You should put Los Angeles on your USA bucket list. The City of Angels offers something for everyone. This post gives you a great Los Angeles Itinerary for 4 Days. You’ll get a taste of what this diverse city offers. Are you ready to begin your adventure?
While this itinerary focuses on Los Angeles, it’s worth noting that there are many other exciting places to visit in California, from coastal towns to national parks.
Los Angeles Itinerary for 4 Days
As soon as you land at LAX the first to do is find some transport. This is crucial in Los Angeles. The city is huge, with the second-largest metro area in the country. Consequently, you need to plan your travel wisely.
To begin with, LA is ridiculously big. Therefore, you need a good way to move around. Unlike other cities, transportation here isn’t secondary. It’s a top priority. Remember, Los Angeles has an enormous metropolitan area. So, keep your transportation options in mind when planning your trip.
Where to Stay in LA
You will find many places to stay in LA. Options range from cheap motels to fancy hotels. The best areas are West Hollywood, Venice, Santa Monica, or Los Feliz.
What’s more, for true LA vibes, try citizenM or The Metric in Down town LA. On our budget road trip, we chose a cute Airbnb in Los Feliz. It was close to the main attractions and had a small kitchen for cooking meals.
How to Get Around in LA
You find moving through LA challenging. To avoid hassles, collect your rental car at the airport when you land. This allows you to navigate the city easily, as Los Angeles has many roads for cars.
In particular, websites, like Rentalcars.com, search for the best prices. They also offer various vehicle types to meet your needs. Consequently, you can find a car that fits your budget and preferences.
Day 1: Los Angeles Itinerary for 4 Days
Iconic LA Spots
Every city has must-see places. People often nag you if you miss these spots. In LA, we won’t skip any icons. However, let’s start with breakfast after your long flight.
You’ll want a good meal to kick off your day. Consequently, our first stop is a nice breakfast spot. This will help you recover from your tiring journey and prepare you for sightseeing.
Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant
You will find Langer’s is much bigger inside than it looks. Its classic interior is charming. We were seated quickly on a Friday at noon, which was a pleasant surprise.
Many people recommend the #19 sandwich, including our waitress. We ordered it on rye to share, along with Pastrami Chili Cheese Fries. The first bite was delicious! The pastrami was the best we’ve had – flavourful and tender.
Sharing was enough for us, but you might want your own sandwich if you’re hungrier. We’ll definitely return. They also validate parking for a nearby lot, which is helpful since street parking is tough here. Travel time from LAX 40 mins.
Beverly Hills
After breakfast, begin your LA tour on Rodeo Drive. You’ll see fancy shops here. At the south end stands the Beverly Wilshire hotel, famous from “Pretty Woman.”
Rodeo Drive is LA’s most high-end street. You might spot celebrities and expensive cars in normal parking spots. In fact, keep watch – you could see someone famous!
Then, head to LA Farmers Market. It’s great for a bit of people watching and grabbing the odd snack. The Grove, a popular outdoor mall, is also right next door. Consequently, you can shop or eat at either place.
This street is known for luxury. Therefore, you’ll definitely find the designer stores as well as expensive cars. Although it’s fancy, the parking is just regular street spots. So, you might park next to a very expensive car!
The market offers a fun atmosphere. You can enjoy food and drinks while observing the crowd. Additionally, The Grove provides more shopping options nearby.
The Walk of Fame and Famous Theatres
Now that you’re full, let’s see some LA icons! First up is the famous Walk of Fame at 6901 Hollywood Blvd. It’s just a 15-minute drive from Langers.
There are more than just celebrity names on the side walk here. Other iconic sites share this area with the stars. For example, you can see the Chinese Theatre and its famous footprints.
The Walk of Fame offers many sights to explore. You’ll spot stars honouring various celebrities. Additionally, you can check out the historic theatres nearby.
Many parking lots are available close by. Therefore, you can easily explore the area without worrying about your car. This makes your visit more comfortable and enjoyable.
Remember to bring a camera. You’ll want to capture these famous sights. Also, wear comfy shoes as you might do a lot of walking.
Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory
The Hollywood sign on Mount Hollywood is LA’s most famous landmark. You can get a clear picture from many spots. For the best view, hike to a good viewpoint or drive to find the perfect location.
Down town LA’s view is popular with both tourists and locals. The Griffith Observatory offers more than just views, though. Inside, there are plenty of scientific exhibits too.
The Observatory has three main areas: the Hall of Science, Planetarium, and Laserium. You can also see rocks from Mars and the moon here. The observatory has a Hubble telescope model, seismograph, and Foucault pendulum.
These exhibits make learning about space fun. You’ll see real space objects up close. The Planetarium shows are especially exciting.
Remember, the Observatory gets busy. Plan your visit wisely. Also, bring a camera to capture the amazing views and exhibits.
Dinner at Donna’s: Trendy Italian Spot in Echo Park
Donna’s is LA’s newest hip Italian restaurant. While old-school Italian joints are common, Donna’s offers a fresh take.
The vibe is like trendy Italian places in Madrid. You’ll see colourful wallpaper and cute decor. Surprisingly, It feels like you’re in a grandma’s kitchen.
The menu features classic Italian comfort food. You’ll spot dishes like spaghetti, and of course, meatballs. The interior and food work together to create a cosy atmosphere.
It’s a great spot for a weekday afternoon visit. Moreover you can enjoy the ambiance and tasty dishes without the weekend crowds.
Donna’s stands out among LA’s Italian restaurants. It blends traditional flavours with a modern, hipster vibe. This appeals to both food lovers and trend-seekers.
