Best 4-Day Los Angeles Itinerary for California
Today I want to share my 4-day Los Angeles itinerary with you. The City of Angels is one of the most popular places to travel in California, and you can discover a lot of it if you have several days to explore. From Hollywood Boulevard to Downtown LA, coastal beaches, and famous theme parks, Los Angeles has a variety of things for visitors to do and see. Read on for my itinerary. I've included an interactive map with all the spots I recommend as well.
4-Day Los Angeles Itinerary
Is 4 days enough in Los Angeles? Yes, it definitely is. The best thing about a 4-day Los Angeles itinerary is that it allows you sufficient time to see the big sightseeing attractions and get a feel for the local side of the city.
LA and the surrounding county span a huge area, and having several days in town will allow you to experience both the urban highlights and the coastal gems.
Whether you're interested in seeing the main sights, heading to the beach, shopping, dining, riding roller-coasters, or seeing filming locations from your favorite Hollywood movies, you'll find no shortage of things to entertain you while you're visiting this part of Southern California.
My itinerary for 4 days in Los Angeles covers a range of activities and experiences. It's the perfect guide for first-time visitors and those who haven't been to LA in a while.
You can use it as a template and adjust it to fit your travel style and preferences. If there's something specific you want to do or see, you can add it in wherever you want to.
Like my itinerary for 1 day in Los Angeles, my guide to spending 2 days in Los Angeles, and my itinerary for 3 days in Los Angeles, it will give you an introduction to the city and make you want to come back again.
Where to Stay in LA
If you're spending 4 days in Los Angeles, there are plenty of places you can stay in and around the city. Whether you want to base yourself downtown, in Hollywood, on the beach, or inland, there are plenty of hotels, apartment rentals, and other types of accommodation to choose from.
My top pick for a place to call home-away-from-home for several nights in LA is the STILE Hotel. It's in a central downtown location and it has great guest rooms. If that sounds good, you can book a room here.
If you want to check out more options, you can see some of the most popular hotels in Los Angeles here. There's no shortage of fun places to stay in LA for every travel style, taste, and budget.
Day 1
My 4-day Los Angeles itinerary starts at Grand Central Market in Downtown LA (DTLA). This 30,000-square-foot indoor food market has been a landmark since 1917. Open 7 days a week, it's the city's oldest and largest public market, and its huge range of stalls offers a variety of global cuisines to choose from.
Grand Central Market is one of my top picks for food markets in California. You can get all kinds of delicious things to eat here. Whether you're in the mood for a breakfast sandwich from Eggslut or pastries from Bastion Bakery, you're bound to find something that will fuel you for the coming day.
There are plenty of drinks here, too. You can get your caffeine fix at places like G&B Coffee, and cold-pressed beverages from The Juice. They'll help give you energy for your first day in LA.
Downtown LA
From Grand Central Market, continue your 4-day LA itinerary by walking around DTLA. There's a lot to do and see in this part of the City of Angels, from museums to bookstores, performing arts venues, and iconic filming locations. If you want some direction, you can book a guided tour of Downtown LA and go around with a local expert.
One of my go-to things to do in DTLA is ride Angels Flight. This unique funicular near the market opened in 1901, and it's often called "the world's shortest railway".
Bright orange in color, it carries passengers up a steep 1-block incline to the top of Bunker Hill. You might recognize Angels Flight from movies like La La Land and TV shows like Perry Mason.
At the top of Angels Flight you'll find cultural landmarks like The Broad, The Music Center, Ahmanson Theatre, LA Opera, The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), and renowned architect Frank Gehry's whimsical Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Back near Grand Central Market you can see places like the Bradbury Building. Famous movies like Blade Runner were filmed in this landmark five-story edifice. Dating back to 1893, it's amazing to see its atrium full of ornate iron walkways, elevators, and stairs.
A couple blocks from there you'll find yourself at The Last Bookstore. Housed in a former bank, it's a huge shop with an interior punctuated by white columns and filled with books, boutiques, and creative installations. It's worth going in to browse the titles and admire how they've turned works of literature into works of art.
