Today I want to bring you my itinerary for 6 days in Los Angeles. LA is one of the most popular places to visit in California, and you can see a lot of the city and the surrounding area if you’re here for just under a week. From Hollywood Boulevard to Downtown LA, famous beaches, and fun theme parks, the City of Angels has plenty of things for travelers to see and do. Read on for my itinerary. I’ve included an interactive map with all the places I recommend going in Los Angeles, too.
6 Days in Los Angeles
Is 6 days in Los Angeles enough? It definitely is. The thing I love most about an itinerary for just under a week in Los Angeles is that it gives you plenty of time to get around to the main attractions and the places locals love.
The city of LA and the surrounding county together cover a huge geographical area. Having 6 days in this part of Southern California means you’ll be able to discover the urban highlights, famous beaches, and everything in between.
Whether your goal is to see the major sights, visit the attractions, head to the beach, dine, shop, ride roller-coasters, get your culture fix, or see iconic filming locations from famous Hollywood movies, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy when you travel to this part of the Golden State.
My Los Angeles itinerary for 6 days covers a range of activities and experiences for you to enjoy. It’s the perfect guide for first-time visitors and those who haven’t been to the City of Angels in a long time.
You can use my itinerary as a template and tailor it to fit your travel preferences and interests. If there’s something in particular you want to do or see while you’re in LA, you can add it wherever you see fit.
As with my itinerary for 1 day in Los Angeles, my guide to spending 2 days in Los Angeles, my itinerary for 3 days in Los Angeles, my 4-day Los Angeles itinerary, and my guide to spending 5 days in Los Angeles, it will give you a solid overview of the City of Angels and make you want to return again for a future visit.
Where to Stay in Los Angeles
If you’re spending 6 days in Los Angeles, there are plenty of great places to stay in and around the city. Whether you want to base yourself downtown, in Hollywood, by the beach, or inland, there’s no shortage of hotels, apartment rentals, and other types of accommodation on offer here.
My recommendation for a place to stay if you follow this LA itinerary is the STILE Hotel. It’s in a convenient location in the heart of downtown LA, and it has great guest rooms and amenities. If that sounds good, you can book your room here.
If you want to take a look at more options, you can see some of the most popular places to stay in LA here. There are lots of fun spots to call home-away-from-home in Los Angeles no matter your travel style, budget, and geographical preferences.
Day 1
This Los Angeles itinerary for 6 days starts at one of my all-time favorite places in Downtown LA (DTLA): Grand Central Market. A 30,000-square-foot indoor food market, this place has been a local institution since 1917. The city’s oldest and largest public market, it’s open daily. The stalls inside offer a range of delicious foods and drinks from all over the world.
Grand Central Market is one of my top picks for food markets in California. Whether you want to start your day with pastries from Bastion Bakery or a breakfast sandwich from Eggslut, you’re sure to enjoy something that will give you energy for your first day in LA.
There are plenty of spots to find morning drinks at the market, too. You can get your caffeine fix at places like G&B Coffee, and cold-pressed beverages from The Juice. They’ll fuel you up for a big day of sightseeing in the city.
Downtown LA
After breakfast at Grand Central Market, you can continue your 6-day LA itinerary with a walk around DTLA. There’s no shortage of things to see and do here, from museums to famous bookstores, performing arts venues, and filming locations. If you need some direction, you can book a guided tour of Downtown LA and see the area with a local expert.
One of the things I always enjoy when I’m in this part of Los Angeles is riding Angels Flight. This historic funicular near Grand Central Market opened in 1901, and it’s commonly referred to as “the world’s shortest railway”.
The bright orange cars carry passengers up a 1-block incline to the summit of Bunker Hill. You might recognize Angels Flight from movies like La La Land and TV shows like Perry Mason.
