Day 1: Hollywood and the Iconic LA

Morning: Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame

Begin your Los Angeles adventure where dreams are born—Hollywood Boulevard. Start your morning at the TCL Chinese Theatre, one of the world’s most famous movie palaces. Opened in 1927, this architectural marvel features an ornate Chinese-inspired facade and is home to the legendary forecourt where over 200 celebrities have left their hand and footprints in cement. Take your time examining these concrete testimonials to Hollywood history, from Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks to modern stars.

Walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which stretches for 15 blocks along Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks along Vine Street, featuring over 2,700 brass stars embedded in the sidewalk. Each star represents a permanent tribute to achievements in the entertainment industry. While searching for your favorite celebrities’ stars, you’ll be surrounded by the electric energy of street performers, musicians, and the constant buzz of tourists from around the world.

Visit the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards. If time permits, take a guided tour to walk the same red carpet as Oscar winners and see the theater where cinema’s biggest night unfolds each year. The tour provides fascinating insights into Oscar history and the meticulous preparation that goes into the ceremony.

Midday: Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Sign

Drive or take a ride-share to Griffith Observatory, perched on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. This Art Deco landmark, opened in 1935, is one of LA’s most beloved institutions. The observatory offers free admission to its exhibits, which include fascinating displays on astronomy, space exploration, and the history of observation. Don’t miss the Tesla coil demonstrations and the Foucault pendulum that elegantly proves Earth’s rotation.

The real magic of Griffith Observatory lies in its views. From the grounds, you’ll have unparalleled vistas of the Los Angeles basin, from Downtown’s skyscrapers to the Pacific Ocean. Most importantly, this is one of the best vantage points to photograph the Hollywood Sign. The iconic white letters, erected in 1923 (originally reading “HOLLYWOODLAND”), have become the universal symbol of the entertainment industry and the American dream.

If you’re feeling adventurous, take a hike on one of the trails leading from the observatory. The hike to the Hollywood Sign via Mount Hollywood Trail takes about 3 hours round trip and offers constantly changing perspectives of both the sign and the city below.

Evening: Sunset Strip and West Hollywood

As the day winds down, head to the legendary Sunset Strip, a 1.5-mile stretch of Sunset Boulevard that runs through West Hollywood. This iconic thoroughfare has been the epicenter of LA’s music and entertainment scene since the 1960s. Drive or stroll past historic venues like the Whisky a Go Go, where The Doors were once the house band, and The Roxy Theatre, which has hosted countless legendary performances.

The Strip is also home to famous hotels like the Chateau Marmont, where Hollywood’s elite have sought privacy and luxury since 1929. The enormous billboards lining the street represent the pinnacle of entertainment industry advertising, often featuring creative campaigns that become tourist attractions themselves.

For dinner, explore the diverse dining options in West Hollywood. From celebrity chef restaurants to hidden gems serving cuisine from around the world, this area exemplifies LA’s reputation as a global food capital. Consider making a reservation at one of the rooftop restaurants for stunning views of the city lights spreading out like a glittering carpet beneath the darkening sky.

Day 2: Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and Westside Elegance

Morning: Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive

Start your second day in the epitome of luxury—Beverly Hills. Begin with a drive through the residential areas to admire the magnificent estates that have housed Hollywood royalty for decades. Palm-lined streets like Roxbury Drive, Camden Drive, and Benedict Canyon are home to architectural masterpieces ranging from Mediterranean villas to ultra-modern compounds.

Make your way to Rodeo Drive, arguably the most famous shopping street in the world. Even if you’re not planning to shop, walking these three blocks is an essential LA experience. Window shop at flagship stores of Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and dozens of other luxury brands. The Via Rodeo pedestrian walkway, designed to resemble a European street, features cobblestones and Old World architecture that creates a romantic atmosphere amidst the opulence.

Visit the Beverly Hills Sign at the north end of Santa Monica Boulevard for a classic photo opportunity. Nearby, the Beverly Hills Hotel, known as the “Pink Palace,” has been a celebrity haven since 1912. While you’re in the area, stop by the iconic Beverly Wilshire Hotel, made famous by the movie “Pretty Woman.”

