I decided to put together my perfect 4 day Los Angeles itinerary after getting asked for recommendations multiple times. My style of travel is to stick to mostly non-touristy activities, maybe with a few popular attractions thrown in. And there’s always a heavy dose of eating.
So if you’re planning a long weekend in LA and want a mix of must-see spots, excellent food, and less-touristy experiences, use this 4 day LA itinerary as your guide!
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4 Day Los Angeles Itinerary
Feel free to swap the order of these days so that you avoid major attractions on weekends. Note, this itinerary assumes you’ll rent a car!
I’ll keep updating this as I find more fun things to do in LA during a long weekend, so save this to Pinterest for later!
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Day 1: Santa Monica & Venice Beach
Los Angeles is currently experiencing devastating wildfires, with one of them close to Santa Monica and resulting in closures and evacuations. Check all businesses’ websites and social media for hours and consider donating to wildfire relief efforts and supporting restaurants offering free meals to those impacted by the disaster instead of visiting LA at this time.
Kick off your 4 day Los Angeles itinerary exploring the beautiful Pacific Ocean and laid-back, hip vibes of LA’s coastal neighborhoods.
Get breakfast at Gjusta
website | 320 Sunset Ave (get directions) | price range: ~$15-$25 per breakfast item | best for: homemade breads and that quintessential California cuisine
Gjusta is a super popular spot in Venice Beach that is loved by both locals and tourists alike. It can get crowded, so consider ordering ahead for takeout or getting there around 7 AM when they open.
The menu consists of artisanal, homemade breads and classic California cuisine focused on simple local ingredients. Think bowls, simple egg dishes, etc. You can’t really go wrong, so choose what looks good that day!
Pro tip: Their sister restaurant, Gjelinda, is nearby and offers a fancier sit-down experience (or takeout). Hit up both spots to compare if you’re feeling adventurous!
Hike Inspiration Point at Will Rogers State Park
website | Rivas Canyon Trail (get directions) | length: ~2 miles, easy | best for: sweeping views of the city
Will Rogers State Park is closed due to the Palisades fire.
No 4 day Los Angeles itinerary is complete without some nature. Will Rogers State Park is one of my favorite places to hike in Los Angeles because it’s in a residential area of Santa Monica that makes it feels like it’s just you and the locals.
When you arrive at the park you’ll see play fields, a paid parking lot, and public restroom. The trail you’re looking for is the Backbone Trail to Inspiration Loop Trail. You’ll notice a relatively steep incline right from the trailhead, but don’t fret. It smooths out to a more gentle incline after the first ~1/4 mile.
Once you’re on the gentler Inspiration Loop Trail, you’ll start getting uninterrupted views of LA from all directions. To the west you’ll see the Pacific Ocean. The city skyline will be to the east. As you meander north, you’ll see breathtaking views of the canyons with expensive homes tucked in between the foliage.
I recommend just doing the ~2 mile trail to the Inspiration Point vista and then heading back. However, if you’re feeling adventurous you can take an additional 2.1-mile hike to Temescal Gateway Park. In fact, there are 70 miles of trails in this canyon, so it’s a huge area to get some exercise and views!
Get lunch at John & Vinny’s
website | 11938 San Vicente Blvd (get directions) | price range: ~$15-$25 per appetizer and entree | best for: Italian food and natural wine | reservations accepted
The ex-east coaster in me swooned the first time I ate at John & Vinny’s. It’s an Italian spot serving excellent pizza, pasta, and salads. Plus there’s a natural wine bar concept inside called Helen’s that has a sommelier, wine flights, and all.
While they make good pizza, the must-get here is the spicy fusilli pasta and a side of meatballs. I love the vodka sauce on the pasta, particularly because you don’t often see that Italian-American classic in the Pacific Northwest.
Grab ice cream at Sweet Rose Creamery
website | 225 26th St (get directions) | price range: ~$7 for a scoop | best for: creamy ice cream in interesting flavors
Sweet Rose Creamery is a local ice cream shop with great texture and interesting ingredients. I typically only come for a scoop in a cup, but they’re known for making fun sundaes.
The seasonal menu changes, but if it’s available don’t miss the sweet potato sesame brittle flavor. It’s salty, sweet, and nutty!
Pro tip: You get an hour of free parking in the lot next door to the ice cream shop. After you park, make sure to grab a ticket from the attendant sitting at the exit.
