2 Day itinerary for Los Angeles by Carrie Green Zinn – A Travel Blog
Are you interested in spending a couple of days in the iconic city of Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is a huge and sprawling place but it’s also one of the most fun cities to visit, any time of the year, especially if you know all the right places to go. You could easily spend a week keeping busy, but two days is a great way to catch some of the highlights of the City of Angels.
Planning a 2 day itinerary in L.A. requires some strategizing, especially considering the infamous traffic in that town. Follow this two day itinerary to catch all the hot spots in Los Angeles. and you’ll leave feeling full and satisfied with a real L.A. experience!
Tips before we start with the itinerary
- This itinerary is best executed with a car, or using rideshare services. While public transportation is available in L.A., you would not be able to see all these sites in the 2 Day time frame.
- Don’t leave any valuables in the car. Ever.
- Remember to check the opening hours of everything because changes happen!
- Always check for any potential traffic issues on the day of your visit!
- Book hotels and restaurants in advance – it’s a popular place!
Here’s what you’ll see and do in 2 days in L.A – it’s quite packed but hopefully worth it in the end!
Many of these activities are Free to enjoy in Los Angeles. The things that will cost are typically parking fees and meals – and gas of course!
Day 1 in Los Angeles itinerary
Getty Museum
Of all the great museums in Los Angeles, I recommend The Getty because of its stunning location, beautiful gardens, brilliant architecture, extensive collection, and its free admission
The J. Paul Getty Museum hosts an art collection of works from the Middle Ages until the present. There are great exhibits for all ages, cafes, and breathtaking views.
Getting here: There is a large parking lot for a fee and a tram that takes you up to the museum.
Address: 1200 Getty Center Dr.
Open: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am to 5:30 pm. Saturdays: 10 am to 9 pm.
Venice Beach
Venice Beach in California is a beach town with a unique character and lively atmosphere. The beach has been famous for its great surfing and soft sand, but the town is known for its eclectic culture unlike anywhere else in L.A.
Alongside the beach is a 2 mile stretch of boardwalk that hosts shops, restaurants, and street performers galore. You’ll find places to play volleyball, skateboard, roller blades, bike, jog, and walk. There is music all day long as well as street vendors, along with the elite crowd of Los Angeles’s hip residents.
Getting here: 25 minute drive from The Getty. Note that parking in Venice can be very challenging!
Venice Canals
After you’ve had your fill of the beach scene, head inland a few blocks on South Venice Boulevard and you’ll reach the Venice Canal Historic District. Inspired by Venice, Italy, these man-made canals are a place to quietly wander around, cross quaint bridges, and explore some of the area’s most unusual homes and gardens.
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Santa Monica
The Santa Monica Pier and Beach area are iconic and quintessential L.A. landmarks. The Pier is a historic amusement park that has been open since 1909. Its famous ferris wheel and roller coaster are what you picture when you think of L.A. There is the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, along with shops, restaurants, and regular concerts.
Adjacent to the pier is the 3 mile long Santa Monica Beach, Renowned for its golden sand and great surf, it’s a popular swimming and beach volleyball. The Marvin Braude Bike Trail runs along the beach, and the beachside streets are filled with hotels, shopping, and plenty of restaurants.
Getting here: 15 minute drive from Venice. There are many parking lots and parking garages in the area.
The Original Farmers Market
The Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles is another one of L.A.’s historic and beloved landmarks. Since 1934, this open-air market features a wide array of food stalls, specialty shops, and produce stands. It’s known for its locally-sourced produce, but also is a great place to try a variety of international and gourmet cuisines. It’s really a fun place to roam through, buy some gifts, and stop for a snack.
Getting here: 35 minute drive from Santa Monica. Plenty of parking available.
Address: 6333 W. 3rd St., on the corner of Third and Fairfax
Open during the week 9AM – 9PM and 9 AM – 8 PM on Saturday, and 10 AM – 7 PM on Sunday.
Beverly Hills
Every visitor to Los Angeles has to take a drive through Beverly Hills. Do it on a tour, or do it on your own, but do it! Beverly Hills is one of the world’s most exclusive neighborhoods, filled with movie stars’ mansions and gorgeous gardens. You can find a map of the stars’ homes or just gawk as you drive around.
Getting here: 15 minute drive from the Farmer’s Market
Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive hardly needs an introduction. It’s just a 3 block long stretch, but is the most famous shopping district in the world. The high-end stores cater to the affluent and glamorous shoppers. Shop for yourself, or just keep an eye out for your favorite movie star. Either way, you’ll have fun strolling on Rodeo Drive.
Getting here: 5 minute drive from Beverly Hills. Parking lot and garages available.
Dinner at Sunset Boulevard
The Sunset Strip is where you’ll find some of L.A.’s best restaurants. Both high end and casual, and something to suit every mood. Make a reservation and enjoy. Here are a few of my favorites:
Pink Taco – Mexican food in a fun Rock & Roll vibe
Lavo Ristorante – Sophisticated Italian
Eveleigh – Rustic farm-to-table plates inspired
The Butcher,The Baker,The Cappuccino Maker – A great cafe with seasonal dishes
Saddle Ranch Chop House – A Wild West themed steak house
Carney’s Restaurant – Burgers & Hot Dogs
Getting here: 10 minute drive from Rodeo Dr.
