Brisbane to South Dakota and New York Winter Trip

Begin with the nonstop Brisbane–Los Angeles flight, which takes roughly 13–14 hours. Leave Brisbane with plenty of time for airline check-in, then expect immigration, baggage collection, and customs at Los Angeles International Airport to take 1–2 hours—occasionally longer during the December rush. After landing, take a pre-booked rideshare or taxi to the Fairfax District; allow 35–60 minutes depending on traffic, and avoid renting a car today unless you are comfortable with jet lag and Los Angeles driving.

Late Afternoon

Settle into The Original Farmers Market, generally open daily from around 10am to 8pm, for an easy first meal and a gentle introduction to the city. Give yourself about 90 minutes to browse the stalls and food counters; Magee’s Kitchen is a classic choice for a substantial plate, while Bob’s Coffee & Doughnuts is ideal if you only need something light. From the market, walk across the street to The Grove, where the seasonal decorations and outdoor setting make for pleasant low-effort wandering. The complex usually stays open until around 10pm, though individual shops vary.

Evening

If you still have energy, take a short rideshare—roughly 10 minutes, traffic permitting—to LACMA on Wilshire Boulevard. Check the December schedule before leaving, as galleries may close earlier than expected; admission is commonly around US$25 for adults, with special exhibitions costing extra. Even if you do not manage the full collection, the outdoor Urban Light installation is a worthwhile first-night stop and is accessible after museum hours. Finish at République in Mid-City, about 10–15 minutes by rideshare from LACMA. The bakery and restaurant usually serve dinner into the evening, but reservations are sensible; expect approximately US$35–60 per person before drinks and tip. Keep the night relaxed—jet lag and the time change will catch up with you quickly.

Morning

Start at Santa Monica Pier around 9:00am, when the beach is quiet and the light is beautiful. Allow about an hour to stroll over the pier, see the Pacific from the end, and wander along the shoreline; most attractions may not open until later, but the pier itself is free. Walk inland to Third Street Promenade—about 15 minutes—for coffee, browsing, and an easy late-morning break. Shops generally open around 10:00am, and a casual café meal will usually cost US$12–20. If driving, use a paid garage near Broadway rather than hunting for street parking.

From Santa Monica, take an eastbound rideshare or drive south to Venice Beach Boardwalk, typically 15–25 minutes without heavy traffic, though Sunday congestion can make it longer. Spend roughly 90 minutes walking the beachfront, taking in the street performers, murals, skate culture, and Muscle Beach area. Keep phones and wallets secure in crowded stretches, and don’t leave anything visible in a parked car. Have only a light snack here so you can continue to the Getty Center; allow 25–40 minutes by car via I-10 and the 405, with extra time in weekend traffic. The Getty is free, though parking is about US$25 per vehicle, and its galleries, gardens, and hilltop views make it worth a relaxed two-and-a-half-hour visit. Reserve a timed entry if required and check the winter closing time before leaving—typically around 5:30pm, with some later openings on selected evenings.

Evening

Finish at Guelaguetza in Koreatown, roughly 30–45 minutes from Brentwood depending on traffic. Arrive around 7:00pm for Oaxacan specialties such as mole, tlayudas, and handmade tamales; budget US$25–45 per person before drinks and consider calling ahead, as dinner can be busy. This is a good place to slow down after a full sightseeing day rather than add another stop. If you are driving, use the restaurant’s available parking guidance or a nearby paid lot—street parking in Koreatown can be frustrating at dinner time.

Arrival and Late Afternoon

After your morning flight from Los Angeles International Airport via Denver, aim to be checked into your Rapid City hotel by around 3:30–4:00pm. Winter weather can slow connections and baggage handling, so keep the evening flexible; if you have a rental car, choose covered or well-lit downtown parking and allow extra time for icy pavements. Once settled, take a short walk through Downtown Rapid City Art Alley, the narrow lane between Main Street and St. Joseph Street filled with changing murals and graffiti-style artwork. It takes about 30 minutes and is especially atmospheric as the light fades.

Continue on foot to the City of Presidents, a series of life-size bronze presidential statues positioned along Main Street and St. Joseph Street. The open-air trail is free and available at any time, although some plaques can be harder to read after dark; allow roughly 45 minutes. This is an easy first look at central Rapid City, with plenty of cafés and local shops nearby if you need to warm up.