Bike the Santa Monica waterfront
website | 200 Santa Monica Pier (get directions) | best for: ocean views and beaches
The Santa Monica Pier is an iconic destination right on the Pacific Ocean. While it’s fun to snap some photos, I usually skip the rides and attractions on the pier itself and head to the Oceanfront Walk hugging the Santa Monica Beach. It’s a great spot for people watching, and chances are you’ll see a ton of lazy squirrels splayed out on their tummies in the grass. So weird!
One of my favorite things to do on any 4 day LA itinerary is rent cruiser bikes for ~$20-$30/day and ride the coastline toward Venice Beach. If you have time, you can also do a biking tour of the area. Either option is the perfect way to catch beautiful views and cover more ground.
Explore Venice Beach and the Canals
website | Venice Beach (get directions) | best for: beaching and people watching
You’ve likely seen the iconic Venice Beach in movies. It’s pulsing with people and is a fun place to stroll, so make sure to visit during your 4 day Los Angeles itinerary.
I tend to ignore all the tschocke shops and instead focus on the Venice Beach Skatepark and people working out on the public equipment (in a non-creepy way of course). Don’t forget to walk a few blocks up from the beach afterwards to snap a photo at the famous Venice Sign!
As you explore, be careful of people trying to hand you CDs. It’ll look like they’re giving you something for free, but they’ll insist you pay them once it’s in your hand. My sister got scammed once, so it can happen to anyone!
Feeling peckish? The Window at Venice Beach makes excellent smash burgers.
After you had your fill at the beach and skate park, head to the Venice Canals a few blocks away from the beach. It’s a pretty area that seems more fitting in Amsterdam, with cute bridges spanning serene waterways. I’m always amazed by the transition from the bustling beach to almost people-free canals. It’s the perfect escape to get some peace and quiet!
Shop along Abbott Kinney & Lincoln Blvd
website | Abbott Kinney Blvd (get directions), Lincoln Blvd (get directions) | best for: indie shopping
Abbott Kinney is a popular street in Venice known for having a lot of great boutiques all within a few short blocks. After you visit the beach, head to this area for some shopping and pop into whatever stores look interesting.
When you’ve had your fill, head north to Lincoln Blvd. for more shopping. While the road is a bit busier, some of my favorite stores are in this area.
Make sure to stop in General Store for a well-curated selection of home goods and women’s apparel. The Mart Collective down the street is a vintage mall full of curiosities.
Pro tip: Abbott Kinney hosts First Fridays where they invite food trucks for a party the first Friday of every month.
Get dinner at Night + Market Sahm
website | 2533 Lincoln Blvd (get directions) | price range: ~$17-$20 per dish | best for: Thai food
Night + Market is serving some of the best Thai food in LA. They have three locations around the city, with Sahm being in Venice.
You’ll find a lot of authentic dishes served on tables covered in bright vinyl tablecloths. My must-get here is the nam khao tod, a crispy rice salad served with a ton of ginger, pork, peanut, onions, and chili. It’s one of the best versions I’ve had in the US!
Day 2: Hollywood Hills & Silver Lake
Spend the day exploring central Los Angeles, home to the entertainment core of the city.
Get breakfast at République
website | 624 S La Brea Ave (get directions) | price range: ~$10-$25 per dish | best for: baked goods
Ask anyone where to find the best breakfast in LA and I’d bet République is on the list. It’s super Instagrammable and makes killer pastries, so there’s a lot to love.
You’ll immediately sense this place is special when you walk in. The restaurant is bright and airy thanks to a huge atrium anchoring the space. The historic detailing is evident, and you’ll be happy to know the story fits the aesthetics.
Charlie Chaplin built the property in 1928 alongside architect Roy Seldon Price. They dreamed of turning it into a mixed use space with offices above and shops below, all surrounding a picturesque courtyard.
République has returned the space to a lot of its former glory, but it’s not just looks. The restaurant is owned by husband-and-wife Walter and Margarita Manzke. Walter worked alongside chef greats like Ferran Adrià of the late El Bulli, while Margarita made a name for herself at famed restaurants like Spago.
You can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner at République, but daytime is the real draw given their pastry program. Margarita has earned multiple James Beard Award nominations for Outstanding Pastry Chef, so that’s what you must order.
The menu changes regularly, but if it’s on the menu get the creme brûlée doughnut. It has the most perfect vanilla custard and that burnt sugar crust thinly veiling supple brioche dough. However, if that’s not available, rest easy knowing their danishes, cakes, muffins, cookies, and more are all top notch.
Pro tip: This spot gets crowded, so arrive before 9:30 AM on a weekday to avoid a long wait. Order at the counter and grab a seat with your number so they can find you when your food is ready.