Afternoon: Westwood and UCLA

Head to Westwood Village, home to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The campus is a beautiful destination in itself, featuring stunning Romanesque Revival architecture amid lush gardens and open spaces. Walk through the historic Royce Hall quadrangle and visit the Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden, which houses one of the finest collections of outdoor sculpture in the United States.

In Westwood Village, visit the Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery, the final resting place of numerous Hollywood legends including Marilyn Monroe, Natalie Wood, Dean Martin, and many others. Despite its small size, this cemetery holds an incredible concentration of entertainment history.

Evening: The Getty Center

Spend your evening at The Getty Center, one of the world’s premier art institutions. Perched atop a hill in the Santa Monica Mountains, this stunning complex designed by architect Richard Meier is as much a work of art as the collections it houses. The Getty’s extensive collection includes European paintings, drawings, sculpture, decorative arts, and photography spanning from the Middle Ages to the present.

Beyond the art, the Getty Center itself is an architectural triumph. The modernist buildings, clad in travertine stone, create a serene campus with multiple pavilions connected by walkways and terraces. The Central Garden, designed by artist Robert Irwin, is a living sculpture featuring a natural ravine with a stream and waterfall, surrounded by specialty gardens that change with the seasons.

The views from the Getty are spectacular, offering panoramas of Los Angeles from the Pacific Ocean to Downtown. Time your visit to catch the sunset, when the city begins to transform into a sea of lights. Admission to the Getty Center is free (parking is $20), making it one of LA’s most accessible world-class cultural experiences. The campus includes multiple dining options, from casual cafés to fine dining at The Restaurant, where you can enjoy California cuisine while overlooking the city.

Day 3: Santa Monica and Venice Beach

Morning: Santa Monica Pier and Beach

Dedicate your third day to experiencing LA’s iconic beach culture, starting with Santa Monica. Begin at the historic Santa Monica Pier, a landmark that has been entertaining visitors since 1909. This is where Route 66, America’s most famous highway, officially ends, making it a pilgrimage site for road trip enthusiasts. The pier features Pacific Park, a small amusement park with a solar-powered Ferris wheel that offers breathtaking views of the coastline and Santa Monica Mountains.

Walk along the wooden planks of the pier, enjoying the carnival atmosphere created by street performers, arcade games, and food vendors. The pier’s aquarium, though small, offers an intimate look at local marine life and is particularly popular with families. Below the pier, the beach stretches for miles in both directions, offering pristine sand and excellent swimming conditions.

Stroll along the Santa Monica Beach Bike Path, a 22-mile paved route that connects Santa Monica to other beach communities. Rent a bike or simply walk along this scenic pathway, breathing in the salt air and watching the endless parade of joggers, cyclists, rollerbladers, and beach-goers. The wide, clean beaches here are perfect for sunbathing, volleyball, or simply relaxing while watching the Pacific waves.

Midday: Third Street Promenade and Montana Avenue

Head inland a few blocks to the Third Street Promenade, a vibrant pedestrian-only shopping district that spans three blocks. This outdoor mall combines major retailers with local boutiques, movie theaters, and restaurants. The Promenade is always buzzing with activity, featuring regular performances by street musicians, artists, and entertainers.

For a more upscale shopping experience, explore Montana Avenue, often called the “Main Street of Santa Monica.” This charming corridor offers high-end boutiques, art galleries, cafés, and restaurants in a more intimate, neighborhood setting. It’s a favorite among locals and offers a glimpse into everyday life in this affluent beach community.

Afternoon: Venice Beach and Canals

Travel south along the coast to Venice Beach, one of LA’s most eclectic and entertaining neighborhoods. The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a carnival of California culture, where you’ll encounter bodybuilders at the famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym, street performers showcasing incredible talents, artists selling their work, fortune tellers, and vendors offering everything from hemp clothing to handmade jewelry.

The scene at Venice is unlike anywhere else in the world—a colorful, chaotic celebration of individualism and creativity. Watch skateboarders perform tricks at the Venice Skate Park, observe artists creating murals on the legal graffiti walls, or simply people-watch from one of the beachfront cafés. The atmosphere is simultaneously laid-back and energetic, embodying the spirit of Southern California.