Early Evening and Dinner

From the statues, walk a few blocks to Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries on Main Street, usually open until around 6:00pm on weekdays, though December hours can vary. Give yourself 45 minutes to browse its carefully presented collection of Native American art, beadwork, textiles, books, and Black Hills crafts—this is a much better place for meaningful regional souvenirs than a generic roadside shop. For dinner, walk or drive downtown to Murphy’s Pub & Grill, where a relaxed pub atmosphere and substantial plates make an easy first night after flying. Budget about US$20–35 per person; dinner service commonly runs into the evening, but check the day’s hours and reserve if arriving after 6:30pm.

Morning

Pick up your rental car early and leave Rapid City around 7:30am for Mount Rushmore National Memorial—about a 35-minute drive via US-16A. Winter daylight is limited, and the memorial grounds are generally accessible from dawn until late afternoon, though the visitor-center facilities and museum operate seasonally, so check the official schedule before leaving. Admission to the memorial is free, but parking is about US$10 per vehicle. Allow roughly two hours for the Grand View Terrace, Presidential Trail, and museum; snow and ice can make the trail slippery, so sturdy footwear is worthwhile.

Late Morning and Afternoon

Continue south through Custer State Park on Needles Highway, allowing at least two hours for the twisting road, granite spires, and narrow rock tunnels. This route is normally seasonal and may be closed in December because of snow, ice, or maintenance—check the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks road report that morning and never attempt it in poor conditions. If it is open, buy or display the park entrance permit and take your time at the pull-offs. Make Sylvan Lake your brief scenic stop, allowing 30–45 minutes for the shoreline and the striking rock formations; if the access road or lakeside paths are icy, enjoy the view from the safe parking area rather than walking far.

Continue to the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road, allowing about 1½ hours to drive slowly and watch for bison, pronghorn, deer, and wild turkeys. Keep windows closed and give wildlife plenty of space—bison can appear suddenly beside the road. In December, sunset comes early, so aim to finish the loop before 4:30pm. Winter closures may affect one or more sections; if the full route is unavailable, follow the open portion and treat the day as weather-dependent rather than trying to force the itinerary.

Evening

Drive to The Alpine Inn in Hill City, roughly 25–35 minutes from the park depending on your exit and road conditions. This historic restaurant is known for its relaxed dining room and hearty German-influenced menu; budget about US$25–45 per person, and call ahead because winter hours can be reduced. After dinner, return to Rapid City via US-16, allowing around 45 minutes in clear conditions and considerably longer if snow is falling. Fill the car before leaving town, keep an emergency blanket and water onboard, and avoid relying on mountain roads after dark if the forecast is deteriorating.

Morning

Leave Rapid City around 7:15am with a full tank and warm layers for Crazy Horse Memorial, roughly a 50-minute drive via US-16. Allow about two hours for the monument, Indian Museum of North America, and Native American Educational and Cultural Center; winter hours can be reduced, so check the official schedule before setting out. Admission is typically around US$15–20 per adult, and the mountain viewing area can be bitterly cold even when the parking lot looks clear. From there, continue about 25 minutes to Jewel Cave National Monument near Custer. Cave tours are seasonal and sometimes limited in winter, so reserve ahead if a tour is operating; allow two hours including the visitor center, and keep in mind that cave temperatures stay around 9°C year-round. Bring sturdy shoes—the underground route includes stairs and uneven surfaces.

Afternoon

After the cave, drive west toward Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway via Custer and US-385, allowing roughly 90 minutes before beginning the canyon road. In December, check road conditions carefully and allow extra time for snow or ice; the byway is beautiful even when the higher trails are inaccessible, with limestone walls, frosted trees, and frozen or partly frozen waterfalls. Plan about two hours for the drive, stopping only at signed pull-offs and avoiding roadside parking on snowy shoulders. Continue into Spearfish for the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery, a peaceful 45-minute stop with historic buildings and exhibits. The grounds are generally free, but winter buildings and visitor services may have restricted hours, so treat this as an optional stop if the gates are closed.

Evening

Finish at The Knuckle Brewing Company in Hill City, about 45 minutes south through the Black Hills. It is a relaxed place for burgers, sandwiches, and regional beer, with dinner usually around US$20–35 per person; check the kitchen’s winter closing time before committing, as smaller Black Hills towns can wind down early outside summer. The drive back to Rapid City takes about 40 minutes, but allow longer after dark in winter and watch for deer, black ice, and sudden snow. This is a full day, so if the cave tour or canyon drive runs late, go straight to dinner rather than trying to add another stop.

