Los Angeles

Los Angeles itinerary – 3 days in Los Angeles for first timers

There's a LOT to do in LA. So if you've only got three days, here are the highlights...
By Katie Sagal

From Hollywood showbiz and studio tours to amusement parks and beaches, can you possibly fit it all into 3 days? The answer is yes, you can! And here's how.

From movie magic to beach days, it's tricky to make sure everyone can see and do all the LA attractions they want to, so kick back, relax, and take advantage of our 3 Days in Los Angeles itinerary. It'll help you plan to visit many of the top attractions and get the full spectrum of LA entertainment in just a long weekend. 

This 3-day Los Angeles itinerary includes...
 

  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Universal Citywalk (free!)
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
  • Madame Tussauds Hollywood
  • Behind-The-Scenes Hollywood Tour
  • Dolby Theatre® Guided Tour
  • Pacific Park
  • Malibu Celebrity Homes Tour
  • Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
  • Perry's Beach Café & Bike Rentals
  • Venice Boardwalk (free!)

Only have a few days in Los Angeles? We’ve also put together a 1 day and weekend in Los Angeles itinerary.

DAY 1 Stop #1: Universal Studios Hollywood

crash-site-universal-studios

You could spend the entire day at this mega-attraction and it will be well worth your time. Universal Studios Hollywood is part working studio, part theme park, and all fun. Take an extensive and informative tour and you'll get a peek behind the scenes at one of the world’s most famous studios. Enjoy thrilling rides, shows, and attractions that feature your favorite films, like TRANSFORMERSDespicable Me, and more.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a popular attraction with kids and adults alike, providing everything from recreated sets and real props to exciting souvenirs and genuine Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice at the Hog's Head pub (located in the recreated village of Hogsmeade).

We recommend reserving between 5-6 hours for this attraction. Learn more about Universal Studios or Disneyland so you can plan your agenda appropriately.

Stop #2: Universal Citywalk (free!)

This shopping and dining destination is part of the true Universal Studios Hollywood experience, and you’ll want to check it out before you leave. With 30 different restaurants to choose from, you’ll easily be able to enjoy both lunch and dinner here without feeling like you’re restricting your tastebuds.

There’s more to this area than just dining – there are also tons of attractions, shops, and experiences for you to enjoy with the whole family. Admission is free, although additional attractions may incur costs. There are also nightlife spots that adults will enjoy, including music venues.

DAY 2 Stop #1: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

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Today’s another day spent in Hollywood. Begin with the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at the world’s busiest studio. You’ll get to see stock sets for locations like “quiet town” and “busy urban exterior,” and the sets of current shows being filmed on location.

Current shows at Warner Bros. Studio include Young SheldonConan, and many more. Several special exhibits pay homage to shows or movies filmed here in the past, like the actual set of Central Perk (the famed coffee shop from Friends), Gilmore Girls, a collection of various Batmobiles, and DC Universe: The Exhibit. This tour typically lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Be sure to check out our post about the best Los Angeles studio tours before your visit.

Stop #2: Madame Tussauds Hollywood

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The images shown depict wax figures created and owned by Madame Tussauds.

Who wouldn’t love the chance to meet their favorite celebrities? (Well, in a way.) Head to the world’s most famous wax museum for a chance to explore celebrity culture the Madame Tussauds Hollywood way.

Some highlighted exhibit areas at Madame Tussauds Hollywood include “Movie Stars,” “Hollywood Icons,” “Pop Stars,” “Sports Stars,” and many more. With over 100 different celebrities and characters depicted at this museum, you’re sure to find a favorite. We recommend leaving at between 1-2 hours for this attraction - that should give you enough time to snap some superb selfies.

Want to save money on those bucket-list attractions? 

Check out passes from Go City and you could save yourself up to 50% on your must-sees – perfect!  

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Stop #3: Behind-The-Scenes Hollywood Tour

Pick up this next tour right in the same neighborhood, conveniently located on Hollywood Boulevard. This behind-the-scenes Hollywood Tour is a fun walking tour that takes you all throughout the Hollywood neighborhood, highlighting both the big-name attractions and the lesser-known points of significance.