Other noteworthy spots downtown include Los Angeles City Hall (it has a 27th-floor observation deck), the heritage Los Angeles Theatre with its flamboyant Baroque-style design, and Pershing Square, which features a contemporary purple bell tower.
The Original Farmers Market
When it's time for lunch, you can continue your 4-day Los Angeles itinerary by driving to The Original Farmers Market. This historic spot is home to a collection of restaurants, shops, and stalls selling food in a covered outdoor area. It's one of my favorite places to get a quick bite in LA.
Hollywood Boulevard
After eating, head to Hollywood Boulevard for the early afternoon. Highlights of this famous thoroughfare include the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Chinese Theatre, the Capitol Records Building, the Dolby Theatre, and the Pantages Theatre. If you want to, you can take a bus tour to see all the best places in one go.
When you're done exploring Hollywood Boulevard, continue your Los Angeles itinerary for 4 days by making your way over to Griffith Park and up to Griffith Observatory.
The latter is an iconic landmark on Mount Hollywood. It offers panoramic views of everything from the Hollywood Sign to the skyscrapers in Downtown LA, the local hiking trails, and the Pacific Ocean. It's been used as a filming location for movies like Jurassic Park and The Terminator as well.
Arts District
You can soak up the views or take a tour of Griffith Observatory, then continue your 4-day itinerary for Los Angeles by going to the Arts District. This hip area by the river is beloved for its creative enterprises, galleries, restaurants, and nightlife scene.
My top pick for a pre-dinner drink in the Arts District is Death & Co. This stylish New York cocktail bar has a speakeasy feel, low light, and creative drinks. It's the perfect spot to start your first night out in Los Angeles.
After drinks, it's a short drive to dinner at award-winning chef Enrique Olvera's restaurant, Damian. This contemporary place blends Mexican cuisine with California's seasonal produce. The result is delicious food in a stylish warehouse atmosphere.
If you want to go out after dinner, it's worth checking out a rooftop bar in DTLA. They're perfect for cocktails with city views, and fun places to end your first day in Los Angeles. Whether you go to Perch LA, Broken Shaker at the Freehand hotel, or The Rooftop at Mama Shelter, you can't go wrong.
Day 2
The next morning you can continue your 4-day Los Angeles itinerary with a quick breakfast and coffee at one of the many cafes in DTLA. Whether you choose Verve Coffee Roasters or Basil & Cheese Cafe there are lots of good options.
Venice
After breakfast, make your way out to Venice Beach. If you have a car, park in or near the lot bounded by Pacific Ave and North and South Venice Blvd. This is where I always park, and it's convenient for what's next on the itinerary.
Venice Beach is famous for its bohemian boardwalk. This oceanside promenade is lined with everything from souvenir shops to restaurants. It's also home to Muscle Beach, an outdoor gym where Arnold Schwarzenegger once pumped iron. The basketball courts here featured in the 1992 movie White Men Can't Jump, too.
You can stroll up and down the boardwalk to take in the scene, then walk over to the Venice Canals. These human-made waterways were dug out in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney to bring some Italian flair to SoCal. Today they're popular places to meander, soak up the atmosphere, and look at the waterfront houses.
When you've seen the canals, you can walk or drive over to Abbot Kinney Boulevard. This road is beloved for its stylish boutiques, restaurants, and cool cafes. You can shop if you want to (and you'll likely want to), or go straight to lunch. My go-to for a casual bite here is Greenleaf Kitchen and Cocktails.
Santa Monica
When you leave Abbot Kinney, continue your 4 days in LA by driving up Main Street to get to Santa Monica. This part of LA is famous for its beach, which has a long pier jutting out into the Pacific Ocean.
You can stroll out to the end of the pier to take in the views of the shoreline, then drive or walk over to the 3rd Street Promenade. There are loads of shops in and around this pedestrianized stretch, and you can spend as much or as little time browsing and buying as you feel like. Alternatively, locals love shopping on Montana Avenue.