When you reach the summit of Bunker Hill you’ll be able to see heavyweight cultural institutions like The Broad, The Music Center, LA Opera, Ahmanson Theatre, The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), and architect Frank Gehry’s whimsical Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Back over near Grand Central Market you can see places like the Bradbury Building. Iconic movies like Blade Runner were filmed in this hulking five-story number. Dating back to 1893, its atrium is full of ornate iron walkways, stairs, and elevators. It’s fun to peek inside and see them.
Not far from the Bradbury Building you can check out The Last Bookstore. Housed in a former bank building, this labyrinthine shop features an interior punctuated by white columns and filled with books, boutiques, and art installations. It’s worth going in to browse and admire how they’ve turned works of literature into works of art.
Other worthwhile spots in DTLA include the historic Los Angeles Theatre with its amazing Baroque-style design, Los Angeles City Hall and its 27th-floor observation deck, and Pershing Square, which features a unique purple bell tower.
The Original Farmers Market
When you get hungry for lunch, continue your Los Angeles itinerary for 6 days by driving over to The Original Farmers Market. A beloved institution in the City of Angels, this open-air place is home to restaurants, shops, and stalls selling food in a covered area.
The Original Farmers Market is one of my top picks for places to get a quick, casual meal when you’re in LA. Whether you’re in the mood to graze or have a more filling meal, you can find plenty that hits the spot here.
Hollywood Boulevard
When you’ve finished eating, you can make your way to Hollywood Boulevard for the early afternoon. Highlights of this iconic thoroughfare include the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Dolby Theatre, the Chinese Theatre, the Capitol Records Building, and the Pantages Theatre. If you need some direction, you can take a bus tour to see all the top spots in one go.
After you’ve seen Hollywood Boulevard and/or taken a tour, you can continue your 6-day Los Angeles itinerary by heading to Griffith Park and going up to Griffith Observatory.
The observatory is a historic landmark on Mount Hollywood. It opened in 1935, and it features sweeping views of everything from the iconic Hollywood Sign to the skyscrapers in DTLA, the local hiking trails, and the Pacific Ocean. It’s been a filming location for movies like Jurassic Park and The Terminator as well.
Arts District
You can admire the views or take a tour of Griffith Observatory, then continue your Los Angeles itinerary for 6 days by going to the Arts District. This trendy area by the river is known for its galleries, restaurants, creative enterprises, and great nightlife scene.
My go-to place for a pre-dinner drink in the area is Death & Co. This cool New York cocktail bar has speakeasy vibes, low light, and unique drinks. My other half took me here on an LA date night once and we’ve been back many times since. It’s just the spot to kick off your first night out in the city.
After drinks at Death & Co, you can head over to dinner at Damian. Award-winning chef Enrique Olvera’s restaurant blends Mexican cuisine with seasonal produce from California. The result is delicious food in a contemporary warehouse atmosphere. It’s one of my top picks for places to eat in Los Angeles.
If you feel like going out after dinner, beat a path to one of the rooftop bars in DTLA. They’re ideal places for cocktails with city views, and exciting places to end your first day in the city. Whether you go to The Rooftop at Mama Shelter, Perch LA, or Broken Shaker at the Freehand hotel or you can’t go wrong.
Day 2
The next morning you can continue your 6-day Los Angeles itinerary with coffee and breakfast at one of the great cafes in DTLA. Whether you choose Verve Coffee Roasters or Basil & Cheese Cafe you can’t go wrong in this part of the City of Angels.
Venice
When you’ve finished breakfast, you can make your way to Venice Beach. If you have a car, it’s best to park in or near the lot that’s bounded by Pacific Ave and North and South Venice Blvd. This is where I always park when I’m here, and it’s convenient for what’s coming up next on the itinerary.
Venice Beach is famous for its bohemian boardwalk. The oceanside promenade is lined with everything from casual eateries to souvenir shops. It’s also where you’ll find Muscle Beach, the outdoor gym where Arnold Schwarzenegger used to pump iron. The basketball courts here featured in the movie White Men Can’t Jump as well.