TCL Chinese Theatre

Some of the highlights of your tour include the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s), the Dolby Theatre, the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Sign, the Roosevelt Hotel, plus famous filming locations and sets. We recommend making reservations if you’re traveling during the busy season, as this tour does fill up fast. Set aside at least 1 hour for this tour.

Stop #4: Dolby Theatre® Guided Tour

This half-hour Dolby Theatre® Guided Tour is your VIP access to the home of the Academy Awards® Ceremonies. Step inside and revel in the elegance of this state-of-the-art facility. During the tour you will get a chance to do several fascinating things, like see an official Oscar® statuette (IRL), visit the Dolby Lounge and spots where only celebs get to go, plus see photos from past ceremonies.

You're essentially walking in the footsteps of the famous actors and actresses who fill this famous building each year for the Academy Awards!

DAY 3 Stop #1: Pacific Park

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Today is your day to explore charming Santa Monica. Pacific Park, located on the Santa Monica Pier, is a charming amusement park with exciting rides and historic attractions that the whole family will love. Did you know that Pacific Park also owns the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel?

They also have plenty of other classic rides and traditional arcade games to round out a fun morning. It's a great place to go with kids, and is a wonderful little jolt of nostalgia for adults, too. Try some fairground games and save some room for cotton candy! We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction.

Stop #2: Heal the Bay Aquarium

After you’ve taken the time to explore human life in Santa Monica, why not learn about the diverse marine life of the area? A visit to the Heal the Bay Aquarium is the perfect opportunity to do just that. Home to over 100 different species, from sea urchins to sharks, this aquarium is the perfect destination for the aspiring marine biologist or the animal lover in the family.

If you’re visiting on a Sunday, be sure to catch their shark presentation and feeding. We recommend leaving between 1-2 hours for this attraction.

Stop #3: Perry's Beach Café & Bike Rentals

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Experience the authentic California beach lifestyle with a 3-hour bike or rollerblade rental from Perry's Beach Café and Rentals. Part café, part beach rental hotspot, Perry's specializes in gear for active beach-goers. Here you can enjoy a ride along the boardwalk and experience the famous Santa Monica beachside community.

The sun is likely to be shining, so you'll be able to enjoy warm temperatures during your excursion. Plus, after your rental is done, you can stop at the cafe for a sampling of their incredible menu, with diverse organic options and fresh fare.

Stop #4: Venice Boardwalk (free!)

venice-beach-los-angeles-california-la

Head a bit further south along Santa Monica Beach to Venice Beach and explore new territory with a visit to the famous Venice Boardwalk. This charming neighborhood is filled with great photo ops and chances for people-watching, in addition to being a good place to top up your tan. Explore the nearby Abbot Kinney area for something new.

Make the most of your three days in Los Angeles

This itinerary should give you a great selection of places to go and things to do in LA - we hope it'll ensure your vacation is full of fun and entertainment without the stress of planning from scratch.

In terms of getting around In LA, we recommend personal transportation, but there are other options. Spending some more time in sunny California? Then check out our San Diego to San Francisco itinerary - talk about a fun road trip!

Save on admission to top Los Angeles attractions with Go City®  

Discover our full line-up of Los Angeles attractions including the Hollywood Sign Tour, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm, and more.  

