Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is the largest art museum in the Western United States. It is a great place to start your trip to LA. The museum has a vast collection of over 150,000 works of art, ranging from ancient times to contemporary art. Spend the morning exploring the galleries and exhibitions, and then grab lunch at the on-site restaurant, Ray's and Stark Bar. In the afternoon, head to the La Brea Tar Pits, which are located just outside the museum. Here, you can see some of the fossils of prehistoric animals that were trapped in the tar pits. In the evening, catch a movie at the nearby El Capitan Theatre, which is one of the most famous movie theatres in Hollywood.
Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park and movie studio tour that is a must-visit attraction in Los Angeles. Spend the morning at the park, enjoying the various rides and attractions, such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Jurassic World - The Ride. Have lunch at one of the on-site restaurants and then spend the afternoon exploring the movie studio tour, where you can see behind-the-scenes of your favorite movies and TV shows. In the evening, head to Griffith Observatory to catch the sunset and see the stars through the telescopes.
Santa Monica Pier is a famous landmark and entertainment center located in Santa Monica. Start your morning with a walk on the beach and then head to the pier to ride the Ferris wheel and roller coaster. Have lunch at one of the many restaurants on the pier and then spend the afternoon exploring the Pacific Park amusement park. In the evening, head to Third Street Promenade for shopping and street performers.
Venice Beach is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood in Los Angeles. Start your morning with a walk or bike ride along the Venice Boardwalk, which is known for its street performers and artists. Have brunch at one of the many cafes or restaurants and then spend the afternoon exploring the Venice Canals, which were built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney to resemble the canals of Venice, Italy. In the evening, head to Abbot Kinney Boulevard for some of the best shopping and dining in the city.
If you have time, consider visiting the Getty Center, which is a beautiful art museum with stunning views of the city. You can also take a side trip to Malibu, which is a great place to surf, hike, and enjoy the beach. To maximize your fun, consider getting a Go Los Angeles Card, which offers discounts on many of the city's top attractions. Lastly, don't forget to try some of the city's famous food, such as In-N-Out Burger and tacos from a local food truck.