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Viewed by 62 travelers

3-Day Adventure Itinerary in July 2023

  1. Day 1: Santa Monica Pier
    10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Downtown Santa Monica

    Start your morning with a stroll along the famous Santa Monica Pier, where you can take in stunning ocean views and enjoy some classic amusement park rides. Grab a quick breakfast at Pier Burger or Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf before heading to the nearby Muscle Beach, where you can watch athletes perform impressive fitness feats. For lunch, head to The Lobster, a seafood restaurant on the pier that has been serving up delicious dishes since 1923. In the afternoon, try your hand at surfing with a lesson from Learn to Surf LA, located just a few minutes south of the pier. Wrap up your evening with a romantic sunset bike ride along the beach path.

  2. Day 2: Runyon Canyon Park
    20 minutes (5.4 miles) from Santa Monica Pier

    Kick off your day with a challenging hike at Runyon Canyon Park, a popular spot for locals to exercise and take in breathtaking views of the city. Grab a quick lunch at Franklin & Co. Tavern before heading to Hollywood for an afternoon of thrilling adventures. Start with a visit to Universal Studios, where you can experience heart-pumping rides like Transformers: The Ride 3D and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. In the evening, grab dinner at Yamashiro, a stunning Japanese restaurant located in the Hollywood Hills, offering panoramic views of the city lights.

  3. Day 3: Malibu Wine Safari
    35 minutes (16.7 miles) from Runyon Canyon Park

    On your final day, experience a unique adventure with Malibu Wine Safari, where you can ride in a safari vehicle and get up close and personal with exotic animals while sipping on delicious wines. Afterward, head to Malibu Farm for a farm-to-table lunch overlooking the ocean. Spend the afternoon exploring the Getty Villa, a stunning museum dedicated to ancient Greek and Roman art and artifacts. Finish your day with a relaxing dinner at Nobu Malibu, an upscale Japanese restaurant known for its fresh sushi and celebrity sightings.

Recommendations

If you're looking for even more adventure, consider checking out the TreePeople Park for a scenic hike in the mountains or taking a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park. For a unique experience, try indoor skydiving at iFLY Hollywood or take a helicopter tour for breathtaking views of the city. To maximize your fun, plan your activities in advance and make sure to book any reservations ahead of time.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Santa Monica Pier (4-6 hours, free)
  • Muscle Beach (1-2 hours, free)
  • The Lobster (1-2 hours, $30-50 per person)
  • Learn to Surf LA (2 hours, $150 per person)
  • Runyon Canyon Park (2-3 hours, free)
  • Universal Studios (4-6 hours, $109-139 per person)
  • Yamashiro (1-2 hours, $50-70 per person)
  • Malibu Wine Safari (2-3 hours, $115 per person)
  • Malibu Farm (1-2 hours, $20-30 per person)
  • Getty Villa (2-3 hours, free with timed-entry reservation)
  • Nobu Malibu (1-2 hours, $70-100 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $554-834 per person

For hotel and flight prices, please click here.

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