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

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Los Angeles in February

A quintessential West Coast city, Los Angeles showcases a fantastic mix of urban cool and wonderful natural beauty. There are countless things to do there for all types of travellers - no really, we mean it! Whether it’s viewing world-class art at The Broad or checking out the charming penguins at the Aquarium of the Pacific, you’re sure to find something to keep you busy! February is also a great time to visit since there should be smaller crowds and cooler, more comfortable weather for seeing the sights. We recommend bringing a light jacket, since it temperatures can dip in the evening time. Still need help planning your priorities for things to do in Los Angeles? Then you’ve come to the right place! Have a read through our list of the best things to check out in the City of Angels for February. We promise you won’t be disappointed! Hit the Classics Those looking for art and culture in L.A. won’t have to search very far. As the undisputed cultural capital of the West Coast, Los Angeles is bursting with fantastic museums of all kinds. From the big hitters to small speciality institutes, creative types exploring L.A. will have their pick of some of the best museums in the U.S. of A.. Still, The Broad has got to be one of our favorites for its impressive repository as well as its iconic structure. As one of the most Instagrammable buildings in downtown L.A., the building is well-recognized for its unique honeycomb-like facade and dimpled interior. Inside, visitors can enjoy a fantastic collection of contemporary and modern works, featuring over 200 artists. Highlights include Jeff Koons’ Balloon Dog, Andy Warhol’s Single Elvis, and Roy Lichtenstein’s I...I’m Sorry! In addition, the museum is known for housing Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room, an immersive and enchanting starfield to capture your imagination. A thoroughly one-of-a-kind cultural experience, this spot is a total must-see. You can’t visit Tinseltown without learning more about its unique creative heritage. As one of the must-see sights in Los Angeles, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of filmmaking. In fact, this spot is actually recognized as the largest museum of its kind in the world. The institute’s incredible collection is comprised of over a whopping 13 million objects, including film reels, props, costumes, and much more. The museum works to cover artefacts from all types of genres and time periods, so there’s a lot to be discovered here. Highlights include Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, the typewriter used to write the screenplay for Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, and the only surviving shark mold from Jaws. In addition to the institute’s permanent collection, the Academy also hosts film premieres. A total dream for cinephiles, this spot is sure to fascinate. Find Fun Activities As the epicenter of the entertainment industry and home to the stars, Los Angeles has countless experiences to offer for pop culture lovers and artsy types alike. If you’re a seasoned visitor to L.A. and are looking for something new past the Hollywood Walk of Fame, we recommend checking out the Grammy Museum for its unique collection dedicated to the history and significance of American music. A fantastic stop for all music lovers, the institute works to provide a great look into the background of the Grammys through engaging and educational exhibits. Though young, the museum’s collection is no doubt impressive, with historical awards, remarkable costumes, and instruments to take your breath away. In addition, there are immersive instrument stations and recording stations to enhance the experience. Visitors can also catch educational talks, concerts, performances and film screenings at the Grammy Museum’s 200-seat theater. As fun as it is interesting, this spot is totally worth the trip. If you’re looking for a fun day trip, why not check out the Aquarium of the Pacific? Opened in 1998, this enchanting aquaspace offers a rich collection of wildlife native to the Pacific. Enjoy underwater life from a collection of over 11,000 animals representing over 500 species. The oceanarium houses everything from colorful reef fish and friendly sea turtles to unique jellyfish and charming penguins. Get up-close encounters with some of your favorite animals, including seals, sea lions, sting rays and even sharks! Enjoy a wide variety of talks, exhibitions and demonstrations and learn more about the natural world. The perfect stop for all nature lovers, this stop works well to provide a glimpse of the underwater world. Try Something Different If you’re looking for something a little bit different, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered! Located in Culver City, The Museum of Jurassic Technology seeks to preserve, present and interpret artefacts from the earliest era of the Jurassic Period. Though the institute is small, its collection is well worth seeing, with an impressive mixture of artistic, ethnographic and historic items to be enjoyed. Visitors can expect to see everything from folk remedies from around the world to a room dedicated to the string game of Cat’s Cradle. Don’t forget to check out the institute’s Georgian-style tea room, where you can meet the museum’s founder David Hildebrand Wilson and talk over the collection. A thoroughly one-of-a-kind educational experience, this spot is not to be skipped out on! A Los Angeles wintertime getaway is a unique experience well worth considering. Though the city cools down around this time of the year, it never runs out of exciting things to see and do. Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s 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
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Los Angeles in November

