Los Angeles is a beautiful, chaotic mix of old Hollywood glam, beach-town chill, and a dash of quirky cool. LA truly knows how to show you a good time. If you’ve only got three days to explore, fear not—this 3 Days in Los Angeles Itinerary is your ultimate guide to experiencing the city’s best highlights, from star-studded boulevards to golden sunsets on the beach.

Day 1: Lights, Camera, Action – Dive Into Hollywood!

Hollywood Walk of Fame + TCL Chinese Theatre

Start your LA adventure with a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame — an open-air museum of showbiz history. The sidewalks shimmer with more than 2,700 brass stars honoring legends from music, film, and television. Some are clustered together, while others are scattered along the boulevard, turning the walk into a fun celebrity scavenger hunt.

Just up the road stands the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre, one of Hollywood’s most famous landmarks. This ornate building has hosted countless movie premieres, and its courtyard is filled with handprints and footprints of stars past and present. It’s free to wander through, but for the full cinematic experience, catch a film on its giant IMAX screen — it’s movie magic in true Hollywood style.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour – Behind the Scenes

Next stop: Warner Bros. Studios, just a quick drive into Burbank. This is where the magic happens, and the studio tour is easily one of my top highlights. You hop into a golf cart-style tram with a guide who is equal parts movie buff and comedian. They take you through real sets used in TV shows and films. The Friends Central Perk set? Still intact. They even let you sit on the couch. If you love movies and TV even a little bit, this tour hits the spot.

Griffith Observatory & Sunset Views

After a day filled with silver screen nostalgia, wind down with a view that rivals any movie ending: sunset at Griffith Observatory. The drive up is scenic, but the views at the top? Jaw-dropping. You can see the LA skyline, the ocean in the distance, and—of course—the iconic Hollywood Sign in all its glory.

If you’re up for a mini-hike, there are trails leading to even better views. Or just grab a snack from the cafe and find a quiet bench to watch the sun melt into the city. Bonus: the Observatory itself is full of cool space exhibits, and the planetarium shows are a great way to rest your feet and expand your mind.

Day 2: Movie Thrills, Luxe Vibes & Art After Dark

Universal Studios Hollywood – Blockbuster Bliss

Ready for some thrills? Universal Studios Hollywood is not just a theme park—it’s a living, breathing movie machine. Get there early to beat the crowds (and the LA sun). The studio tour is a great way to kick things off. It takes you through real soundstages and sets, with some special effects that’ll make you jump out of your seat—literally, if you’re sitting near the front.

After the tour, it’s time for pure thrills. The Jurassic World ride promises a guaranteed splash, while Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey dazzles with immersive magic that makes every twist unforgettable. And yes, the Butterbeer is every bit as good as its reputation. Despite the cinematic scale, the park’s layout is compact enough to explore in half a day — just bring comfortable shoes and don’t miss the lower lot, home to blockbuster favorites like the Transformers ride.

Rodeo Drive & Beverly Hills Stroll

Once you’ve had your fill of movie mayhem, shift gears and pretend you’re a celebrity for the afternoon. Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is pure luxury. Even if you’re not shopping, the window displays alone are a vibe. The palm-tree-lined streets, the perfectly polished storefronts, the occasional Rolls Royce casually parked at the curb—it’s like stepping into a music video. And if you wander a bit off the main strip, you’ll find some quieter, Instagram-worthy streets with charming cafés and boutique stores.

Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)

After your Rodeo glam, shift from fashion to forward-thinking creativity at MOCA, located right in Downtown LA. If you’re even mildly into art, this place will blow your mind. MOCA’s collection dives deep into contemporary work from the 1940s onward, and it doesn’t pull punches—expect bold colors, thought-provoking installations, and names you’ve probably studied in Art History 101. You don’t need a degree in fine arts to appreciate the vibe. The layout is clean, the curation tight, and it’s just the right size to explore in an hour or two without feeling overwhelmed.

The Last Bookstore – LA’s Most Instagrammable Book Nook

Just a 5-minute walk from MOCA is the whimsical, maze-like The Last Bookstore. And let me tell you: this is not just a bookstore—it’s a portal. Housed in an old bank building, this multi-level wonderland features soaring bookshelves, artist lofts, and those now-famous book tunnels that you’ve probably seen on Instagram.

