Perfect One Day in Los Angeles Itinerary For First-Timers

Looking to make the most of your 24 hours in Los Angeles?

I’m going to tell you outright. Doing LA in just a day trip will be tough. It’s one of the biggest cities in America, covering over 500 square miles. But don’t worry, I’ll show you the most worthwhile sights to see.

I’ve put together this very packed one day in Los Angeles itinerary based on some of my favorite experiences during the three years I lived in Culver City and my van. Even as a full-time digital nomad, I still home base there for several months every year. This route is basically where I take friends whenever they come visit me. 

Los Angeles is made up of neighborhoods and mini-towns, each very different. When I first visited as a tourist, choosing which places to see was a bit overwhelming due to the incredible diversity.

So, let me break it down for you with a day full of activities. We’ll start with a walk around the Venice Canals and finish with the city skyline from the Griffith Observatory. I’ll also throw in some extra recommendations if you have more time and provide additional info to help you plan your trip.

Sample One Day in Los Angeles Itinerary

For your convenience, here’s the comprehensive day trip itinerary, neatly presented all in one scroll. And in case, you’re looking for an all-encompassing day tour, this one takes you to almost every spot on my list!

Tips from a local! Many itineraries recommend seeing the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Getty Center. The Getty is cool, but it is a bit out of the way. In my opinion, the walk is not worth it at all except to say that you’ve been there. 

Morning

• Start your day strolling the peaceful Venice Canals.
• Head over to Venice Beach for some really good skateboarding and endless muscle-ups.
• Make your way down to the Santa Monica Pier. 
• Walk along the 3rd Street Promenade or Sawtelle to grab lunch. 

Afternoon

• If you have time: There’s cool stuff to stop at en route to Downtown LA: Sawtelle, LACMA, Rodeo Drive, West Hollywood.
• Venture into Downtown LA to the Bradbury Building, the Last Bookstore, and Angel’s Flight Railway.
• See the strange architecture of the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
• Browse the galleries of The Broad.
• Eat at the Downtown Central Market.

Night

• Head up to the Griffith Observatory to view the city under the stars. It would be a plus if you made it for the sunset. 
• Finish the day by partying away in LA’s epic nightlife: Downtown is best.

Recommended Places to Stay in Los Angeles

• 📍Luxury (Venice): Shutters on the Beach
• 📍Mid-range (Downtown): CitizenM Los Angeles 
• 📍Budget (Santa Monica): HI Hostel Santa Monica

Aside from Grand Central Market, I won’t strongly recommend any particular food place because there are just too many incredible options in LA. However, I would love to share some of my all-time favorite spots with you, or you could always take a food tour:

• Destroyer (Culver City) – Eclective Inventions by Michelin Star Chef at reasonable prices
• Mendocino Farms (Mid-City) – Health Foods
• Tartine (Santa Monica) – Sandwiches & Dessert
• Here Fishy Fishy (Koreatown) – AYCE Sushi
• Celodon (Culver City) – Thai
• Tsujita LA Artisan Noodles (Sawtelle) – Ramen
• LA Tea (Culver City) – One of the best boba places I’ve ever had, and I’ve had lots.

Quick Facts to Visiting Los Angeles

Pack your sunglasses for Los Angeles, a city where summer never ends, and the sun shines 284 days a year! Home to Hollywood, LA is the entertainment capital of the world and has more museums per capita than any other city in the US. Plus, as one of the most multicultural cities in the world, you’re bound to get some of the weirdest fusion cuisine and traditions.

