Los Angeles in 4 Days

Los Angeles in a star-studded city located on the West Coast of the USA. It is a diverse place with lots of fun things to do. You can easily spend weeks in and around the city with many incredible day trips around Southern California. However, four days is the perfect amount of time to explore the city for the first time.

Itinerary

DAY 1

Hollywood

Begin your Los Angeles experience in the city’s most famous neighbourhood. Head to the Hollywood Walk of Fame to spot the stars of your favourite celebrities. This is such a fun area, and will throw you right into the deep end of LA’s craziness. Note that Hollywood is very touristy, and you will find lots of souvenir shops and entertainers along the way. But, it is an essential place to visit for your first visit to the City of Angels!

Along the way, make sure to stop at both TCL Chinese Theatre and El Capitan Theatre for a glimpse into the Hollywood’s glamour.

One of the most touristy but fun things you can do in this area is a celebrity homes tour. It is no secret that LA is home to all of the biggest film and music stars. From Hollywood, you can take a tour up into the hills to see where some of these stars live. Star Line Tours is a great option that leaves from the TCL Theatre in the centre of Hollywood. You can book tickets online for USD$59*, and the tour goes for around 2 hours.

Runyon Canyon

Whilst in the Hollywood area, it is worth checking out one of the nearby canyon hikes. Runyon Canyon is a popular option, located two block back from Hollywood Boulevard. The 2.65-mile loop trail will take you straight up into the hills. Once you reach the top, you will have incredible panoramic views over all of Los Angeles. On a clear day, you can even see all the way out to the Pacific Ocean. Time your hike with the sunset to have the most incredible views.

For a post-hike meal, head to the closest In-N-Out near the TCL Chinese Theatre. This is the most iconic LA meal, and you will not be disappointed. Also ask for your fries ‘animal style’ for a taste of their special sauce.

DAY 2

Beverly Hills

Spend the morning exploring the neighbourhood of the rich and famous. Beverly Hills is home to some of the most lavish mansions and shops you will ever see. Look out for the Beverly Hills sign at Beverly Gardens Park. Then, stroll down Rodeo Drive for some window shopping at the world’s most luxurious brands. Count how many sports cars you see parked along the way.

For a glimpse into the life of luxury, explore Greystone Mansion nearby. This estate has been opened as a public park, so you are free to wander the lavish grounds.

If you are willing to splash on the true Beverly Hills experience, grab lunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel. This venue is an example of ‘mediterranean revival’ architecture, and feels straight out of Barbie. The Cabana Cafe is a great spot for lunch, with a view over the property’s sparkling pool. You might just be able to spot a celebrity dining alongside you.

West Hollywood

One of the best places to visit in West Hollywood is the Melrose District. This area of Melrose Avenue is famous for vintage shopping. In fact, I recommend coming here on a Sunday to visit Melrose Trading Post. This is an incredible market at Fairfax High School, where you are sure to find some treasures.

Spend the afternoon at The Grove. This is an incredible mall tucked away in the West Hollywood area. You will find all of the USA’s biggest brands here. Consider having dinner at Cheesecake Factory for your first taste of massive American portion sizes. Prior to leaving The Grove, head across to The Original Farmers Market. Stock up on fresh produce and snacks for tomorrow.

Nearby is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. This museum houses some incredible pieces of artwork, including the infamous Urban Light. This is worth visiting towards the end of the day, so that you will see the display lit up.

DAY 3

Warner Bros. Studios

This morning, head over to Burbank to Warner Bros. Studios to see where the magic happens. This experience is so much fun for people of all ages. Make sure to book tickets ahead of time through the Warner Bros. website. Tickets cost around USD$70* and the tour itself goes for 3 hours. The studio is home to sets from some of the most famous movies and tv shows, including Friends and the Big Bang Theory. It is definitely worth the visit whilst in LA.

Griffith Park

Next, head over to Griffith Park. Griffith Park is a huge public area, with so many things to do nearby. One of the best things it is known for is its hiking trails. I recommend the East Observatory Trail to get up to the Griffith Observatory. You will get incredible views over downtown LA on the way up. Also make sure to check out Mount Hollywood Hiking Trail for a challenge. This trail is 2.65 miles each way, but provides incredible views of LA. Also look out for the iconic Hollywood Sign as you ascend.

On the way back down, stop at Griffith Observatory. Time your visit between 7-9:30PM to view the Zeiss Telescope. This was the observatory’s original telescope, which opens for free viewings each night. The observatory is also home to the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. Book a ticket at the door for USD$10* to access the venue.

DAY 4

The Getty Centre

Start the morning soaking up some art and culture at the Getty Centre. This is an incredible facility with so much to explore. To reach the centre, take the tram up to the top of the hill. Opt to explore either the Gallery Pavilions or the Gardens, depending on your interests. To learn more about the Getty Mission and the artwork, download the GettyGuide app. This way, you will be able to take a self-guided tour of specific areas of the facility.

Santa Monica

To end your time in LA, head to California’s most famous beach. Actually, Santa Monica is a separate separate from Los Angeles County. The area is filled not only with incredible cafes and restaurants, but also a pedestrian shopping strip along Third Street Promenade.

For a step back in time, head to the Santa Monica Pier for some old-school rides and arcade games. The pier also boasts gorgeous views along the LA coast line towards Malibu.

However, my absolute favourite way to explore this area is by bike. Look for Joyride to rent a beach cruiser, located right next to the pier. They offer beach cruisers for USD$30* per day, or USD$10 per hour. Jump on, and head down the bike path towards Venice Beach. Venice is such a cool area that you cannot miss. You will know you’re in Venice when you hit the Venice Boardwalk. Spend some time people watching at the Venice Skatepark and Muscle Beach. Also nearby are the famous Venice Canals, which are worth checking out for the unique style of architecture.

*Please note that all prices are current as of the publication date of this post.