Three Days in Los Angeles Itinerary: A Local's Guide
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Three perfect days in Los Angeles from a local: smart routes, iconic sights, secret eats, and insider tips with time-stamped directions to keep you moving.
Three Day Los Angeles Itinerary: (Jump To)
What to Know Before Visiting Los Angeles
We live in LA and built this plan to avoid crisscrossing and dead time in traffic. Each day stays in one area, so you can see more with fewer rideshares. This itinerary is car-free, but if you decide to rent a car, plan some extra time for searching for parking.
Is Los Angeles Safe?
For this itinerary, you’ll be in busy, central neighborhoods where common-sense city awareness goes a long way. Keep phones secure, don’t leave anything in cars, and rideshare after dark if a block feels isolated. The homeless population is present and visible but largely harmless, though it’s best to avoid crossing through sidewalk encampments by switching to the other side of the road when walking. If approached for pocket change, politely decline and keep moving.
How To Get Around Los Angeles?
We’ll use Metro on the big corridors and rideshare the hills or gaps. For short distances, we’ll include some short walking paths. There is no need to do the math to maximize metro cost savings. Start by getting a TAP Card or downloading the TAP App. (Learn your TAP Card Options)
Once you have a TAP card or app, you can simply tap in at the turnstiles. Your daily use will be tallied and you’ll be charged either for individual trips, a day pass, or a weekly pass, whichever costs less. You’ll never pay more than $5 a day and never more than $18 within seven days.
Airline Miles and Hotel Points 101
We share tips and tricks for credit card points and miles. These tools help us save money on our trips around the world by allowing us to accumulate airline and hotel points.
Three Day LA Itinerary Day 1:
Day one of our three days in Los Angeles centers around LA’s Westside with a loop through Santa Monica, Venice, and Abbot Kinney. The day includes some of the best donuts in Los Angeles, some alternative LA spots, and the must-sees in Venice and Santa Monica.
8:30 AM – Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee, Santa Monica
Directions: Depending on your hotel location, arrive via rideshare or take the Metro E Line to the Downtown Santa Monica Station. It is an easy, flat walk to breakfast.
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Sidecar is a reliable Westside breakfast that locals depend on. The old fashion donut is the classic choice, but the butter & salt is the insider pick that keeps me coming back. Since it’s your first time, the best plan is to split a couple flavors. Small-batch frying keeps texture crisp rather than heavy. Their coffee is strong and straightforward; keep it classic when ordering. The line looks worse than it is; it moves fast even on weekends. Save room for lunch; today stacks more great bites.
10:00 AM – Santa Monica Pier and Tongva Park
Directions: From Sidecar, head to Ocean Ave and down to the pier; Tongva Park sits across Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica Pier
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
You’re here for the landmark sign, the Ferris wheel backdrop, and the widescreen Pacific view. We’re getting here pretty early, which is perfect. Mornings mean calmer walkways and cleaner angles for photos.
Make sure to locate the entrance to the indoor vintage carousel. It’s our first pier stop. It is a quick, photogenic visit and relatively inexpensive if you’re travelling with kids. Inside, you’ll find easy access to restrooms, snacks, and water.
The small aquarium nearby is skippable, same with the food and shopping on the pier. We’ll find more interesting stops later in the itinerary.
Pacific Park, the iconic pier theme park, is located at the end of the pier. Rides are pay as you go with ticket machines nearby. The coaster or the Ferris wheel are solid picks if you’re into rides. The park opens later on some days, so check hours in advance to avoid disappointment.
When you’re ready, step off the pier into Tongva Park for a fast loop and ocean views with palm tree frames. If you want a guided Santa Monica intro, short walking tours on Viator/GetYourGuide start near here. When you’re ready, roll to the beach path.
11:30 AM – Bike the Beach Path to Venice (20–25 minutes, flat)
Directions: Walk to the Downtown Santa Monica Light Rail Station, grab a Metro Bike Share bike and ride the path south to Venice Skate Park.
Ocean Front Path Bike Ride
Map (Starting Point): Google Maps
Website: Metro Bike Share
Use your TAP card or TAP app to unlock a bike from one of the racks at the Downtown Santa Monica Light Rail Station. You will be charged a $1 unlock fee then $1.75 for every 30 minutes of bike time. Hop on the bike and head back toward the beach, then left toward Venice on the bike path.