Comedy Club at Sunset Boulevard
Comedy clubs are a part of the Los Angeles culture, and some of the best comedians started their careers here. Get tickets for a show at either the Comedy Store at 8433 Sunset Blvd or The Laugh Factory at 8001 Sunset Blvd, as a great way to wrap up your L.A. day!
Day 2 in Los Angeles Itinerary
Do the Hollywood Sign hike
L.A. is all about the beautiful weather and outdoor activities, so start Day 2 with a hike to the iconic Hollywood Sign. There are several trails and some are more difficult and time consuming than others. This is a suggestion for the easiest hike, a 5 mile loop,with an elevation gain of 1,250 feet, which may take you about 2.5 hours to complete. So, head out early, before it gets too hot and bring plenty of water and your camera!
Getting here: Park at the Griffith Park Observatory Parking Lot or on the nearby streets for the Mount Hollywood Trailhead.
Griffith Park Observatory
After the hike, or if you choose not to hike, go to The Griffith Observatory to enjoy the views and exhibits. Admission to the observatory is free. It is filled with great displays of space and science wonders, including the famous Zeiss telescope.
Open 12 PM to 10 PM, Tuesday – Sunday.
Have lunch at the observatory overlooking the incredible views, or dine at one of the many restaurants on La Feliz Boulevard as you drive down from the park.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Head down the mountain into Hollywood to experience the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This famous sidewalk stretches along Hollywood Boulevard from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue and along Vine Street from Yucca Street to Sunset Boulevard.
The sidewalks feature over 2,600 brass stars embedded in the concrete, each with the names of celebrities from the world of entertainment. Along the walk is the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard), another iconic landmark of Hollywood’s rich history. Grauman’s is the giant red pagoda movie palace that used to premiere Hollywood’s movies.
Since the 1920’s, movie stars have put their handprints, footprints, and autographs in the concrete. The neighborhood surrounding is a busy tourist destination. While it’s fun to visit and explore, it can also get a little hectic and touristy, so beware. Keep your valuables close to you!
Getting here: 15 minute drive from Griffith Park
Go Hollywood Sightseeing and see some celebrities’ homes from an open air bus. Check other travellers’ reviews and rates for this tour here.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Sticking with the day’s Hollywood theme, visit the forever home of some of Hollywood’s most famous stars. The Hollywood Forever Cemetery, is a historic and active cemetery. Founded in 1899, it spans 62 acres and has serene landscapes, peacocks roaming around, and lovely tributes to many luminaries. The cemetery hosts guided tours, outdoor movie nights, concerts, and many cultural events.
Getting here: 5 minute drive from Hollywood and Vine
Address: 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard
Malibu Farm on Malibu Pier
No visit to Los Angeles is complete without a trip to Malibu! You won’t have time in your 2 days to go to the stunning beaches in Malibu, but you do have time for a little sunset on Malibu Pier and dinner at the best restaurant in L.A.! The Malibu Pier extends into the Pacific Ocean and is a historic landmark that is a great spot for fishing, sightseeing, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze.
You’ll catch a bit of the laidback, surfing culture that Malibu is famous for. But the real reason to go is for the dining experience at Malibu Farm. Of course, you can choose from a huge array of amazing dining spots, rooftop bars, and clubs in L.A. or you can head out to the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), and drive along the coast to the famous Malibu Pier.
Make a reservation at the Malibu Farm Restaurant and experience the best farm to table meal in one of the most wonderful settings in California.
Getting here: 1 hour drive from the Hollywood Forever
Best Places to Stay in Los Angeles
The best place to stay in L.A. is the West Hollywood district. It’s safe and centrally located for all the things to do on this 2 day itinerary. You’ll be within walking distance to many restaurants, shops, and some of the activities on the itinerary.
Top Choice – Best Western Sunset Plaza – 8400 Sunset Boulevard – The Best Western is reasonably priced, has very nice rooms, a beautiful pool, and is in a great location.
Luxury Choice – Chateau Marmont – 8221 Sunset Boulevard – At luxury prices, the infamous hotel with a 100 year old history of celebrity parties, and even some tragic deaths, is perched on a hill like a castle. Go for a drink at the bar, if you can’t afford to spend the night!
Additional things to do in Los Angeles
Here are some of the other top sites to explore if you’ve got a little more time to spend in Los Angeles:
- Consider taking a tour of one of the movie studios such as Warner Bros.
- Universal Studios, or Paramount Studios.
- Take a surfing lesson in Malibu.
- Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
- Visit The Broad Contemporary Art Museum.
- Explore the La Brea Tar Pits.
- Spend a day at The Happiest Place On Earth – Disneyland.
- Hike in Runyon Canyon.
- Melrose Trading Post Flea Market.
- Shop and dine on Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
- Take a Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour.
- Rent tandem bikes and ride along the Venice Boardwalk.
- Spend a day soaking up the sun and swimming in the waves at any one of L.A.s excellent beaches.
Final thoughts
As your 2 day whirlwind tour of LA wraps up, you will have seen a combination of the majestic beauty of the coast and the views from the hills, along with a glimpse into the lifestyles of the rich and famous.
Los Angeles, the city of dreams, has something for everyone. From its sun-kissed beaches to its star-studded boulevards, L.A. is not just a destination; it’s an experience.
Say “so long” to the palm lined streets and California sunsets and start planning your next visit!
