Intense Four-Day Los Angeles Itinerary (SEE EVERYTHING!)

Ah, city of stars. Are you shining, just for me?

Don’t worry, this isn’t a La La Land tribute post (although I bloody wish it was).

Let us start with one thing: Los Angeles, you’re pretty awesome. However, you’re also bloody HUGE. As a massive, self-professed movie buff, visiting LA was always high on my bucket list, and I didn’t wanna leave without seeing everything I could. Being so big, most of the major attractions are dotted around the place, so getting around and seeing everything can become a bit of an issue. Heaps of research went into my itinerary, including hours spent on google maps working out walking distances between attractions. Here, I’m going to save you the trawling and reading and outline my full Los Angeles itinerary, for your convenience.

It’s going to be a long one and, be warned, you’re feet are going to hate you.

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Los Angeles Itinerary

Before I delve into specific day-to-day activities of my Los Angeles itinerary, I wanna outline some basics that will be fundamental to this Los Angeles itinerary.

Accommodation:  For the first two days, we stayed in this Airbnb in Mid-City. It was around $100 a night for a private room with an ensuite. It was central enough, whilst also being affordable and safe. For the last two days, we downsized and stayed in the Republic Inn Hotel (in a dorm, but they do have privates available) in East Hollywood. This cost $124 for two people and two nights. 

Book Republic Inn Hotel here. 

If you’re not on as strict a budget, hotels in downtown and Hollywood are the best for getting that distinctive “LA-feel”. Some significant hotels include The Chateau Marmont, The Beverley Hills Hotel (“Hotel California” by the Eagles was written about here), and ACE Hotel DTLA. 

Car Rental: You pretty much need to rent a car as public transport in LA is pretty non-existent. I had a YOLO moment and booked a convertible mustang to whiz around LA in. Surprisingly, this worked out to be only $60 USD a day and made it much easier to get to each landmark. This was booked from Budget Rent-A-Car and we picked it up at union station, Downtown LA.

If you cannot drive or are too young to rent, the best way to get around is by bus tours. Touristy, I know, but if you want to pack in all the landmarks this is your best bet.

Depending on how long you have in LA, you can also invest in the Go Los Angeles Card. These can get pretty pricey, but it’s usually worth it to gain entry to most amusement parks, attractions and landmarks (except Disneyland).

Airport Transfers: Booking any airport transfers from LAX in advance is key to saving money. Luckily, between me and Phil, an uber to Mid-City from LAX only worked out to be $12 each. Uber offers Uber-pool in LA, where you can car-pool with others to make it cheaper and more eco-friendly. If you’re solo, it may work out cheaper to get a pre-booked shuttle to take you, or even get public transport (although this will take ages).

Day One

Assuming you’re staying local (within walking distance), this is the day to take the Hollywood route.  Most of LA’s touristy landmarks are around this area.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame

First up is the iconic walk of fame, just along Hollywood Blvd. This star-studded street is where over two thousand Hollywood icons have earned the right the be stepped on by a bunch of tourists and buskers. I found the walk of fame pretty touristy and FULL of tourist traps, but it was pretty interesting to see who has a star and who hasn’t. There will be a few that will surprise you – I’m looking at you, Kaley Cuoco! 

The Hollywood Sign

Wherever you are in Hollywood, you’ll pretty much be able to see the Hollywood sign nestled in the rolling hills. There’s something really magical about driving down the avenues towards the Hollywood Hills. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not too easy to get close to the Hollywood sign HOWEVER I will discuss how to get as close as possible further down in the post. 

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre 

Probably one of the most iconic theatres in the world. The Chinese Theatre is renowned for its star-studded premiers of classic blockbusters, which it has been hosting since 1927! If you, like me, are a sucker for classic cinema you’re going to want to make this a stop on your Los Angeles itinerary. The theatre is also known for having over 200 handprints from Hollywood’s finest – like Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe – imprinted into the concrete yard outside the theatre. 

If you want to go inside, a 30-minute walking tour of the theatre is included with the Go Los Angeles Card. There are some restrictions though, so check your terms before heading inside. 