The path is paved, flat, and has some of the best ocean views in California. The ride should take about 15 minutes, but take it easy and enjoy the ride. If bikes are scarce, download the Metro Bike Share App to geo-locate the closest bike.
Directions: Re-dock your bike at the Ocean Front Walk & Navy St. bike rack, then continue to explore Venice on Foot.
Venice Boardwalk and Skate Park
Map: Google Maps
Venice is a live feed: skaters throwing tricks, buskers, interesting local characters, and a revolving mix of food and art vendors. For food, expect poke, pizza by the slice, and acai bowls close to the sand; keep it light so lunch still fits. Cash helps with small vendors who haven’t gone tap-to-pay. If you see something interesting, check it out, but we’re heading to Abbot Kinney next—so save the bulk of the shopping for there.
1:00 PM – Abbot Kinney lunch and shops (5–10 minutes inland)
Directions: Walk to Abbot Kinney Blvd; everything below sits on the same stretch.
Gjelina Take Away (GTA)
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
GTA is the quick-serve window tied to one of Venice’s busiest kitchens. Order pizza squares and a market salad; both travel well if you want to browse while you eat. Seating is minimal, and that’s fine—curbside bites are the norm here. The menu tracks what’s good right now, which is why locals repeat it. Portions are shareable, so order more and split it.
Abbot Kinney Shopping
Map: Google Maps
Shops along Abbot Kinney lean design-forward with small-batch ceramics and local tees that don’t scream tourist. Tap-to-pay covers most places, but a few micro-vendors still prefer cash. The shops seem to open and close faster than we can keep up with, so plan a full walk up and down both sides of Abbot Kinney Blvd. If shopping isn’t your thing, you can quickly move on. If you linger, plan 60–90 minutes for the loop.
3:00 PM – Venice Canals quick stop
Directions: Walk south on Abbot Kinney and follow signs toward the canals.
Venice Canals
Map: Google Maps
This is the quieter Venice snapshot—arched footbridges, tidy houses, calm water. The secret beauty of this neighborhood is one of our favorite secret spots in Los Angeles. Keep in mind it’s a residential zone and sound carries here. There are no services right on the paths, so use a restroom beforehand. The short loop back to Abbot Kinney is easy.
Directions: Once you’ve seen enough of the canals, pop a rideshare back toward Santa Monica for dinner.
5:30 PM – Chez Jay
Chez Jay
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Old-school, no-pretense Santa Monica institution with a compact room, wood paneling, and the kind of regulars who’ve been coming for decades. The vibe is relaxed and friendly, more neighborhood hangout than velvet-rope scene. Order something straightforward—shrimp cocktail, steak sandwich, or a simple pour—and settle in without feeling rushed. Prices are fair for the area and portions won’t torpedo the rest of your night. Staff keeps things moving, so even peak hours don’t feel chaotic. Music stays at a level where you can actually talk, which is rare this close to the beach. It’s a short rideshare from Abbot Kinney or the pier, so you keep the Westside loop tight. If you want a similar energy in Venice, The Brig on Abbot Kinney is an easy alternate; for craft beer and a famous burger, Father’s Office in Santa Monica is another local favorite, a few minutes inland.
Three Day LA Itinerary Day 2:
Day two of our three days in Los Angeles stays in the Hollywood Hills and Hollywood proper with Lake Hollywood Park, Griffith Observatory, the TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Paramount Studio Tour. It’s a tight, north-of-101 route focused on the top things to see in Hollywood, the Paramount lot’s film history, and easy Metro access for the Hollywood Boulevard must-sees.
8:30 AM – Lake Hollywood Park
Directions: Rideshare up to Lake Hollywood Park.
Lake Hollywood Park
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
This angle gives you the clean Hollywood Sign shot without trail switchbacks. You’ll have space to set a tripod and line up wide frames without a crowd pressing in. Morning light hits the letters head-on and makes exposure easier. Restrooms are limited, so plan ahead. Parking is tight and enforced; rideshare is simpler. Fifteen minutes is enough unless you’re staging a full shoot. Read posted signs—no-stopping zones are ticket magnets. If you’d like to see more, a trail circles the entire reservoir (with a short bit on a slightly busy road).
From here, head to Griffith before lots fill. Keep water handy; shade is minimal until the observatory.
9:15 AM – Griffith Observatory
Directions: Rideshare 20 minutes across the hill; lots fill by late morning.
