Welcome to Los Angeles! Los Angeles is one of California’s most popular travel destinations. This sprawling city is the birthplace of the global film industry, and you can feel the magic of Hollywood throughout the entire city.
However, Los Angeles is not just about Hollywood—it’s one of the coolest and most vibrant cities in California. Here, you’ll find beautiful beaches, a fantastic music scene, and some of the best museums in the United States.
There’s so much to do in Los Angeles that it’s impossible to fit everything into one short trip. To help you plan your visit and discover the coolest things to do in Los Angeles over a 2-day stay, I’ve put together this Los Angeles itinerary. Enjoy your trip!
When is the Best Time to Visit Los Angeles?
Southern California is famous for its sunny weather, making it a year-round tourist hotspot. I recommend visiting in the spring when the temperatures are around 20°C (68°F), the sun is shining, and the crowds are minimal.
Summer brings warm weather, but it also attracts many tourists, so try to avoid it if possible. Autumn is typically dry, hot, and windy. Winter may bring some rain, but it’s usually light—after all, this is Southern California!
Explore Hollywood
If this is your first time in Los Angeles, start your trip in Hollywood, one of the city’s most iconic and stylish neighborhoods. Take a walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where the star-studded sidewalk reminds you that you’re in a town filled with movie magic.
Don’t miss the Chinese Theatre, Paramount Studios, Sunset Boulevard, and of course, the iconic Hollywood Sign—one of the most popular landmarks in Los Angeles.
If you start to feel a bit tired, there are plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants to choose from.
Lunch at the Grand Central Market
After a morning of sightseeing in Hollywood, head over to the Grand Central Market, an iconic food hall that frequently ranks as one of the most interesting places to visit in Los Angeles. It’s a great spot to take a break and enjoy some of the city’s best food.
The beauty of this bustling food market is that you can find a wide variety of cuisines inside. Whether you’re craving tacos, barbecue, dim sum, or Italian meatballs, the Grand Central Market has something to satisfy every taste!
Shop in Beverly Hills
Los Angeles is California’s shopping capital, and Beverly Hills is home to the city’s most fashionable stores. Whether you enjoy window shopping or are ready to splurge, strolling along Rodeo Drive and the tree-lined avenues of Beverly Hills is a real treat.
You’ll find more than just clothing stores—this is also a great place to shop for local produce, books, home goods, wine, and beauty products.
Walking Tours of Los Angeles
If you’re interested in exploring the city on foot in a fun and engaging way, consider taking a walking tour around the Los Angeles area. Opt for a self-guided tour organized by local LA experts. The “Movie History Tour” sounds particularly fascinating. These tours are perfect for those who want to explore destinations at their own pace, without being bound by strict schedules or large tour groups.
Ride the Ferris Wheel at Pacific Park
Pacific Park, located on the Santa Monica Pier, is one of the most famous attractions in Los Angeles.
This theme park offers everything you need for an enjoyable afternoon, including several adrenaline-pumping rides and roller coasters.
The park is home to the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, which lifts riders 130 feet into the air, providing unparalleled views of the Los Angeles coastline.
Visit One of Los Angeles’ Museums
Los Angeles boasts some amazing museums, and no trip to the city would be complete without visiting at least one of them. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is one of the best, featuring a vast collection of modernist masterpieces.
If you’re looking to experience something a bit different, head to the Getty Center, where you can admire exquisite Impressionist collections and take in breathtaking ocean views.
Additionally, book lovers will be in awe of The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens—a wonderful green space filled with countless treasures waiting to be discovered.
Stroll Along the Venice Beach Boardwalk
If the glitz and glamour of Hollywood aren’t your style, head over to Venice Beach to soak up some bohemian vibes. The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a lively oceanfront promenade packed with performers, musicians, magicians, skaters, restaurants, and shops.
It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles city life while enjoying stunning ocean views.
Explore Griffith Park
One of the best things about Los Angeles is how easy it is to access beautiful natural spots from the city center. Griffith Park, spanning over 4,000 acres, is a highlight of urban wilderness that offers a stark contrast to the city’s hustle and bustle.
Hike along one of the many trails, visit the Griffith Observatory (yes, this is where the movie La La Land was filmed), or explore the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Whatever you choose, visiting Griffith Park is a truly refreshing experience to include in your Los Angeles itinerary.
Stay in a Luxury Hotel in Los Angeles
If you’re heading to Los Angeles for a special occasion, why not treat yourself to a stay at one of the city’s top hotels and experience the true life of a movie star? Here are some of my favorite hotels…
The Peninsula Beverly Hills
The Peninsula Beverly Hills is located just a stone’s throw away from Rodeo Drive, the main shopping street, in the heart of one of Los Angeles’ most fashionable neighborhoods, offering luxurious accommodations.
This stunning hotel is built in a French style, and its beauty is evident both inside and out, especially when it’s illuminated at night.
It features a world-class spa, luxurious rooms, and a top-notch fine dining restaurant, The Belvedere. However, what truly sets this hotel apart is the exceptional service—it will make you feel like a star, so enjoy it to the fullest!
Shutters on the Beach
Santa Monica is one of the most beautiful beach towns in Los Angeles, where you’ll find locals, celebrities, and Hollywood stars soaking up the sun, sand, and surf.
Shutters on the Beach is one of the best five-star hotels in Santa Monica, offering everything you need for a luxurious beach vacation. With its stunning beachfront views, elegant interior design, and world-class amenities, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing seaside retreat.
1 Hotel West Hollywood
If you want to indulge in luxury with an eco-friendly twist, why not try 1 Hotel West Hollywood? This new hotel on Sunset Boulevard is known for its commitment to sustainability. Here, you won’t find any single-use plastics, and many of the striking decorations are made from naturally fallen trees and other sustainable materials.
But that doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on luxury. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the valley from the rooftop pool, take advantage of various wellness facilities, or dine at the high-quality restaurant that serves fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
For over a century, Los Angeles has been the heart of movie-making, and you simply must experience what it feels like to step in front of the camera on a real film set.
This tour takes you behind the scenes of epic films, where you can ride the Batmobile, try out Harry Potter’s broomstick, and even recreate your favorite scenes from Friends at the Central Perk café.
Helicopter Night Flight Over Los Angeles
If you’re looking to add one more must-do activity to your Los Angeles itinerary, why not take to the skies and see the City of Angels from above?
This 30-minute night flight will take you soaring over the city, allowing you to admire its dazzling lights from the sky. You’ll fly over the downtown skyline, marvel at the sparkling lights, and take in familiar landmarks such as the iconic Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, Sunset Boulevard, and more.
