Los Angeles is a sprawling, sun-drenched metropolis defined by its cinematic history, diverse cultural enclaves, and iconic Pacific coastline. It is best visited in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the infamous traffic is slightly more manageable.
Top Things to Do in Los Angeles
Tap an attraction to look it up on TripAdvisor.
Getting Around Los Angeles
From the Airport
Rideshare. Use the LAX-it shuttle to reach the dedicated rideshare pickup area where Uber and Lyft operate; it is the most common way to leave the airport. FlyAway Bus. The FlyAway bus provides non-stop service from LAX to Union Station in Downtown LA for a flat fee, taking about 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Once You're There
Car Rental. Renting a car is highly recommended for first-time visitors because Los Angeles is extremely spread out and public transit cannot reach every neighborhood efficiently. Rideshare. Uber and Lyft are ubiquitous and reliable for getting around if you prefer not to drive, though surge pricing can be expensive during rush hour. Metro. The LA Metro rail system is useful for connecting Downtown to Hollywood, Santa Monica, and North Hollywood, but it does not cover all major tourist attractions.
Where to Stay in Los Angeles
Hotel picks for Los Angeles are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly, pre-filled with your dates:
Where to Eat in Los Angeles
Subway★★★★★6151 W Century Blvd Ste 104, Los Angeles, CA 90045, United StatesClosest Subway AFAIK to LAX.
In-N-Out Burger★★★★★9149 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045, United StatesBest fast food burger in my opinion. Great location, walkable from LAX Airport.
Musso & Frank Grill★ 4.6 (3,921)6667 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, USAAs the oldest restaurant in Hollywood, it is the ultimate destination for a classic martini and a perfectly prepared steak in a storied, red-booth setting.
Guisados★ 4.6 (3,028)1261 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026, USAThis local favorite is famous for its homestyle, braised meat tacos served on thick, handmade corn tortillas.
Republique★ 4.5 (7,359)624 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USAHoused in a stunning historic building, this bakery and bistro is widely considered the best spot in the city for a decadent pastry and brunch.
Leo's Tacos Truck★ 4.5 (5,895)1515 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019, USAThis legendary taco truck is the gold standard for al pastor, featuring meat sliced directly from a rotating trompo.
Bestia★ 4.5 (4,074)2121 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021, USALocated in the Arts District, this industrial-chic eatery is a must-visit for its house-made pastas and creative, multi-regional Italian dishes.
Bay Cities Italian Deli★ 4.5 (2,920)1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USAThe Godmother sandwich here is a local institution, featuring a massive stack of Italian cold cuts and peppers on fresh-baked bread.
Pizzeria Bianco★ 4.5 (732)1320 E 7th St Ste 100, Los Angeles, CA 90021, USAWidely regarded as serving some of the best pizza in the country, the wood-fired pies here are simple, fresh, and consistently perfect.
Animal★ 4.4 (748)435 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USAThis trendy spot in Fairfax is famous for its adventurous, meat-centric menu that pushed the boundaries of modern California cuisine.
Nobu Malibu★ 4.3 (3,712)22706 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USAThis world-renowned spot offers high-end Japanese-Peruvian fusion with an unbeatable, direct oceanfront view of the Pacific.
Night + Market Sahm★ 4.2 (571)2533 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291, USAThis vibrant, colorful restaurant serves bold, spicy Thai street food that is perfect for sharing with a group of friends.
Tours & Activities
Bookable through Viator.
3 Days in Los Angeles
Hollywood Icons & Hillside Views
Morning. Start your first day by heading straight to the Hollywood Walk of Fame to see the stars embedded in the sidewalk. It gets crowded quickly, so arrive by 9:00 AM to snap photos of the TCL Chinese Theatre before the tour buses arrive. From there, take a short drive up to the Hollywood Bowl Overlook for your first clear, unobstructed view of the Hollywood Sign. It is a fantastic photo opportunity without the strenuous hike. Afterward, head toward Griffith Park to prepare for your afternoon ascent.