Quick Facts	Details
Location	Southern California, on the West Coast of the U.S.
Best time to visit	March through May and between September and November
Where to stay	📍Luxury (Venice): Shutters on the Beach 📍Mid-range (Downtown): CitizenM Los Angeles  📍Budget (Santa Monica): HI Hostel Santa Monica
Famous Things to Do	🌇 Warner Bros Studio Tour 🌇 Universal Studios Park 🌇 Griffith Observatory 🌇 Hiking the Hollywood Sign 🌇 Santa Monica Pier
Population	Approximately 4 million
Time zone	Pacific Standard Time (PST)
How to get around	Metro Rail system, Buses, Taxis, Bike rentals, Car rentals. Use DiscoverCars to find rental car deals.
City Airports	Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 16 miles from downtown Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) – 17 miles from downtown Use Expedia to find the best flight prices.
Don’t forget!	Get the Go Los Angeles Card for discounted entry to over 40 top attractions, tours, and activities, including Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, and more.

What to Do in Los Angeles in One Day

Morning: Best Things to Do in Venice

Venice Canals

In the early 20th century, Abbot Kinney sought to recreate the romantic vibes of the famous Italian city of Venice in Southern California. His vision created the legendary Venice Canals, a neighborhood with charming bridges and glistening waterways.

The area’s peace is unlike anywhere else in LA. The walkways are public, but the homes flanking the canals are private property.

While the canals are beautiful at any time of day, it is quieter in the morning, but the colors are also magnificent for the sunset.

Parking Tip! The canals are located between Washington Boulevard and Venice Boulevard. Street parking is nearby, but read the signs carefully to avoid a ticket. If you’re coming on a weekend, the earlier you arrive, the better the parking situation will be. 

Venice Beach

Be amazed by the quirky and energetic Venice Beach. Get a taste of local beach culture as you walk down the boardwalk lined with kids breakdancing to Michael Jackson, the pungent waft of ganja, surf shops, strange artworks, and much more.

Venice Beach is also known for its famous skatepark. Even if you’re not a skater, it’s worth watching the talented athletes show off their gravity-defying tricks.

You’ll find Muscle Beach, an outdoor workout center that has become a local landmark. Incredible displays of strength and athleticism are always on show here.

Venice Beach is also home to some of LA’s best street art. Artists from all over come to spray the Venice Art Walls. You can also grab a can yourself.

Parking Tip! This is another tricky area, so read those signs carefully and don’t park in tow-away zones. 

Mid-Morning: Best Things to Do in Santa Monica

Santa Monica Parking! Downtown Santa Monica has many garages that offer free parking for the first 90 minutes. Make sure you remember which building you parked in! I once lost my car for two whole hours.

Santa Monica Pier

The fun of the beach continues at Santa Monica Pier, a short ride from Venice Beach. The pier is over 100 years old and holds the distinction of being the end of the famous Route 66. 

Kids will love Pacific Park, an amusement park with rides and carnival games overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This is an excellent spot for the sunset, and the Ferris wheel lights up at night in neon colors. 

Wanna go fishing? There are always folks fishing off the pier. You can always catch a free concert or a street performer nearby.

Third Street Promenade

Up the cliffsides of Santa Monica Pier is the Third Street Promenade, a pedestrian-only street with a mix of retail stores and restaurants. It’s a shopping utopia where you can find everything from high-end boutiques to quirky, locally-owned shops. 

Later in the day, the tree-lined street is filled with musicians, artists, and entertainers. All along Santa Monica, there are great brunch places and restaurants to try. 

Cool Stops En Route to Downtown LA

Sawtelle (Japantown)

If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, include Sawtelle in your LA itinerary. Driving east on Santa Monica Boulevard, this place is the unofficial Japantown of Los Angeles.

Along the streets, you’ll smell the mouthwatering aroma of ramen shops, sushi restaurants, and adorable Japanese bakeries. Sawtelle is also a hotspot for all things kawaii (cute in Japanese)! You’ll find shops selling with anime, manga, and cute Japanese novelties.

Rodeo Drive

Rodeo Drive is the embodiment of Hollywood’s glitz and glamour! This three-block stretch off Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills is all about luxury, high-fashion, and star power. You might even spot a celebrity or two! 

Get photo ops in front of the Rodeo Drive sign, creative sculptures, or the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, famously featured in the film “Pretty Woman.” Just off the main path, you’ll find Via Rodeo, a side street filled with boutiques and restaurants.

