3 Day Itinerary in Los Angeles – Perfect for First Timers 2025

Are you looking for the perfect 3 day itinerary in Los Angeles?

I get it! Los Angeles is huge, sprawling, and can be overwhelming for a first time or even a frequent visitor. Don’t despair! This 3 day itinerary in Los Angeles will help you see all the top spots in the most efficient way because I have grouped activities according to location.

Many years ago, when I first became a Californian, I felt intimidated by Los Angeles. With about 12.8 million residents in the greater LA region, it can be a bit much! However, when I started to go more regularly to visit family and friends, I felt more and more at home. I was able to figure out all my favorite things to do and how to get to get around.

It’s easy to fall in love with the weather, the culture, and of course, the beaches! The food choices are amazing, and there are so many free and outdoor activity options as well.

Click the Map for
3 Day Los Angeles Itinerary Locations

3 Day Itinerary in Los Angeles

Pack your bags and get ready for your 3 day trip to the City of Angels!

Notes before we get started:

1. You will need a car for this trip. This means driving yourself, renting a car, or hiring a driver. Attempting public transportation is valiant, but not at all practical for this itinerary.
2. Make dinner reservations before you go if possible. L.A. is a big foodie town and places are booked early. Always good to have a reservation which you can cancel if things change.
3. Buy excursion, museum, and show tix in advance if you know there’s an activity you won’t change your mind about.

Whether it’s a mother daughter weekend in L.A., 2 days in L.A., or 3 days in Los Angeles, we’ve got a lot to cover, so let’s dive in!

Day One of 3 Days in Los Angeles:
Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Surrounding Area

Morning:

Grab breakfast and choose from these two morning hikes:

Choice 1 – Hike to the Iconic Hollywood Sign on Mount Lee
While the Hollywood Sign can be seen from many locations, you might want to start your day with a hike up Mt. Lee to the sign. The actual sign is no longer directly accessible to the public, but you can hike to the back of the sign and be pretty close!

You may read about many different ways to hike to the sign. I prefer the Brush Canyon to the Mt. Lee Summit above and looking down at the back of the sign. The views of the city are marvelous up there. This is a popular trail , so start early and finish early before the crowds and the sun shows up! Remember you can always turn around and return to the car if you feel that seeing a view and getting your pics is enough.

Parking is limited at the trail heads, so go early to grab a spot.
There are bathroom facilities at the Griffith Observatory.
Bring water.
Hiking shoes or sneakers are OK.

Here’s my rec:
Park at 3200 Canyon Drive
Hike the Brush Canyon Trail
It’s a Moderate 6 mile out and back trail – about 3 hours
Open sunrise to sunset

2 other choices:
Park at the Griffith Observatory Parking Lot
Hike Mt. Hollywood Trail 
It’s an Easy 5 mile out and back trail – about 2.5 hours
Open sunrise to sunset

Park on Wonder View Drive
Hike the Cahuenga Peak Trail
It’s a Difficult, Very Steep 3 mile out and back
Open sunrise to sunset

Choice 2 – Hike the Lovely Runyon Canyon Park
If you’re OK with views of the sign and not hiking to the sign, then I recommend you begin your day in Runyon Canyon Park in West Hollywood.

Runyon Canyon is a 160 acre park in the Santa Monica Mountains with plenty of trails and views as you climb. Explore trails with inclines if you like, or remain on the flat trails at the base of the canyon. You’ll catch views of the city as well as see some amazing homes along the way.

Park at North Fuller Avenue off Hollywood Blvd.

Visit Griffith Park & Observatory

Griffith Park is the 4000 acre gem of Los Angeles. There are over 50 miles of trails in the park overlooking the L.A. Basin, and it houses the iconic Hollywood Sign. The park is also home to the famous Griffith Observatory with its very cool Planetarium. The Los Angeles Zoo, Botanical Gardens, and Autry Western Museum are also in the park.

Park at 2800 East Observatory Ave Lot (or park for free along the road)
The Observatory is free.
The Planetarium cost is under $10.

Afternoon: 

See the Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theater (formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theater) are on the itinerary because, well, they have to be. This is the stretch of Hollywood Boulevard that honors stars of the movie industry since 1960 with over 2,700 brass stars embedded in the sidewalks along Hollywood Boulevard.

On the pavement in front of The Theater are the handprints and footprints of the most famous movie stars of all time. This tradition began in 1927 when actress Norma Talmadge accidentally stepped in wet cement at a movie premiere. Since then, stars immortalize their handprints in the sidewalk in front of the theater.

I think you’ll be fine with just a brief visit, a few pics, and then moving on. It’s busy, touristy, and packed with street impersonators asking you to pay for photos with them. So, be sure to get your shots of the sidewalk stars and handprints for free, and beware of pickpockets! Metered Parking is very difficult to find, so pull into one of the 3 public garages nearby.

Pay Tribute at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery

The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is surprisingly a great place to visit. It’s the final resting place of many Hollywood legends and traditionally offers beautiful services for funerals within the community. But it is also widely known as an outdoor movie venue and live performance space.You’ll enjoy roaming around the lovely setting with the peacocks of the cemetery wandering by your side. Look for the burial sites of the greats like Judy Garland and Rudolf Valentino.