Los Angeles is a magical city: the mix of culture, nature and iconic attractions make every visit an absolute joy. There’s so much to see and do for every kind of traveller in the City of Angels. No, really - we mean it! Whether you’re a culture vulture, a creative type, or a foodie, L.A. is always bursting with exciting stops and consistently reforming itself with new and interesting things to check out. From soaking up the views at Santa Monica Pier to taking a fun family day trip at Disneyland, the list of the best things activities and events in Los Angeles is truly endless. Though the area cools down in November, it should still be warm enough to explore some of the city’s best-known outdoor attractions. And since November falls during shoulder season, the city will also be less crowded and you’ll be able to find better deals on accommodation and attractions. Still not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve done all the heavy lifting for you! Have a read through our round-up of the best things to do in the area. We promise you won’t be disappointed! Hit the Classics A quintessential West Coast city, Los Angeles is well-known for its clear blue skies and beautiful beaches. And whilst the city cools down during the wintertime, there are still a lot of ways for seaside lovers to enjoy the city’s most wonderful natural attributes. Of course, one of our ultimate favorites has got to be the Santa Monica Pier for its wide variety of attractions. The most popular thing to do here has got to be Pacific Park, an admission-free theme park with thrilling rides, great shopping, fantastic restaurants and more. Aside from Pacific Park, this spot is known for its aquarium, which features 100+ local marine animals and wildlife species. In addition, you can grab a bite to eat at the bustling Santa Monica Pier Farmers’ Market and watch the sun go down over the Pacific Ocean. With so much to see and do here, this spot is a total crowdpleaser. Whether you’re travelling with kids or just young at heart, a visit to Disneyland is an absolute must. Bringing all of the magic of our favorite childhood movies to life, this spot solidified its position as a classic All-American dream vacation destination long ago. As one of the most popular theme parks in the world, Disneyland draws in over 18 million visitors each year - and it’s easy to see why! Among its 50 attractions, you’ll find everything from squeal-inducing twists and turns to kid-friendly rides and total classics. Highlights include Space Mountain, It’s a Small World and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This place also has shows, parades and seasonal events to enhance the experience. We love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without a huge smile stretched across your face. Find Fun Activities to Do Perhaps one of Los Angeles’ biggest draws is its star power. As the hub of the American film industry, the City of Angels is home to countless exciting activities and attractions for cinephiles and lovers of pop culture alike. If you’re looking to dive in, we recommend checking out the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Burbank. Visit one of the busiest and oldest working studios in Hollywood and learn more about the hard work, history and artistry behind some of your favorite TV shows and movies. See the original Friends fountain, explore the soundstages used to create Casablanca, and enjoy authentic props and costumes from the Harry Potter films. On the tour, you’ll be accompanied by a friendly and professional guide, there to answer all of your questions. Experience the magic of film and learn a lot of behind-the-scenes secrets! A thoroughly fun and one-of-a-kind experience, this stop is not to be missed! Have A Blast! If you’re looking for something a little different, you won’t have to search much further than Designer Con. Running towards the end of the month, this event offers a fantastic inside look into the development of the contemporary art scene. With over 700 vendors and artists from around the globe, there truly is a lot to see here. Marvel at some unbelievable art, geek out over rare collectables, and meet some of the talented artists and tastemakers who are currently shaping the design world. You can also catch talks and seminars from some of the best working creative leaders in the industry. Definitely don’t forget to check out the concessions here, since you can pick up some really cool and unusual items. A thoroughly unique cultural experience, this event is well worth the visit. With its fantastic coastal location and mild wintertime climate, Los Angeles makes a great destination for a music festival even during November. It only makes sense then, that you can catch two epic days of punk rock right in the center of Oak Canyon Park whilst most other cities are huddled away indoors. Kicking off towards the start of the month, Punk in the Park promises great sounds, electric vibes and fun to be had by all. This fest welcomes both old favorites and newcomers to the genre, so there’s a little something for everybody here. Past performers have included NOFX, Dropkick Murphys, and Pennywise. With its fantastic lineup and vibrant atmosphere, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend time in Los Angeles. Los Angeles in the wintertime a unique travel experience - one which we thoroughly recommend. Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s 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

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