As a native Los Angeleno who has lived in town for most of my life, I’m deeply acquainted with the city’s diverse offerings and delights. It could take a year to really experience it all.
Of course, that’s not feasible for the average traveler. That said, four days is the right amount of time I’d recommend to fully experience the beach, nature, Hollywood, world-class institutions, historic highlights, and of course, culture and food from the many immigrant cultures that make L.A. such a diverse melting pot.
My recommendations span a huge geographical area, and L.A. is (rightly) known for its traffic and limited public transportation options. Plan for a car to get around, or use rideshare. I also recommend staying somewhere central, like Downtown. Then hit the following itinerary in any order for a broad survey of the city over four nonstop days.
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Day One: Hang on the Beach
No visit to L.A. is complete without a beach day. BYO towel and take your pick from miles of beaches up and down the Pacific Coast Highway. I like the beach in front of the Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica, which has a kids’ playground right on the sand, as well as a restaurant. If you like, couple that with a stroll on the Santa Monica Pier just to the South, and hit the Ferris wheel at Pacific Park to enjoy views from above.
End the day with a sunset stroll along the promenade. For a casual dinner, grab a classic bite at the iconic Hot Dog on a Stick at Muscle Beach. There are veggie options available, too—the cheese on a stick is my fave.
Day Two: Explore Hollywood
L.A. is famous as the center of the entertainment industry and from just about anywhere in the area, you can catch a glimpse of the Hollywood sign perched up in the hills. But if you want to get even closer, start the day with a day hike around the back of the sign. There are three trails to choose from—Mt. Hollywood, Brush Canyon, or Cahuenga Peak—that all afford truly unique views over the back of the letters.
Then, go behind the scenes of movie making at Universal Studios. A ticket to the theme park grants access to the iconic Studio Tour tram ride, which is a great way to get a sense of the biz through backlot access and special effects demos. I also think it offers a better in-city option for a theme park experience than driving down to Anaheim for Disneyland, and tickets are cheaper, too.
If you still have stamina after the park, check out the nearby Griffith Observatory, located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. Dating back to 1935, the Observatory is an architectural stunner, and admission is free and it's typically open until 10 p.m. (closed Mondays).
Day Three: Discover Downtown and Hit a Dodger Game
The historic core of L.A., the Downtown area has seen a ton of revitalization over the last two decades and offers tons of glitzy entertainment offerings (like L.A. Live and the adjacent Crypto.com Arena), as well as great views into the city’s many cultures and history.
Check out Olvera Street, a lively Mexican marketplace established in 1930 with artisan shops, authentic Mexican restaurants, and street vendors, plus historic sites like Avila Adobe, which is the city’s oldest standing residence.
Then, if you can, take in a Dodgers game at Dodger Stadium in Elysian Park. Whether or not you’re a baseball fan is irrelevant. It’s one of MLB’s oldest ballparks, and the largest baseball stadium in the world by seats. Most of all, it’s a chance to become immersed in devoted L.A. fan culture and peep gorgeous sunset city views.
Up for a nightcap? After the game, head to Spire 73 at the Intercontinental Los Angeles Downtown. It’s the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere with views over the whole city.
Day Four: Cruise Beverly Hills and Explore Miracle Mile Museums
Even if you’re not planning to bust out your credit card for a designer shopping spree, it’s worth taking at least a quick peek at elegant Beverly Hills. Grab a bite at Spago, where you’ll likely see a celeb or two (maybe Wolfgang Puck himself), or at the Beverly Wilshire. Now a Four Seasons hotel, it was formerly known as the “Reg. Bev. Wil.,” made famous by “Pretty Woman.” Dine at the Michelin-recommended CUT by Wolfgang Puck steakhouse, or THE Blvd for California cuisine with views of Rodeo Drive, or just gawk at the lively, flower-filled lobby.
Then head west and spend hours at your pick of Miracle Mile museums, which are all conveniently clustered next to each other. There’s the Petersen Automotive Museum with its wild red exoskeletal shell; the Academy Museum, devoted to moviemaking and its history; the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), with its recognizable lamppost exhibit (a selfie goldmine) right out front; and the La Brea Tar Pits, which offer a unique geohistorical perspective of the very land sitting below it.
For a celebratory last dinner, head just a few blocks up Fairfax Avenue to The Grove, which is one of Rick Caruso’s famous shopping centers with its dancing fountains. Or, for vintage shopping finds (at well-stocked shops like Wasteland) and tons more restaurant options, head even a bit further north to the iconic Melrose Avenue—I love the Mediterranean-inspired Carmel).
The Shortcut
Los Angeles is vast, but a four-day trip can deliver a surprisingly full snapshot of the city’s beaches, culture, and iconic sights.
A central home base and strategic planning are key to navigating L.A.’s sprawl, traffic, and limited public transit.
From oceanfront hangs to Hollywood landmarks and world-class museums, each day can spotlight a distinct side of the city.
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