Open to the public weekdays until 5PM and weekends until 4:30PM.

Evening: 

Dinner & a Comedy Show

Wrap up day 1 with dinner and a comedy show on Sunset Blvd. This iconic street has some of our favorite restaurants and famous comedy clubs like the Comedy Store and the Laugh Factory. Here are the deets:

The Comedy Store 
8433 Sunset Blvd.
Legendary comedy club showcasing established and up-and-coming stand-up comedians.

The Laugh Factory
8001 Sunset Blvd.
Iconic venue known for stand-up comedy featuring big-name and emerging talent.

Carney’s 
8351 Sunset Blvd.
Famous for its burgers and hot dogs served in a train car on the Sunset Strip.

Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker 
8653 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 
Trendy café offering artisanal coffee, delish dishes, and colorful cappuccinos.

Saddle Ranch Chop House
8371 Sunset Blvd.  
Western-themed restaurant and bar with mechanical bulls and hearty American fare.

Eveleigh 
8752 Sunset Blvd.
Rustic-chic farm-to-table restaurant with stunning views and seasonal Californian cuisine.

Day Two of 3 Days in Los Angeles:
Beverly Hills & Westside of L.A.

Morning: 

The Original Farmers Market

Start Day 2 off with coffee and breakfast at the Original Farmers Market and explore nearby shops at The Grove.Since the 1930’s, the Farmer’s Market has served LA with its many fresh produce, fish, and meat vendors, as well as great ready-to-eat kiosks. SO many choices, everyone will find something they want. Grab stuff for snacks later in the day as well.
6333 W 3rd Street- Parking is free with validation.

Afternoon:

Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive 

Now you’re ready for the iconic shopping excursion of Rodeo Drive and a drive into Beverly Hills. Walk around this luxury shopping district and explore Beverly Hills.

Park in the lot at the tip of Rodeo Drive and when you are done window shopping and taking pics, then drive into the Beverly Hills neighborhoods off Sunset Blvd. Enjoy a DIY gawking or buy a “map of the Stars Homes” from street vendors.

It’s a bit voyeuristic to drive in these neighborhoods, but it’s also fun to see the architecture and landscaping of these magnificent mansions. Many are surrounded by such high hedges, you can’t see anything, but you’ll get a feel for the life of the rich and famous!

Venice Beach & The Venice Canals

Now it’s time to drive out to the coast. Head to Venice Beach and the Venice Canals. Venice Beach is the iconic spot in L.A. where you’ll see a wide range of performers, street people, skate boarders, and bodybuilders. Walk along the boardwalk for shopping and eating in the many tourist spots.

Or walk about 20 minutes inland to Abbot Kinney Blvd for lunch. Abbot Kinney Blvd is the one mile stretch of exclusive shopping and dining.

The Venice Canals are a 20 minute walk south along the boardwalk, beyond Muscle Beach. This neighborhood is designed after the Venice Italy canals and is one of my favorite spots in Los Angeles.

Unique and beautiful homes flank the sides of these calming and sweet canals. A true respite from the wild scene of the boardwalk and the beach.

Parking is available at metered spots on streets and public beach parking for a fee, and private lots.

Evening:  

Sunset at Santa Monica Pier

Time to top off your day with another Los Angeles traditional tourist activity – the Santa Monica Beach and Pier. This is the site with the Ferris Wheel and Rollercoaster at the Pacific Ocean that you’ve seen in many photos.

Wander the pier, go on some rides, eat some cotton candy, and then walk the beach for a beautiful sunset hour. Then enjoy dinner at one of the many great restaurants across the street from the beach in downtown Santa Monica. Parking is available at metered spots and several parking garages.

Here are some of my top recs for dining in Santa Monica:
Elephante 
1332 2nd Street
Stylish rooftop restaurant offering Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with ocean views.

Tar & Roses 
602 Santa Monica Blvd.
Upscale, rustic eatery serving globally influenced small plates and wood-fired dishes.

The Surfing Fox
1717 4th Street
Modern coastal California restaurant blending fresh seafood with casual, beachy vibes.

The Curious Palate 
395 Santa Monica Place  
Farm-to-table restaurant focused on seasonal ingredients and globally inspired comfort food.

Day Three of 3 Days in Los Angeles:
Museums, Studios, and Malibu!

Morning:

Film Studios (Warner Bros or Universal Studios)

Begin your day with a studio tour of one of Hollywood’s famous sound stages. I thoroughly enjoyed the Warner Bros tour. (Having spent a few months in my youth dancing in Daffy Duck costumes, I had a great time at the mothership!) 

Warner Bros. Studios 
Warner Bros Tour is $73 for a 2 hour tour.
4000 Warner Blvd, Burbank
Major film and television studio offering behind-the-scenes tours of iconic sets and stages.

Paramount Studios 
Paramount Tour is $65 for a 2 hour tour.
5555 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles
Historic movie studio known for classic films, offering guided tours through its lot.

