Get ready for a memorable getaway in Los Angeles, where art, sunny beaches and elegant neighborhoods lined with star-studded mansions await you. This Californian metropolis, a paradise for adventurers, is packed with entertainment. Your trip to Los Angeles will be the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of theme parks, go behind the scenes at Universal Studios, stroll along the famous Walk of Fame and pose in front of the iconic Hollywood sign. With a pleasant year-round climate, choose spring or autumn for a more tranquil experience, away from the tourist crowds.
To guide you on this adventure, we've designed a three-day itinerary, perfect for discovering the gems of Los Angeles and fully experiencing this vibrant city.
DAY 1: Excursion to Hollywood and Beverly Hills
1. Explore the Griffith Observatory
If you're planning to spend at least three days in Los Angeles, a stop at Griffith Observatory is a must. It's one of the most famous in the world, and the best part is that it's completely free. It offers the best views of the city and the Pacific Ocean, thanks to its privileged location south of Hollywood Mountain. It's a space that boasts different types of telescopes, a planetarium and exhibits dating back to the 19th century. Curiously, it has been used as a filming location for American series and movies, such as La La Land.
Inside, a large telescope allows you to observe the stars and planets, and if you're looking for things to do in Los Angeles at night, you can take advantage of the outdoor night telescopes around the building. Of course, this visit is also an opportunity to enjoy the Samuel Oschin Hall's universe exhibits and shows, which cost 10 euros.
2. Don't miss the Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard is a must on your itinerary. The mythical pink stars arrived in the city in 1958 and quickly became an emblematic walkway dedicated to the immortalization of celebrities. More than 2,000 celebrities are honored here in various categories: film, television, music, radio and theater.
The area can be a little dangerous, so we recommend taking advantage of Hollywood's best tours to embark on a guided tour. You can also round off your visit with a trip to the historic courtyard of the stars, in the former Chinese Theater, where you can see the footprints and handprints of stars from the 1920s, such as Marilyn Monroe.
3. See the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly known as Grauman's Chinese Theatre)
Hollywood's Chinese Theatre is the world's most famous movie theater. Indeed, it hosts some of the film industry's most eagerly awaited premieres. Its creator, Sir Grauman, was inspired by Chinese culture, which is why it was formerly known as Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Its structure is a real eye-catcher: as you enter, you'll see a huge Ming dynasty sculpture that serves as a protective shield.
A special tradition began in the 1920s, when someone accidentally stepped on the cool cement of the courtyard. Since then, over 200 celebrities have left their footprints in this theater, more specifically in what is known as the courtyard of the stars. Interestingly, it hosted the Academy Awards ceremony between 1955 and 1946. The best way to see inside is to buy tickets for a film or book a guided tour.
4. Visit Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica by bus
Los Angeles is a city with a wide range of entertainment options, with the emphasis on discovering the most iconic locations in the American film and TV industry. If you're only planning to spend a few days in the city, you can enjoy a guided bus tour of the main neighborhoods, including Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.
This type of experience costs around 87 euros per person and allows you to see the most important areas of California in one day. The best option is the Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica bus tour, which allows you to visit:
- The Walk of Fame, an iconic passageway of pink stars.
- The Kodak Theatre, you can take a guided tour of the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, where the Oscars are held every year.
- Venice Beach, one of California's most beautiful beaches, surrounded by street art, extreme sports zones and local food stalls. You can take a surf lesson or go on a gastronomic tour of Venice Beach.
- Santa Monica Pier, take the opportunity to visit the iconic waterfront amusement park, better known as Pacific Park.
- Rodeo Drive, a luxury shopping street in Beverly Hills.
5. Walking along Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive is a very famous neighborhood, located in one of the most prestigious areas of Los Angeles. It's the heart of Beverly Hills, where it's common to find celebrities strolling. It's a great place to shop in California, as there are many luxury boutiques and restaurants where you can sample the local cuisine.
In the neighborhood, you'll find the luxurious homes of celebrities who live in the city. In fact, you can't miss a visit to the celebrity mansions in Los Angeles. You'll probably recognize this avenue, as it often features in the best souvenir photos of tourists and locals alike. As you walk down the block, you'll see the three golden corners between Wilshire Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard.
Day 2: Visit Universal Studios and admire the Hollywood Sign
1. Visit Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is a renowned film studio and theme park, whose attractions and shows will make your family vacation unforgettable. If you're planning a visit to Los Angeles, we recommend taking a guided tour of the iconic film sets on display in this park. You'll have the opportunity to explore the sets, discover stunts, special effects and behind-the-scenes secrets.
Don't miss the seasonal events, such as Halloween Horror Nights in October, with spooky attractions like haunted mazes and scare zones. At Christmas, you can also do some Christmas shopping and enjoy the park's lights switch-on. We recommend buying tickets for Universal Studios in advance, from around 110 euros, as they tend to be more expensive at the box office and the queues are quite long.
