The Ultimate Weekend Trip in Los Angeles

Are you planning an epic weekend trip in Los Angeles?

Nothing better than a weekend getaway to L.A. If you’re a first timer or a veteran visitor, a weekend trip in Los Angeles will boost your energy and your mood! Use this guide for a couples’ getaway, a solo excursion, a girlfriends’ trip, or bring the whole family!

Los Angeles is Southern California’s home to beaches, Hollywood, amusement parks, and some of the best museums and food in the U.S. It can seem like a massive and overwhelming place, but if you know where to go and what to do, it’s one of the most fun cities to visit.

Unlike its northern California sister, San Francisco, L.A. has minimal fog and about 263 sunny days per year!

Fly into LAX or Burbank Airports and follow this itinerary. You’ll see the best highlights in the city without stress and you’ll leave wanting more of the City of Angels.

Click the Map for Los Angeles Itinerary Locations

Your Itinerary for a Weekend Trip in Los Angeles

Pro Tips:

• Los Angeles is not a great public transportation town. Thus,I recommend you have a car or rely on ride share apps to enjoy this L.A. weekend itinerary.
• If you do rent a car, be sure to follow all common sense safety rules, such as, don’t leave valuables in the car. L.A. is safe, but don’t take chances.
• Always check the traffic on your GPS before driving to your destinations because – Traffic Happens!
• Make dinner reservations before you go! Even if you change your mind, it’s best to have a reservation on the books as places fill up – especially on weekends!

Weekend in L.A. Itinerary – Hollywood & West Hollywood

1. A Hike to the Hollywood Sign
Park at the Griffith Observatory Parking Lot
Hike Mt. Hollywood Trail 
Easy 5 mile out and back trail, 2.5 hours – 1250 elevation gain
Open sunrise to sunset

The Hollywood sign hike is one of the best free things to do in Los Angeles. This will get you up and out early. Put on your sneakers, grab coffee, and head to the iconic Hollywood Sign. This adventure will not only give you a view of the famous sign, but also views of the beautiful city below. Enjoy this easy loop and be done before the sun gets too hot.

2. The Griffith Park Observatory
2800 East Observatory Road
Park at Griffith Observatory Open 12 PM to 10 PM, Tuesday – Sunday
Free

The Griffith Observatory is the beautiful building at the top of Griffith Park, known for its famous Zeiss Telescope. More people have looked through this giant telescope than any other telescope in the world. While you won’t be there for the evening telescope show, you can enjoy the  exhibits and displays and have lunch overlooking the views of the city.

3. The Hollywood Walk of Fame
15 minute drive from the Observatory
Hollywood Boulevard from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue and along Vine Street from Yucca Street to Sunset Boulevard
Park in one of the garages or on the street

Hollywood & Vine is home to the famous sidewalks that have over 2600 brass stars with the names of your favorite celebrities embedded in the sidewalks. This is not my favorite part of town because it is too crowded and a bit seedy, and filled with entertainers trying to make money buy taking pictures with you. Kind of like Times Square. That being said, you gotta do it at least once!

4. The TCL Chinese Theater(formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre)
6925 Hollywood Boulevard

The giant red pagoda along the walk of fame is one of Hollywood’s most treasured spots. Movie stars have placed their handprints and autographs in the concrete since the 1920’s. I have to say, it’s pretty cool to see footprints of the Hollywood legends!

5. The Hollywood Forever Cemetery
5 minute drive from Hollywood & Vine
6000 Santa Monica Boulevard

The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is oddly one of my favorite spots! It is the forever home to many of the most famous movie stars and people in the movie business. It’s a large and perfectly groomed cemetery with live peacocks roaming the grounds. Since 1899, these 62 acres have hosted funerals and tributes to the people who’ve made this community famous. You can have a tour or just wander. Look for the schedule of outdoor movies, concerts and other events.