Venture away from the boardwalk to discover the Venice Canals, a hidden gem that many visitors miss. Built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney as part of his “Venice of America” vision, these canals were designed to replicate the romantic waterways of Venice, Italy. Today, six remaining canals create a peaceful, picturesque neighborhood of charming homes, arched bridges, and water gardens. Walking along the canal paths feels like discovering a secret village within the bustling city.

Evening: Abbot Kinney Boulevard

End your day on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, consistently ranked among the coolest streets in America. This mile-long stretch has transformed from a forgotten industrial area into Venice’s creative heart, lined with designer boutiques, art galleries, innovative restaurants, and trendy bars. The street perfectly captures LA’s cutting-edge style while maintaining a bohemian, artistic vibe.

Browse through local boutiques offering everything from vintage clothing to contemporary fashion, artisanal goods to design objects. The street’s restaurant scene is exceptional, featuring everything from farm-to-table California cuisine to international fusion. Make reservations for dinner at one of the highly regarded restaurants, then enjoy the evening atmosphere as locals and visitors mix in this vibrant nightlife destination.

Day 4: Downtown LA and Arts District

Morning: Historic Core and Grand Central Market

Discover Downtown Los Angeles, a neighborhood that has undergone a remarkable renaissance in recent years. Begin in the Historic Core, where ornate early 20th-century buildings showcase LA’s architectural heritage. The Bradbury Building, built in 1893, is an absolute must-see. While its exterior is modest, step inside to discover one of the most beautiful Victorian-era interiors in the world, featuring a stunning light-filled atrium with wrought-iron railings and open-cage elevators. Movie fans will recognize it from “Blade Runner” and numerous other films.

Walk to Grand Central Market, LA’s largest and oldest open-air market, operating continuously since 1917. This vibrant food hall represents LA’s incredible diversity, with over 30 vendors offering everything from authentic tacos and Thai cuisine to artisanal coffee and gourmet donuts. The market has beautifully balanced historic charm with contemporary food culture. Grab breakfast here and soak in the energetic atmosphere.

Right across from Grand Central Market, visit the Angels Flight Railway, a tiny funicular that’s been called “the world’s shortest railway.” Originally built in 1901 and now restored, this charming orange and black cable car climbs a steep incline, connecting Hill Street to the cultural attractions on Bunker Hill.

Midday: The Broad Museum and Walt Disney Concert Hall

Make your way to The Broad, one of LA’s most exciting contemporary art museums. Opened in 2015, this free museum houses the extraordinary collection of philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad, featuring over 2,000 works of postwar and contemporary art. The collection includes major pieces by artists like Jeff Koons, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Cindy Sherman, and the famous Infinity Mirror Rooms by Yayoi Kusama (advance reservations recommended).

The building itself, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture. Its distinctive “veil-and-vault” concept features a honeycomb-like exterior that filters natural light into the galleries. The third-floor gallery offers sweeping views of Downtown LA through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Adjacent to The Broad stands the Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by architect Frank Gehry. Even if you don’t attend a performance, the building’s exterior is a sight to behold, with its dramatic stainless steel curves creating a stunning sculpture against the LA sky. Free self-guided audio tours allow visitors to explore the building’s remarkable interior, including the acoustically perfect main auditorium. The outdoor gardens provide a peaceful retreat with unique plants and stunning views.

Afternoon: Arts District

Head to the Arts District, Downtown LA’s creative epicenter. This former industrial neighborhood has transformed into a hub of galleries, studios, boutiques, and restaurants, while retaining its gritty, authentic character. The area is famous for its street art and murals—virtually every wall is a canvas for talented artists. Take a self-guided walking tour to discover incredible murals and graffiti art that changes constantly.

Visit the Hauser & Wirth gallery complex, which combines cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions with a beautiful courtyard garden and an excellent restaurant. The Arts District is also home to numerous independent galleries showcasing emerging and established artists. Pop into spaces like the Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (ICA LA), which offers free admission and rotating exhibitions of contemporary art.

The neighborhood’s warehouse-chic cafés and restaurants offer perfect spots to rest and refuel. The area has become a foodie destination, with innovative restaurants serving everything from artisanal ramen to craft cocktails.

Evening: Little Tokyo and Olvera Street

Explore Little Tokyo, one of only three official Japantowns in the United States. This historic neighborhood offers authentic Japanese culture, from traditional izakayas and ramen shops to contemporary sushi restaurants and mochi vendors. Visit the Japanese American National Museum to learn about the Japanese-American experience, including the difficult history of World War II internment camps.

