Los Angeles dazzles visitors with golden beaches, legendary landmarks, and a style that’s effortlessly cool. Whether you’re a film buff, science lover, foodie, or just in it for the sunshine, five days is the sweet spot for exploring the city’s most exciting neighbourhoods and attractions. We’ll cover everything from Hollywood glitz to surfy Venice, with stops for museum-hopping, celebrity spotting, and world-class eats in between.
Here are some of our favorite must-dos and see-ins in LA:
- Universal Studios
- The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes
- Madame Tussauds Hollywood
- Hollywood Museum
- 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 Glam, Walk of Fame, and Movie Magic
Day 1: Hollywood Glam, Walk of Fame, and Movie Magic
First up, dive into the world of movie history at the Hollywood Museum inside the Max Factor Building. The costumes and behind-the-scenes memorabilia make you feel like you’re stepping onto the set yourself. Next, just a short walk away, check out the TCL Chinese Theatre Tour for detailed stories about major movie premieres, and those famous handprints. The interior dazzles with ornate ceilings and history-laden stories from Tinseltown’s heyday.
Ready for a switch-up? Stroll, or hop on Metro B from Hollywood/Highland, to the Dolby Theatre Guided Tour. Get the lowdown on the Oscars and sneak a peek at the theater’s grand interiors, where all those golden statuettes are handed out.
Lunch calls for a table at Musso & Frank Grill (close by), where red-jacketed servers and dark wood interiors serve up perfect martinis and legendary steaks. Their chicken pot pie is a local favorite, and the ambiance makes everyone feel a little like a star.
In the afternoon, buy a ticket for the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Discover Tour (pick up the bus on Hollywood Boulevard). It’s the most fun way to sightsee—sit up top and grab all those best LA cityscape shots as you hit Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive, and stop off for photos.
Dinner’s just west on Sunset. Tuck into crispy tofu tacos or signature burgers at Pink Taco, with bustling outdoor seating under twinkly lights. For a drink after, No Vacancy (hidden in a Victorian house on Hollywood Blvd) delivers sought-after cocktails and a speakeasy vibe.
Day 2: Beachy Fun and Santa Monica’s Charm
Time to swap the city for the coast! Take Metro E Line west to Santa Monica and breathe in that fresh Pacific air. Pick up your wheels with Santa Monica Bike Rentals by Unlimited Biking—the best way to cruise the beachfront, from the Santa Monica Pier’s candy-colored hues south to lively Venice Beach.
If you’re up for more cycling, book a spot on the Highlights of Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour. Guides share quirky stories while you weave past canal bridges, skate parks, and maybe a sunbathing celebrity or two.
Beachside lunch at The Albright on the pier never disappoints—try fish tacos or a lobster roll as you enjoy ocean breezes and epic people-watching.
After lunch, walk north 10 minutes along Ocean Avenue to the Heal the Bay Aquarium—small but packed with engaging touch tanks and local sea creatures. Kids and adults alike get hands-on with starfish and learn about keeping LA’s waters clean.
In the afternoon, stroll (or roll) the Third Street Promenade to browse lively shops and street performers. If you have energy to burn, wander up Palisades Park for panoramic ocean views.
Evening drinks? The Bungalow at the Fairmont offers string-lit gardens, a seaside party atmosphere, and magical sunset views over the ocean. For dinner, Forma impresses with handmade pasta (try the cheese-wheel-finished truffle tagliatelle!) in a warm, bustling space—perfect for winding down a coastal day.
Day 3: Arts, Science, and the Urban Wild
Day 3: Arts, Science, and the Urban Wild
Head downtown on the Metro E Line to the revitalized heart of LA. Kick things off with a morning at the GRAMMY Museum, where interactive exhibits and rare performances let you dance through music history.
From here, walk 10 minutes south to the Natural History Museum at Exposition Park. You’ll find fearsome dino skeletons, vivid dioramas, and a butterfly pavilion that feels like stepping into a fairy tale.
Lunchtime is all about food trucks at Exposition Park—grab short rib tacos or vegan ramen in the sunshine. Need a cool treat? The Juice (inside USC Village) whips up revitalizing smoothies.
After lunch, take the Metro Expo Line out to the California Science Center for an IMAX movie or a wander around Endeavour Space Shuttle. Exhibits on science, tech, and the human body keep all ages curious.
Wrap up your afternoon with a stroll through Exposition Park’s rose gardens—these free, fragrant grounds offer a perfect break from museum-hopping.
For dinner, make your way over to Broken Spanish, a modern Mexican restaurant with standout tamales and a sleek, energetic vibe. Afterwards, sample drinks at Birds & Bees—a cozy, hidden basement bar with inventive cocktails.
Day 4: Urban Outdoors and Culture
Rise early and ride the Metro B Line out to Griffith Park. Get your steps in with the The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes, where local guides share wild tales of the sign’s history and show you the best photo ops with the city sprawling below.
Next up, take a short Lyft ride to the Autry Museum of the American West in Griffith Park. The galleries trace LA’s cowboy, Native American, and film roots, with hands-on exhibits and even gold-panning.
Grab a relaxed outdoor lunch at The Trails Café—order the savory mushroom quiche or homemade granola and soak up the woodland scenery.
In the afternoon, use Metro B and D Lines to ride north and transfer to bus 234, which takes you to the dramatic hilltop of the Getty Center. The gardens are sculptural, the art world-class, and the light has that dreamlike LA quality artists love. The free tram up the hill just adds to the adventure.
Stick around for sunset—you’ll see LA glow beneath you—and have dinner at the Getty’s restaurant (try the fennel-crusted salmon or burrata with hazelnuts). The setting is sophisticated yet relaxed, and the city views are hard to beat.
Day 5: Classic LA and Waterfront Wonders
Day 5: Classic LA and Waterfront Wonders
For your final LA day, journey south on the Metro Blue Line to Long Beach. Kick things off at the Aquarium of the Pacific—its playful otters, jellies, and shark lagoon thrill every ocean lover. Don’t miss the immersive Lorikeet Forest aviary, where the birds occasionally land right on your shoulder.
Lunchtime by the water? Drift over to Parkers’ Lighthouse, a bright, breezy spot perched right on the marina. You’ll want to order the famous lobster bisque or the mesquite-grilled fresh fish. Overlooking bobbing sailboats, it’s an easygoing spot that’s pure SoCal.
Next, hop on the Long Beach Transit Passport bus or a quick Uber over to the imposing, historic Battleship IOWA Museum. Explore the decks, peer inside the captain’s cabin, and picture daily life in the thick of historic naval battles—it’s genuinely fascinating, and the navy anecdotes shared by volunteer docents bring the ship’s story to life.
For your last LA dinner, check out BO-Beau Kitchen + Roof Tap. The rooftop patio, rustic-industrial vibes, and string lights set the mood for a perfect farewell meal. Order the crispy Brussels sprouts (they’re legendary) or the savory bistro burger with garlic fries.
Wrap up the night at The Blind Donkey, an intimate whiskey bar with laid-back locals and friendly bartenders. Toast to your trip, savor your nightcap, and let the easy California ambiance sink in.
Five Days in LA: The Highlights
From the star-studded streets of Hollywood to Long Beach’s laid-back charm, this five-day itinerary wraps up LA’s greatest experiences—easy to follow, packed with flavor, and unforgettable at every turn. Now go soak up that California dream—one beach, bite, and blockbuster at a time!
Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do During a Heatwave in Los Angeles or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Los Angeles Passes
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