- Day 1: Exploring Iconic LA Landmarks
Day 2: Beach Day
- Day 3: Cultural Immersion
- Day 4: Entertainment and Shopping
- Day 5: Relaxation and Local Experiences
- Day 6: Day Trip to Nearby Attractions
- Day 7: Culinary Delights
- Where to Stay in Los Angeles
- Conclusion
Want to Make Your LA Trip Perfect?
The City of Angels evokes different associations for everyone: sandy golden beaches, world-famous attractions, famous places from movies, Michelin-starred dining spots, and vibes of everlasting summer. This perfect destination sounds like an unachievable dream, but you can experience the city's vibrant energy just by taking all your bravery and arriving there.
There are various aspects to consider before booking a ticket to Los Angeles. And one of the key ones is the itinerary. What landmarks are “must-visits”? Where can I sunbathe? Where do I shop? How do I explore the world’s famous tastes? Luckily, we have got you covered in all those questions and more.
We at The Maimon Group provide full-fledged service of premium villa booking and top-notch concierge service. So buckle up, get inspiration from our LA map itinerary, secure the best accommodation, and enjoy your stay in the sunny city of Southern California.
Day 1: Exploring Iconic LA Landmarks
Kick off your journey to Los Angeles by seeing its most renowned landmarks. You probably might have decided to come there to hike to the Hollywood sign, go to the Walt Disney Concert Hall to enjoy the most acoustically advanced concert hall, or immerse yourself in luxury on the Rodeo Drive. However, be prepared that it is impossible to visit all the famous spots in one day. So, let’s take small bites of the Los Angeles itinerary and go to these places during your first day.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Everyone has a favorite actor. The chance to see the star-shaped award with the most-liked notable name is too big as the Hollywood Walk of Fame counts more than 2600 celebrities. Merge with the energy of popular big names that spread along two kilometers on Hollywood Boulevard, and who knows, your figure might be the next to shine on the Walk of Fame!
If you are lucky enough, you can catch a chance to be at the award ceremony for the next celebrity. Just follow the upcoming events on the official website of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Griffith Observatory
The next spot on our Los Angeles itinerary is the most visited public observation place — Griffith Observatory. From picturesque views of downtown LA to lovely picnics in the park nearby, this is a must-visit attraction, especially for first-time comers. Griffith Observatory has more to offer on top of breathtaking, awe-inspiring views. It has telescopes to look through, space-exploring exhibitions, and live events at Samuel Oschin Planetarium.
You can hike or ride in a car to get to the place, but the observatory lures many people, so parking might be a challenge (as it is everywhere in LA). Plan your free visit every day except Monday, as they are closed that day.
The Getty Center
To complete your history exploration for the day, head to the Getty Center. It takes a special place in Hollywood's itinerary as it has artworks by famous artists like Vincent van Gogh. The museum stores unique masterpieces from the Middle Ages to modern times. There are magnificent gardens inside the Getty Center and the Getty Villa that will transport you to ancient Greek and Roman styles.
This landmark has a vibrant community and a library where like-minded art lovers can gather to share their inspiration.
Day 2: Beach Day
We know what you have been thinking: “What kind of vacation is this, in which you need to spend so much energy to see everything?” That is why on day two of the LA itinerary, we offer you to explore its golden beaches and enjoy the sun locals see most seasons of the year. Jump in your favorite swimming suit, take your swim goggles, and forget the sunscreen.
Santa Monica Pier
The beach is called one of the most photographed in the world, as every meter can become a million-like photo on Instagram. People come to Santa Monica Pier not just to listen to the waves and sunbathe. Other attractions like riding Pacific Park’s Ferris Wheel, strolling along the Pier, joining community events, or shopping welcome visitors of any culture.
If you want active recreation, attend the “Wellness and Waves” yoga program, which is hosted for free on Santa Monica Pier Beach.
Venice Beach
To complete your second-day LA itinerary, we recommend arriving at one of the most popular and most visited beaches (some claim up to 30,000 people come there daily): Venice Beach. The place resembles Italian Venice and even has canals where you can bike or walk around. This nature-inspired beach is perfect for wrapping up a day and watching the most beautiful sunset.
One of the biggest attractions is Muscle Beach Venice Outdoor Gym, known for being home to popular bodybuilding icons such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbu, Frank Zane, and others. Get a daily pass for $10, feel the legendary atmosphere, and lift some weights.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion
Once you are well rested after the beach day, let’s continue on our LA Map itinerary. This time, we offer you the opportunity to gain some inspiration from the cultural centers of Southern California. Los Angeles welcomes different traditions worldwide, so you will feel very comfortable around the locals. There are also many art masterpieces, so grab your backpack with all the essentials and immerse yourself in the culture.
