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

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.

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024
Los Angeles

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 TRANSFORMERS, Despicable 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

warner-bros-studio-tour

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 Sheldon, Conan, 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. 

Whichever Los Angeles attraction pass you pick, it'll help you save money on LA's best bits!

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Koreatown Los Angeles

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GET TO KNOW THE AREA The history of the Asian American community runs deep - and there’s no better way to learn about it than by making a visit to the Korean American National Museum. The perfect stop for all history buffs, this unique speciality museum works to highlight Korean Americans who have made meaningful contributions and provide insight into the development of the community. It’s a pretty comprehensive collection, whereby its broader approach allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding for Korean culture. Thematic galleries cover and discuss the stories of those who have lived in Koreatown, as well as the generations of those who came before them. Though the institute is one of L.A.’s smaller and lesser-known visitor attractions, it’s repository is pretty impressive, with priceless historic artworks and artefacts on show. A thoroughly fascinating cultural endeavor, this spot is not to be missed. 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FIND FUN ACTIVITES Tinseltown, The City of Angels, La La Land... whatever you want to call it, Los Angeles is known for one thing above all else - movies! Still, if you’re a veteran visitor to L.A. you’ll probably already have hit up the city’s top entertainment-themed attractions like Universal Studios and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. But don’t worry, there’s still plenty to do here for lovers of the performed arts and captured light. For those who are looking to rest their weary feet after a long day of touring, why not catch a Korean movie at CGV Cinemas? This place is the only movie theater in the area, but it most certainly lives up to that responsibility. Its programming is well-thought-out and immensely broad, with a wide variety of American and Korean movies (with subtitles) to choose from. Still, perhaps the most impressive aspect of this place though is its 270-degree panoramic viewing format, allowing visitors to see movies from a whole other point of view. Don’t fill up before you go, since the theater also has some great Korean snacks like sesame balls and deep-fried rice cakes. A little bit different and a whole lot of fun, this place is great for those of all ages. Another one of our top spots to visit in Koreatown has got to be The Wiltern Theatre. A designated city landmark and must-see attraction, this place is recognized as one of the oldest theaters in Los Angeles and as well as the oldest remaining original Orpheum theater in the United States. Though this spot has seen a lot of renovation and restoration over the years, it still stands as a mesmerising example of Art Deco architecture in the city. Take time to soak up its unique terracotta facade and moulded low ceiling before heading inside. The interior of the building is known for its sweeping staircases, gilded columns and perhaps most notably, its auditorium ceiling which boasts a fantastical sunburst pattern of Art Deco skyscrapers set against a rainbow of multi-colored stars. Though this spot maintains much of its original design, it boasts the newest state-of-the-art of the art technology, making for a fantastic viewing experience. Here you can catch everything from your favorite singers and side-splitting comedians to dance performances and more. Sophisticated and fun, there’s nothing about this place to hate. HIT THE LANES For those who just want to spend some good old-fashioned quality time with the family, why not head over to the bowling alley? Offering the perfect antidote to a long hard day of exploration, Shatto 39 is a fun and relaxing space well worth checking out. Complete with a bar, an arcade, a billiards room and (surprise) 39 lanes, this spot is great for those travelling in crowds. With its friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere, we couldn’t think of a better place to practice your game in the city. With its storied history and vibrant energy, Koreatown tops the charts as one of our favorite places in the city to explore. From visiting the Korean American National Museum to catching Korean movies, there’s just so much to see and do here! 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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