Hike Runyon Canyon
website | 2000 N Fuller Ave (get directions) | length: ~2.7 mi loop | best for: a workout and killer city views
Runyon Canyon has been affected by the Sunset fire.
Runyon Canyon is one of the most popular hikes in LA, so it’s a must when planning a 4 day Los Angeles itinerary. It takes about 1.5 hours to complete so it’s just enough time to get your heart pumping. However, you may not notice the exertion given the panoramic city views.
The park has 3 entrances: Fuller, Vista, and Mulholland Road. I entered via the Vista entrance after finding street parking and did the West Trail that veers left. Less people go this way because the path is a bit more treacherous.
I ended up going to the vista and returning back the way I came, so I can’t say if the other part of the loop is easier. However I can confirm the West Trail had less people. I can also say it wasn’t too scary. The most unsettling part is that the path is unpaved and can get slippery both when wet and dry. There’s also some light scrambling toward the top of the vista.
Since I was wearing Adidas with poor traction, I ended up not making it all the way past the scrambling. But that’s more so because I’m a baby…my partner and everyone else on the trail did it in comparable sneakers just fine, ha.
Even without going to the tippy top, I got epic views and would definitely do this hike again. Just make sure to wear a hat and sunscreen, plus bring a lot of water, as you’ll be in direct sunlight the whole way.
Pro tip: If you’re looking for another option, the Runyon Canyon to Indian Rock is said to be easier.
Get lunch at Burgers Never Say Die
website | 2388 Glendale Blvd (get directions) | price range: ~$12-$15 per burger | best for: smash burgers
Burgers Never Say Die in Silver Lake specializes in smash burgers, which as the name implies is a patty that’s been compressed to allow for better char. What makes Burgers Never Say Die special, though, is the fact that they keep the edges of the patty so thin, it’s crunchy. I’ve never had a smash burger like this and I’m here for it.
The pro move is to get the triple stack with an extra slice of American cheese. You may think 3 patties is way too much, but they’re so thin the whole sandwich will be about the size of your typical gourmet quarter pounder. Prepare to eat standing up or at the few outdoor tables, as this place is tiny.
Pro tip: Call in your order ahead so you can skip the line. They’ll text you a link to pay.
Seek out artsy staircases
Silver Lake is home to some super cool staircases covered in art. One of the most popular ones is the Micheltorena Heart Stairs, but there are actually a few others in the area!
Weekend Sherpa outlines a 1.5 mile excursion that takes you to other less-visited ones if you have time to a longer adventure. You can also check out the Painted Stairways of Silver Lake Facebook Group for more ideas.
Check out Griffith Park
website | 4730 Crystal Springs Drive (get directions) | price: ~$4/hr to park | best for: views upon views
Griffith Park is closed due to the Sunset Fire.
Griffith Park is over 4,200 acres and a must visit during your 4 day Los Angeles itinerary. You’ll find golf, the LA zoo, Autry Museum of the American West, and a bunch of other attractions.
However, the most popular things to do in Griffith Park is check out the walking trails and Griffith Observatory. The observatory is a must visit if you love astronomy. It’s free to enter and has a bunch of exhibits, plus a planetarium with an admission fee. I highly recommend the ~30-minute planetarium show. It has live voice actors narrating the experience and it’s a great way to beat the heat and awe at the wonders of life.
Pro tip: Parking can be dicey, so plan to find a spot on the street or take the $0.50 shuttle from the Greek Theater parking lot.
Even if you’re not interested in going inside, the observatory is a great spot for taking in stunning views of the city below. It’s also a congregation point for a bunch of different trailheads.
There are 53 miles of trails in the park. AllTrails has a list of popular ones, but here are a few to consider:
- Griffith Park Old Zoo Loop – This easy ~2.5-mile hike takes you to a small abandoned zoo! There’s also a vista for pretty views of the city below.
- Hollywood Sign via Canyon Drive – The quintessential thing to do at Griffith Park is scope out the Hollywood sign. This moderate ~6-mile hike gives you an interesting view of the sign’s backside, which makes for great photo opps with downtown LA in the background.
- Hollywood Sign via Innsdale Drive – This is an easy ~1.7-mile hike that gets you a front view of the famous sign.
Check out the La Brea Tar pits
website | 5801 Wilshire Blvd (get directions) | price: free entry to tar pits, ~$15 pp for museum | best for: taking a park stroll while learning about fossils
Did you know that fossils from the Ice Age are found everyday right in LA? Yeah, I didn’t either until I discovered the La Brea Tar Pits.