You can browse everything from $1 used books to rare first editions, plus records, zines, and local art. There’s even a vault turned into a sci-fi/fantasy room. I could have spent hours here—and almost did.

LACMA & Urban Light Installation

As the sun dips, head over to LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art). Even if you don’t venture inside (although you should if you’re into art), the real star here is the Urban Light installation out front. It’s one of the most photographed spots in LA for good reason.

202 vintage street lamps are arranged in perfect rows, and when they light up after dark, the whole area feels like a scene from a dream. I stayed longer than I planned just watching people snap photos and soaking in the calm. Great place to wind down the day—and maybe grab dinner nearby.

Day 3: Surf, Sun, and People-Watching Paradise

Santa Monica Pier & Beach

Time to trade concrete for coastline. Start your day at Santa Monica Pier, where there’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the old-school amusement park, arcade, and that famous Ferris wheel. Grab a coffee or a breakfast burrito from one of the pier vendors and take it down to the beach for an oceanfront picnic.

The sand here stretches wide and the water’s chilly but refreshing. If you’re up for it, rent a bike or electric scooter and cruise along the beachfront path—it’s a fun, breezy ride and a great way to soak in the SoCal atmosphere.

Venice Beach Boardwalk & Canals

From Santa Monica, it’s an easy 10-15 minute drive (or bike ride) down to Venice Beach, which is basically LA’s funky cousin. The boardwalk is alive with energy—tattoo artists, tarot readers, break dancers, and people walking around in outfits that definitely make a statement.

Don’t miss Muscle Beach, where bodybuilders still lift under the sun like it’s the ’80s, and the skate park, which is a photographer’s dream. For a change of pace, wander inland to the Venice Canals. Quiet, tree-lined, and totally unexpected—they’re like a little slice of Europe hidden in California.

Hollywood Sign Hike (or Chill Sunset Spot)

If you’ve still got fuel in the tank, finish strong with a hike to the Hollywood Sign. The views from up there are killer—especially at golden hour when the city lights begin to flicker on. Not feeling the hike? No judgment. Head back to the beach and catch one last sunset over the Pacific with a drink in hand. Either way, it’s a perfect wrap to an unforgettable LA trip.

How to Get to Los Angeles

If you’re flying in, LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) is the main gateway, with connections from pretty much everywhere on the planet. It’s big, it’s busy, and yes, it can be chaotic — but hey, it’s also where your LA adventure officially begins. Once you land, grab a coffee, take a deep breath, and channel your inner movie star.

Coming from within California? Lucky you — the Pacific Coast Highway might just be the most scenic drive of your life. Think rugged cliffs, endless ocean views, and those cinematic sunset moments where you’ll definitely need to pull over for a photo (or ten).

Once you’re here, the best way to see it all is to rent a car in Los Angeles. The city is famously spread out — from Hollywood and Beverly Hills to Santa Monica and Venice — and public transport only covers part of the map. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to hop between neighborhoods, chase sunsets at Griffith Observatory, and take spontaneous detours along Mulholland Drive or the coast.

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Finding the right place to stay in Los Angeles is like casting the perfect actor for your movie — get the setting right, and everything else just clicks. The city is massive, but if you plan smartly you can stay central and avoid spending half your trip in traffic.

The Hollywood Roosevelt – An Old Hollywood icon blending vintage glamour with modern luxury, right across from the Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre.

Loews Hollywood Hotel – Sleek, family-friendly, and steps from Hollywood’s biggest attractions — with unbeatable city views and a rooftop pool to match.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Los Angeles Downtown – A comfortable, centrally located stay with a tranquil rooftop garden, perfect for exploring DTLA’s art and dining scene.

InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown by IHG – A sky-high luxury hotel with jaw-dropping panoramic views, elegant rooms, and one of LA’s best rooftop bars.

Conrad Los Angeles – A design-driven luxury escape in the heart of downtown’s cultural hub, offering sophisticated style, fine dining, and exceptional city views.

Final Thoughts

Los Angeles is one of those cities that stays with you long after you’ve left. It’s chaotic, glamorous, gritty, and beautiful all at once. One moment you’re star-spotting in Beverly Hills; the next, you’re eating tacos on the beach while a drum circle plays against a golden sunset. That’s the magic of LA — it lets you write your own script. Three days is just enough to taste the sparkle. But once you’ve had a bite, you’ll be craving the sequel.

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