You can stroll up and down the boardwalk to get a feel for the area, then walk over to the Venice Canals. These cool waterways were carved out in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney in an attempt to inject some Italian flair into Los Angeles. Today they’re popular spots to meander around, soak up the atmosphere, and take in the waterfront houses.
After you’ve discovered the canals, you can walk or drive over to Abbot Kinney Boulevard. This street is known for its fun restaurants, hip boutiques, and great cafes. You can go shopping if you want to (and you’ll probably want to), or head straight to lunch. My go-to for a casual meal is Greenleaf Kitchen and Cocktails.
Santa Monica
Leaving Abbot Kinney, continue your 6 days in LA by heading up Main Street to get to Santa Monica. This part of Los Angeles is famous for its beach, which has a long pier extending out into the Pacific Ocean.
You can head out to the end of the pier to soak up the views of the shoreline, then walk or drive over to the 3rd Street Promenade or Montana Avenue. There are shops on and around these famous streets, and you can spend as much or as little time browsing and buying as you want to.
In the evening you can have pre-dinner drinks at the bar at Shutters on the Beach. This famous beachfront hotel has great views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a fun place to sip a cocktail on the terrace as the sun goes down.
Afterwards you can head to dinner somewhere in Santa Monica. There are lots of great restaurants here, from the landmark Chinois on Main to the delicious BOA Steakhouse. If you’re looking for a roof deck with a scene, chic Elephante is just the spot.
Day 3
On the third of your 6 days in Los Angeles, I recommend seeing one of LA’s most famous museums and spending time in places like Brentwood, Westwood, and Beverly Hills.
The Getty Center
After breakfast in DTLA you can head up to the Getty Center. This hilltop museum in Brentwood was designed by renowned architect Richard Meier. It’s home to an impressive collection of European art that spans centuries. It offers free entry, too.
Once you step inside the Getty, you’ll find everything from Rembrandts to Van Goghs and Turners on display. You can book a guided tour if you want to see the highlights of the museum with an expert.
If you have time and inclination afterwards, it’s worth seeing the Getty’s gardens. They’re known for their amazing views, and they’re ideal spots to take pictures and videos.
Brentwood
When you’re done visiting The Getty, you can drive into Brentwood for lunch. This upscale neighborhood on the Westside is a great place to get a feel for one of LA’s local areas.
From the beloved Brentwood Country Mart to the restaurants on San Vicente Boulevard, there’s a lot of choice when it comes to places to eat here. Whether you want something casual or a more formal meal, you’ll find it.
I’ve had great meals at an Italian place called Locanda Portofino. I love the outdoor seating area and the delicious pasta dishes the kitchen creates. The service is great, too.
Westwood
After lunch you can drive over to Westwood. Home of UCLA, this part of the Westside is known for places like Westwood Village. It’s a historic shopping area with lots of fun restaurants, cafes, and boutiques.
You can spend some time walking around and checking out the shops while you’re here. If you want to, you can head to the university to see the campus or explore a cultural institution like the Hammer Museum. It displays a progressive array of art exhibitions.
Beverly Hills
After you’ve finished exploring Westwood, you can continue your itinerary for 6 days in Los Angeles by heading to Beverly Hills. This glitzy city in Los Angeles County is famous for being a filming location and a favorite of A-list celebrities.
It’s also where you’ll find The Golden Triangle. This area is bounded by Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica Boulevard, and Canon Drive. The well-known shopping street of Rodeo Drive is here as well.
While here you can stroll around the area, shop (or window shop if your budget doesn’t extend to luxury goods proportions), and see filming locations from famous TV shows and movies like Beverly Hills 90210, Pretty Woman, and Clueless.
You can also check out luxury hotels like the Beverly Wilshire. It starred in Pretty Woman, and it’s the ideal place to go for pre-dinner drinks. THE Blvd Lounge is my favorite spot to have cocktails when I’m in this part of LA.
When dinner o’clock rolls around, Avra is my go-to place to eat in Beverly Hills. This restaurant is not only known for its decadent seafood, but also its world-class people watching. If you go, make sure to keep an eye out for celebs while you enjoy your meal in the grand dining room.