This public park is home to the only active urban fossil dig site in the world. You’ll find 6 different pit and dig sites skewed around the park, each turned into a free exhibit with interpretive signs explaining what the deal is with these stinky pits (yes, they smell like asphalt!).
If you’re curious, tar pits form when crude oil seeps to the surface through cracks in the Earth’s crust. Unsuspecting animals wander into what they think is just a pool of water, only to get trapped in the sticky tar below.
La Brea Tar Pit staff and volunteers discover fossils of saber-tooth cats, mammoths, dire wolves, and other animals and plants every single day. It’s extraordinary to see, especially if you’re there during an active dig.
If you want to get more up close and personal with the fossils, pay the admission fee to enter the museum. You’ll see the fossils pieced together to give you the full effect of the animal, plus a lot of interpretive exhibits.
Want to fit in as much food as possible? You’re going to want to be hungry for dinner at your next stop, but you’ll be really close to Fusion Kitchen‘s La Brea location. This spot has amazing Ukrainian food like pierogies and cabbage rolls. Stop to try some if you can!
Enjoy art at LACMA
website | 5905 Wilshire Blvd (get directions) | price: free entry to tar pits, ~$15 pp for museum | best for: taking a park stroll while learning about fossils
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA to locals) is one of the best museums in the city. It’s open everyday except Wednesday and stays open later Friday through Sunday. Tickets are ~$28 per adult living outside of LA county, free for residents after 3 PM. There are also discounts for kids and seniors.
You’ll get to explore two buildings separated by a courtyard, plus a few outdoor sculpture exhibits. What’s on display rotates, but you can expect a large collection of really interesting modern art in all mediums. For example, the last time I went there were a lot of large sculptures, a mechanical toy machine, and an immersive garage you could walk into in addition to paintings.
Visiting on a Friday? Jazz at LACMA happens weekly from about June through October. The courtyard is transformed into a stage and people show up in droves with picnics to listen. And these aren’t just any picnics. I’ve seen some serious set ups with foldable coffee tables, table cloths, lamps, and more.
Into cars? The Peterson Automobile Museum is next to LACMA and really good. It has gorgeous historic cars, including many that were in movies. If you want to squeeze in one other museum while you’re in this complex, this is the one I’d prioritize. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures next door was not my favorite.
Get dinner at Park’s BBQ
website | 955 S Vermont Ave (get directions) | price range: ~$20-$70 per dish | best for: Korean grilled meats
I would have never discovered Park’s BBQ if it wasn’t for my Korean coworker who happens to live in LA, but dang am I happy she introduced me to it.
Park’s BBQ has some of the best Korean barbecue I’ve ever had. They serve quality meats, seafood, and veggies that they grill right in front of you at the table. My other Korean coworker who dined with us explained that this place is the type of place you were taken to when you got good grades. It’s not fine dining, but it’s higher tier than your everyday Korean BBQ joint.
The best move is to order a bunch of items family style and come hungry. There are a ton of sampler platters that are probably the way to go, but if you want to order a la carte, make sure short rib and bulgogi are part of your order.
You’ll get a bunch of banchan as part of your meal. If you’re not familiar, they’re little bowls of side dishes and condiments to go along with your grilled food. Standouts include the kimchi, acorn jelly, and mung beans, but you should really try it all!
Side dish wise, I recommend also ordering the tofu stew and steamed egg. Both are exquisite and worthy of your table.
Pro tip: The BBQ will make you smell after eating here, so wear clothes you can wash if you’re sensitive to smells like me. You can also ask them for plastic bags to put your bags and coats in.
Extra hungry? Koreatown is my favorite foodie destination in LA. If you want to make dinner this night a food crawl, add these spots before or after Park’s:
- Han Bat Sul Lung Tang – Hidden oxtail soup spot with the best kimchi
- Borit Gogae – Awesome barley rice spot known for its banchan variety
- Bumsan Organic Milk – Excellent Korean soft serve ice cream
See a show
Consider this a stretch goal since you’ll have had such a long day, but if you love theater end the evening with a show. Most Broadway plays come to LA, plus there are always fun music and theater performances to be seen.
I personally am a sucker for Broadway, so I always check out the Broadway shows playing in Hollywood. Last time I was in LA I saw Mean Girls and it was just as transformative as it was when I first saw the movie!
If you like other types of performances, check out Los Angeles Theater for concerts, plays, comedy shows, and more. Fever is another good resource for finding quirky exhibits, burlesque, and more.