The Broad Museum
Even if you don’t recognize the Broad Museum, when spotting it during your walk, you will stop and wonder what this unusually geometrically-shaped building is. This is the thought this place will greet you with. The museum’s architecture completely aligns with its exhibits, which are both dedicated to contemporary times. The great news is that the admission is free. But if you want to part there, be prepared for a tidy sum.
The Broad Museum is a home for over 2000 works of postwar and contemporary artists like Takashi Murakami, Ed Ruscha, Mark Bradford, Jeff Koons, and others. But one of the reasons to enlist the Broad Museum in LA itinerary guide is because of Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms. With the help of glasses, the author created an illusion of never-ending space. He also pictures different life-dedicated themes in the installations.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
The scale of LACMA is much larger than the Broad Museum, as the first one has more than 150.000 works from different historical periods and cultures. The exhibitions hosted there are always one of a kind. For instance, you can see the extraordinary “Language of the Birds” kinetic sculptural work, learn about Korean Treasures, explore the Great War and Global Media, or see how dining with the Sultan was held.
If you are not a museum person, one thing about LACMA will still impress you: the “Urban Lights” installation. It is a collection of 202 street lights from the 20s and 30s. They still function and can be your perfect background in the photo.
Day 4: Entertainment and Shopping
Finally, it is time for some fun and shopping! As you are culturally enriched, you want to relax, smile, and transform your day into a movie. After all, Los Angeles is the capital of the film industry, so where else can you see installations and scenes from famous films? Souvenirs are a must for every trip. So, read your plan for the fourth day of the Los Angeles itinerary.
Universal Studios Hollywood
The rides and shows Universal Studios Hollywood offers will impress not only the small ones but the grown-ups as well. Are you a Panda Kung Fu lover? A Harry Potter fan? Or a King Kong admirer? The studio has multiple attractions for any taste.
This place is not only for sightseeing. It also features games and shows in which you can actively participate. Attend the Triwizard Spirit Rally, take a picture with the DreamWorks troll, do the magic in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, or enjoy indoor skydiving. That is only a tiny part of the attractions in Universal Studios Hollywood.
The Grove and Farmers Market
Let’s start with The Grove exploration. It is a shopping mall but outdoors. The Grove is a premier place for shopping, and it has many brands that are fashion icons. But even if you don’t want to spend another thousand dollars, you can observe, immerse in its energy, or enjoy a fountain show at The Grove’s Park.
Head to the Farmers’ Maret in downtown LA if you crave fresh dishes. It is the only certified market that sells artisanal food and fresh products. But shopping there is not just about getting what you need. The Farmers’ Market is a place for gathering with live music, DJs, and shows for kids.
Day 5: Relaxation and Local Experiences
Let’s rest from the LA fancy spots and get in touch with its nature and local traditions. As you continue to explore the Los Angeles itinerary guide, the next stop is about hiking, meeting the Spanish culture, and admiring the historic architecture. Get enough water with you as the day promises to be energy-requiring.
Runyon Canyon Park
If, until that moment, you were thinking: “When do I finally take a picture with the famous Hollywood sign?” then this is the time. Runyon Canyon is a popular tourist destination. It is a 160-acre hiking road spread at the end of the Santa Monica Mountains. The route will require your patience and comfortable shoes, but the magnificent views are worth it!
Runyon Canyon is a pet-friendly road, so you can grab your four-legged friends or meet some during the hike.
Olvera Street and Union Station
The historical part of Los Angeles is situated on Olvera Street. It is the birthplace of the City of Angels, and you can hear Spanish routes even from its name. Olvera Street attracts visitors with its colorful market, which has existed since 1930 and depicts the traditions of early California. You can spot multiple historic buildings, street vendors, restaurants, cafes, and shops. Olvera Street also welcomes tourists with live shows, local dancers, singers, and the smell of Mexican food.
The following historical LA itinerary spot is Union Station, also called “the last of the great train stations.” Designed in 1933 by father and son Donald and John Parkinson for a staggering 11 million dollars, it turned into a lively hub where travelers arrive 24/7. Union Station is not just a transport artery of the city. It is a spot where everyone can come to watch the show, dine in a historical atmosphere, attend the gallery, or take a tour.
Day 6: Day Trip to Nearby Attractions
There is no need to think that LA has run out of landmarks on the 6th day of the trip. It would be a pity if you were in Los Angeles and didn’t visit popular places nearby. We recommend you get the most from your vacation and gather the best memories. For this day in Los Angeles itinerary, you will need a car as public transportation is not the best way to explore the following worldwide popular places.
Disneyland Park (Anaheim)
Where is the happiest place on Earth? Right, in Disneyland! This popular resort in Anaheim has impressed visitors since 1955 with thrilling live shows and installations. You will need more than one day to explore every meter of the place. But it is possible to tour the most favorite movie-thematic rides.