Day 2: Los Angeles Itinerary for 4 Days
Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a must-see on your 4-day LA trip. It’s the end of Route 66 and a famous LA spot. There’s a very clean, relaxing beach here.
The pier is full of fun things to do. There are arcades, food carts, and even an amusement park! Additionally you can swim, watch people, or enjoy the activities.
Griffith Park to Santa Monica Pier is about an hour’s drive. Plan your time wisely for your visit.
Afterwards, visit 3rd Street Promenade. It’s a three-block pedestrian mall for shopping.
You will be spoilt for choice if you like stores and street performers here.
Santa Monica offers a mix of beach fun and city excitement. Therefore, it’s a perfect spot to end your day of LA sightseeing.
If you’re interested in exploring more of California’s coast, consider extending your trip with a California coast road trip, which can take you to stunning locations north and south of Los Angeles.
Venice Beach
After Santa Monica Pier, book a bike tour on Viatour. Then ride the South Bay Bicycle Trail to
Venice Beach. This is the best way to enjoy this fun coastline.
Explore the Venice Beach boardwalk. You’ll see the famous Venice Beach sign and watch people exercise at the open-air Venice Muscle Beach. At the Skate Bowl, you can also see skaters do cool tricks.
End your day watching a spectacular sunset. Then, enjoy a plant based meal at The Butcher’s Daughter. This restaurant was my favourite in LA.
The bike ride offers great views of the beach. You’ll pass interesting sights and people along the way. It’s an easy and fun way to travel between Santa Monica and Venice.
Venice Beach has a great lively atmosphere. Street performers, artists, and unique shops line the boardwalk. Therefore, take your time to soak in the local culture.
For those looking to explore beyond the city, there are many other things to do in southern California, from desert adventures to wine country excursions.
Road trip to Malibu for Sunset
Next, use your car for a trip to Malibu. Watch the sunset there. Traffic might slow you down, but the pretty drive makes it worth it.
Malibu offers many fun things to do:
Try surfing
Enjoy Malibu’s beaches
Walk on Malibu Pier
The coastal drive to Malibu is beautiful. You’ll see ocean views and fancy houses along the way. Even in slow traffic, the scenery remains interesting. Malibu’s beaches are known for their beauty.
You can relax on the sand or try surfing. The pier offers great views of the coast.
If you want to splurge, Nobu is a top choice. However, there are also cheaper options for dinner with ocean views.
Day 3: Los Angeles Itinerary for 4 Days
Brunch on Sunset
We treated ourselves to a tasty but pricey brunch at The Butcher and The Baker. During our trip, we’d been eating cheaply. Our usual breakfast was cereal, fruit, and bottled almond coffee. So, it was nice to enjoy a real cappuccino!
Their menu features Modern California food with European touches. You’ll find fresh baked goods, special coffee drinks, craft cocktails, and a yummy brunch menu.
This place offers a break from budget meals. The fresh food and drinks are a treat. Although it’s expensive, the quality makes it worth it for a special meal.
Remember, LA has many brunch options. If this one’s too pricey, you can find cheaper spots with good food too.
A Day of Culture in LA’s Museums
LA has many museums. You’ll find everything from Ice Age fossils to movie cars and modern art. Let’s look at some top choices.
La Brea Tar Pits Museum
This museum shows LA’s prehistoric past. You’ll see well preserved Ice-Age fossils here. Find mammoths, saber toothed cats, and even dire wolves!
Visit at 5801 Wilshire Blvd. It’s near other museums too. So, if fossils aren’t your thing, you have options.
Petersen Automotive Museum
Here, you’ll see interesting cars. Many were in movies and TV shows. You can view the Bat mobile and the Back to the Future DeLorean. Car fans will love this place!
Other museums nearby show different art types. You’ll find classic and modern art collections. There’s no reason to miss out on LA’s great museums!
Remember, these are just two of many museums. LA offers lots of cultural experiences. Pick the ones that interest you most.
If you’re interested in exploring more of California’s coastal beauty and history, consider visiting Mendocino. Our guide to Mendocino California offers insights into this charming northern coastal town.
Day 4: Los Angeles Itinerary for 4 Days
A Day of Fun in Universal Studios Hollywood
On your last day, have fun in LA. It’s easy in this movie city. You can step into your favourite film worlds here.
Universal Studios lets you do this. You’ll find rides from The Simpsons, Harry Potter, and more. It’s near the Hollywood sign, which makes it feel real.
You can enjoy exciting rides and cool shows. Each part looks like a different movie. You’ll feel like you’re in the films you love.
Wear comfy shoes as you’ll walk a lot. Bring sunscreen and water too. The sun is strong, even on cool days.
This park is all about movies. So, you’ll see lots of movie stuff. It’s a fun way to end your trip to LA.
Remember, it can get busy. Try to come early to avoid long lines. Also, check the show times when you arrive.
Universal Studios has plenty of parking like other theme parks. Plan to spend a whole day here to see everything. Renting a car is the easiest way to get around. Check Rentalcars.com for good deals.
Before leaving LA, visit Galco’s Soda Pop for something sweet. This cute store offers unique sodas from around the world. They also sell old flavours and all kinds of candy. You can make your own soda at a special station. There’s also a deli for a light lunch. Find this hidden gem at 5702 York Blvd. It’s a fun way to end your trip.
Remember, LA traffic can be busy. Plan extra time to reach the airport. This will help you avoid missing your flight home.
See also: California coast road trip
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