The Getty Center
When you're done in Santa Monica, continue your 4-day Los Angeles itinerary by driving up to the Getty Center in Brentwood. This renowned hilltop museum was designed by architect Richard Meier. It houses an impressive collection of European art that spans centuries, and it offers free entry.
Once inside the Getty, you'll find everything from Turners to Van Goghs and Rembrandts. You can book a guided tour if you want to see the highlights with an expert.
If you have some extra time, it's also worth exploring the museum's gardens. They're known for their views, and they're great places to take pictures.
Beverly Hills
After visiting the Getty Center, continue your itinerary for 4 days in LA by driving down Sunset Boulevard to get to Beverly Hills. This glamorous city in Los Angeles County is known for being a filming location and a favorite haunt of A-list celebrities.
It's also where you'll find The Golden Triangle, an area bounded by Santa Monica Boulevard, Wilshire Boulevard, and Canon Drive. The upscale shopping street of Rodeo Drive is here, too.
While you're in town you can walk around the area, shop (or window shop if your budget doesn't extend to luxury goods proportions), and check out filming locations from famous movies and TV shows like Pretty Woman, Clueless, and Beverly Hills 90210.
You can also go to famous hotels like the Beverly Wilshire (it's the one that featured in Pretty Woman). This is just the place to have a pre-dinner drink. THE Blvd Lounge is my favorite spot for cocktails when I'm in this part of LA.
When dinner comes, my top pick for a place to eat in Beverly Hills is Avra. This seafood restaurant is not only known for its delicious cuisine, but also excellent people watching. Make sure to keep an eye out for celebs while enjoying your meal in the expansive dining room.
If you have time after dinner, it's worth stopping by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) on your way back to Downtown LA. That's because it's where you'll find Urban Light.
Originally created in 2008, this free outdoor art installation by Chris Burden features a grid of restored vintage street lamps that lights up the night sky on Wilshire Boulevard.
Urban Light has become a Los Angeles landmark and attraction over the years. It's fun to see the lamps and walk through the installation after dark. It's great for photos and videos, too.
Day 3
On the third of your 4 days in Los Angeles, I recommend heading to some of the beach cities in the South Bay. From Manhattan Beach to Hermosa Beach and beyond, they're famous places to soak up the sun in SoCal.
Manhattan Beach
You can start your day in Manhattan Beach. This is one of my favorite places in Los Angeles County thanks to its fun mix of shops, restaurants, and oceanside attractions. My go-to restaurant for breakfast here is Uncle Bill's Pancake House. This place is a beloved local institution.
After a big breakfast, you can burn off some calories by shopping downtown. There are great clothing boutiques, home goods stores, surf shops, and art galleries here. If it's a Tuesday, the weekly farmers' market behind the Shade Hotel in Metlox Plaza is worth checking out, too.
Given it's in the name, heading to the beach is a must while you're in town. You can stroll out to the end of the pier, go for a swim, walk or bike along the 2.1-mile Strand (also called the Marvin Braude Bike Trail), or just soak up the sun on the sand.
Hermosa Beach
When it's lunch o'clock, drive or walk down to Hermosa Beach. Right next to Manhattan Beach, this laid-back coastal city is full of fun restaurants and cafes.
I always enjoy eating lunch on Pier Ave. There are lots of restaurants with outdoor tables in the fun pedestrianized area by Hermosa Beach Pier. If you like Mexican food, Palmilla is the perfect spot.
After lunch you can walk around Hermosa Beach. There are shops here selling everything from surfboards to gifts, clothing, and home decor. You can stroll along the beach while you're here, too. You might see the famous beach house from Beverly Hills 90210 on The Strand as you go.
Palos Verdes
When you're done shopping, sunbathing, and exploring, you can continue your 4-day LA itinerary with a drive down to the Palos Verdes Peninsula. This area is home to stunning coastal scenery, lots of hiking trails, and huge houses.
