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.   

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June Days in LA: Sun, Stars, and Splashy Experiences

Sunshine on your face, palm trees overhead, and the infectious buzz of summer in the air—LA in June just feels like pure possibility. While some cities are just warming up, here you’ll find celebrations and outdoor fun in full swing, sandy beaches already buzzing, and local hotspots serving up great eats and cool experiences. Whether you want family-friendly thrills, epic sightseeing, or a sun-kissed day by the Pacific, June is absolutely packed with reasons to love Los Angeles. Ready to plan the ultimate start-of-summer trip? We’re serving up a handpicked list of must-dos, from legendary theme parks to can’t-miss cultural gems, plus the very best ways to enjoy that endless California blue sky.  The Best Things to Do in June in Los Angeles:  Universal Studios Hollywood  California Science Center & IMAX Movie  Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales  Griffith Observatory Tour  Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking  Battleship IOWA Museum  Knott’s Soak City Water Park  GRAMMY Museum  Getty Center Guided Tour  LA’s Best Summer Festivals and Free Events  2. California Science Center & IMAX Movie: Cool Off with Wonder  Need a break from the heat? Step inside the California Science Center, where you’ll find hours of hands-on science exhibits and, in June, plenty of families on the hunt for cool discoveries. This isn’t just about learning facts—it’s about launching rockets, building robots, and touching marine creatures in the Discovery Rooms. Kids (and adults) will love the new interactive displays that change with the seasons.  What’s truly special, though, is the Space Shuttle Endeavour, perched in its own pavilion and looking all kinds of epic. Just try to resist snapping a dozen photos! Pair your visit with a larger-than-life IMAX movie experience, where you can travel to the micro-world of cells, dive into deep oceans, or zoom through outer space across a five-story screen.  With a lively atmosphere, great café options, and the lush Exposition Park Rose Garden just outside, the Science Center turns a hot June afternoon into a cool day trip—no sunscreen required!  3. Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales: Wild Encounters on the Pacific  Ready to get out on the open water? In June, marine life migrates along the coast, making it prime time for an unforgettable whale watching tour. With Newport Whales, you’ll hop on a comfortable boat, spot playful pods of dolphins, sunbathing sea lions, and—if you’re lucky—migrating blue and humpback whales.  Cruising down the coast with the salty breeze and sun sparkling on the water, you’ll see LA from a totally new perspective. Onboard naturalists share fascinating facts, and you’ll come away with a camera full of action shots and a mind full of ocean trivia. This tour is perfect for families, couples, or anyone craving a taste of untamed California.  And if you’re planning a full day out, pair the cruise with a stroll around Newport Beach’s lively harbor, or grab a classic seafood lunch nearby. Pro tip: June’s early morning or late afternoon tours often get great light—and sometimes even better wildlife activity!  4. Griffith Observatory Tour: Go Starry-Eyed Over LA  Nothing says “summer in LA” quite like sunset views from atop Griffith Park. The observatory itself—a white-domed Art Deco masterpiece—sits perched over the city, ready to grant unbeatable views of LA’s twinkling skyline and the Hollywood Sign. In June, the late-setting sun means extra time to wander hiking trails before hitting the observatory for telescopes, cosmic exhibits, and free planetarium shows.  The vibe here is pure LA: movie buffs relive their favorite “La La Land” scenes, astronomy lovers get hands-on with solar telescopes, and every visitor is welcome to peek at planets through the public telescopes after dusk (on clear nights, of course). Friendly volunteers share cosmic facts and the gift shop is packed with quirky astronaut swag.  Planning tip: It’s worth joining a guided tour to hear behind-the-scenes stories—plus, you’ll snag insider tips on the park’s hiking routes and hidden photo spots.  5. Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking: See the Coast in Style  If you want to embrace California summer the local way, there’s only one answer: hop on a beach cruiser and roll from Santa Monica to Venice Beach. In June, a light breeze and sunny skies create perfect cycling weather—no crowds, no stress, just you and miles of classic coastline.  The guided bike tour with Unlimited Biking feels equal parts adventure and chill session. Start on Santa Monica’s wide, bustling boardwalk, stopping at iconic spots like the Santa Monica Pier—with its twirling Ferris wheel and street performers. Then, cruise south towards Venice, where skate parks, energetic street art, and boho shops create a vibrant, laid-back atmosphere.  