Travel guide
Los Angeles in 3 days
Explore the essentials with room to breathe, balancing beaches, iconic neighborhoods, and relaxed coastal vibes.
Los Angeles by numbers
4M
Residents in the city
75
Miles of coastline
88
Incorporated cities in LA County
10,000+
Restaurants across the metro area
The plan for these 3 days in Los Angeles
| Day | Focus | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beaches and coast | Santa Monica Pier and beach | Venice Beach boardwalk and canals | Beach sunset and dinner |
| 2 | Hollywood and views | Griffith Observatory and park | Hollywood Walk of Fame and area | Sunset Boulevard or neighborhood dinner |
| 3 | Neighborhoods and culture | Beverly Hills or Downtown LA | Neighborhood exploration and shopping | Neighborhood dinner or relaxed time |
Is this travel guide for you?
Great fit if you want
- Beach time and coastal walks
- Iconic neighborhoods
- Entertainment culture
- Diverse food scenes
- Relaxed pace
Not ideal if you want
- A packed schedule of only theme parks
- Museum-focused only
- Late-night party focus
- Budget backpacker style
- Off-the-beaten-path only
Day-by-day breakdown
Day 1
Beaches and coast
Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and coastal walks.
Morning
Santa Monica Pier and beach
Afternoon
Venice Beach boardwalk and canals
Evening
Beach sunset and dinner
How to enjoy Los Angeles in 3 days
Los Angeles rewards a calm pace across its spread-out neighborhoods. Focus each day on one major area, then leave time for beach time, spontaneous food discoveries, and relaxed neighborhood walks.
Group your time by region. Pair Santa Monica with Venice for beach culture, dedicate another day to Hollywood and Griffith Observatory, then explore neighborhoods like Beverly Hills or Downtown for contrast.
Save unhurried time for long beach walks, neighborhood exploration, and the relaxed meals that showcase LA's diverse food culture.
Logistics & practical tips for Los Angeles
| Best time | Year-round, though spring and fall are most pleasant |
|---|---|
| Airport transfer | FlyAway bus or taxi to city center |
| Transit tips | Rental car recommended; Metro for some areas |
| Ticketing | Book major attractions like Universal Studios in advance |
| Neighborhood stay | Santa Monica, Hollywood, or Downtown areas |
Good to know before you go
| Crowd timing | Start by 8:30–9:00 for headline sights |
|---|---|
| Seasonal notes | Plan shade or indoor stops on hot afternoons |
| Museum booking advice | Reserve timed slots 1–2 weeks ahead in peak season |
| Common mistakes | Overbooking too many sights in one day |
| Dress code | Bring a light layer for church and basilica entry |
Checklist before you go to Los Angeles
Tap items as you prepare. No sign-in needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is 3 days enough for Los Angeles?
Yes for the core highlights. This plan balances beaches, iconic neighborhoods, and entertainment culture with enough breathing room for food discoveries, relaxed time, and unplanned stops. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Do I need a car in LA?
A rental car provides the most flexibility, as LA is spread out. Public transit exists but is limited. Ride-sharing services are also widely available and convenient. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Is Los Angeles walkable?
Neighborhoods can be walkable, but LA is very spread out. Beach areas like Santa Monica and Venice are more walkable. Most areas require transportation between them. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Where should I stay?
Santa Monica offers beach access and walkable areas. Hollywood provides central location, while Downtown offers urban character and good transit connections. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
What time should I start each day?
Start early for beaches to avoid crowds and get parking. Griffith Observatory is pleasant throughout the day. Afternoons can include neighborhood exploration. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Do I need to book restaurants in advance?
For popular restaurants, yes—especially on weekends. Many places accept walk-ins for lunch. Food markets and casual spots don't require reservations. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
What about traffic?
LA traffic is real. Plan extra time for driving, especially during rush hours. Consider staying in one area per day to minimize driving time. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
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