If you feel up for it after dinner, it’s worth stopping at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) on your way back to Downtown LA. That’s because it’s home to Urban Light.
Created in 2008, this outdoor art installation by Chris Burden features rows of restored vintage street lamps that illuminate the night sky on Wilshire Boulevard. It’s free to see, and it’s worth a special trip.
Urban Light has become a Los Angeles landmark and attraction over the years. It’s fun to take in the lamps and walk through the installation after dark. It’s an ideal spot for photos and videos, too.
Day 4
On the fourth of your 6 days in LA, I recommend heading to some of the famous beach cities in the South Bay. From Manhattan Beach to Hermosa Beach and the Palos Verdes Peninsula, they’re great places to have fun in the sun in Southern California.
Manhattan Beach
You can start your day in Manhattan Beach. This is one of my favorite places in Los Angeles County thanks to its abundance of browse-worthy shops, delicious restaurants, and oceanside attractions. My go-to place to have breakfast is Uncle Bill’s Pancake House. It’s a beloved local institution, and it’s worth waiting in line for a table here.
After a hearty stack of pancakes, you can burn off the calories by shopping downtown. There are fun clothing boutiques, surf shops, home decor stores, and art galleries here. If it’s a Tuesday, the weekly farmers’ market behind the Shade Hotel in Metlox Plaza is worth exploring.
Given it’s in the name, going to the beach is a must while you’re in this part of Los Angeles County. You can meander out to the end of the pier, stroll or bike along the 2.1-mile Strand (also called the Marvin Braude Bike Trail), go for a swim in the ocean, or just sunbathe on the sand.
Hermosa Beach
When you start getting hungry for lunch, you can drive or walk to Hermosa Beach. Just south of Manhattan Beach, this laid-back coastal city is full of buzzing restaurants and cafes.
I always like having lunch on Pier Avenue when I’m here. There are lots of restaurants with outdoor tables in the pedestrianized area by Hermosa Beach Pier. If you like Mexican food, Palmilla is the ideal spot for an al fresco meal.
After eating you can spend some time exploring Hermosa. There are shops selling everything from surfboards to clothing, gifts, and home furnishings in town. You can stroll along the beach as well. You might spot the famous beach house from Beverly Hills 90210 on The Strand as you walk.
Palos Verdes
When you’re done shopping and exploring, you can continue your Los Angeles itinerary for 6 days with a drive down to the Palos Verdes Peninsula. This area is home to awe-inspiring coastal scenery, miles of hiking trails, and impressive houses.
If you have time and inclination, you can hike along the Bluff Cove Trail or in Portuguese Bend Reserve. They’re ideal places to get into nature in LA County, and they offer expansive views of local beaches and places like Catalina Island.
If you don’t have time (or you’re not interested in hiking), you can head to Terranea. This oceanside resort in Palos Verdes is one of my favorite places in Los Angeles. From the cute clothing boutique to the indulgent waterfront spa and the bars and restaurants, it’s hard to beat this place.
Depending what time you arrive, you can shop, get a spa treatment, and/or sip a pre-dinner drink at the bar as you watch the sun go down. There’s even a golf course on the property.
In the evening, my favorite restaurant at Terranea is Mar’sel. With a diverse menu, great service, and a terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it’s the perfect place to end your day.
Day 5
On the fifth of your 6 days in Los Angeles you can go to Malibu. There’s lots to do in this beloved part of LA County, from world-class beaches to hikes and scenic drives. Given it’s spread out, it’s worth spending a whole day here to hit the highlights.
Malibu
You can start your day in Malibu with breakfast or brunch. Geoffrey’s is famous for weekend brunch, and Reel Inn is popular with celebrities. They’re both great spots to fuel up for a big day of sightseeing in SoCal.