Dolby Theatre

Famous for hosting the event of all events in Hollywood – the Academy Awards (AKA the Oscars). The theatre was officially known as the Kodak Theatre for years and is still known to locals as such. So, if you’re asking for directions, I’d ask for the Kodak. 

The Sunset Strip

The music and club epicentre of LA! The Sunset Strip is best known for the crazy shows and wild rockstars who have performed and partied there over the years. There’s heaps of music and clubs to choose from, whether you’re looking for club music, intimate gigs, or even comedy shows. The Roxy Theatre and The Comedy Store are among the more iconic venues on the sunset strip. Why is it called the strip, you ask? Nope, it’s not strip-clubs. Apparently, the Los Angeles County workers who maintained it back in the day dubbed it “that strip” on Sunset and it just stuck. 

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) 

If museums are your thing, you definitely wanna stop by LACMA. The most famous installation by a long shot is the amazing Urban Lights (below) situated at the entrance. If you actually want to go into the Museum its open during the day until 5 pm, but you can stop by at night to see the Urban Lights installation lit up. 

Day Two

Day two of my Los Angeles itinerary is pretty jam-packed with iconic LA destinations, that you pretty much NEED a car to fit everything in. You can Uber/Lyft to Downtown LA, but I recommend picking up a car to see everything you need to.

Luckily, we had hired a mustang to cruise around LA in style, which we picked up in Downtown (from Budget Rent-A-Car). We used this morning to see most of the landmarks in DTLA, but it was an early start! I’ve broken this day up into two parts – morning and afternoon – to help plan your day. 

Morning

OUE and Skyspace LA 

California’s tallest open-air observation deck, OUE Skyspace is where you can see sweeping 360 views of Downtown La, The Hollywood Hills, and the Angeles National Forest. Entry is usually around $35 (USD) but Phil and I got a discount because we were a group of two, we ended up paying just $19 each for entry. 

The biggest attraction at Skyspace, though, HAS to be their Skyslide. This unique experience lets you slide through a glass box down the side of the building. You have to pay extra (around $8pp) for this, but whizzing down a 1000ft tall slide on the side of a skyscraper is SO worth it! 

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Just around the corner of OUE Skyspace is the Walt Disney Concert hall. You don’t even have to go inside the building, just marvelling at the amazing architecture from the outside is such a delight! However, If you are interested in going inside, they offer complimentary guided and self-guided tours. 

Grand Central Market

Between OUE Skyspace and Union Station is Grand Central Market. There are heaps of lunch options here to eat in and to go. I recommend checking out Eggslut for a popular LA Egg sandwich. 

Afternoon

Santa Monica

Once you’ve picked up your car, drive down the freeway toward the west coast beaches. Santa Monica Pier is now the official end of the road for legendary Route 66. Spend some time at Pacific Park, the amusement park on the pier and you can get unlimited rides with the Go Los Angeles Card. If you don’t fancy rollercoasters, why not rent some rollerskates and cruise down the promenade like a proper local! 

If you like seafood, there are some amazing seafood restaurants dotted around Santa Monica and near the pier. We ate at Rusty’s Surf Ranch, right next to Pacific Park and had a bowl of the BEST calamari I have ever tasted. Considering it was right in the middle of a touristy area, it wasn’t too pricey either. 

Venice Beach and The Boardwalk

A short drive down the beach is Venice, known for its manmade canals which were modelled after the real Venice in Italy (hence the name). If you walk around the Venice Boardwalk you can check out the famous Venice Beach sign, see local kids (and adults) at the skate bowl, and watch all the fitness fanatics work out at Muscle Beach. When we were strolling around we witnessed the most LA thing ever, catching some local dancers putting on an impromptu roller-disco in the sunshine. 

The Griffith Observatory

In the evening take a drive back toward Hollywood and get up to the Griffith Observatory for sunset. I know it seems silly to spend all day at a west coast beach not to view a sunset, but hear me out here.

