3 days in LA. Los Angeles isn’t the celebrity and paparazzi-filled La-la-land it’s made out to be in the movies and TV. It is, however, a beautiful, diverse and sometimes confounding city. If you’re visiting for the first time, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the gridlock and sprawl and lose sight of what makes Los Angeles such a unique destination.
If you plan on going to Los Angeles, three days is a good time to see all the fun places and experience all the good food LA has to offer. And if exploring is what you are doing, then you definitely need a car to get around. I do not recommend taxis or Ubers unless you are staying within one area, because they can get pricey. LA traffic can be a little bit crazy, so give yourself a good cushion if you have to get to a particular place. Here’s 3 days in LA plan that we did and it’s fun.
We traveled to LA from San Francisco by car which takes about 5 1/2 hours without any stops. The drive is pretty straightforward. It can get quite hot in LA during July-August, so make sure you prepare for that. I would highly recommend you to get a Air BnB; the process can get overwhelming, especially in LA, but it is really is nice.
Below, I’ve given you our travel itinerary and how we explored the sites and food of LA. I didn’t carry my dslr, and all the pictures are causal iphone pictures. After an overwhelming response and questions on Instagram, I decided to share our 3 day trip plan to LA here. Take some (or all) of these ideas and add it into your own LA adventure. Here’s our 3 days in LA itenary.
3 days in LA- Food, Fun and Free things to do
1. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
We decided to go to Universal Studios first, when we had all the energy, as it requires a lot of energy. We got the express tickets, and I think it’s the best decision ever. With the express tickets, you stand less than 10 minutes in line, which takes at least 60-80 minutes normally. So you just need one day to see and experience all the rides in universal studios. One day is more than enough. Harry Potter is the main focus.
2. DISNEY LAND
Getting up early is essential to make the most of your time and money, especially if you’re only visiting for one day. We definitely feel it’s worth it to stay in the disney resort if you plan on going there for more than a day. Getting fast passes is another trick to skip those long lines.
FREE THINGS TO DO IN LA
3. Venice Boardwalk (free!)
Head a bit further south along Santa Monica Beach to Venice Beach and explore new territory with a visit to the famous Venice Boardwalk.
This charming neighborhood is filled with great photo ops and chances for people-watching, in addition to being a good place to cultivate a tan.
Explore the nearby Abbot Kinney area for something new.
4. Hollywood Sign – FREE
Hike up 45 minutes to see this iconic hollywood sign. We feel it’s a bit overrated, but still quite a nice activity and good place for you instagrammers.
5. The Getty Museum – FREE
The J. Paul Getty Museum has various collections and exhibits with various priceless pieces of art and photography, generally Western art from the Middle Ages to the present. The exhibits are always changing, so you’re bound to see something you’re really interested in. We saw an exhibit of Rembrandt and his school of art, as well as an exhibit about medieval India and Europe and one about the evolution of fashion through photography from 1911 to 2011.
6. Walk down the Hollywood Walk of fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame has over 2,600 stars on the sidewalk, and you’re sure to find stars of many celebrities you’re a fan of. If you want to walk the whole thing, it will take around two hours. If you just want to see your top 2 or 3 favorites, it will take much shorter.
7. Drive down Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, an especially opulent part of Los Angeles, houses many famous Hollywood actors. Find a star map online or buy one from the sidewalk, and you can spot the houses of some of your favorite celebrities! Most of them are covered by extensive foliage, but the huge houses are still visible from the road.
Universal Studios
Hollywood Sign
Harry Potter Land in Universal Studios
Getty Museum
Rembrandt’s painting at the Getty Museum- This is one of those beautiful painting called the Abduction of Europa.
Medieval India and Europe exhibit of the Getty Musuem
THE BEST FOOD TO EAT IN LOS ANGELES
Guisados
The best quick, easy, fresh tacos ever. Had shrimp, fish, mushroom and vegan … and every bite was delish. Spice levels were spot on, too. Cheap and yummy eats on an adorable, heated outdoor back patio … you can’t beat it! Go there now! And don’t let line change your mind.
