Los Angeles is the largest city on the West Coast of the United States and this major metropolis is a great place for a getaway. From spotting famous faces in Hollywood to sunbathing on postcard-worthy beaches, here’s how to make the most of a three-day Los Angeles vacation.
Day One: The Highlights
With so many things to do in Los Angeles, start your trip by visiting the popular spots that L.A. is known for. Great food, fascinating history and thrill rides create an unforgettable L.A itinerary.
See
Spend a day taking in the sights with photo stops at the Hollywood Sign, The Japanese Garden and the Venice Beach Boardwalk.
You can see the art, architecture and gardens of The Getty Center and The Getty Villa for free. The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the California Science Center explore the city’s history off of the silver screen.
Eat
Begin a weekend getaway in Los Angeles with breakfast at Nick’s Cafe. This long-time institution near Chinatown has a down-to-earth menu with eggs and meat any way you want them. If sleeping in is on your itinerary, head to Redbird for brunch in a former cathedral rectory. In-N-Out Burger is a fast food favorite for lunch, though a visit to Monte Carlo Bar in Koreatown or Gish Bac for Chicano cuisine offers a taste of local life. End your night with a two-star Michelin meal at Hayato then top it off with churros at Cha Cha Chá or ice cream at Fosselman’s old school soda fountain.
Do
Embrace L.A.’s exciting attractions with a day spent riding roller coasters at Universal Studios Hollywood or Disneyland Park. Knott’s Berry Farm and Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier offer more family-friendly fun.
Go behind the scenes of your favorite movies and TV shows with studio tours at Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures or Sony Pictures.
Day Two: Celeb Spotting
Star-studded socialites, rock stars and Hollywood royalty — whether or not they call L.A. home, the rich and famous roam the city’s streets. Check out these spots known for their celebrity sightings.
See
Book a retail therapy session along Rodeo Drive if you wish or window shop your way down this luxurious shopping street. Take some time to explore Hollywood’s sights, while keeping an eye out for an Oscar or GRAMMY winner who might walk by. Keep your camera ready at The Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatres, just in case you can snag a selfie with a legend.
Eat
Celebrities have lined up with regular folk for Pink’s Hot Dogs since 1939. This small hot dog stand is known for its chili dog but also serves burgers, fries and desserts. Sushi Park serves omakase to the many pop stars in an unassuming strip mall while the no-photos policy at The Nice Guy can make a celeb sighting feel like an exclusive event.
Do
Let a guide do the driving while you snap photos on a Beverly Hills and Hollywood celebrity home tour. It’s common to spot celebs at major sporting events; attend NHL or NBA games at the Crypto.com Arena, MLB games at Dodger Stadium or an MLS match at the Dignity Health Sports Park. And if all else fails, head to Griffith Observatory to see not-so-famous stars in the sky.
Day Three: LA’s Natural Side
Los Angeles is much more than its urban core. Escape the skyscrapers and sidewalks to find the natural side of this Southern California city.
See
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden has a collection that includes rare and endangered plant life. The Los Angeles Zoo has international flora, too, surrounding its fauna which includes Asian elephants, Komodo dragons and California condors. The Aquarium of the Pacific, Cabrillo Marina Aquarium and California Science Center feature interesting marine-life exhibits including kelp forest tanks, touch pools and even a penguin colony.
Eat
San Pedro Fish Market is next to the Los Angeles Maritime Museum and offers outdoor seating for waterfront dining. Its popular shrimp plate is served a la plancha. Five miles south of the zoo, you’ll find pancakes and Thai curries at Green Leaves Vegan plus more vegetarian fusion options at Salaya Plant-Based Kitchen.
Do
Head into Angeles National Forest for serene sounds of nature. Hiking and cycling trails lead to landmarks like the Brown Mountain Dam and Switzer Falls. Find a spot to watch the sunrise then head to the coast. Surf’s up on Long Beach, as is sunbathing and swimming. Make your way over to White Point Nature Education Center and Preserve for coastal hiking trails and a sunset viewing
Where To Stay
Make your stay in LA as convenient as possible. As a Hilton Grand Vacations Member, you can convert your HGV ClubPoints to Hilton Honors Points to use at dozens of Los Angeles Hilton hotels, including:
Extend your weekend getaway with a weeklong stay at one of the Southern California resorts nearby.
Read “Your Sustainable Travel Guide To Southern California” for tips and ideas for an unforgettable SoCal vacation.