Los Angeles is one of the most dynamic cities you will ever visit! You can visit LA 10 different times and have 10 different experiences. I have lived here for over 20 years and I still discover new things to do and see. From the beach to the mountains to the desert, we have it all! If you find yourself here with a limited amount of time, I’ve put together a quick itinerary that I give my Airbnb guests to help you at least see the classic spots. This itinerary can be done in one long day or split into 2 days. Do not use GPS on this because am giving you the scenic route, not necessarily the shortest.
Venice Beach: This is an iconic destination and is classic LA! Start by driving to Venice Beach. Parking is at a premium but well worth it for proximity to the boardwalk. Parking in the area ranges from $3 to $15 depending on the lot and the time of year. Limited free street parking is available in the neighborhood if you have the patience to look for it. This is more of a people watching and board walking beach; not so much sun bathing. Sidewalk Café is a good place grab something to eat as you people watch. Take a stroll down Venice Beach Boardwalk to check out the street performers, the hard bodies at muscle beach (an outdoor gym) and the interesting characters wandering the strand during the summer and on weekends.
Santa Monica Beach: From Venice beach, you can take Lincoln Blvd and it will get you to Santa Monica. A different type of beach with a nice pier with restaurants and interesting shops. One of my favorites is Mariasol, A taste of Mexico at the very end of the pier. You can do sun bathing here but get there early to get the perfect spot on the beach.
Beverly Hills: Take Olympic Blvd from Santa Monica and go west. You will pass through Westwood (home of UCLA) and Century City and end up in Beverly hills. Find parking near Rodeo drive and walk the shortest street ever for great photo ops with designer shops. Think “Pretty Woman”
Bel Air: After Rodeo drive Take Sunset blvd towards Hollywood through Bel Air. There are beautiful homes to see on this route so a leisurely drive through here is a feast for the eyes and a chance to see how the 1% live. Think “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” This should eventually get you to Hollywood central.
Hollywood: Go to Hollywood and Highland and park in the structure. There is a great vantage point on the 3rd floor of the Hollywood & Highland shopping and entertainment complex, where on a clear day, you can see the Hollywood sign. This is where the walk of fame & Chinese Mann theater are. Bring singles $ to tip the character performers when you take pictures with them along the walk of fame.
Universal City Walk: After hollywood, you can take the 101 freeway north to Universal City Walk. It’s a collection of shops, restaurant and clubs just outside the theme park. Many photo ops.
Here are a few other honorable mentions should you have more time to sightsee..
The Griffith Observatory: Located in Griffith Park, there is a free astronomy museum that offers visitors a free glimpse at the cosmos through their super Zeiss telescope. A great spot to see paranomic views of LA including the Hollywood sign from a different angle.
Tip: Get in line before dark if you want a look at the night sky, especially in summer. They close the line at a certain number of people.
Hollywood Sign Hike: If you are the outdoorsy type or need a good work out, this is an excellent option for seeing the famous Hollywood sign. Park at 3200 Canyon Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068 and follow the signs to the sign. The sign itself is fenced off from the public, so there is no legal access to it but this hike will get you close enough to get amazing photos!
The Getty Villa: is the permanent home of Getty’s Greek and Roman art collection. Located on Pacific Coast Highway north of Sunset Blvd. The Museum is free, but advance, timed tickets are required. There is a fee for parking. Bikes park free. Motorcycles pay full rate. Metro Bus 434 stops near the Getty Villa Gate on PCH.
Los Angeles Fashion District: Great clothes shopping on Maple and 12th Street
The Standard Hotel Rooftop Bar: An iconic classic bar with amazing aesthetics. There are locations in downtown LA and in West Hollywood. Both with amazing views and ambience.