You can also take advantage of the Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass, which allows you to enjoy a full day at the park and over 40 attractions from 94 euros. Of course, at Universal Studios, you can't miss the most popular themed areas:
- Harry Potter World, where you can step back into the movies, discover the dark arts at Hogwarts Castle, order a butterbeer and create your own wand.
- Super Nintendo World, where you can take part in a Mario Kart-style race, enjoy interactive games and buy exclusive products.
- Jurassic World, whose water attractions will plunge you into an epic battle with dinosaurs, is ideal if you're looking for activities to do in Los Angeles with kids, as there are interactive zones for the little ones.
- The Simpsons Ride, an augmented-reality roller coaster, will take you to iconic locations such as Krusty Burger.
2. See the Hollywood sign
When visiting Los Angeles, you absolutely must visit the Hollywood sign, which has been a local icon since 1923. Fun fact: originally, it was a temporary advertisement for a real estate project, so it only stayed in town for a year. However, it has become a quintessential Californian symbol, even appearing in famous films and TV series. It can be seen from Hollywood Boulevard, Mulholland Lookout and Griffith Observatory.
If you'd like to climb up to see the Hollywood sign up close and take some unique photos, we recommend signing up for a guided tour with a professional. This type of experience starts at 24 euros per person and is done on foot, so it's advisable to bring supplies such as water and sunscreen.
3. Attend a Los Angeles Lakers game
A Los Angeles Lakers game is all you need to recharge your batteries, especially if you're planning to spend more than three days in the city. They are the premier local basketball team, distinguished by their iconic yellow and purple jerseys. We recommend buying your tickets in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly. In general, this experience offers dynamic prices, with the cheapest tickets starting at 40 euros.
Of course, ticket availability depends on factors such as the opposing team and the season. For example, for later dates, there are more affordable alternatives that offer good views. It's also cheaper to buy NBA tickets in Los Angeles on weekdays. Also, don't forget that the Lakers aren't the only team in town; there are also games for the Clippers, who have relocated from Buffalo.
Day 3: Visit the museums of Los Angeles, then stroll down to Venice Beach and enjoy the beach
1. Explore the Getty Museum
The Getty Museum is a true hidden gem of Los Angeles, located in the Brentwood neighborhood at the top of a hill. It's an art center offering a variety of collections from different countries, belonging to such great exponents as Monet, Leonardo Da Vinchi, Van Gogh, El Greco, among others. Admission is totally free, but parking costs around 15 euros. This is an enjoyable visit not to be missed, as the panoramic views of the city are breathtaking. In fact, many people visit it for its remarkable outdoor spaces. It boasts beautiful gardens that are well worth a visit. Note that there are two sites, one in Brentwood, which is more popular and features exhibits from the Middle Ages to the present day, while the other is located near Malibu and features works of art from ancient Rome, Greece and Etruria.
2. Don't miss the Los Angeles Arts District.
An area not to be missed during your stay in the city is the Los Angeles Arts District. It's a passageway covered with graffiti and murals, where street art is the main protagonist. Located near Little Tokyo, you'll find exhibitions of classic, modern, impressionist, punk and other art forms. In fact, it has influenced the street mural movement worldwide since its inception in the 1960s.
It's centrally located, and you can take advantage of a Los Angeles Art District bike tour to see it in detail. This type of experience starts at 64 euros and lets you enjoy this street passage surrounded by art galleries and iconic local breweries. It's an ideal way to learn more about the history of street art and enjoy outdoor cultural events.
3. Learn at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
If you want to take a journey through art, from antiquity to the present day, you need to visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. It's a place designed for learning, so it's a great option if you're looking for things to do in the city with kids. You'll find exhibits of Egyptian, Greek and Roman works, as well as displays of Latin American art.
We recommend a stop at the Japanese Art Pavilion, where you can admire paintings from the Edo period, or learn about Middle Eastern art in the section devoted to Islamic art. The whole experience costs 20 euros, but children under 13 enter free of charge.
4. Cool off on Santa Monica Beach and stroll along the Santa Monica Pier.
Santa Monica Beach is an iconic Californian beach, where you can sunbathe and enjoy a quiet spot. It's very organized, as it has recreational areas, ideal if you're looking for things to do in Los Angeles with kids. You can play volleyball by the sea or visit the International Chess Park, which features game tables and a giant chessboard. Water sports and surfing lessons are also available.
This is where you'll find the Santa Monica Pier, at the end of the famous Route 66. We recommend a stroll around the area and a look at the food stalls, as well as a visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific, with over 500 species and touch pools. Of course, the pier's main attraction is Pacific Park, where you can take a ride on a Ferris wheel, pirate ship and waterfront rides.
