Land at LAX at ~14:00; clear immigration, pick up bags and transfer to your hotel. This is a travel/settling window so allow 1–2 hours to reach Santa Monica or DTLA depending on hotel.
Stroll the pier and nearby promenade for ocean views, shops and street performers — great first-evening activity close to many hotels. Open daily; many shops 10:00–20:00, pier always accessible.
Iconic viewpoints and short hikes; observatory grounds open daily (building hours often ~12:00–10:00 but grounds and trails are accessible earlier). Great for skyline views and photos.
Art museum with gardens and sweeping city views; recommended arrival by 15:00 at latest — Getty hours typically 10:00–17:30 and the museum is often closed Mondays (check exact dates).
Spend a full day on rides, studio tour and themed areas; park typically opens ~09:00 and closes between ~17:00–20:00 depending on season — buy tickets in advance.
Famous former prison tours run multiple times daily (first ferry usually ~9:00 and last mid/late afternoon). Book tickets in advance — the audio tour is excellent.
See festive window displays along Fifth Avenue and the Rockefeller Center tree and skating rink area; public spaces remain accessible though some operations may have holiday hours.
Early morning transfer to your departure airport; allow 3 hours for check-in and security for international flights. Confirm terminal and airline procedures in advance.
International departure on your scheduled carrier — make sure passports, visas and any travel documents (COVID/vaccine status if required) are current.