Griffith Observatory
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Insider Tour: Viator
Free to enter and still the best high-deck city view for first-timers. Step onto the terraces for a wide sweep of downtown, the sign, and the basin in one glance. The Tesla coil demo is a quick curveball if it lines up with your time. Planetarium shows sell out—book earlier in the week if that’s a must. Photos are strongest on the west terrace before the sun sits too high. Plan 60–90 minutes and roll down before the parking crush. Rideshare saves you a long uphill return after you’re done.
Point downhill to Hollywood/Highland next.
11:00 AM – TCL Chinese Theatre and Hollywood Boulevard
Directions: Head to Hollywood/Highland via the B (Red) Line or rideshare down the hill.
TCL Chinese Theatre
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Yes, it’s touristy—and still delivers. The forecourt handprints and footprints connect you straight to a century of film history. If you catch a screening, the interior remains one of the most detailed movie palaces around. Street characters will pitch photos; a simple “no thanks” keeps you moving. Keep bags small; security rules shift, and large items can get bounced. If you want context, a short Hollywood Boulevard walking tour via GetYourGuide lines up stories with the landmarks you’re already seeing. Watch pockets and take your time; you’re not racing the clock here. Grab a quick bite nearby if your studio call time is early. Then pivot a few minutes south for your tour.
2:00 PM – Paramount Studio Tour (Hollywood)
Directions: Rideshare 10 minutes from Hollywood/Highland to the Melrose Ave gate.
Paramount Studio Tour
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Paramount sits on Hollywood’s oldest major studio lot still operating in its original neighborhood, which gives the tour a different feel from the valley backlots. You’ll roll past soundstages, New York Street, and historic gates while guides thread in stories that go back to the early days of film. Access shifts with what’s in production, but you can usually count on classic set pieces and a couple of surprises. Photos are allowed in marked zones only; staff will point out where you need to pocket the camera. Stages can be cool, so that light layer still helps. Tickets sell out on weekends—book ahead through Viator to lock a time that fits your day. If you’re looking for a more pop culture forward slate—Friends couches, superheroes, current franchises—check out the Warner Bros. Studio Tour instead. Plan 2–3 hours door-to-door so dinner stays relaxed.
5:30 PM – The Comedy Store (Sunset) or UCB Franklin
Directions: Both are short rides from Paramount; pick based on the lineup you want.
The Comedy Store
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
LA’s comedy bench is deep and this room stacks heavy hitters with unannounced drop-ins. Two-drink minimum applies, and shows start on time, so eat right before or right after. Phones stay pocketed once seated. You’ll hear new material getting worked, which is half the fun. Pre-book tickets so you’re not stuck at will-call. If you prefer improv and want to keep the radius even tighter, UCB Franklin is a quick hop from Paramount. Rideshare pickup is smoother one block off Sunset rather than at the door.
Check out our other posts about things to see and do in Los Angeles or California!
Or visit our Destinations page to be inspired.
Three Day LA Itinerary Day 3:
Day three of our three days in Los Angeles keeps everything central with the best things to see in Downtown LA, including Grand Central Market, The Broad museum, Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Arts District, and Echo Park Lake. Expect a compact DTLA itinerary with top museums and architecture, street-art murals and indie shops, and a dinner cap of LA tacos or Moo’s Craft Barbecue.
8:30 AM – Grand Central Market
Directions: Metro to Pershing Square; GCM is one block away on Broadway.
Grand Central Market
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Open since 1917, this is the fastest way to sample LA without wasting a morning. Eggslut draws a line for breakfast sandwiches, but tacos at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas are generous and quick. China Cafe and other long-timers keep the old-school counter energy alive. G&B pulls a mean espresso if you want a sharper start. Seating is first-come; scan for a stool while your order’s called. Most stands take cards, but a little cash speeds small vendors and tip jars. Split dishes to cover more ground without burning the clock. Angels Flight sits across the street—ride it once for the photo and check it off. Then head uphill for art and architecture.
9:30 AM – The Broad and Walt Disney Concert Hall
Directions: Walk 8–10 minutes up Bunker Hill; do both while you’re here.