If you have time and inclination, you can hike on the Bluff Cove Trail or in Portuguese Bend Reserve. They're ideal places to get into nature in Los Angeles County, and they offer beautiful views of the beaches and places like Catalina Island.
If you don't have time (or you're just not into hiking), head to Terranea. This coastal resort in Palos Verdes is one of my favorite places in LA. From the cute clothing boutique to the indulgent waterfront spa and the fun bars and restaurants, it's hard to beat.
Depending on your timing, you can indulge in some retail therapy, have a spa treatment, or enjoy a pre-dinner drink at the bar when you get here. There's even a golf course on the property.
In the evening, my favorite restaurant at Terranea is Mar'sel. With a great menu, attentive service, and a terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it's the perfect place to end your day.
Day 4
On the last morning of your 4-day Los Angeles itinerary, I recommend heading to a theme park. The county and surrounding areas are home to some of the most famous in the world, and there's one for every type of visitor.
Universal Studios Hollywood
One option is to spend your last day at Universal Studios Hollywood. This film studio and theme park in the San Fernando Valley is known for its recognizable sets and movie-themed rides.
Highlights of Universal Studios Hollywood include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World. You can also go on the Studio Tour, a trolley ride through the Backlot where you can take in famous filming locations.
Knott's Berry Farm
Another fun theme park is Knott's Berry Farm. This popular place in Orange County is home to rides, roller-coasters, shops, and attractions. The park has five themed areas, so it's a fun place to explore for an entire day.
Better yet, there are regular seasonal events and festivals held at Knott's Berry Farm throughout the year. You can check out what's on while you're in LA and time your visit accordingly. It's a particularly popular place on and around Halloween in California, as it goes all-out for the holiday.
Disneyland
A third option is to spend the final day of your trip at Disneyland (or its neighbor, Disney California Adventure Park). This popular theme park in Anaheim is close enough to Los Angeles that you can spend a day here if you wake up early.
From classic areas like Frontierland to modern favorites like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, there's a lot to love about the Magic Kingdom. And that's to say nothing of rides like Space Mountain, the Matterhorn, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Another option is to spend the day at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Located in Valencia, this famous theme park is known for its roller-coasters. If you're into adrenaline-fueled rides, it's for you.
Magic Mountain is known as the “Thrill Capital of the World" because it's home to more roller-coasters than any other theme park on Earth. There are plenty of games and attractions to enjoy while you're here, too.
Legoland
A fifth option is Legoland. It's a bit farther away, but if you're on a road trip and you'll be heading south to somewhere like San Diego after your trip to Los Angeles, it's a great choice.
Located in Carlsbad, Legoland is a fun place for families traveling with children. It features a range of rides, attractions, and shows. There's even a water park and an aquarium here. Dino Valley is popular, too.
La Brea Tar Pits
A sixth option is the La Brea Tar Pits. While not technically a theme park, this place is still a popular visitor attraction. An active paleontological research site in Los Angeles, it features pits where natural asphalt has seeped up from the ground for millennia. The bones of trapped animals are preserved, and it's a great place to see fossils.
This is a good option if you don't want to spend a whole day doing one activity. You can visit the museum at the tar pits, then spend the rest of your time doing a few things you didn't get to on previous days, or going somewhere you've heard about since you arrived.
Los Angeles Itinerary Map
If you want to follow my 4-day LA itinerary, you can find my interactive Google map of all the places I mentioned here. It will give you an understanding of where things are in relation to one another so you can make the most of your time in the city.
4-Day Los Angeles Itinerary
I hope my itinerary for 4 days in Los Angeles has helped you plan how to spend your time here. The City of Angels is one of my favorite places to visit in California, and it's worth a special trip. There are so many things to do in LA that you're bound to have a good time no matter what you choose.
There are lots more places to see here as well. If you have the chance, it's worth staying in town a bit longer. My 5-day Los Angeles itinerary and my guide to spending 6 days in LA will show you why. You'll be able to see highlights like Malibu and other famous parts of LA. My other Los Angeles itineraries have more ideas, too.
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