One Day Itinerary for Exploring Los Angeles

  • 9:00 AM: Hollywood Walk of Fame
    25 minutes (7.4 miles) from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

    The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a 15-block stretch of Hollywood Boulevard lined with brass stars bearing the names of famous entertainment figures. You can take pictures with your favorite celebrity’s stars, see the historic TCL Chinese Theatre and grab breakfast before starting your day.

  • 11:00 AM: The Getty Center
    19 minutes (7.3 miles) from the Hollywood Walk of Fame

    The Getty Center is a museum that houses a vast collection of Western art, from medieval times to the present. Its unique design, stunning gardens, and breathtaking architecture makes it a must-see location. Entrance to the museum is free, but parking is $15 per vehicle.

  • 1:30 PM: Grand Central Market
    20 minutes (8.2 miles) from The Getty Center

    The Grand Central Market is a popular and communal gathering where people come to taste authentic and diverse food options. Located in Downtown LA, it’s the perfect place to take a break and grab lunch from one of the 35 vendors. This market has a 100-year-old legacy of being a foodie’s paradise.

  • 3:00 PM: Griffith Observatory
    16 minutes (4.6 miles) from Grand Central Market

    The Griffith Observatory sits on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood and becomes a prime location for enjoying the stunning night sky. The observatory is open noon to 10 PM and boasts spectacular views of Los Angeles City all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

  • 5:00 PM: Santa Monica Pier
    30 minutes (12.3 miles) from Griffith Observatory

    The Santa Monica Pier is a landmark and popular attraction located in Santa Monica. It’s known for its amusement park, beautiful beach, and various attractions for tourists and locals to enjoy. You can ride the Ferris wheel or take in the sunset from the edge of the Pacific Ocean before dinner.

  • 7:30 PM: Beverly Hills Rooftop Dining
    19 minutes (10.2 miles) from Santa Monica Pier

    End your day with dinner at a Beverly Hills rooftop restaurant. You can enjoy the beautiful night sky with the view of beautiful architecture and twinkling lights all around. The high-end restaurants are pricey but worth it for the experience.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Hollywood Walk of Fame (1 Hour, Free)
  • The Getty Center (3 Hours, $15 for parking)
  • Grand Central Market (1.5 Hours, Prices vary by vendor)
  • Griffith Observatory (2 Hours, Free)
  • Santa Monica Pier (2.5 Hours, Prices Vary by activity)
  • Beverly Hills Rooftop Dining (1.5 Hours, Prices Vary by restaurant)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $50-$100

Transportation

Los Angeles is a major city and has an extensive transportation system, including buses, trains, taxis, and ride-sharing services. Schedule your time accordingly, taking into account traffic and parking delays. Traveling within the city can be time-consuming and expensive, so plan ahead to make the most of your time and budget.

Useful Tips

For those with more time, Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, and The Griffith Park can be added onto the itinerary. If you have less time, narrow down your list of destinations based on your interests and prioritizing what you want to see the most. Remember to bring comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather. Los Angeles has sunny weather throughout the year, so don’t forget your sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen.

Airports

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary airport in Los Angeles, located 16 miles southwest of downtown LA. Other airports in the area include Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR) and John Wayne Airport (SNA), both of which are smaller and less busy than LAX.

0