Browse the shops in Japanese Village Plaza, where you’ll find everything from anime collectibles to traditional ceramics, books, and snacks imported directly from Japan. The neighborhood comes alive in the evening, with glowing lanterns and the enticing aromas of Japanese cuisine filling the air.

If you have time, visit Olvera Street, often called the “birthplace of Los Angeles.” This colorful Mexican marketplace, located on the site of the city’s original pueblo, is lined with stalls selling traditional crafts, clothing, and food. The historic buildings surrounding the street, including the Avila Adobe (LA’s oldest surviving residence), offer a glimpse into the city’s Spanish and Mexican heritage. Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine at one of the historic restaurants while mariachi bands provide live entertainment.

Day 5: Malibu and Pacific Coast Highway

Morning: Drive up the Pacific Coast Highway

Dedicate your fifth day to one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives—the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH or Highway 1) through Malibu. This scenic route offers stunning ocean views, hidden beaches, and the quintessential California coastal experience. Start early to avoid traffic and maximize your time exploring.

Begin at the Malibu Pier, a historic landmark that extends into the Pacific Ocean. This 780-foot wooden pier has been rebuilt multiple times since its original construction in 1905 and offers excellent views of the coastline and Surfrider Beach, one of the world’s most famous surfing spots. The pier features a seafood restaurant at its end where you can enjoy fresh fish while watching surfers ride the legendary Malibu waves.

Midday: Getty Villa

Visit the Getty Villa, J. Paul Getty’s original museum, now dedicated to the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. This stunning museum is modeled after the Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum, a Roman country house buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The villa’s architecture, gardens, and fountains transport visitors to ancient Rome.

The collection includes approximately 44,000 works of art, with 1,400 on display at any given time. Highlights include Greek and Roman sculptures, mosaics, and an exceptional collection of antiquities. The museum’s gardens feature plants that would have been familiar to ancient Romans, creating an immersive historical experience. Admission is free, but advance tickets are required.

Afternoon: Beaches and State Parks

Continue north on PCH to explore Malibu’s beautiful beaches and state parks. Stop at El Matador State Beach, one of the most photographed beaches in California. This small cove features dramatic rock formations, sea caves, and striking coastal cliffs. At low tide, you can explore tide pools teeming with marine life. The beach requires walking down a steep trail, but the stunning scenery is worth the effort.

Drive through Malibu Creek State Park, where you can hike trails that wind through the Santa Monica Mountains. These hills have served as filming locations for countless movies and TV shows, including M*A*S*H and Planet of the Apes. The park offers diverse landscapes from oak woodlands to chaparral-covered hillsides, with trails suitable for various fitness levels.

Visit Point Dume State Beach and Preserve, where you can climb to the headlands for panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Bay. During winter and spring, this is an excellent spot for whale watching. The adjacent beach features turquoise waters and golden sand, perfect for swimming, surfing, or simply relaxing.

Evening: Paradise Cove and Malibu Dining

As the day winds down, visit Paradise Cove, a private beach with a pier and the famous Paradise Cove Beach Café. While there’s a fee to access the beach, many visitors enjoy watching the sunset from the restaurant’s beachfront location. The café serves California coastal cuisine with spectacular ocean views.

Alternatively, explore Malibu’s dining scene, which features everything from casual beachfront cafés to high-end restaurants. Many establishments offer outdoor seating with ocean views, perfect for enjoying the sunset while savoring fresh seafood or California cuisine. Malibu’s food scene emphasizes fresh, local ingredients and showcases the region’s excellent wines.

If you’re visiting in summer or during good weather, consider staying at the beach until after sunset. Malibu’s beaches offer some of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever witness, with the sun painting the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks as it sinks into the Pacific Ocean.

Day 6: Museums, Culture, and Neighborhood Exploration

Morning: Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

Begin your sixth day at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the largest art museum in the western United States. LACMA’s encyclopedic collection spans 150,000 works from ancient times to the present, representing diverse cultures from around the world. The museum’s campus along Wilshire Boulevard’s Museum Row includes several buildings, each housing different collections.

