6-Day Los Angeles Itinerary: City Experiences

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

    Stroll around the Santa Monica Pier, which offers picturesque views of the beach and Pacific Ocean. The pier is home to an amusement park, aquarium, shops, and restaurants that cater to different ages and interests.

  2. Day 2: Universal Studios Hollywood
    30 minutes (11 miles) from Santa Monica Pier

    Explore the world of movies and television at Universal Studios Hollywood, which features thrilling rides, live shows, and behind-the-scenes tours of popular films and TV shows. Don't miss the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Studio Tour.

  3. Day 3: Griffith Observatory & Hollywood Sign
    20 minutes (8.7 miles) from Universal Studios Hollywood

    Visit the Griffith Observatory to learn about astronomy and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Don't forget to hike to the Hollywood Sign, which offers a fantastic photo opportunity of LA's iconic landmark.

  4. Day 4: The Getty Center
    15 minutes (6.3 miles) from Griffith Observatory

    Discover art, architecture, and gardens at the Getty Center, which houses a vast collection of European paintings, drawings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Admission is free, but parking costs $20 per car.

  5. Day 5: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
    20 minutes (4.7 miles) from the Getty Center

    Learn about the natural and cultural history of Southern California at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Highlights include dinosaur fossils, mineral specimens, and exhibitions on birds, mammals, and Native American cultures.

  6. Day 6: The Broad & Grand Central Market
    15 minutes (4.4 miles) from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

    End your trip with a dose of art and food in downtown LA. Check out the Broad, a contemporary art museum that boasts works by Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, and Yayoi Kusama. Afterward, head to the Grand Central Market, a historic indoor market that offers diverse culinary options, from tacos and ramen to pizza and ice cream.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Santa Monica Pier (2 hours, Free)
  • Universal Studios Hollywood (6 hours, $109-139 per ticket)
  • Griffith Observatory & Hollywood Sign (4 hours, Free)
  • The Getty Center (3 hours, Free Admission, $20 parking fee)
  • Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (3 hours, $10-15 per ticket)
  • The Broad & Grand Central Market (3 hours, Free Admission for the Broad, Food prices vary)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $139-179 per person

Useful Tips

For an extended stay, consider a day trip to Disneyland, Venice Beach, or Malibu. Also, keep in mind that Los Angeles traffic can be unpredictable, so plan your itinerary based on the distance and time of day. If you have less time, skip Universal Studios or the Griffith Observatory and focus on other attractions. If you have more time, add the California Science Center, Sunset Boulevard, or Rodeo Drive.

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