Bludso – Barbecue
We tried the Cornbread, Sweet Tea, Brisket, Chicken, Ribs, side of mac/cheese and beans. All of which were extremely tasty and on point, and the meats specifically were marinated just to my liking. The mac and cheese was one of the best according to my teen and I agree. We went on a Saturday around 12:30 in the afternoon, and the service was fast and friendly. Will definitely be going back to try the rest of the menu!
Chego – Asian Fusion
If you’re looking for some unique food in LA, Chego is a great stop! It’s tucked away in an unsuspecting plaza in Chinatown. We came here at the suggestion of a website and we are glad we did. I ordered a Chicken Adobo Bowl which had a fried egg, rice, chicken, onions, adobo sauce, and cilantro. It wasn’t too spicy and it was a massive portion. We also tried the loaded fries, and some other bowls. You definitely get your money’s worth. The fries are worth it. As we spoke around, one of the local people said, its the best in town and money’s worth.
Howlin Rays
Yes it is a long line. Yes LA is hot. So is this chicken! After my little boy saw this place on buzzfeed, he had to go there. OHHHH YEEEAAAHHH!
I’d wait 2+ hours for that chicken sandwich and let EVERYONE know it’s worth the wait!
Place doesn’t open until 10am on the weekends, and I’ll tell you right now, some people get there at 8am. We’ve been that group on multiple occasions since our first visit.
It also has the best crew! Congrats Coop on your newborn!
You see, they have several levels of heat, from
country = no heat,
mild = brush of heat,
medium = feel the burn,
hot = burn, baby, burn,
x-hot = you’ve been warned!
And finally, howlin’ = can’t touch this. 10++
But you live only once, and I tried the HOWLIN- HOOT. And worth it.
Jogasaki (sushi burrito food truck)
The first time I’ve had a sushi burrito was in Sacramento so I had to give Jogasaki a shot when they came to my work for Food Truck Fridays. How can you go wrong with the cool concept?
Fresh! I wish it had more crunch and more in general especially with the hefty price you pay ($13.50 per burrito). Sushirrito’s is much larger and a couple dollars cheaper! But this is definitely a place to eat.
Bottega Louie – Italian and Desserts
A popular hotspot in downtown LA for good reason, Bottega Louie has incredible bakery offerings and great cafe service in a beautiful and bustling space. Extremely delectable-looking pastries, and they definitely taste as scrumptious as they look, too !! What I’ve struggled with, however, is their food. As spectacular as their pastries are, the food has just been okay… and I always expected better.
It’s the experience more than the food.
Eataly
Eataly is like a department store with so many selections. If you are coming for simple bite to eat to amazing selections of food items. Then you owe yourself a trip to Eataly. You are warmly greeted the second you arrive. No matter what you order you will not go wrong. If you love Gelato then you are in the right place. You have great selections of desserts. Also great meat department. If you never been to Eataly you owe yourself a trip.
The ORIGINAL SNOW CONE – the Best funnel cake EVER
Bomb! Old school neighborhood spot. Loved the funnel cake it was spot on! Had the funnel cake and it was the best funnel cake I’ve ever had! The batter was delicious, the powdered sugar was tame, and the whipped cream was not overpowering at all. It all came together perfectly and was delicious!!
The Butcher’s Daughter
I had eaten at this restaurant on a recent trip to NYC and was thrilled to see they also had a location in LA. The restaurant is on one of your must see roads in LA filled with trendy shops and restaurants. The inside was very aesthetically pleasing. I loved that there was actually space in this one as I felt crammed in other places we visited in California. We went around 9 am on a Thursday and walked right in. There were only a few others scattered through the restaurant at the time. We parked on the street and it was very stress free. My meat eating family was pleasantly surprised at the delicious vegetarian options.
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3 days in LA is all you need to enjoy everything. I hope you all have been having a good day, and maybe use some of these ideas for your next trip to Los Angeles!
PIN FOR LATER
This is such a fun post, Asha! Loved, loved it! Makes me want to hop on the next plane to LA 🙂
Thanks for reading Bina!! It was fun to write.
xo