Don’t miss Chris Burden’s “Urban Light,” an installation of 202 restored antique street lamps that has become one of LA’s most iconic and photographed artworks. The sculpture is particularly magical at dusk when the lamps illuminate. Inside, explore collections ranging from ancient American art to contemporary installations, European masterworks to Asian treasures.

The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions featuring renowned artists and important historical collections. Check their schedule to see what temporary exhibitions coincide with your visit. LACMA also offers an excellent café and a museum store with unique art books, gifts, and design objects.

Midday: La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum

Right next to LACMA, visit the La Brea Tar Pits, one of the world’s most famous fossil localities. For thousands of years, crude oil has seeped to the surface at this location, forming sticky asphalt deposits that trapped countless animals during the Ice Age. Today, you can observe active excavation sites and see bubbling tar pits right in the heart of the city—a surreal experience.

The Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits houses an exceptional collection of Ice Age fossils recovered from the tar pits, including saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, mammoths, and ground sloths. The museum offers fascinating insights into the ecosystem that existed here 10,000-40,000 years ago. Interactive displays and windows into the working fossil laboratory allow visitors to watch paleontologists prepare specimens.

Afternoon: The Grove and Original Farmers Market

Walk to the Original Farmers Market, a beloved LA institution since 1934. This historic market features over 100 vendors offering fresh produce, international cuisine, specialty foods, and artisanal products. The market’s casual atmosphere and diverse food options make it perfect for lunch. Grab food from different stalls and eat at the communal tables where locals and tourists mingle.

Adjacent to the Farmers Market is The Grove, an upscale outdoor shopping complex that combines retail therapy with entertainment. While it’s a modern development, The Grove has been designed with nostalgic architectural elements including a charming trolley that runs through the property and a fountain with dancing waters and music shows. The shopping complex features both high-end retailers and popular brands, along with restaurants and a movie theater.

Evening: Echo Park and Silver Lake

Explore the trendy neighborhoods of Echo Park and Silver Lake, which have become centers of LA’s creative and artistic communities. These adjacent neighborhoods offer a vibrant mix of vintage shops, record stores, independent bookstores, art galleries, and some of the city’s most innovative restaurants and bars.

Walk around Echo Park Lake, a beautiful urban park centered on a lake with fountain shows and pedal boat rentals. The park offers stunning views of the Downtown skyline and has recently been renovated to restore its historic beauty. The area around the lake features historic architecture and has been home to numerous artists, musicians, and writers.

Silver Lake, named for the reservoir at its heart, is known for its hilly streets lined with mid-century modern homes. The neighborhood has a rich musical history and continues to be a hub for indie rock and alternative music. Browse the boutiques and vintage stores, then choose from numerous excellent restaurants offering cuisines from around the world. The neighborhood’s bars and coffee shops reflect its creative character, often featuring local art and hosting live music or readings.

If you’re interested in architecture, take a drive through Silver Lake’s residential streets to admire mid-century modern masterpieces by renowned architects like Richard Neutra, Rudolf Schindler, and John Lautner. Many homes remain private residences but can be appreciated from the street.

Day 7: Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley

Morning: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Dedicate your final day to exploring Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley. Begin at The Huntington, one of the world’s great cultural, research, and educational centers. This 207-acre estate combines world-class art collections, rare books and manuscripts, and 16 distinct botanical gardens.

The library houses an astounding collection of rare books and manuscripts, including a Gutenberg Bible, the Ellesmere manuscript of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, and an original first folio of Shakespeare’s works. The art collections span European to American art, with highlights including Gainsborough’s “The Blue Boy” and Thomas Lawrence’s “Pinkie.”

The botanical gardens are truly spectacular. Wander through the Japanese Garden, one of the oldest and most authentic Japanese gardens in the United States, featuring koi ponds, a moon bridge, and a traditional Japanese house. The Desert Garden showcases one of the world’s largest and oldest collections of cacti and succulents. Other notable gardens include the Chinese Garden, Rose Garden, Jungle Garden, and Shakespeare Garden. Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours here—there’s so much to see and appreciate.

Midday: Old Town Pasadena

Head to Old Town Pasadena, the city’s historic downtown area that has been revitalized into a vibrant shopping and dining district. The area features beautifully restored buildings from the early 20th century, many in the Spanish Colonial Revival and Art Deco styles. Colora