Arrive at LAX or Burbank and settle into your downtown hotel, then head to Grand Central Market for a lively welcome to LA — sample egg sandwiches at Eggslut or tacos at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas and grab coffee from G&B Coffee. Walk off the flight with a short stroll up Broadway to see the historic theaters and the recently restored Bradbury Building, soaking in the architectural contrast between old Los Angeles and the glass towers above.
Spend the afternoon exploring the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) or take the short drive to The Broad for modern art and the Infinity Mirrored Room (reserve timed entry if possible), then walk across to Walt Disney Concert Hall for an exterior photo tour of Frank Gehry’s iconic curves. If you prefer something more local, wander the Arts District murals, pop into Hauser & Wirth or small galleries, and enjoy a relaxed lunch at Bestia or Manuela for seasonal California cuisine.
As sunset approaches, ride the DTLA Urban Lights and take skyline photos from the OUE Skyspace (glass slide optional) or head to Perch or The Standard’s rooftop for cocktails with a view. Finish the night with dinner at Bottega Louie or a neighborhood spot in the Arts District such as Church & State, then wander the lit-up alleyways and breweries if you’re up for a nightcap—an easy, stylish first evening that sets the tone for the rest of the trip.
Start the day with breakfast at Musso & Frank Grill or a lighter bite and coffee at Sqirl (or Republique if you’re coming from DTLA) before strolling Hollywood Boulevard to see the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre forecourt, and the El Capitan marquee. Pause for photos at the iconic Hollywood Sign viewpoints along Lake Hollywood Drive, then pop into the Hollywood & Highland complex for maps, souvenirs, and a peek at the Hollywood Museum if you’re curious about classic movie history.
Drive or rideshare up to Griffith Park for a midday hike—choose the Mt. Hollywood Trail for sweeping city and sign views or the Observatory loop for a shorter walk; explore the Griffith Observatory exhibits and use the public telescopes if open. After the hike, refuel with casual bites at Trails Café or grab a late lunch in nearby Los Feliz at Alcove or HomeState for tacos and Tex-Mex, keeping the vibe relaxed after the morning’s walk.
As twilight falls, return to Griffith Observatory for the city lights panorama, or head down to Sunset Boulevard for dinner at Good Times at Davey Wayne’s or Musso & Frank if you saved it for tonight — alternatively try the intimate flair of Little Dom’s in Los Feliz. Cap the night with a rooftop cocktail at Mama Shelter or the Energy at the W Hollywood to enjoy nighttime views and a relaxed wrap to your Hollywood day.
Start the day by driving or taking a rideshare west to Santa Monica Pier for a classic oceanfront welcome — stroll the boardwalk, ride the Pacific Park Ferris wheel, and grab a seaside breakfast at Back on the Beach or Blue Streak for coffee and avocado toast. Wander the Third Street Promenade for boutique browsing and street performers, then rent bikes from Perry’s or Wheel Fun to pedal the scenic Marvin Braude Bike Trail toward Venice.
Coast into Venice Beach for people-watching, the skate park, and the colorful Muscle Beach area, then explore the Venice Canals for a quieter, picturesque contrast with charming footbridges and historic homes. For lunch, try Gjelina or Gjusta for popular, seasonal California fare, and pop into Abbot Kinney Boulevard’s shops and galleries — don’t miss the iconic Mosaic Tile House or a mural photo op along the way.
As the sun begins to dip, return to Santa Monica for a sunset walk along the pier and a beachfront cocktail at The Bungalow or a table at The Lobster for ocean views and seafood. Finish with a relaxed evening stroll along the strand or catch live music at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica — an easy, coastal night that transitions smoothly from the city energy of the first two days to a more laid-back Pacific rhythm.
Ease into the day on Museum Row with coffee and a pastry at République or Proof Bakery, then dive into the Getty-inspired treasures at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) — don’t miss the Urban Light installation for photos. If modern art is more your pace, cross to the Petersen Automotive Museum for gleaming classics or the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum next door to see Ice Age fossils and active excavation sites, giving a fascinating contrast of culture and natural history.
Head west to Beverly Hills for a leisurely lunch at The Terrace at the Beverly Wilshire or the chic Sprinkles Cupcakes for a sweet treat, then stroll or shop along Rodeo Drive and the adjacent Golden Triangle boutiques, popping into small galleries and designer flagships. For a quieter, local feel, wander through the Beverly Canon Gardens and take a short drive up to the Paley Center for Media or the Virginia Robinson Gardens for a slice of historic LA elegance.
As the day cools, enjoy cocktails and small plates at The Bazaar by José Andrés or Elaine’s at the Peninsula, then settle in for dinner at Mírame or Spago for a celebrated LA dining experience that matches the upscale Beverly Hills vibe. Finish the night with a short drive back toward Mid-Wilshire to catch an evening program at the Wiltern or a late gallery opening in the Miracle Mile, keeping the cultural thread of the trip alive as you prepare for your coastal day tomorrow.
Drive up the Pacific Coast Highway toward Malibu for a scenic morning — stop at the Getty Villa (reserve timed tickets) to wander the Roman-inspired galleries and gardens, then take in the ocean views from the Villa’s terraces. If you prefer fresh air over museums, begin with a coastal walk at El Matador State Beach or Zuma Beach and grab a hearty brunch at Malibu Farm Pier or Paradise Cove Beach Café to set a relaxed seaside tone for the day.
Continue the coastal drive west, pausing at Point Dume for cliffside panoramas and possible whale spotting (seasonal), then explore Malibu’s boutique shops and tasting rooms on Cross Creek Road or at the Malibu Country Mart with a stop at Noble Ale Works or Malibu Wines for a casual tasting. Alternatively, take a short detour to the Malibu Lagoon and historic Adamson House to learn local history and enjoy birdwatching, keeping the day unhurried and focused on ocean vistas and local flavors.
Return toward LA along the PCH as golden hour approaches, slowing for sunset photos at Carbon Beach (Billionaire’s Row) or a table at Geoffrey’s Malibu for classic sunset dining over the water. Finish with a relaxed drive back to your hotel — consider a final cocktail at a rooftop bar in Santa Monica or a low-key nightcap in DTLA to round out the trip’s coastal chapter and ease back into the city rhythm for your departure day.