If you want to pair a show with killer cocktails, check out Black Rabbit Rose. It’s a cocktail bar with a speakeasy theater hidden behind a grandfather clock where they host magic shows. If you don’t want to buy tickets to the show, you can experience some close-up magic from the magician roaming the bar.
Pro tip to try and get into the famous Magic Castle
I don’t know if this is true, but a local told me if you buddy up to one of the magicians you can get an invite to the famous and exclusive Magic Castle. I’ve been to Magic Castle and it’s SUPER fun, but you can only get in by invitation from an existing member or if you’re planning a group event of 20 or more people. If you’re able to get in, expect a fun night wandering a historic home to find close-up magicians, followed by dinner and a main stage performance of top-notch magical acts. There’s a strict formal cocktail attire dress code, so it’s a fun excuse to dress up!
Day 3: Downtown & market hopping
Spend the day shopping and eating your way through the many great restaurants in LA’s historic city center and business district.
Note, if it’s Sunday and you want to fit everything on this list into your 4 day Los Angeles itinerary, start very early!
Get breakfast at Backyard Bowls
website | 3504 W Sunset Blvd (get directions) | price range: ~$10-$15 per item | best for: smoothies and healthy bowls
Backyard Bowls has a few locations around the city, a testament to how much people love their organic smoothies, açaí and yogurt bowls, oatmeal, and toasts.
My favorite item on the menu is the Dune Day Crusher smoothie with cold brew coffee, cacao, cinnamon, dates, bananas, cashew mylk, and peanut butter. It’s the perfect way to fuel up for the day ahead.
Visit the Hollywood Farmers Market
website | 1600 Ivar Ave (get directions) | best for: souvenirs and snacks
Not a Sunday? No worries if you can’t get to the Hollywood Farmers Market. There are a ton of others around the city every day of the week.
The Hollywood Farmers Market runs every Sunday from 8 AM to 1 PM, so definitely plan a visit if you’re in LA on this day. It’s right along the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, so you can see how many celebrities you recognize while walking from wherever you park to the market.
There are more than 160 vendors, so there’s a lot to explore. You’ll see a ton of produce vendors, especially those selling local oranges and avocados. Keep your eye’s peeled for stalls serving fresh squeezed OJ if it’s a hot day. Other places to seek out include:
- Cumin Chicken Express – You’ll smell their affordable rotisserie chicken and potatoes from for away!
- Bub and Grandma’s Bread – This popular pastry vendor sells out quick, so the trick is to pre-order if you’re determined to try their goods. Another option is to check out their brick & mortar.
If you’re feeling peckish, there’s also a ton of vendors selling food. Explore wherever your nose takes you!
If it’s Sunday, go to a flea market
Y’all know how much I love finding the best vintage clothing shops in Seattle and Seattle antique stores. So the first time I went to LA, I made it my mission to plan my trip when two of the most popular fleas are happening.
Rose Bowl Flea
website | 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena (get directions) | price: $13+ pp | best for: vintage and handmade decor
This huge flea market happens every second Sunday of the month, rain or shine, on the outskirts of LA. It runs 9 AM to 3 PM for general admission ticket holders, but VIPs who pay $20 get a 5 AM entry (that’s dedication!). Kids 12 and under are free with an adult and there’s free parking.
Since the flea takes place in the famous college football stadium, it’s huge. The sections are color coded so you can find different types of merchandise. There are new, vintage, and antique items, but I’d say the Rose Bowl Flea is most popular for antique furniture and decor. Don’t miss the orange area where you’ll find these one-of-a-kind items.
Pro tip: It can get very hot here because there’s barely any shade, so plan accordingly!
Melrose Trading Post
website | 7850 Melrose Ave (get directions) | price: ~$6 pp entry, kids under 12 free | best for: vintage clothing
Vintage clothing lovers must stop at Melrose Trading Post if in LA on a Sunday. This popular outdoor market is from 10 AM to 5 PM at Fairfax High School in LA proper. It offers free valet parking and over 100 vendors selling mostly vintage clothing. There are even a few handmade items, plus food vendors if you’re feeling peckish.
Melrose Ave is known for being a popular shopping street in general, so if you have time consider walking along the street between the Fairfax and Highland Ave cross streets. If you have the time, there’s also Larchmont Farmers Market a couple minutes drive south of Melrose that’s situated among adorable boutiques worth popping into as well.
