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!   

Powered by AI

This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

Continue reading

The iconic Hollywood sign in the hills above LA
Blog

4 days in Los Angeles

The sun setting over the beach, golden stars shimmering in the pavement, the iconic Hollywood sign in the hills above – there’s so much about Los Angeles that’s instantly recognizable. And whether you’re staying for a day, a week or a year, there are some things that you simply can’t miss – but how do you know where to start? That’s why we’ve put together this 4-day itinerary that takes in all the essential sights of the City of Angels, while still giving you time to rest and have some fun. And let’s face it – if a visit to Los Angeles isn’t on your bucket list, it should be. Hollywood Walk of Fame TCL Theater Dolby Theater Rodeo Drive Hollywood Sign Theme parks Downtown LA and El Pueblo De Los Angeles Famous LA beaches Day 1 – Hollywood Heights Stop #1 – Hollywood Walk of Fame It’s day one in the big city and we’re starting with the big guns! Start at the Visitor Center on Hollywood Boulevard, then head outside to find the iconic walk of fame, a 1.3-mile stretch of pavement embedded with more than 2,500 stars. It’s free to stroll along and take pictures, and you might even stumble on a Star Ceremony – but if you’re looking for a particular star, you’ll save yourself some time by looking it up here first. Stop #2 - TCL (formerly Grauman’s) Chinese Theater An essential part of the Hollywood experience, the TCL Chinese Theater is where all the premieres happen. Compare your hands and feet to those of your idols in the Forecourt of the Stars, then use your pass to take a 30-minute walking tour of the theater, hearing all the gossip and behind-the-scenes stories of the movie industry. Or use your pass to get into the Hollywood Museum, where you’ll find four floors of movie history and memorabilia – everything from Indiana Jones’ whip to Rocky’s boxing gloves and Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dresses. Stop #3 - Dolby (formerly Kodak) Theater You might not recognize the outside of the Dolby Theater, but if you’ve ever watched the Academy Awards you’ll know where you are the instant you step inside. Now it’s your chance to feel like a VIP with a half-hour guided tour that takes in the elegant grandeur of the 3,400-seat auditorium, the Dolby VIP Lounge and other behind-the-scenes production areas. You’ll also get up close to a real Oscar statuette! Stop #4 – Rodeo Drive Grab some lunch from one of the many diners or street stands around Hollywood Boulevard then jump on the Big Bus Tour to stop 6, Rodeo Drive. Soak up the vibes of Beverly Hills, go shopping – or window shopping – and maybe spot a celebrity. When you’re done jump back on the Big Bus and rest your legs for a while, stopping if you like at the Farmer’s Market (stop 9) to take in a bit more shopping at the Grove. Stop #5 – Hollywood Sign Tour Be at the starting point at 4.15 for an early evening hike up to LA’s most iconic monument, the Hollywood sign. This 90-minute tour will get you as close to the sign as you can get, with unmatchable views over the whole city. Take a few snaps, then it’s downhill all the way home – the perfect way to finish your Hollywood experience. Stop #6 – A romantic evening After all that sightseeing, you’re bound to have worked up an appetite – so how about dinner with a view at Yamashiro in the Hollywood Hills? This famous restaurant has appeared as Japan in several films including Kill Bill and Gone in 60 Seconds. Finish off the evening with a stroll along Wilshire Boulevard, past the Light Installation at the entrance of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, or perhaps go see a movie! Day 2: Theme park No LA visit is complete without a day at a theme park, but there are so many to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one! Here are our suggestions for your first choice – for the others, you’ll just have to come back another time! Universal Studios Univeral Studios is an essential experience for movie buffs! Tour an active studio and see where all your favorite films were made – you might even spot some celebrities on their way to work! There’s also the Hollywood Special Effects show, Simpsons, Transformers and Minion Mayhem rides, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Six Flags Magic Mountain It’s all about the thrills and spills at Six Flags Magic Mountain – here you’ll find over 100 rides, games