The Broad
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Free with a timed ticket and loaded with crowd-pleasers even for museum-light travelers. Level three is dense with Basquiat, Kusama, Koons—start at the top if you’re short on time. Infinity Mirror Rooms use separate slots; reserve early if that’s on your list. Security is quick; photography rules vary room to room, so watch signage. Morning slots are calmer for photos. Give yourself 45–60 minutes and move next door while energy is high. The plaza outside frames Disney Hall perfectly, so take a moment before the next stop.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Gehry’s stainless steel folds change character every few steps, which keeps it interesting even if you’ve seen a hundred photos. The exterior garden and elevated walkway are free and worth the detour. The rose-shaped fountain is an easy detail to miss unless you hunt for it. Docent-led tours run select days; if schedules align, they add useful context in under an hour. Signage explains how some panels were dulled to keep drivers from getting blinded—an extremely LA problem with an extremely LA fix. Sound bounces oddly along the outer walls; you’ll notice it as you move. For photos, the garden level gives a clean skyline pop. From here, you’re a quick rideshare to lunch and murals.
12:30 PM – Arts District lunch, coffee, and murals
Directions: Rideshare 8–10 minutes to Traction Ave and 3rd St.
Arts District
Map: Google Maps
Street Art Tour: GetYourGuide
Warehouse blocks flipped into a creative hub give you murals, indie galleries, and design shops within a compact grid. Start near Traction and 3rd for an easy loop you can cover in an hour without rushing. Grab coffee at Blue Bottle or a neighborhood spot and let the caffeine carry you down side streets for more walls. Alchemy Works is strong for local goods that don’t feel generic when you unpack at home. Summer afternoons run hot; duck into shops to cool down and return to the murals for photos. Rotating pieces are part of the appeal—there’s usually something new since last month. If you want structure, book a street art walk via GetYourGuide so you don’t miss tucked-away work.
5:30 PM – Dinner: Moo’s Craft Barbecue (Lincoln Heights) or Leo’s Tacos Truck (Echo Park)
Directions: Choose based on your mood and day; both are quick hops from the Arts District.
Moo’s Craft Barbecue
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Moo’s delivers brisket, ribs, and housemade sausages without wasting your evening. Portions are shareable, which is smart if you nibbled all afternoon. Sides are part of the story—mac, pickles, tortillas, and rotating extras. Lines form and move; early dinner beats sell-outs. Parking fills fast; rideshare is easier at peak. Order ahead online for pickup if you want to skip the line. This is a quick-service format—eat well and keep the night open.
7:30 PM – Echo Park Lake
Directions: Rideshare 10 minutes from DTLA or Lincoln Heights.
Echo Park Lake
Map: Google Maps
At night, the skyline reflects across the water and the lotus beds frame your shots without much effort. Stay on lit paths and skip any dark cut-throughs. Pedal boats run during the day if you pass earlier; at night, it’s about the view and the cooler air off the water. You may find an agua fresca cart near the boathouse before it gets late. If you’ve got a second wind, head up Sunset for a nightcap at Lowboy or wrap the day here.
Rideshare pickup is smoother on Sunset than at the park edge. Compact, easy finish to a packed day.
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Locals Only Tips You’ll Use
Anchor one or two timed experiences per day (The Broad, Paramount tour, planetarium show) and fill in nearby.
Microclimates swing; a light layer helps at Griffith and on the coast.
Metro is great on specific corridors; pair it with rideshare to skip transfers.
For guided walks and studio slots, Viator or GetYourGuide makes scheduling painless.
Amazon basics that help in LA: compact battery pack, collapsible water bottle, SPF stick.
If You Have More Time in Los Angeles
Pasadena’s Old Town and The Huntington pair easily with gardens and art in one zone. The Getty Center adds architecture plus a wide-angle view; the Getty Villa covers antiquities by the coast. Malibu adds seafood at Malibu Seafood or Broad Street Oyster with a beach backdrop. Theme park day? Universal Studios Hollywood or Disneyland are full-day commitments—buy Universal Express or Genie+ ahead on official channels or Viator to keep waits under control. For a deeper neighborhood cut, try Highland Park and Eagle Rock for vintage records, old-school Mexican bakeries, and indie shops.
Best Things To Do in Los Angeles:
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
Santa Monica Pier
Venice Boardwalk and Skate Park
Gjelina Take Away
Venice Canals
Lake Hollywood Park
Griffith Observatory
TCL Chinese Theatre
Paramount Studio Tour
The Comedy Store
Grand Central Market
The Broad
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Arts District
Moo’s Craft Barbecue
Echo Park Lake