Disneyland has two main attractions: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. You will never confuse this place with the other one as the gigantic Beauty Sleeping Castle welcomes every visitor with its tower and functional drawbridge.
Disneyland is divided into thematic lands: Star Wars, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Critter Country, Adventureland, Mickey’s Toontown, and others. If your eyes wander and you don't know where to go (which is very likely), use the Disney Genie service that creates a personal itinerary based on your preferences.
Getty Villa (Malibu)
Contrasting to Disneyland, Getty Villa in Malibu is a perfect place to calm your emotions after shows and attractions. This spot on the Los Angeles itinerary is not just another historical museum. It is a one-of-a-kind place where ancient Roman and Greek cultures, beautiful gardens, and a fountain create a feeling of tranquility.
When you arrive at Getty Villa, you will be transported into a Roman country house where everything is made with taste to achieve perfection. The building houses art exhibitions covering the Stone Age to the last days of the Roman Empire.
The outdoor villa’s view is a marvel for the eyes. A vast garden with a reflecting pool and colonnaded walkways create an unforgettable picture. Once the art inspires you, the Getty Villa can offer you an afternoon tea inspired by the villa’s herb garden.
Day 7: Culinary Delights
The last day on the LA map itinerary is about exploring local tastes. There is no need to hurry up to visit every attraction and take every tour; you can just sit back and relax while drinking coffee and enjoying the views of Southern California. Going to all the famous dining places is impossible, but we chose some for you after visiting, so you won’t be hungry.
Grand Central Market
No matter what your cravings are, Grand Central Market LA will satisfy them. This is not only a vibrant dining spot but also a historical landmark. When the “Wonder Market” opened in 1917, it was considered the largest on the Pacific Coast. And until modern times, it remains the finest spot to taste dishes of diverse cultures.
You can order a taco at Villa’s Tacos, traditional sushi at Sushi Rush, smocked meat at Maple Block, authentic German currywurst at Berlin Currywurst, mini pancakes at Teddy’s Tiny Bites, or a coffee at G&B Coffee. The list of vendors is far longer, so you better decide what you want before you enter the market.
Food Truck Tour
The final point of our LA map itinerary is a culinary tour around the city. America is known for its food trucks, and the City of Angels is no exception. We recommend you take a food truck tour and combine the pleasure of exploring world tastes with discovering LA views.
These spots gained people's trust and attention: the Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour, the West Hollywood Food Tour, the LA Venice Beach Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours, and the LA Food Tour: Exploring America’s Culinary Frontier.
Where to Stay in Los Angeles
Housing is a crucial part of any vacation. And especially for LA, the place to stay has to be luxurious and spacious to blend with the city’s rhythms. Luckily, you have got to the right page. The Maimon Group has an extensive list of vacation rentals to fit any type of Los Angeles itinerary. From budget-friendly houses to kingdom-like mansions, you can choose the best option for your need to visit the land of shows and attractions.
We recommend these villas from our list:
PCH Paradise. The name says for itself: PCH Paradise is a gem spread on the Pacific Ocean coast. The rental’s interior perfectly blends into nature: a private courtyard, a spacious dining area with a high-ceiling kitchen, and a rooftop with plenty of places to sunbathe. But the most precious is the view of the coastline. You won’t need to turn the music on as the ocean waves will sing to you 24/7.
Bel Air Yacht Mansion. This is a one-of-a-kind property. Bel Air Yacht Mansion construction resembles a real yacht that moored in the hills of Los Angeles. Equipped with five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, two kitchens, a gym, an office, a theater, and multiple living areas, the villa can satisfy a need of even the most demanding travelers.
Lindenhurst. If you want more privacy, Lindenhurst Villa will offer it. It is a compact rental with two floors, four bedrooms, five bathrooms, and an infinite pool with a green grass area in the backyard. It is nestled in the popular regions where boutiques and fancy restaurants are waiting to satisfy travelers’ needs. The famous Grove Mall is also nearby.
Conclusion
Los Angeles is a place where everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime to see top-world attractions and immerse themselves in local culture. But many get confused when planning a trip as there are so many places to visit. So, use our LA itinerary and explore the City of Angels and its diverse attractions: historical, natural, culinary, and architectural.
Want to Make Your LA Trip Perfect?
Get the best experience from your trip to Los Angeles with the Maimon Group. The only thing you will have to worry about is the choice of a villa. Once you select one, everything else is on us. Our premium concierge service will do everything for you: take you from the airport, make you breakfast, recommend the best places to visit, and care about your comfortable stay. If a perfect LA trip is your dream, it can come true with the Maimon Group.