The Grove

West Hollywood, nicknamed “WeHo,” is one of LA’s most beloved destinations. Located on the famous Sunset Boulevard, The Grove is a shopping complex with excellent restaurants. It’s the perfect place for lunch before or after visiting some of LA’s best museums. The Original Farmers Market is also in this neighborhood.

I’m putting here as a spot to check out if you want to stay on the West Side, but if you’re short on time, you should prioritize downtown over WeHo.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

Just around the corner, LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection of over 140,000 works spanning from ancient times to the present. 

To be honest, I haven’t even gone into the museum, but I have been to the iconic lamp post sculpture installation, “Urban Light,” twice. This labyrinth of vintage street lamps has become a popular photo spot and one of LA’s most recognizable landmarks. It always looks incredible, but it’s even more picturesque at night. 

Budget Tip: If you’re traveling on a budget, the LACMA tickets are free on the second Tuesday of every month.

The La Brea Tar Pits

Outside LACMA is an actual tar pit that scientists are still actively excavating. As you wander around, you’ll see real tar pits where animals got stuck thousands of years ago, including mammoths and saber-toothed cats.

Afternoon: Best Things to Do in Downtown Los Angeles

There’s way more to the downtown area than my suggestions below, but these places are all just a few blocks away. Super easy to park your car and then just walk around.

The Broad

The Broad is one of my favorite museums in LA, and it’s free to enter. You need to sign up for a timed ticket beforehand. You can usually do this while in line to get in.

This contemporary art museum houses an impressive collection of over 2,000 works from over 200 artists. From Andy Warhol to Roy Lichtenstein, you’ll find pieces from some of the most prolific artists of our time. The honeycomb-like exterior facade of the building is a piece of artwork in itself. 

Tip! Make sure you check out the Infinity Mirrored Room by Yayoi Kusama. But there is always a queue for this artwork, so reserve your spot for free online here.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Right next to the Broad is one of the strangest architecturally created buildings I’ve ever seen, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by architect Frank Gehry. 

The Los Angeles Philharmonic hosts their performances here. Even if you’re not attending a concert, it’s worth a visit just to admire the architecture.

Downtown Central Market

Grab a bite to eat at Downtown LA’s Central Market. This indoor market is filled with over 30 vendors selling delicious cuisine and fresh produce from all over the world. 

Eat tacos from Tacos Tumbras A Tomas, mouthwatering pupusas from Sarita’s Pupuseria, or grab some artisanal bread from Clark Street Bread. The options are endless, and the food is always top-notch.

I recommend getting a bunch of small items from many different shops. And if you can’t decide what to get, take a guided downtown LA food tour, so you know you’re getting the best.

Ride on the historic Angel’s Flight Railway

This funicular is known as the “Shortest Railway in the World.” Originally built in 1901, the railway has been taking visitors and locals alike on a fun, short ride up and down Bunker Hill for over a century.

Board the iconic orange and black cars, named Sinai and Olivet, and take a 298-foot ride up the steep incline. There are great views of the city, which only gets better as you reach the summit. 

When you’re ready to descend, hop back on the railway, and in a minute, you’ll find yourself back at the base of Bunker Hill. It’s a quick experience, and at $1 a ride, it’s also a bargain. 

This attraction has shown up in numerous movies and TV shows, including “La La Land” and “500 Days of Summer.” 

Bradbury Building

Just a few blocks from Central Market is the historic Bradbury Building, another popular filming location. This architectural wonder dates back to 1893 and is known for its five-story atrium with ornate ironwork.

For film buffs, this building has appeared in movies like “Blade Runner” and “500 Days of Summer.”

Entry to the building is free, but you can only explore the first floor. I’ve tried going multiple times, but it has been closed every time, so I have only seen the interior through the windows.