This was definitely a must-do on my Los Angeles Itinerary! The Griffith Observatory is LA’s ULTIMATE sunset spot and driving up the rolling Hollywood Hills in a convertible Mustang was simply a bucket-list moment for me (and, also the observatory is closed on Mondays, so we couldnt have gone any other night). It’s the perfect place to see Los Angeles city from above, as well as the Hollywood Sign. The observatory itself is such an interesting place too, and admission is free! Visitors can look through telescopes, explore the exhibits, or just simply mill around outside and enjoy the views. 

Day Three

Phew, it’s been a mad one so far! Rest assured, morning of day three is going to be even madder. We used this morning (and the car, which we had until midday) to drive to the trailhead of the hike to the Hollywood sign, explore Beverly Hills and celebs homes, have an LA-worthy brunch, and be back in time for an afternoon nap. 

Hollywood Sign Hike 

Situated at the top of Mount Lee, is the infamous Hollywood Sign. I said I’d tell you how to get closer to the Hollywood sign but, be prepared, it is NOT an easy hike. We woke up at 6 am to get there for sunrise, got caught in cloud cover, rain and mud. But, it was so worth it to see the sign up close. The sign is situated on private land, so you can’t get too close without trespassing. However, if you take the Wonder View Trailhead it takes you up and around the back where you get sweeping views of LA on one side, and Burbank (home of the Warner Brothers and Walt Disney Studios) the on the other.

You can read my full guide on how to hike the Hollywood Sign here.

Beverly Hills and The Beverly Hills Hotel

One of the worlds best-known, and oldest hotels (opened in 1912!). Rumour has it “Hotel California” by The Eagles was written about the Beverly Hills hotel. So, you could say it’s pretty iconic. If you’re not lucky enough to afford to stay at the hotel, that doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to go and have a look. You can drive right up to the hotel and even walk into the lobby. Afterwards, I reccomend driving around Beverly Hills and marvelling at all of the crazy houses and mansions. Take a look around nearby Holmby Hills, where you’ll find the old Playboy Mansion and Micheal Jackson’s old house.

Melrose Avenue

One of L.A’s most famous streets, but often overlooked. Melrose features a surplus of vintage shopping, dining, and entertainment. If you want to sample some of the best (legal) weed in California, Melrose has some of the fanciest CBD shops in all of LA (seriously, they looked like Apple Stores). Summed up, Melrose is about strolling and shopping. So bring cash and lots of it. 

Melrose is also home to the fabulous Crossroads Kitchen AKA the BEST vegan food you will ever taste. Co-owned by Travis Barker (of Blink 182), Crossroads can be a little pricey but the food is so delicious you will not regret it. It’s also great for spotting celebrities, we saw Sadie Sink (of Stranger Things fame) while dining here! If great veggie food and celebrity spotting is your thing, definitely add Crossroads Kitchen to your Los Angeles itinerary.

Day Four

Day four is THEME PARK day! Everybody knows I’m a sucker for a theme park and LA has heaps to choose from. We chose Disneyland Park as ours, but I would have happily gone to all of them given the choice. 

Disneyland

Iconic Disneyland needs no introduction. Dubbed the “happiest place on earth”, and probably my favourite place on earth #SorryNotSorry. There are actually two Disney theme parks in Anaheim, CA. Disneyland Park is the original, and Disney California Adventure is the newer park housing the newer, more thrilling rides. If you are going for one day, you will probably have to get a single day ticket and pick one park. Don’t bother getting a park-hopper ticket for one day as you will have nowhere near enough time to get through both. Especially if you don’t have a FASTPASS. 

Disneyland is also quite far out of LA (about a 40-minute drive) and is difficult to get to if you are not staying at the Disneyland resorts. We ended up having to get an uber from and to East Hollywood which ended up being quite pricey. 

Universal Studios

If you’re looking for something a little closer, Universal Studios is located in Hollywood. Universal caters to more age-ranges than Disneyland, and is home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! If you get a Go Los Angeles Card, your entry is already included in the price. 

Phew! That was longer than I thought it was going to be. There are tons more places to see/go in L.A. and our four days only scratched the tip of the iceberg. Let me know in the comments if I missed some of your favourite places, or any locals hotspots to add to itinerary! I only wish I had planned more time for such a vibrant and diverse city!