Late Afternoon

After your flight from Rapid City, allow roughly an hour from LaGuardia or Newark to reach Midtown, longer if traffic is heavy. Drop bags at your hotel, then head straight to Bryant Park Winter Village, where the holiday stalls and skating rink are especially atmospheric as the lights come on. Give yourself about 90 minutes to browse crafts, gifts, and food stands; it is free to enter, while skating costs extra and generally requires advance booking. The market is usually open into the evening through the holiday season, but check the official schedule for exact hours.

From Bryant Park, walk five minutes along 42nd Street to the New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. The landmark entrance hall and Rose Main Reading Room area make a rewarding 45-minute stop, and admission is generally free, though access to some rooms can vary with events or security restrictions. By now you will feel the scale and energy of Midtown without needing another taxi—just continue west along 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue toward Rockefeller Center.

Evening

After dark, spend about 45 minutes around the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and the surrounding plaza. The tree is free to see, but the area is crowded, particularly between 6:00 and 8:00pm; walk around the rink and take your photographs from the Channel Gardens rather than trying to force your way through the busiest entrance. Continue south toward the Theater District for dinner at Joe’s Pizza Broadway, a casual, inexpensive slice shop. Expect around US$10–20 per person, with counter service and limited seating—ideal for a first-night meal when you are tired from the flight. If you still have energy afterward, take a short, unplanned stroll through the bright theater marquees before returning to your hotel.

Morning

Start at The Metropolitan Museum of Art when it opens at 10:00am; from Midtown, take the 4, 5, or 6 train to 86th Street and walk east along 86th Street, or use a taxi if it is icy. Allow about three hours, focusing on the Egyptian galleries, European paintings, and whichever special exhibition interests you. General admission is roughly US$30 for adults, with timed tickets advisable in December. The museum is closed Wednesdays, but confirm holiday-season hours before going. For coffee beforehand, Bluestone Lane on East 90th Street is convenient, though the museum’s cafés are better for a break once inside.

Early Afternoon

Walk south into Central Park via the East 79th Street entrance, then make your way to Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge—about 25–35 minutes depending on your pace and the snow. This is one of the prettiest winter stretches of the park: descend the terrace steps to the arcade, continue beside the Lake, and cross Bow Bridge for skyline views through the bare trees. Allow about 1½ hours, and wear shoes with good grip; paths can be slushy after a snowfall. From Bow Bridge, exit near West 72nd Street and take a short taxi or walk north to Levain Bakery on Amsterdam Avenue for its famous warm, oversized cookie—around US$5–15 per person. Expect a queue, but it usually moves quickly.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Continue north to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, roughly a 10-minute walk from Levain Bakery. Spend an hour around the Josie Robertson Plaza and fountain, then check the schedules at David Geffen Hall, Alice Tully Hall, or the Metropolitan Opera House for a performance; December programs and ticket prices vary widely, while the plaza itself is free. For dinner, take the 1 train from 66th Street–Lincoln Center to Houston Street, then walk east to Katz’s Delicatessen on Ludlow Street. Order the classic pastrami on rye with mustard—about US$25–45 per person—and keep the ticket you receive at the entrance until you leave. It is busiest around dinner, so arriving before 5:30pm or after 8:00pm is more comfortable; afterward, walk through the Lower East Side toward Essex Market and Orchard Street if you still have energy, or take the F train from Delancey Street back toward Midtown.

Early Afternoon

After arriving at Los Angeles International Airport, collect your luggage and allow at least 60–90 minutes to clear the airport before setting off. For this itinerary, a rental car or pre-booked rideshare is the practical choice: take the Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1) toward Malibu, allowing 60–90 minutes in normal traffic and considerably longer on a December weekend. If you land after about 1:00pm, keep expectations flexible—coastal traffic can easily compress the afternoon. Head first to El Matador State Beach, where the small parking lot fills quickly; the day-use fee is usually around US$8–15, and the steep stairway down to the beach can be slippery, so wear proper shoes. Spend about an hour among the sea stacks and coves, but check the tide and leave before dusk.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Continue roughly 15 minutes along the coast to Malibu Pier for an easy oceanfront stroll and views back toward the Santa Monica Mountains. Parking near the pier is metered or paid, commonly around US$3–6 per hour, and 45 minutes is enough for the pier, beach, and nearby shops. For dinner, drive a few minutes to Nobu Malibu and arrive for your reservation rather than relying on walk-in seating; dinner generally runs US$100–200 per person before drinks, tax, and tip. Request an outdoor or window table when booking, although bring a warm layer—December evenings can be breezy even when the afternoon feels mild.

