post-dinner, wander the Santa Monica Pier—watch the twinkling lights come on as surf sounds fill the night. 

Day 3: Ocean Action and Aquarium Encounters 

Time to crank up the California vibes and chase waves, wheels and whales. 

Morning: Bike By the Beach

Santa Monica Route 66 Sign

Rent a bike from Unlimited Biking in Santa Monica and join their Highlights of Santa Monica and Venice Beach Guided Tour. 

Pedal along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail from Santa Monica’s palm-fringed sand—past Muscle Beach, Venice Skatepark and all the mural-lined magic in between.  

Lunch by the Boardwalk: Venice’s Great White, just steps from the sand, is a chill spot for fresh fish tacos, kale salads and turmeric lattes. Outdoor seating means you’ll bask in full surfer-watching mode. 

Afternoon: Animal Encounters 

Catch the Metro Expo Line to Downtown Santa Monica, then Metro Blue Line south to Downtown Long Beach. From there, it’s a breezy waterfront stroll. 

The Aquarium of the Pacific brings you face-to-face with sea jellies, touch pools with rays, and vibrant underwater tunnels. The atmosphere is both relaxing and mind-expanding—especially for families. 

Bonus: Sunset by the Shore 

If energy (and daylight) permit, take the Blue Line back to Santa Monica and watch the sun dip into the Pacific from Palisades Park. Evenings see locals out walking and street performers working their magic. 

Dinner Finale: Gjelina on Abbot Kinney in Venice brings wood-fired pizza, inventive small plates, and communal buzz. The bustling patio under twinkle-lights is total Californian magic. Don’t miss the butterscotch pot de crème for dessert—a city legend. 

 

Three days, countless photos, endless stories. LA is bigger than the movies—but easy to make your own. Grab your camera and hit the streets…sunshine and stardom are waiting! 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near the Aquarium of the Pacific or Things to Do with Family in Los Angeles 

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®   

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   

See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!   

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Enter The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for spell-casting, or let dinosaurs chase you at Jurassic World — The Ride (spoiler alert: you will get soaked, perfect for a hot August afternoon).  The real treats of summer here are the extra entertainment spectacles. The park rolls out exclusive seasonal shows, character meet & greets, and interactive street parties, all set against that famous panoramic hilltop view. Don’t sleep on the famed Studio Tour—riding the open-air tram through real sets and FX explosions is a quintessential LA experience, and when the sun’s beaming, you’ll want those shady moments. Food trucks and themed eateries keep you fueled (Butterbeer, anyone?) for a day where every corner promises a new wow moment. Whether you arrive early to beat the heat or stick around for fireworks, Universal in August feels as close as you’ll get to stepping inside the silver screen.  Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales: Summer’s Splashiest Wildlife  August is prime time for hitting the water along Southern California’s spectacular coast, and few adventures compare to a half-day on the Pacific in search of dolphins and whales. From Newport Beach—about an hour’s scenic drive from LA—you’ll climb aboard a comfortable vessel for an unforgettable close-up with the region’s stars. Humpback, blue, and fin whales roam these waters in summer, while pods of acrobatic common dolphins steal the spotlight with their leaps and spins.  The crew brings infectious enthusiasm, layering in fascinating ocean trivia and making sure you catch every tail slap or spout. There’s nothing like the salty breeze, warm sun on your face, and blue waves glinting all around. We love how every trip feels unpredictable—one day it’s a sea lion sunbathing on a buoy, the next it’s a parade of pelicans overhead or a giant whale surfacing right beside the boat. There’s ample space onboard for photos (bring your zoom lens!) and most tours last just a few hours, leaving time to grab fish tacos harborside or stroll Newport Pier. For any traveler, this is the purest SoCal summer joy—wildlife, ocean vistas, and a touch of explorer magic.  Griffith Observatory Tour: The Sky’s the Limit  August stars shine bright above LA, making this hilltop observatory a dreamy destination for daytime discovery and magical twilight views. Perched high above the city in Griffith Park, the Observatory is as much about jaw-dropping panoramas as hands-on science. Take a guided tour for behind-the-scenes access and fun astronomy snippets—think space telescopes, meteorite fragments, and the history of how Angelenos mapped the cosmos.  The Observatory’s planetarium shows are legendary. Day or night, you’ll learn what’s visible in the sky that week (August’s Perseids meteor shower is a treat if your trip’s timed right). Then, stick around for the iconic sunset—there’s nothing like watching the LA skyline’s glass towers start to twinkle as the sky turns gold and purple.  The paths winding up to the Observatory are thick with fragrant sage, while the lawn outside buzzes with stargazers and local astronomers setting up telescopes. Everyone’s invited to try a peek! You’ll leave with a headful of galaxy facts, about 100 terrific photos, and maybe plans to return for a free public telescope night. It’s the LA sunset experience even locals treasure.  California Science Center + IMAX Movie: Cool Down, Fuel Up on Wonder  Looking for a midday break from August’s sizzle? The California Science Center is the perfect spot to duck into a world of hands-on wonder. 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The vibe is playful and friendly: no one’s too cool to get goofy, dress up in provided accessories, or act out their red-carpet fantasies.  What sets this spot apart is its Hollywood heart. You’re smack in the middle of the Walk of Fame, with easy access to the TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre tours when you’re done. Whether you’re a movie buff, pop culture lover, or just in it for top-quality people-watching, Madame Tussauds is pure LA entertainment.  Getty Center Guided Tour: Art, Gardens & Views  Set high on a hill above the west side, the Getty Center is not just a museum but an experience—a blend of art, architecture, and those famous LA-light-filled gardens. In August, the tram ride up from the parking area reveals sun-drenched views stretching to the ocean. On arrival, join one of the free guided tours for insider stories about masterpieces by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Monet, plus lessons on the museum’s futuristic travertine architecture.  Step inside cool, airy galleries, then wander out to the sculpture gardens, where streams trickle through flowerbeds and visitors lounge on the grass with iced lattes. The air here feels pure and calm—a world away from the city’s bustle. In summer, the Getty hosts garden concerts, sculpture walks, and creative workshops, making it perfect for everyone from art aficionados to curious newcomers.  The real showstopper? The 360-degree terrace views at sunset, when August’s golden hour turns downtown skyscrapers and the Santa Monica Mountains into silhouettes. Bring a sketchbook or camera, grab a gelato from the cafe, and let the creative buzz wash over you. 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