If it’s Sunday, eat around Smorgasburg
website | 777 S Alameda St (get directions) | price: free entry and parking | best for: sampling food from a bunch of small businesses
You’re probably noticing a theme here: Sunday is one of the best days to visit LA because there are so many markets. Smorgasburg runs 10 AM – 4 PM every Sunday and is a must visit for foodies.
You’ll find a bunch of food vendors selling amazing bites. The best thing to do is to do a lap and scope out what looks good, keeping an eye out both on the stalls and what everyone else is eating. A long line is usually a good sign, and I’ve found line lengths ebb and flow so don’t get discouraged.
Smorgasburg is inside ROW DTLA, which is described as a city within a city because there are bunch of shops in a cool warehouse complex. If you’ve ever been to Brooklyn, it’s very similar to Industry City. So once you’re full, save some time to explore.
Pro tip: Pikunico is a Japanese fried chicken spot in ROW DTLA that draws huge lines. It’s worth the wait!
Feeling wild? Check out Grand Central Market for even more food. If you do, stop in the beautiful Bradbury Building across the street.
Visit The Broad Museum
website | 221 S Grand Ave (get directions) | price: free entry | best for: contemporary art
The Broad (pronounced “brode”) is a modern art museum that regularly sells out of tickets. You wouldn’t think a museum would be so popular, but people flock to their exhibits which include greats like Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Yayoi Kusama (who is best known for her exhibit Infinity Mirrored Room).
Tickets are released on the last Wednesday of each month at 10 AM PST for admission the following month. Admission is free, but it’s highly recommended to reserve a ticket in advance because the walk-in line can get really long.
Even if you’re not able to get tickets to Kusama’s Infinity Mirror exhibit, The Broad is still worth a visit. It’s my other favorite museum alongside LACMA for a large selection of really interesting modern art.
Pro tips: The MOCA is across the street from The Broad and is also free. Since it’s smaller, it’s easy to fit in a visit here after you visit The Broad. I find it’s often a bit more cerebral than The Broad, catering to true art aficionados, but it’s worth a quick gander to see if it’s your style.
Get dinner at Holbox
website | 3655 S Grand Ave (get directions) | price range: ~$15-$25 per dish | best for: cured and raw seafood
One of my favorite restaurants in all of Los Angeles is in an unassuming area south of downtown. It’s called Holbox and it’s inside a Spanish food hall called Mercado La Paloma.
Given the casual nature of the food stalls, you’d never guess that Holbox is Michelin recognize and has been nominated for a James Beard Award. What’s caught the foodie world’s eye, you may ask? Their expertise when it comes to seafood.
You’ll find a ton of raw, cured, and smoked items on the menu. I’ve rarely seen food hall vendors dole out beautiful avocado flowers elegantly placed on supple scallops, but Holbox is proving you can have elevated food in even the most casual of places.
Don’t miss their ceviche de pescado and smoked kanpachi tostada. Both have some the freshest fish you’ll ever have, seasoned beautifully with salt, acid, fat, and heat.
Pro tip: Holbox hosts fancier multi-course dinners Thursday and Friday nights. Reservations are required.
Are you crazy about food like me? Then order light at Holbox, treating it like an “appetizer”, and head to dinner at Damian for a fancy Mexican restaurant. It’s one of my favorite restaurants in LA and has a super cool vibe.
Enjoy dessert at Millet Crepe
website | 330 E 2nd St (get directions) | price range: ~$9.50 per crepe | best for: stuffed crepe cones
Hopefully you saved room for dessert because not too far away from Holbox is Millet Crepe. You may be thinking, “Meh, crepes,” but this place is serving them in a unique way. Rather than eating them on a plate with a fork and knife, these crepes are rolled like an ice cream cone and overstuffed with creative Asian-inspired ingredients.
They’re most famous for their creme brûlée crepe, so don’t skip that. You can get it stuffed with additional fillings like matcha, strawberries, and mochi. If you’re feeling extra, top it off with a cute, Instagrammable animal ice cream scoop on top!
Pro tips: You don’t ever come in contact with staff to order. Instead, place your order at the pad to the right of the counter.
Also, there’s another Millet Crepe location closer to Venice Beach if you prefer to visit on the first day of your trip.
Day 4: Spend the day at Universal Studios
Spend the last day of your 4 day Los Angeles itinerary at one of the best amusement parks in the country. The hours change with the season, so check the park’s calendar online. In general the park opens at 9 or 10 AM and closes at 6 or 7 PM, sometimes 10 PM on weekends.
You can do the whole park from 10 AM – 6 PM, so that means you can get good meals flanking your visit!
Pro tip: I HIGHLY recommend visiting on a weekday.