After dinner, allow 25–45 minutes south to Palisades Park in Santa Monica for a final coastal view and, if timing permits, sunset over the Pacific. The park is free and open until late, but use the well-lit Ocean Avenue paths rather than wandering onto the beach after dark. From there, allow approximately 30–60 minutes back to LAX, depending on traffic; if you are staying overnight near the airport, leave Santa Monica with extra time for hotel check-in and the next day’s international departure.

Morning

Start in the Downtown Los Angeles area around 9:30am, ideally after breakfast near your hotel, and walk to Walt Disney Concert Hall. Spend about an hour admiring Frank Gehry’s sweeping stainless-steel exterior from Grand Avenue and the surrounding gardens; guided building tours and performances vary by schedule, so check the official calendar in advance. The exterior is free, while performances and tours are separately ticketed. From there, walk downhill toward Grand Central Market—roughly 15 minutes—or take a short rideshare if it is raining.

Lunch and Early Afternoon

Have lunch inside Grand Central Market, where you can graze between tacos, noodles, sandwiches, and desserts rather than committing to one large meal. Allow US$15–30 per person and about an hour, though it is worth lingering among the historic market stalls. After lunch, walk a few minutes to Angels Flight Railway on Hill Street. The tiny funicular connects Hill Street with Olive Street and takes only a couple of minutes; allow 30 minutes including photos and waiting. A one-way ride is usually only a few dollars, but check the current fare and operating status before setting out.

Continue to The Broad, a short walk away on Grand Avenue, for around 90 minutes of contemporary art. Timed entry is commonly required and general admission is usually free, while special exhibitions may charge separately, so reserve ahead—particularly during the holiday period. The museum is generally closed on Mondays, making Sunday a useful day for this visit; confirm the exact December hours before you go. If you are driving, avoid moving the car between these stops: downtown parking and one-way streets are more trouble than they are worth. Use walking or rideshare, and keep valuables out of sight.

Evening

Head east to the Arts District for dinner at Bestia, allowing about 10–15 minutes by rideshare depending on traffic. This is a destination restaurant, so book well ahead and expect a lively, polished dining room with house-made pastas, wood-fired dishes, and Italian-inspired plates; budget roughly US$60–100 per person before drinks, tax, and tip. After dinner, stroll briefly along the nearby warehouse-lined streets if you still have energy, but return by rideshare rather than walking long distances late at night.

Morning

Start with a final 45-minute walk through El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, the city’s historic birthplace around Olvera Street. Go early, when the arcades are quieter and the tiled buildings, market stalls, and Avila Adobe are easiest to appreciate. The plaza itself is free; individual attractions and shops generally open later in the morning, so treat this as a relaxed outdoor visit rather than a full museum stop. From central Los Angeles, allow about 15–25 minutes by car outside rush hour, or take Metro to Union Station and walk across the street. Keep luggage in the hotel or car trunk—don’t leave it visible.

Late Morning and Departure

Walk or drive a few minutes north into Chinatown for lunch at Philippe The Original, one of Los Angeles’s classic old-school counters. Order a French-dipped beef sandwich—“double dip” if you like it especially juicy—along with potato salad or macaroni salad and a slice of pie. Budget roughly US$15–30 per person. It is casual, quick, and ideal before a flight, but allow extra time if the line is long; parking is available in the surrounding Chinatown area, though check signs carefully for restrictions.

From Philippe The Original, allow at least 35–60 minutes to reach Los Angeles International Airport, and longer during weekday traffic or December holiday congestion. For an international Los Angeles–Brisbane flight, arrive at least three hours before departure; return the rental car early if applicable and allow time for the airport shuttle, baggage drop, security, and walking to the gate. If your flight is in the evening, keep the afternoon deliberately light rather than adding another attraction—traffic on the I-110, I-10, and airport approaches can be unpredictable, and you will want a calm buffer before the overnight flight to Brisbane.