Planning a trip to LA and wondering if you’ll have time to see it all? With a city this sprawling—from sandy beaches to star-studded boulevards—six days is the sweet spot. With a bit of planning, you’ll explore movie sets, savor diverse bites, learn some science, bask on famous beaches, and maybe spot a celebrity or two. No matter if you’re with family, friends, or flying solo, these six fun-filled days in Los Angeles will have you falling for La La Land’s unique blend of culture, creativity, and California sunshine.
Our big LA favorites for six days of adventure include:
- Griffith Observatory
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Santa Monica & Venice Beach
- The Getty Center
- Natural History Museum
- Madame Tussauds Hollywood
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour
- Beverly Hills Bike Tour
- Aquarium of the Pacific
- La Brea Tar Pits & Museum
- California Science Center
- Grand Central Market
- The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour
Day 1: Hollywood Classics and Celebrity Sights
Kick off your LA adventure in the heart of movie magic—Hollywood! Start with the Red Line Metro to Hollywood/Highland Station. Step straight out onto Hollywood Boulevard, where the energy buzzes and the Walk of Fame is just the beginning.
First, scoop up a ticket to Madame Tussauds Hollywood. Rub shoulders (okay, waxy elbows) with your favorite stars and snap selfies alongside legends. The place is vibrant and surprising—who knew Britney was taller than you?
Just across the street, slip into the TCL Chinese Theatre for a guided tour. Dive into stories of glamorous movie premieres and hunt for your hand size mate among the cemented handprints. The interior décor is nothing short of show-stopping, where golden dragons and lavish detailing transport you to Hollywood’s golden age.
Hungry for a midday bite? Walk over to Musso & Frank Grill. With its deep red booths and tuxedoed servers, it’s been an industry favorite for over a century. Go for the legendary flannel cakes or the classic martini—either way, you're eating where countless movie stars have lunched.
Afterward, hop on the Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour right from Hollywood Boulevard. Spy luxe mansions in Beverly Hills, gasp at palm-lined avenues, and get a peek into the lifestyle of LA’s rich and famous.
Polish off your first day with a stroll along Sunset Boulevard. Grab rooftop cocktails and small plates at Mama Shelter’s Rooftop Bar—bright umbrellas, a fun crowd, and sweeping views from downtown to the Hollywood sign.
Day 2: Universal Thrills and Griffith Views
Day 2: Universal Thrills and Griffith Views
Today’s about thrills and views! Ride the Red Line Metro north to Universal City/Studio City Station, followed by a quick free tram to Universal Studios Hollywood. From Hogwarts to the backlot tour, you’ll catch classic movie sets and rush between cutting-edge rides. There’s energy everywhere, and each themed zone gives off its own dose of Hollywood sparkle.
After hours of high-octane fun, hop the tram back and catch a Metro bus (line 222 from Universal City, toward Hollywood) up to the Griffith Observatory. It’s perched perfectly in Griffith Park—come for fascinating science displays and stay for world-class city views and telescope peeks. The vibe is equal parts educational and awe-inspiring, especially as the sun dips and LA’s twinkling lights flare to life.
If you’re feeling active, take the Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour (access via the DASH Observatory shuttle from Vermont/Sunset Metro station). The hike’s a winner for both families and couples, with expert guides peppering local history and pop culture tidbits as you work your way up to one of LA’s most legendary vantage points.
Dinner’s at Little Dom’s in Los Feliz—candlelit booths, vintage movie posters, and house-made meatballs make for a cozier-than-Hollywood kind of evening.
Day 3: Beach Breaks and Bike Rides
Time to soak in LA’s seaside sunshine. Take the Expo Line from downtown right into Santa Monica. For an active morning, grab bikes at Santa Monica Bike Rentals by Unlimited Biking or join the Highlights of Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour. Cruise the boardwalk—muscle beach, colorful murals, street performers, and outdoor gyms galore. The salty breeze and vibrant atmosphere will have you feeling full California.
Linger for lunch at The Albright on the Santa Monica Pier. Their clam chowder and lobster rolls, served with wharf views and salty air, hit all the seaside cravings. Watch for the pelicans perched nearby.
For the afternoon, stroll or ride down to Venice Beach. Duck into Menotti’s Coffee Stop for a perfectly-pulled cortado and cool, retro-surf atmosphere, complete with vinyl records on the speakers.
Back in Santa Monica, catch the sunset from The Bungalow—cocktails and string-light ambiance make it a relaxed spot to wind down before dinner. Finish the day at Cassia, where modern Asian-influenced dishes (think Vietnamese pot au feu) pair with breezy, open-air dining and a hip crowd.