and attractions, including the world’s tallest and fastest roller coasters. There’s plenty of family-friendly options as well, plus restaurants and water rides. Knott’s Berry Farm Knott’s Berry Farm is a good family-friendly park, with rides to suit every adrenalin level. They love a good theme month here too, as in October you’ll find it transformed into the spooky Knott’s Scary Farm, and in December it becomes the delightfully festive Knott’s Merry Farm. There’s also Knott’s Soak City just up the road, which is the perfect place to cool off in the summer months! Disneyland The young – and young at heart – will always enjoy the magic of Disney. There are two options in LA: Disneyland Park is the original and has more recognizable rides and attractions, while Disney California Adventure is the more modern incarnation, without the iconic castles but with bars that sell alcohol. Warner Brothers Studios Warner Brothers Studios is another fun-filled option if you’re fascinated with film-making! Take a look at back-lot sets, watch green screen technology in action and explore sets from popular television shows including Friends and The Big Bang Theory. Step onto recreated sets from the DC universe, then be sorted into your Hogwarts house at the Wizarding World and Fantastic Beasts exhibitions. Day 3 – Downtown LA Stop #1 – Downtown LA Walking Tour Time to get into the nitty gritty of the city today, exploring LA’s downtown precinct. Get your bearings and learn about LA’s culture, arts and history on a Downtown LA Walking Tour. You’re bound to recognize several spots along the way, including City Hall, The Music Center, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the dazzling exterior of the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Stop #2 – Grand Central Market If you’re a foodie, you’ll be pleased to learn that your walking tour takes in the 1920s Spring Arcade Building, which has a food market, and the Grand Central Market, where you can stay for lunch and sample some world-famous Oysters. Stop #3 – Angel’s Flight and El Pueblo While you digest, ride the world’s shortest railway up to Bunker Hill and back down again. Then take a walk to the Mexican Marketplace via Grand Park and El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. You can also take the chance to go into any of the buildings you passed this morning. Stop #4 – Iconic LA Eateries Stay in El Pueblo District to visit the colorful Mexican marketplace and then choose from French, Asian, Peruvian, Italian and even British themed restaurants when you get peckish. Finish off the evening with a cocktail at Clifton’s Republic, a former cafeteria that now houses four floors of trendy bars, each with a different theme. Day 4 – West Side Story Stop #1 – UCLA Campus After all that sightseeing, you’ve earned a day at the beach! On the way there’s time for a quick stop at the UCLA campus and a look at another Hollywood backdrop – the building that’s played Harvard in several movies, including Legally Blonde. It’s a great spot for a stroll, offering a glimpse into American student life as well as the room at Boelter Hall where the internet was born. Stop 2# - Santa Monica Pier & Third Street Promenade Once you’re done with UCLA, head down to Santa Monica and the Pier. Here you’ll find the official endpoint of the legendary Route 66, with a sign that you just have to take a photo of. Pass the rest of the morning lounging on the beach or head to the small amusement park on the pier, where you’ll find rides, games and an aquarium. Stop #3 – Venice Beach and Canals After lunch, spend a little time wandering around the canals of the Venice district, then head down to Venice Beach to soak up a bit more sun. Go for a swim, slurp on an ice cream or even try renting a bike or roller skates for the afternoon to truly feel like a local. Stop #4 – Sunset over the beach For your final night in LA it’s time to sit back and soak up the atmosphere. Find a cozy restaurant for a romantic dinner or keep things casual with a burger from In N’Out and a treat from Sidecar Doughnuts. Then go for a stroll along the boardwalk, or just sit and watch as the sun sets over the pacific. See more with Go City There’s so much to see in Los Angeles, from Hollywood icons to pristine beaches, that you’re bound to want to come back again and again. Ensure you don’t miss a thing with the Go City All-Inclusive Pass, which will save you money on dozens of LA’s most famous attractions.
Karleen Stevens
Los Angeles Skyline at Sunset
Blog