Along the way, you’ll get great stories about local legends, hidden gems, and the wild history of these beach towns. Plus, there are plenty of stops for photos, snacks, or just sitting with your toes in the sand. Wrap up with fresh juice at Venice’s beachside cafes and a heart full of SoCal summer spirit.  7. Knott’s Soak City Water Park: Splash Into Summer  When temps rise, LA locals know the secret to staying cool: water parks! Knott’s Soak City, located next to Knott’s Berry Farm, opens up for summer in June with wave pools, lazy rivers, and swirling slides for every age (and adrenaline level). For families or anyone who loves a good pool day, it’s pure, splashy bliss.  Chill out in cabanas with snacks and icy drinks delivered to your lounge chair, or race friends down wild body slides. The Shore Break area is filled with multi-story slides sure to thrill, while Gremmie Lagoon has mini adventures for tiny swimmers. There’s even a giant wave pool when you want to float and soak up the sun.  Once you’ve towelled off, take a stroll over to neighboring Knott’s Berry Farm, where rides, Peanuts characters, and fried chicken dinners await for the perfect Southern California day.  8. GRAMMY Museum: Discover Music’s Legends and Local Sound  Music fans, June is the month the GRAMMY Museum ramps up with fresh summer exhibits, live events, and hands-on fun. Located in downtown LA’s glitzy L.A. LIVE complex, this museum captures all the charisma of the music industry—from legend-spotting in dazzling exhibits to actual recording booths where you can try singing like a star.  Wander through galleries filled with costumes, archival footage, and instruments from rock, jazz, hip-hop, and Latin icons. The rotating exhibits are always worth a look—June often brings immersive tributes to summer music festivals, legendary performances, and the ever-expanding story of LA’s role in the global music scene.  Thanks to interactive displays, you’re not just looking—you’ll play, mix, and dance your way through, discovering everything from songwriting secrets to the evolution of the music video. Whether you grew up with The Beatles or Kendrick Lamar, you’ll find something that hits the right note.  9. Getty Center Guided Tour: Art, Views, and Garden Strolls  In June, the Getty Center is pure West Side magic. Sun pours in through its glass-wrapped hills, gardens are in bloom, and the views from the hilltop campus take in all of West LA to the distant shimmer of the ocean. It’s the perfect day for art, architecture, and an outdoor lunch surrounded by lush landscaping.  Start with a guided tour—always lively, thanks to Getty’s friendly educators—and get the stories behind European masterpieces, ancient Greek sculptures, and vivid impressionist works. The museum’s open courtyards, spectacular fountains, and modern marble design create an atmosphere that’s peaceful, inspiring, and, honestly, great for Instagram.  Stroll the Central Garden, designed by Robert Irwin, for a riot of summer color, and don’t miss rotating exhibits that bring fresh energy to every visit. When hunger strikes, the Getty’s on-site café and restaurant offer everything from quick snacks to garden-facing dining for a picture-perfect break. Every angle at the Getty feels like a summer postcard.  10. LA’s Best Summer Festivals and Free Events: Celebrate All Month Long  No June visit to Los Angeles would be complete without joining a local festival or open-air event. Summer in LA means the whole city comes alive! Look out for big hitters like the LA Pride Parade & Festival (a dazzling, joyous celebration full of music, food, and parades—generally held in West Hollywood), the outdoor Hollywood Bowl summer concert series (bring a picnic and your favorite people), and the eclectic LA Film Festival or Korean Festival for film fans and foodies alike.  For something a little more chill, check out free Shakespeare in the Park performances, family movie nights on the beach (Manhattan Beach puts on a great show), or outdoor yoga in Runyon Canyon Park. Farmers’ markets and street fairs pop up everywhere, offering samples, crafts, and some of the region’s freshest produce.  With so many options—from major citywide parties to small local happenings—there’s always an excuse to join a spontaneous celebration, catch live music, or simply soak up the buzz of summer in LA.    Los Angeles in June is a swirl of fun and possibility. Whether you’re hunting down dolphins along the Pacific, stargazing over Griffith Park, cycling lazy beach trails, or indulging in splashy rides and giant scoops of gelato, there’s a memory waiting around every palm tree. Add in unbeatable summer festivals, world-class museums, and those long, golden evenings—and it’s easy to see why LA is the place to kick off summer in style. Pack your sunhat, bring your camera, and let the June magic unfold.    Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Madame Tussauds Hollywood or Things to Do with Friends 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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