Day 4: Art, Science, and Space
Day 4: Art, Science, and Space
Today’s for art lovers and curious minds. Start with a ride on Metro’s Expo Line to Exposition Park. Begin at the Natural History Museum—grand halls filled with towering dinos, glittering gems, and beautifully detailed diorama rooms. The butterfly pavilion in spring is a delight.
Then, stroll just next door to the California Science Center. It’s wondrous for kids and adults—interactive hands-ons galore, and the highlight is definitely catching an IMAX Movie.
Hungry? Take a break at Grand Central Market downtown, just a short Metro hop away. It’s always buzzing, and you’re surrounded by every type of LA cuisine: Eggslut draws a big crowd for their signature egg sandwiches, or try Pupuseria Salvadoreña for pillowy pupusas with zippy salsa. There are lots of communal tables and a friendly, all-sorts-of-people energy.
Spend your afternoon surrounded by world-class art at The Getty Center (take the Metro Red Line to Union Station, then bus 761). The tram sweeps you up the hill for panoramic city and ocean views, then you’re meandering through fine art, modern sculpture gardens, and eye-popping architecture.
If you’re feeling fancy, dinner at The Getty Restaurant offers sunset views and fresh Californian fare. For something less formal, swing by Father’s Office in Culver City—dive-bar lighting, a legendary burger (no substitutions!), and a wall of craft beer taps.
Day 5: LA History, Strange Science, and Stadium Spectacle
Start at the legendary La Brea Tar Pits and Museum (Wilshire Blvd, Metro Purple Line to Wilshire/Western). It’s fascinating and a bit surreal—the bubbling tar, life-sized mammoths, and dramatic stories of LA’s prehistoric past make this genuinely unique.
From there, it’s a short bus or Uber to the heart of downtown’s Autry Museum of the American West. Here you’re immersed in captivating stories, art, and artifacts, all celebrating Western legend and Hollywood’s take on it—the galleries are colorful, the exhibits interactive, and the atmosphere invites discovery at every turn.
Wind things down with dinner at The Proud Bird near LAX airport—a lively aviation-themed food bazaar with everything from bao buns to barbecue, and windows overlooking incoming planes. Kids and adults alike will love the model planes and open-air patio.
Day 6: Animals, Oceans, and Ghostly Adventures
Day 6: Animals, Oceans, and Ghostly Adventures
Head south for a day packed with wildlife and ocean wonders! Take the Metro Blue Line (A Line) to Downtown Long Beach for the Aquarium of the Pacific. Meet playful sea otters, walk through the shark lagoon tunnel, and brush up on Southern California marine life. The jellyfish room is especially mesmerizing.
Next, hop on the Aquabus (a quirky, colorful water taxi) for a breezy ride across Rainbow Harbor. Disembark at Shoreline Village, where you can explore funky shops and snag some classic souvenir photos with views of the Queen Mary.
For lunch, head to Parkers’ Lighthouse. The vibe here is relaxed coastal elegance, with wraparound windows overlooking the harbor and, if you’re a seafood lover, crave-worthy signature dishes like the mesquite-grilled fresh fish or their famous lobster bisque.
As the afternoon winds down, head back into town for one last quirky LA experience: The Haunt Ghost Tour. Gather at your meeting point in downtown LA and prepare for tales of haunted theatres, spectral movie stars, and chilling unsolved mysteries. The tour is fun and just a touch spooky, with enthusiastic guides who bring the stories (and streets) to life in true Hollywood style.
For your farewell dinner, book a table at Redbird in Downtown LA. Set inside a stunning former cathedral, it’s all soaring ceilings, candlelight, and glamour. The menu is modern American—think perfectly-cooked ribeye, cauliflower with hazelnuts and pomegranate, or their highly-praised cocktails. It’s the ideal final taste of LA: creative, buzzy, and unforgettable.
If the night is still young, cap your adventure with a nightcap at the swanky Broken Shaker rooftop bar. Tropical drinks, eclectic decor, city views, and plenty of that anything-can-happen-in-LA vibe—it’s the perfect spot to toast an epic week in the City of Angels.
Summary
In six days, you’ll have covered everything that captures the spirit of Los Angeles—the movie magic, the endless beaches, the quirky neighborhoods, and the hidden eateries that locals love. Whether you’re cycling Venice, star-spotting in Beverly Hills, or marveling at science at Exposition Park, LA promises plenty of reasons to keep coming back for more.
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