Tricks, Treats, and California Sun: LA’s Best October Activities

Ready for a fall trip with California sun, haunted houses, and outdoor adventures? LA’s got you covered.
Blog

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a fantastic destination that everybody should experience at least once in a lifetime. Still, choosing a place to stay can be a laborious task. The city is so massive and spread out, with iconic sites around every corner. From world-famous landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame to Santa Monica Pier and the Getty Villa, the city will always leave you wanting more. For dynamism, cultural impact and sheer diversity, the city is really hard to beat. Still overwhelmed by the prospect of exploring a new city? Don’t worry! In this article, we’ll break down the best areas in Los Angeles to stay in and share some of our top travel tips. Santa Monica For those who want to be near the beach without missing out on the vibrant city atmosphere, we recommend staying in Santa Monica. This spot is perfect for both families and solo travellers alike, with a wide variety of exciting attractions and activities to choose from. The neighborhood is of course home to the iconic Santa Monica Pier, but that’s not all there is to see here. For nature lovers, we highly recommend heading over to the Santa Monica Mountains for a hike. But if nature isn’t quite your thing, don’t worry - the area is home to some of the best shopping in SoCal, with Montana Avenue and Main Street District right at your fingertips. Stay here, and you’ll also be surrounded by tons of great bars, restaurants, and entertainment. The neighborhood is super walkable and scenic, but if you want to go a little further out, we would recommend calling for a cab or taking advantage of some of the city’s great public transport options. Hollywood If you’re looking to be in the center of all the action, Hollywood would be the best bet. A once gritty, urban neighbourhood-turned major tourist hub, this spot now showcases iconic sights at every turn. Hollywood Boulevard, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Walk of Fame, and Universal Studios - you name it, Hollywood’s got it! In addition, the neighborhood is bordered by West Hollywood and Fairfax, the Hollywood Hills, and East Hollywood, granting access to some of the best shopping, dining and entertainment in town. If you’re a foodie, we recommend heading over to East Hollywood, where you’ll find a fantastic array of restaurants in Little Armenia and Thai Town. Or, if it’s high-energy nightlife that you’re after, West Hollywood is the place to be. From spirited cabaret shows to fun comedy clubs, you’ll never be bored here. Since the neighborhood is so popular, you’ll find that there is a wide range of accommodation both in style and budget to choose from. We recommend booking quite far in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the spring or summertime. Beverly Hills For a truly luxurious stay in La La Land, what could be a better choice than Beverly Hills? As you might have guessed, this area is pretty extraordinary, so we recommend exploring it on foot as much as you can. Wandering through the neighborhood, you’ll be able to view some schmancy mansions in a wide variety of architectural styles and carefully-manicured gardens. Still, this notably glamorous place has much more to offer outside of its evident beauty. Living up to its famous zip code, this spot is home to some great attractions - here, you can visit the Beverly Hills sign, the Greystone Mansion, and the Virginia Robinson Gardens. Still, one of our favorite spots has got to be the Spadena House, a quirky only-in-Los Angeles attraction. Standing as a distinctive example of storybook style-architecture, this spot has served as a filming location for many fantasy films over the years. Though it is now a private residence, visitors are welcome to visit and take guided tours to marvel over its wholly unique interiors. The neighborhood is also home to one of the best shopping destinations in L.A., Rodeo Drive. Even if you’re not a big spender, this pristine thoroughfare is perfect for a casual day of window shopping and grabbing a bite to eat. And of course, the area boasts some of the swankiest hotels in all of Los Angeles, including the Beverly Hilton and the wonderful Beverly Hills Hotel. Though the area is obviously pretty pricey, we promise that staying here is well worth it. Malibu Another one of our favorite places to stay in the city has got to be Malibu. A little more grown-up than Santa Monica, Malibu is perfect for romantic getaways or solo travellers, known for its beautiful beachfront and aura of relaxed chic. Aside from serving as a prime destination for soaking up the sun, the district is great for shopping addicts, with Malibu Country Mart, Point Dume Village and Promenade at Westlake drawing in the crowds at weekends. Come nightfall, we highly suggest checking out some of the area’s wonderful waterfront restaurants. Here you’ll be able to find locally-sourced fresh seafood in a wide variety of dishes. From oysters and classic lobster rolls to delicious sushi and coconut shrimp, this place is a total dream for food lovers. Come nightfall, sip a cocktail on the beach, enjoy jazz nights and rooftop theater. Combining SoCal’s laidback nature with a touch of sophistication, this spot has much to offer all visitors. Los Angeles is a fantastic destination to visit with so many great places to stay in. We recommend taking a little time to think about your itinerary so that you can be certain that your accommodation fits just right! Maximize your travel experience with an All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less
Sarah Harris

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.