Afternoon. Spend your afternoon exploring the grounds of the Griffith Observatory, which offers the most famous panoramic views of the entire Los Angeles basin. Wander through the exhibits on astronomy before walking the surrounding trails to see the city from different angles. It is best to spend at least three hours here to fully appreciate the architecture and the planetarium shows. Once you have soaked in the vista, make your way down toward the Los Feliz neighborhood for a late afternoon coffee. Grab a seat at a local cafe and watch the locals navigate the winding hillside streets.
Evening. As the sun sets, head into the heart of Hollywood for a classic dinner at Musso & Frank Grill. The dark wood paneling and tuxedoed waiters create an atmosphere that feels like a time capsule of the Golden Age of cinema. After dinner, walk a few blocks to the El Capitan Theatre to see if there is a special screening or just to admire the ornate facade. End your night with a cocktail at a nearby speakeasy like The Spare Room. It is the perfect way to cap off a day steeped in movie-star history.
Coastal Charm & Beach Vibes
Morning. Begin your day on the Westside by walking the iconic Santa Monica Pier, where the vintage carousel and Ferris wheel create a nostalgic atmosphere. Arrive early to enjoy the crisp ocean air before the beach crowds swell in the mid-morning. Rent a bicycle near the pier and pedal south along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail toward Venice Beach. The ride is flat, paved, and offers constant views of the Pacific Ocean. You will pass through the quiet, upscale neighborhood of Ocean Park before hitting the vibrant energy of the boardwalk.
Afternoon. Once you arrive in Venice, spend your time wandering the Venice Beach Boardwalk to see the street performers, the Muscle Beach outdoor gym, and the eclectic skate park. After the sensory overload of the boardwalk, retreat to the serene Venice Canals, a hidden neighborhood of man-made waterways modeled after Italy. It is a peaceful contrast to the chaotic beach scene and perfect for a slow walk. Stop by the shops on Abbot Kinney Boulevard for some high-end window shopping and a mid-afternoon snack. This stretch is known for its trendy boutiques and art galleries.
Evening. Travel north along the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu for a spectacular sunset dinner at Nobu Malibu. The restaurant sits right on the water, and the sound of the crashing waves provides a natural soundtrack to your meal. Be sure to book your reservation weeks in advance to secure a table on the patio. After dinner, take a short drive to the Malibu Pier to look back at the coastline under the moonlight. It is a quiet, elegant end to a day spent entirely by the sea.
Downtown Culture & Arts
Morning. Dive into the historic heart of the city at Grand Central Market, a bustling food hall that has been operating since 1917. Grab a coffee and wander the aisles to see vendors selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal tacos. Once you have had your fill, walk across the street to ride the Angels Flight Railway, the world's shortest railway. It is a charming, two-block funicular ride that connects the market to the top of Bunker Hill. From there, you are just a short walk away from the stunning architecture of The Broad museum.
Afternoon. Spend your afternoon immersed in contemporary art at The Broad, which is famous for its massive collection and the infinity mirror rooms. After exploring the museum, head over to the Walt Disney Concert Hall next door to admire the Frank Gehry-designed stainless steel exterior. If you have time, take a self-guided tour of the garden and rooftop terrace. From there, take a short rideshare to the Arts District to explore the murals and converted warehouse spaces. This area is the epicenter of the city's modern creative scene and is packed with hidden gems.
Evening. For your final evening, head to the historic core to visit The Last Bookstore, one of the largest independent bookstores in the world. Its famous book tunnel is a must-see for any visitor. Afterward, walk to a nearby restaurant in the Arts District like Bestia for a world-class Italian dinner. The industrial aesthetic and high-energy kitchen make it a quintessential Downtown LA experience. If you have energy left, grab a nightcap at a rooftop bar like Perch, which offers stunning views of the city skyline and the surrounding historic buildings.
