Discovering the Best of Los Angeles in 4 Days

• Day 1: Immerse yourself in the modern and historical attractions of Downtown LA. Start at the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall for a morning tour, then visit The Broad, MOCA or The Grammy Museum for a glimpse of the art and music scenes in Los Angeles. Walk to the Olvera Street and Union Station to explore the old and new architecture, and for lunch, head to Grand Central Market or the famous Philippe the Original for a classic French Dip sandwich.
• Day 2: Take a day trip to museums and theme parks in the city outskirts. Start early with a visit to Getty Center to see world-renowned art collections, then spend the afternoon at the Universal Studios Hollywood for thrilling rides and attractions. End the day with a sunset hike at the Griffith Observatory, with a stunning view of the city lights and telescopes to see the stars.
• Day 3: Explore the beach cities of Santa Monica and Venice. Start by renting a bike at the Beach Bikes Rentals and taking a ride on the Marvin Braude Bike Trail along the coast. Stop at the Santa Monica Pier for the Pacific wheel and classic carnival games. Then head to Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice to walk through the eclectic street art and boutique shops. End the day with a sunset cocktail at the rooftop High Lounge at the trendy Hotel Erwin.
• Day 4: Experience the glamour and luxury of Beverly Hills and Hollywood. Start at the Greystone Mansion for a tour of the historic estate, then walk down the iconic Rodeo Drive to shop at designer boutiques and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theatre to see the handprints and footprints of the stars. End the day with a show at the famous Dolby Theatre or Pantages Theatre.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Walt Disney Concert Hall (2 hours, free)
• The Broad (2 hours, free)
• Grand Central Market (1 hour, $10 per person)
• Getty Center (4 hours, free admission, $20 parking fee)
• Universal Studios Hollywood (6 hours, $109+ per person admission fee)
• Greystone Mansion (2 hours, $10-$20 per person)

Transportation

Travelers should consider using public transit or ride-sharing services such as Uber/Lyft to move around the city as many attractions are not walking distance from each other. A 1-Day TAP card pass for Metro Bus/Rail Service costs $7 and a 7-Day pass costs $25. A rented car may be convenient, but parking fees in LA can range from $10-$25 per day.

Useful tips

If you have more time, add a visit to the Natural History Museum or the LA County Museum of Art to Day 2. If you have less time, consider skipping the beach cities on Day 3 or pick between Santa Monica or Venice. Plan your route in advance as Los Angeles is a large city with heavy traffic. Book tours and tickets in advance to avoid lines and sold-out events.