You may be wondering about Disneyland. While it’s a quintessential experience, it’s farther away in Anaheim and bigger, so it’s harder to fit into one day. While it has the best food between the parks, frankly, it’s a nightmare with the crowds and their really annoying Lightning Pass process. So overall, I prefer Universal.
If you have little ones in tow, though, Disney may be a better choice (as I’d say Universal is more for kids around 10 and up). Or, if you have bigger kids who prefer thrill rides, Six Flags Magic Mountain may be better for your crew.
Get breakfast at HomeState
website | 4624 Hollywood Blvd (get directions) | price range: ~$3.50-$12 per dish | best for: tacos
HomeState is a Texas-style burrito place loved by locals. You can stop at their storefront or order delivery. Either way, it’s going to be good.
I recommend getting the Tijuana Panther taco with shredded brisket, queso, potatoes, and pico de gallo. If you want to make it feel more breakfast-y, add eggs. The Don’t Mess with Texas taco is also great. It has refried charro beans, bacon, potatoes, and cheddar.
Pro tip: I chose the Hollywood location assuming it’s near where you’re staying, but HomeState has a bunch of locations. If you want to have some time to shop before heading to Universal, go to the one in Atwater Village. There are a bunch of cute boutiques around it!
Spend the day at Universal Studios
website | link to get tickets | 100 University City Plaza (get directions) | price: ~$100-$200 pp | best for: amusement park attractions
No 4 day Los Angeles itinerary is complete without a trip to Universal Studios. Given that you’re in the movie capital of the world, immersing yourself in how movies are made and some of the biggest IP out there is super cool. Here are some tips for making the most of your day:
- Definitely invest in the Universal Express ticket: Yes, it’s almost double the cost at ~$200 per person, but it pays for itself by the first ride because it lets you skip the line. They’ll ask you if you want to be able to skip the line an unlimited amount of times, but get the cheaper one that only let’s you skip the line once per ride. That’s all you need. Pro tip: Purchase online beforehand for the best deals and to save time at the park!
- Go on as a single rider if needed: If there are new attractions when you go, they sometimes won’t let you use your Universal Express pass. If that’s the case, split up your group and ride as a single. For example, we waited in a 15-minute line instead of an hour by doing this for the Super Nintendo World attraction when it first opened.
- Make sure to leave about an hour for the Universal Studios Tour: This is one of the best experiences at the park so make sure you have enough time for it! You’ll see memorabilia from popular movies, drive through real movie sets, and learn how entertainment is made. So cool!
- Only bring a small cross body bag: If you want to be able to bring bags on rides, leave your backpack at home. Many attractions make you check them at the start of the ride. A few rides have little bags by your feet for loose items like water bottles. There are also lockers at the entrance of the park if you need to stow luggage.
- Bring a reusable water bottle: You can fill it up in the cafeteria fountain drink machines throughout the park. My Purist 10oz water bottle fits in my Lululemon crossbody bag, so it’s perfect!
If you’re wondering why I don’t have any tips about food, the reason is because I’ve never eaten well at Universal Studios. So I usually fill up before and after the park day and survive on snacks.
Lastly, if you’re curious what my favorite rides are, I absolutely love The Mummy roller coaster, Transformers 3-D ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, and the Universal Studios Tour. All the attractions at the park are fun, but I think these are the best!
Pro tip: If you don’t make it to the Universal Studios Tour, the other famous movie producing brands also provide tours. Check out the Warner Bros Studio Tour, Paramount Studio Tour, and Sony Studio Tour.
Get dinner at Saffy’s on Fountain
website | 4845 Fountain Ave (get directions) | price range: ~$10-$65 per dish | best for: Middle Eastern food | accepts reservations and walk-ins
After your jam-packed day at Universal Studios, end your 4 day Los Angeles itinerary at a restaurant worthy of being your last meal of the trip. Saffy’s is owned by the same people behind Bestia and Bavel, two of LA’s buzziest restaurants. All of their spots are a good choice, but I like the slightly more casual ambiance Saffy’s offers.
You’ll find Mediterranean staples like hummus, falafel, tabouleh, tagines, shawarma, and kebabs. You can’t go wrong with anything here, so order what looks good!
Pro tip: They have a tiny coffee shop attached selling great baked goods daily from 8 AM to 3 PM. On weekends starting at 9 AM they also serve Arabic breakfast of shakshouka, challah, clotted cream and honey, olives, and salad. Their baked goods are fantastic, so consider stopping here again during the day if you have time to spare! Don’t miss the Swedish cardamom roll and potato curry bourekas during your visit.