6. Malibu Farm Restaurant
1 hour from Hollywood Forever Cemetary
Malibu Pier 23000 Pacific Coast Highway

Malibu Farm Restaurant in Malibu is the original of this wonderful small chain of restaurants. I wouldn’t suggest you drive an hour to dinner if I didn’t think it was worth it! This drive will take you across town to the ocean and lead you along the PCH. You’ll unfortunately witness the devastation of the 2025 fires which destroyed much of what was once a thriving coastline of homes and businesses. Luckily, the Malibu Pier was not affected, and the community needs your support! So, go dine at this amazing farm to table restaurant with stunning views, great service, and a beautiful spirit.

Recommended L.A. Restaurants:

• Gracias Madre – 8905 Melrose Ave. – Vegetarian Mexican
• Crossroads – 8284 Melrose Ave. – Elegant and upscale Vegan
• Cafe Gratitude – 639 N Larchmont Blvd. – Locally sourced Vegan
• Openaire – 3515 Wilshire Blvd. – Beautiful greenhouse, Michelin Star chef
• Elephante –  1332 2nd St. – Stylish rooftop, Mediterranean cuisine with ocean views
• Tar & Roses – 602 Santa Monica Blvd. – Upscale, small plates and wood-fired dishes
• The Surfing Fox – 1717 4th St. – Seafood with beachy vibes
• The Curious Palate – 395 Santa Monica Place – Farm-to-table restaurant

Weekend in L.A. Itinerary – Beverly Hills & Westside L.A.

1. The Getty Museum
1200 Getty Center Drive
Open: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am to 5:30 pm. Saturdays: 10 am to 9 pm.
Parking lot for a fee and a Free tram that takes you up to the museum.

The J. Paul Getty Museum is one of Los Angeles’s most exquisite museums because of its gorgeous architecture, gardens, and the location up on a hill near the coast. The permanent collection has works from the Middle Ages to modern times. There are several cafes at the museum and honestly, you could just hang in the gardens and feel satisfied!

2. The Venice Beach Boardwalk
25 minute drive from the Getty
Parking lots, garages, and street parking available

Venice Beach is the famous beach in L.A. known for its 2 mile boardwalk complete with tourist shops, restaurants, and street performers. You’ll see a little bit of everything there from skateboarding to surfing, and body builders to bikers.  Venice Beach also is home to the upscale and trendy Abbot Kinney Boulevard where I highly recommend lunch at:
The Butcher’s Daughter – 1205 Abbot Kinney Blvd.

3. The Venice Canals
A few blocks East of the Boardwalk

The Venice Canal Historic District was created to be like Venice, Italy. Take a stroll through the exclusive neighborhoods of the Venice Canals. You’ll get lost as you wander over the bridges and along the waterways and ogle at the lovely and eclectic homes along the canals. 

4. The Santa Monica Pier
15 minute drive from Venice Beach
Parking lots, garages, and street parking available

The Santa Monica Pier and beach area are the symbol of L.A. you’ll recognize the ferris wheel and the historic 1909 amusement park along the boardwalk that stretches out into the ocean. You’ll encounter big crowds, no doubt, but get some cotton candy and enjoy the scene. The 3 mile Santa Monica Beach and Marvin Braude bike path are popular places for visitors and locals alike.

5. The Original Farmer’s Market
35 minute drive from Santa Monica
6333 West 3rd Street at Fairfax
Open weekdays 9AM – 9PM, Saturday 9 AM – 8 PM, Sunday 10 AM – 7 PM 

The Original Farmer’s Market is a historic landmark in L.A. This 1934 farmer’s market is filled with vendors selling local produce, gourmet foods, and bespoke gifts. Enjoy the sites and smells as you shop around.

6. The Beverly Hills Residential Neighborhood
Enter at Beverly Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard
15 minute drive from Farmer’s Market

Visit the Entrance to Beverly Hills at the famous sign in Beverly Gardens. The neighborhoods of Beverly Hills are home to some of the world’s most famous mansions and residents. You can DIY a tour around and try to peak at gardens and homes. Much is covered with tall hedges and gates, but it’s fun to explore. There are apps for downloading maps of the stars’ homes. Try one and let me know how it is!

7. Rodeo Drive
5 minute drive from Beverly Hills
Parking garage and lots available.

Across from Beverly Gardens is the entrance to Rodeo Drive. This is the luxurious 3 block shopping district with the most high end shops in all of Los Angeles. Maybe you’re ready to splurge on some jewelry or clothing, or maybe you just want to window shop. Either way, it’s a fun spot of what’s quintessential L.A.