Universal Studios
Universal Studios is $119 for a tour and admission to the amusement park.
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City  
Famous film studio and theme park, combining behind-the-scenes tours with thrilling rides.

Afternoon: 

Getty Museum

Time to head to one of my favorite museums of L.A.- The Getty. This remarkable place, designed by Richard Meier, is a real architectural gem! Located on the western side of L.A., The Getty has incredible views that are as beautiful as the art inside the building. The permanent collection is very eclectic and the sculptures, gardens, and grounds are completely integrated into the environment.

Parking ($20) is down below the museum, then a free tram ride takes you up the hill to the museum entrance. There are café areas for indoor or outdoor lunch and snacks.
1200 Getty Center Dr.

Evening: 

Enjoy Sunset at Malibu Pier

Time to wind down the day with a drive up the coast to the Malibu Pier. Make your way up the coast on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to this iconic pier with its stunning views, restaurants, and shops.

It will be stop and go traffic, so be prepared. Just enjoy the sites of surf shops and spectacular views along the way. Arrive in the parking lot of the Malibu Pier and make sure you have a reservation at Malibu Farm restaurant.

Malibu Farm
23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu

Add Ons to your 3 Day itinerary in Los Angeles

You may have an extra day or two for some more fun. Here are my suggestions:

An L.A. Beach Day
Southern California sun is almost always shining and the beaches are truly wonderful. These are a few of the iconic beaches with the soft sand, rock formations, surfers, and warm waves.
My top choices, in this order:

El Matador State Beach 
32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu
My fav secluded beach with rugged cliffs, sea caves, and stunning views.

Hermosa Beach 
Hermosa Ave & Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach  
A happening beach scene with wide sandy shores, and a bustling pier and boardwalk.

Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach Blvd & The Strand, Manhattan Beach
This is a super popular beach destination with volleyball courts, a pier, and upscale dining choices.

A Day at Disneyland in Anaheim
Chances are you’ve either been to Disneyland or don’t feel the need to go again. But if you’ve got kids in tow, it’s hard to miss out on the Disney experience. At minimum, it’s an expensive and full day adventure, so plan ahead. We’ve been many times when the kids were young and honestly always had a blast!
Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Los Angeles County Museum of Art
LACMA is one of L.A.s pride and joy when it comes to fine art. This county art museum has over 150,000 pieces of art from around the globe and spanning thousands of years of art history. You’ll see one of the most photographed and popular exhibits, Urban Light, the 202 refurbished antique street lights by the late Chris Burden.
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Open Mon, Tues, Thurs 11 – 6, Fri 11 – 8, Weekends 10 -7

La Brea Tar Pits
The La Brea Tar Pits Museum is literally next to LACMA and is part of LA’s natural History Museum. Surprising that in the heart of Los Angeles urban sprawl is this world famous fossil excavation site. This natural spot of asphalt or sticky tar that bubbles up, trapped animals and plants thousands of years ago and  their remains and fossils have been uncovered in this spot since 1875. The Tar Pits yield thousands of years of history and information through all the fossils that are found here, including a mammoth!
5801 Wilshire Blvd 
Monday – Sunday: 9:30 – 5

The Broad
Stop by this contemporary art museum if time permits (a bit further, but worth it). The Broad is L.A.’s exquisite contemporary art museum that offers free admission! You’ll find iconic pieces of Warhol and Koons and the very popular Infinity Mirror Rooms by Yayoi Kusama.
221 S Grand Ave.
Wednesday – Friday: 11 – 5, Saturday 10 – 8, Sunday 10 – 6  

Where to stay in Los Angeles

I have spent enough time in L.A. to feel confident in my go-to hotel. I always recommend visitor stay in the West Hollywood/Laurel Canyon area because it’s a safe and an excellent neighborhood for food, activities, and to launch the excursions on this 3 day L.A. itinerary.
My #1 Choice is:

The Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza Hotel.  It’s a close distance to lots of restaurants, Beverly Hills, and to Runyon Canyon.  There’s a beautiful pool and a decent breakfast.

Beverly Hills Marriott – This hotel has great reviews and is in a terrific location very close to Beverly Hills. It’s a Marriott, so you can trust the safety and it’s budget friendly for sure. There is a pool, a work out room, and a restaurant/bar.

The Beverly Hills Hotel is the dream spot if you can splurge for a luxury experience. It needs no introduction, but let’s just say it is in a beautiful location, is a stunning piece of property and has all the luxury amenities that movie stars like yourself deserve!

Ready to share your 3 day itinerary in Los Angeles with your travel buddies?

In a nutshell…

Los Angeles truly has something for everyone, whether you’re a first-time visitor or have been to the City of Angels many times before. From the iconic Hollywood Sign to the laid-back vibes of Venice Beach, this 3-day itinerary ensures you’ll hit all the top spots without feeling overwhelmed. With a car and a bit of planning, you’ll navigate the sprawling city like a pro.

So pack your sunscreen, charge your camera, and get ready to experience the best that LA has to offer. Safe travels, and enjoy every sun-soaked moment!

xx,
Carrie