Where to stay in LA
There are a ton of great places to stay in LA. For this 4 day Los Angeles itinerary, I think West Hollywood, Fairfax, Silver Lake, and nearby areas are the best neighborhoods because they’re centrally located for seeing everything. Here are some of my top picks in those areas.
Kimpton Everly Hotel
link to book | 1800 Argyle Ave (get directions) | price range: ~$250+ per night | best for: posh vibes at a lower cost than other spots
I often stay at the Kimpton during my frequent trips to LA. It’s in a quieter area of Hollywood right off the highway, so it’s well located for exploring the city. The rooms feel modern, particularly in the bathroom where you’ll often find huge soaker tubs. The lobby has a happening bar and there’s a pretty good restaurant attached to the hotel (where you can get yummy coffee for free in the morning). During the warmer months you can even relax at the rooftop infinity pool overlooking the city.
Pro tip: Make sure to book a city view room. The Hollywood sign rooms sound attractive, but they face the highway.
1 Hotel West Hollywood
link to book | 8490 Sunset Blvd (get directions) | price range: ~$450+ per night | best for: luxury vibes and a stunning pool
One of my colleagues who lives in LA recommended this hotel. She said it’s pricey, but it makes up for it with super swank vibes. The rooms are some of the most luxuriously decorated I’ve ever seen, the pool area has sweeping views of the city, and there’s even an onsite rooftop restaurant, spa, and gym. All in all, I am definitely booking this spot the next time I’m in the city!
Modern Silver Lake House
link to book | near Bacari, a cool outdoor restaurant (get directions) | price range: ~$560+ per night | best for: larger groups
If you want a more residential feel and bigger space for a group, this light and airy Silver Lake home is the perfect choice. It fits 5 people with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, plus it has plenty of space to spread out. I’m absolutely obsessed with the different garden nooks around the property perfect for cozying up as a group when you’re back from sightseeing.
Best time to visit LA
Los Angeles is a great place to visit year round given it’s sunny climate. However, if you don’t like extreme temperatures (like me), avoid the summer months. I’ve been to LA in August a few times and literally thought I was going to die.
My preferred time to visit for a 4 day Los Angeles itinerary is October through May. My last trip was the end of January and it was lovely. Sure, I was a bit chilly at night, but it was sunny the whole time and I’d take being cold over hot any day!
Important travel tips
Lastly, let me leave you a few tips for making the most of your 4 day Los Angeles itinerary.
Fly Into Burbank Airport
If your hometown has direct flights to Burbank, fly there instead of LAX. It’s a much smaller airport so you’ll be in and out of security in no time! Plus it’s close to Hollywood, so it’s conveniently located if you’re staying in that area.
Definitely rent a car
LA is huge so ride shares will cost a fortune and public transit will take forever. To do this whole 4 day Los Angeles itinerary and explore the main areas of the city, you really need to rent a car.
Prepare for homelessness
Unfortunately there are a lot of unhoused people in LA. You’ll see tents set up on sidewalks and people asking for money outside food stores. It’s quite sad, but also harmless. If you’re from Seattle, I’d say it’s very similar and in a lot of ways better than our homeless crisis given LA is more sprawling.
Bring Shoes to Hike in
If you plan to do any of the trails I recommended on this 4 day Los Angeles itinerary, definitely bring a pair of shoes with good traction that you don’t mind getting dirty. LA is very dry, so most of the trails are slippery due to dusty gravel.
Pack layers & Sun Protection
Especially if you’re traveling in the winter months, make sure to pack warm clothing. I was freezing at night when it hit the high 40s in January. However, it was really sunny during the day, so I had to make sure to cover up with hats, sunscreen, and light jackets.
More ideas for a 4-day LA itinerary
There is so much more to do in LA, particularly when it comes to eating and hikes! Here’s my Google Map where I keep a running list of places to try. Use this to customize your 4 day Los Angeles itinerary!
Care mostly about food? Check out my guide to the most unique restaurants in LA.
Ideas for road trips from LA
After you make your way through this 4 day Los Angeles itinerary, check out these other places to visit nearby!
- How to Spend the Weekend in Santa Barbara
- Everything You Must Do in San Luis Obispo
- The Only 3-Day San Diego Itinerary You Need
- San Diego Road Trips
- The Ultimate San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip
- How to Spend the Perfect Day in Phoenix
- Unique Scottsdale Restaurants
- Scottsdale Weekend Itinerary
- Best Arizona Wineries