The Last Bookstore

Another neat city attraction in DTLA is The Last Bookstore. This massive bookstore is housed in an old bank building. It’s one of the largest independent bookstores in the world, with over 250,000 new and used books on its shelves. 

Aside from the books, it’s a popular Instagram spot and just a cool experience to walk through. The store has unique art installations, like a labyrinth and a book tunnel, made entirely out of stacked books. 

Evening: Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory

End your day with a trip to the Griffith Observatory at the top of Griffith Park. Perched atop Mount Hollywood, the Observatory has a clear view of the Hollywood Sign, and on a clear day, you can see as far as the Pacific Ocean. As the sunset colors dim, the manufactured city “stars” twinkle across the horizon. 

But there’s more to do than just admire the view. The Observatory also has free admission to its exhibits, planetarium shows, and telescopes for stargazing. But if you want to go more in-depth, former observatory staff offer guided tours here.

Tip: The Observatory can get crowded, especially during sunset and on weekends. The parking gets brutal, where you might park more than a mile down the hill. 

Night: Nightlife in DTLA

Los Angeles made me fall in love with partying. As someone really into EDM, famous DJs and underground warehouse events happen almost every day of the year. 

Here are some of the best areas to check out their after-hours scene:

Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA): The heart of LA’s nightlife, DTLA is lined with bars, clubs, and concert halls. Check out The Edison for live burlesque shows or Exchange LA for a night of electronic music. Most of the warehouse stuff is in Skidrow’s sketchier area and requires an in on the location first. 

West Hollywood (WeHo): Very LGBTQ+ friendly, WeHo has a whole street of dancing male strippers in trendy nightclubs and cocktail lounges. The Abbey is one of the most popular. 

Hollywood: I rarely ever come here, but Hollywood hosts celebrity-frequented clubs like Avalon and Playhouse. It’s a bit more upscale in general.

Places to Visit with More Time

Other Places around Los Angeles

• The Getty Center: Renowned for its architecture, gardens, and views overlooking Los Angeles. The Getty Center houses European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
• Universal Studios Hollywood: A film studio and theme park with film-inspired rides. Take the behind-the-scenes studio tour. Get your express pass here.
• The Original Farmers Market: Opened in 1934, it’s a historic LA landmark with over 100 gourmet grocers, restaurants, and tourist shops.
• Malibu: You’ve seen it in movies. It’s the ultimate getaway to gorgeous beaches, cliffside hikes, and fancy mansions.
• Hike the Hollywood Sign: Hiking to the sign, you’ll end up behind the sign, looking over and out of the city. This is a solid half-day trip. 
• Culver City’s Hayden Tract: Culver City’s Hayden Tract is a hidden gem in LA, with a few funky blocks showcasing some of the quirkiest architecture in the city.
• LA Arts District: A hip, trendy neighborhood with former warehouses turned into art galleries and hipster coffee shops. The area is packed with street art.

Day Trips from Los Angeles

• Santa Barbara: Up the Pacific Coast Highway, leave the city for more beautiful beaches and Spanish architecture like the historic Santa Barbara Mission, or explore the local wineries.
• Palm Springs: A desert resort city known for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses, and spas. Also famous for its mid-century modern architecture.
• Joshua Tree National Park: A popular day trip for Angelenos to go camping, rock climbing on giant boulders, and hiking amongst the Joshua Trees.
• San Diego: San Diego is a chiller, smaller version of LA. Visit Balboa Park, the USS Midway Museum, and the gateway to Mexico.
• Solvang: A European-esque town in California with authentic Danish architecture, bakeries and wineries.
• Big Bear Lake: Great for outdoor activities! Summer is for hiking and off-roading, and when winter comes, Big Bear Ski Resort is the best in southern California.
• Catalina Island: An island just off the coast of LA for snorkeling and sailing.
• Laguna Beach: A beachtown with sandy shores, coves and a strong artist community. The streets are brimming with art galleries. 

