Kick off your first morning in Los Angeles with a relaxed beachfront breakfast at Urth Caffé Santa Monica followed by a refreshing walk along the [Santa Monica Pier](https://santamonicapier.org)-snap photos by the Ferris wheel, visit the small arcade, and catch street performers. Continue east onto the Marvin Braude Bike Trail for a scenic ride toward Venice Canals, where you can wander the leafy walkways and admire the charming houseboats and bridges before lunch.
After a leisurely morning, head to Palisades Park for elevated ocean views and people-watching, then stroll down to the lively Third Street Promenade for shopping, street performers, and a coffee break at Blue Bottle Coffee. As golden hour approaches, wander over to Venice Beach Boardwalk to catch skateboarders at the Venice Skate Park, browse quirky vendors, and settle in for sunset with tacos and drinks at Gjelina Take Away or a seaside patio on Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
As night falls, wander to The Bungalow Santa Monica for lively cocktails and a relaxed, beachy atmosphere, then head to Santa Monica Promenade Rooftop at the Shore Hotel for skyline and ocean-lit views. For a more low-key option, enjoy a seafood dinner at The Lobster overlooking the pier, then finish with live music and craft beers at nearby Harvelle's Blues Club or a moonlit walk along the quieter end of the sand.
Start your day with breakfast at Musso & Frank Grill to soak in old-Hollywood charm, then stroll the nearby [Hollywood Walk of Fame](https://www.walkoffame.com) to spot celebrity stars and the historic Chinese Theatre with its famous handprints. Continue uphill via a short hike on the Hollyridge Trail for close-up views of the Hollywood Sign and sweeping vistas of the city before descending toward lunch in charming Los Feliz.
After your Hollyridge Trail descent, wander down Hollywood Boulevard toward Hollywood & Highland for shopping, street performers, and a great photo op of the basin from the outdoor terraces; pop into Ripley's Believe It or Not! or browse the boutique shops for quirky souvenirs. Mid-afternoon, head up to [Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round](https://www.laparks.org/griffithpark) and then take the scenic drive or short hike to Griffith Observatory-explore the exhibit halls, step out onto the lawn for panoramic city views, and time it so you can watch the sunset glow over the skyline before dinner.
Wind down the evening with dinner and people-watching on the lively patio at Musso & Frank Grill Bar (try classic steaks or martinis), then stroll over to catch a late-night screening or indie film at the nearby El Capitan Theatre for a magical, historic cinematic experience. After the show, head up to Mount Hollywood Drive for a short, moonlit walk with sweeping night views of the city lights and a quiet moment to compare tonight's skyline to the daytime vista you enjoyed at Griffith Observatory.
Ease into the day with brunch and people-watching on the sun-splashed patio at The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker on Sunset Boulevard, then browse indie boutiques and designer vintage along Melrose Avenue-don't miss the colorful murals for photo stops. Afterward, take a relaxed stroll through the landscaped paths of [West Hollywood Park](https://www.google.com/search?q=West+Hollywood+Park+los+angeles+for+5+days+with+friends%2C+first+visit+official+site), pop into the nearby Pacific Design Center galleries for modern design inspiration, and grab a mid-morning espresso at Verve Coffee Roasters before lunch in lively WeHo.
Spend a stylish afternoon wandering the boutique-lined stretch of Robertson Boulevard-pop into vintage finds at Decades and contemporary pieces at A.L.C.-then refuel with inventive small plates and cocktails on the sun-drenched patio at Gracias Madre. After lunch, explore the lush, art-filled grounds of The Standard, West Hollywood (check out the rooftop pool scene and the weekend DJs) before a late stroll through the palm-lined Sunset Plaza for people-watching and pre-dinner drinks.
As night falls, head to Sunset Tower Bar for classic cocktails in an art-deco lounge - arrive early for terrace seating and soak up the old-Hollywood glamour. Later, move down the Strip for live music at The Roxy Theatre or catch a comedy set at The Comedy Store, then finish with a late-night slice and people-watching on the neon-lit stretch outside Pink Taco.
Begin with a hearty breakfast at Bottega Louie-try the pastries and colorful market-then wander through the nearby galleries of the Bradbury Building and admire its ornate ironwork and skylit atrium. Continue on to the vibrant Grand Central Market for a tasting tour of stands like Eggslut and Tacos Tumbras a Tomas, then stroll the murals and contemporary sculptures around The Broad before heading into its contemporary art galleries when they open.
Head into the historic core for lunch and exploration-grab a creative sandwich or bowl at Wexler's Deli then wander the striking architecture and rotating exhibits at The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). Afterward, stroll through the art-filled alleyways of Biddy Mason Park and pop into the indie galleries and design shops along Santee Alley / Metro Art Walk, finishing with a coffee and people-watching on the patio at Blue Bottle (OUE Skyspace level) before your evening plans.
As dusk falls, head to Perch LA for rooftop cocktails and sweeping skyline views, then wander down to the nearby Grand Park for an illuminated fountain stroll and people-watching. For dinner, savor inventive small plates and natural wines at Otium beside The Broad, then finish the night with craft cocktails and live jazz at The Varnish-a tucked-away speakeasy in the historic core for a late, cinematic send-off to your downtown day.
Start your final morning with a leisurely breakfast at The Farm of Beverly Hills followed by window-shopping and luxury finds along Rodeo Drive, popping into iconic boutiques like Gucci and the elegant Beverly Wilshire lobby for photos. Afterward, stroll the quiet, palm-lined paths of Virginia Robinson Gardens for a peaceful botanical escape and a last round of relaxed sightseeing before you head back to pack and make your way toward LAX.
Spend a relaxed afternoon unwinding at Montage Beverly Hills's sun-drenched courtyard for tea or a light spa treatment, then wander over to the nearby boutique-lined streets around Beverly Drive to hunt for unique gifts and local designers. Later, head south toward the airport with a scenic pit stop at El Segundo Brewing Company for a casual flight of local beers and hearty bar bites before making your way to LAX, leaving time for a smooth check-in and last-minute duty-free shopping.
Wind down your trip with a sunset cocktail and light bites at The Roof on Wilshire, which offers a relaxed terrace and skyline views perfect for recounting highlights with friends. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely final meal at Maude (seasonal tasting menu in a cozy setting) or choose the lively, shareable plates at LPM Restaurant & Bar before heading to LAX-allowing time for easy traffic windows and a smooth check-in.