8. Sunset Boulevard
10 minute drive from Rodeo Drive

The Sunset Strip is the stretch of restaurants, shops, clubs, and bars. Here are some nearby restaurants to consider for dinner:

• Lavo Ristorante – 9201 Sunset Blvd. – Sophisticated Italian
• The Butcher,The Baker,The Cappuccino Maker – Seasonal dishes – 8653 West Sunset Blvd.
• Saddle Ranch Chop House – A Wild West themed steak house -8371 Sunset Blvd.
• Carney’s Restaurant – Burgers & Hot Dogs – 8351 Sunset Blvd.

9. A Comedy Show
Comedy Store – 8433 Sunset Boulevard
The Laugh Factory –  8001 Sunset Boulevard

Comedy clubs are a big part of the L.A. comedy scene. Lots of famous and not-yet-famous people do stand-up routines throughout the week. Go see some comedy after dinner.

Weekend in L.A. Itinerary – More Options

1. Runyon Canyon Hike
Park at North Fuller Avenue off Hollywood Boulevard

Runyon Canyon in West Hollywood is a 160 acre park in the Santa Monica Mountains. Its a special surprise tucked between Hollywood and Laurel Canyon. There are plenty of trails and great views.

2. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Weekdays 11AM – 6PM, Closed Wednesday, Friday 11AM – 8PM, Weekends 11AM – 7PM

LACMA is a gem among L.A.’s art museums. With over 150,000 pieces in its collection, you’ll see all types of art represented, including the famous Urban Light streetlamp exhibit in front of the museum. I suggest you begin on the top floor and work your way down and then head to the adjacent building for the Broad wing exhibits.

3. The Broad Museum
221 South Grand Avenue
Parking garages available

The Broad is by far my favorite museum in L.A. Not only is it free, but it holds some of the most iconic pieces of the contemporary art world. See Warhol and Koons, and the amazing mirror rooms by Kusama.

4. The La Brea Tar Pits
5801 Wilshire Boulevard

The La Brea Tar Pits Museum is right next to LACMA. As part of LA’s Natural History Museum, it’s a world famous fossil excavation site. The tar that bubbled up and trapped animals and plants thousands of years ago. SInce 1875, their remains have been uncovered and excavated. There is a museum and tours are available. Just walking around the park is a bit underwhelming, but fun to stop by if you are next door at LACMA.

5. Film Studios Tours (Warner Bros or Universal Studios)
Some people really want to do the studio visits while in L.A. it can be a lot of fun, but also pricey. I particularly enjoyed the Warner Bros. tour because I danced as Warner Bros characters in shows during my youth!

• 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, CA 90038 
  Historic movie studio known for classic films, offering guided tours through its lot.
• Universal Studios Hollywood
  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.

Where to stay in Los Angeles

My top choice for the neighborhood to stay in L.A. is the West Hollywood district. It’s safe and centrally located. 

There are plenty of hotels on the Sunset Strip, but I recommend 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!

Best Time to Visit L.A.

People tend to believe Southern California always has great beach weather and sunshine all year long. It’s not exactly true. While there are a lot of beautiful days in L.A., you can get some chilly and rainy times. Count on weather in the 70’s fahrenheit much of the year and hotter in the summers.

We love to visit at all times of the year, but particularly during the holidays. Here are the average temps :

Los Angeles Temps	Average High (°F)	Average Low (°F)
January	69	49
February	69	50
March	70	52
April	73	55
May	74	58
June	79	62
July	83	65
August	85	66
September	84	65
October	79	60
November	74	53
December	68	49

Ready to have an Epic Weekend Trip in
Los Angeles?

In a nutshell…

Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, Los Angeles always finds a way to surprise you. With its mix of sun-soaked beaches, cultural gems, iconic sights, and hidden treasures, a weekend in L.A. can be anything you want it to be—adventurous, glamorous, relaxing, or all of the above.

This itinerary gives you a taste of the best the city has to offer without the stress of planning it all yourself. So pack your bag, grab your sunglasses, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend in the City of Angels.

xx,
Carrie