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

LA is huge, making it tough to choose where to stay. The most sought-after neighborhoods are:

• Santa Monica or Venice for beach access
• Beverly Hills for upscale hotels and high-end shopping on Rodeo Drive
• West Hollywood for great nightlife and trendy atmosphere
• Center of Downtown LA just to be amid the skyscrapers and great nightlife.

Safety Tip! LA does have its fair share of crime problems, just like a few other cities on the West Coast, such as San Francisco and Seattle. These are some neighborhoods to steer clear of: Skid Row, South Central, Compton, parts of Inglewood and Koreatown.

Best Hotels in Los Angeles

Here are three great hotels of differing budgets in three different LA neighborhoods. 

Hotel Name	Benefits
Luxury: Shutters on the Beach (Venice)	– Beachfront hotel with views of the Pacific – Top-tier amenities with luxurious rooms, a world-class spa, and two amazing restaurants on-site – Direct access to the beach culture and the Venice Canals
Mid-range: CitizenM Los Angeles (Downtown)	– Modern, comfortable rooms at an affordable price – Easy access to LA’s cultural and business districts – 24/7 gym and a lively bar
Budget: HI Hostel Santa Monica	– Budget-friendly hostel just four blocks from the beach – Offers free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and daily activities – Excellent choice for solo travelers

Is 1 Day Enough for Los Angeles

More than one day is needed in Los Angeles. The city’s sprawling nature and diverse attractions mean that even a week spent here may not allow you to experience everything. 

Although my itinerary above routes everything linearly, places like Malibu and Downtown LA each deserve a full day. Beautiful hiking trails and mountaincapes also surround Los Angeles.

Best Time To Visit

Los Angeles has an inviting climate year-round, but the best time to visit is spring (March through May) or fall (September through November). The weather ranges from the mid-60s to low 70s (Fahrenheit). Crowds are typically smaller during these periods, resulting in shorter waiting times at attractions and more hotel availability. These months are also high time for festival season.

There’s a seasonal phenomenon locals call June Gloom, where the month is known to be the rainiest month of the year. I would avoid this month.

How to Get Here

By Plane: The city is served by Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the second busiest airport in the United States. 

By Public Transportation: The Amtrak train service connects LA with major cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and Chicago. The main station is Union Station, located in downtown LA. Several long-distance bus companies, including Greyhound, Megabus, and FlixBus, operate services to Los Angeles from cities nationwide.

By Car: Interstates 5, 10, and 15, as well as US Highway 101, provide direct access to the city. It’s a scenic drive from cities like San Diego or San Francisco along the California coast.

Once you’re in LA, you’ll quickly learn that the local public transportation and traffic are famously terrible. I highly recommend renting a car from DiscoverCars, an aggregate that finds you the best price on the market. 

However, the Metro Rail system has six lines that service the Greater Los Angeles area, and there are numerous bus routes throughout the city.

Final Thoughts: Day Trip to Los Angeles

For three years in Los Angeles, you should see the amount of pins on my map! Even though this was a fast-paced whirlwind tour, I hope Los Angeles becomes a memorable visit for you. 

If you’re exploring more of California, check out my itineraries of places around the state.

Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in California?

I’ve lived and vanlifed around, about, and through all of California for 3 years. If you’re looking for more information on California, check out these other destination itineraries.

• Perfect One Day In Lassen Volcanic National Park Itinerary
• Perfect One Day In Redwood National Park Itinerary
• Perfect One Day In Joshua Tree Itinerary For First-Timers
• One Day In Death Valley Itinerary For Adventurers
• Perfect One Day in San Diego Itinerary: What Not to Miss
• Perfect One Day in San Francisco Itinerary for First Timers
• Day Trip to Lake Tahoe: One Day Itinerary for All Seasons
• Perfect Day Trip to Sonoma Itinerary for Wine Lovers
• Perfect Day Trip to Napa Valley Itinerary for Wine Lovers
• Perfect One Day in Los Angeles Itinerary from a Local

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.