After eating you can head over to Zuma Beach. It’s often considered the best stretch of sand in Malibu, and it’s a fun place to take in the area’s famous coastline. Whether you want to swim, play volleyball, surf, body surf, whale watch, or just lie on the sand, it’s a great spot to be.
There’s a boardwalk that runs the length of Zuma Beach, too. You can go for a walk and take in the views of the Pacific Ocean here. You can even stroll from Zuma Beach to Point Dume if you have the energy.
If you have time, you can also make your way over to see the rock formations at El Matador State Beach. It’s not far from Zuma Beach, and it’s beloved for its unique natural arches and sea caves. They’re fun spots to explore and take pictures and videos.
When it’s time for lunch, Trancas Country Market is the ideal place to get something to eat. This shopping and dining complex on the Pacific Coast Highway (call it PCH if you want to sound like a local) features rustic barn-like buildings with restaurants and cafes. My top pick is Malibu Brewing Company. It’s fun to have lunch outside on the patio here.
After lunch, you can hike or shop. Malibu has some of the top hiking trails in Los Angeles County, and it’s worth getting a leg stretch while you’re visiting. The Mugu Peak Trail is hard to beat, the Escondido Falls Trail is beautiful, and Tuna Canyon is a great spot to get on the paths.
If hiking isn’t your thing, you can head to Malibu Country Mart to go shopping. This outdoor complex is home to boutiques, shops, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes. Whether you’re looking for clothing, gifts, souvenirs, or things to decorate your home, it’s a fun place to spend an afternoon browsing and buying.
Whether you hike or shop, you can spend the late afternoon driving up the roads in Topanga Canyon. They’re some of the most scenic places to cruise in Southern California, especially if you have a sports car or a convertible.
If you have time afterwards, head back to the coast and out to Surfrider Beach (aka Malibu Lagoon State Beach) and Malibu Pier. They’re ideal places to soak up the Pacific Ocean views.
When evening comes, Malibu has you covered for food and drinks. Whether you want to have dinner at a casual place by the beach or a fine dining restaurant with views, there’s something for every type of traveler.
Malibu Seafood is my favorite order-at-the-counter spot by the ocean, Nobu is renowned for sushi, and the Inn of the Seventh Ray has amazing creekside dining in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Day 6
On the last morning of your 6-day Los Angeles itinerary, I recommend heading to a theme park. The county and surrounding areas are home to some of the most famous parks in the world, and there’s one for every type of visitor.
Universal Studios Hollywood
The first option is to spend your day at Universal Studios Hollywood. Located in the San Fernando Valley, this film studio and theme park is famous for its iconic sets and movie-themed rides.
Some of the highlights of Universal Studios Hollywood are The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World. You can also take the Studio Tour, a trolley ride through the Backlot where you can see your favorite filming locations.
Legoland
A second option is to go to Legoland. It’s a bit farther away, but if you’re on a road trip and you’ll be heading south to San Diego after visiting Los Angeles, it’s the perfect choice.
Located in Carlsbad, Legoland is the perfect place for families traveling with children. The theme park features a range of rides, attractions, and shows. There’s even an aquarium, a water park, and a Dino Valley here.
Six Flags Magic Mountain
A third option is to spend your last day in LA at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Located in Valencia, this famous theme park is known for its roller-coasters. If you’re into adrenaline-fueled adventures, this is the place for you.
Magic Mountain is known as the “Thrill Capital of the World”. It’s home to more roller-coasters than any other theme park on Earth. As if that’s not enough, there are games and attractions you can enjoy while you’re here as well.
Disneyland
A fourth option is to spend the final day of your trip to LA at Disneyland (or its neighbor, Disney California Adventure Park). This world-famous theme park in Orange County’s Anaheim is close enough to Los Angeles that you can spend a day here if you get an early start.
From beloved areas like Tomorrowland to contemporary 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, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Matterhorn.
Knott’s Berry Farm
A fifth option is to spend your final day in LA at Knott’s Berry Farm. Located in Orange County, this place is home to roller-coasters, rides, shops, and attractions. The park has five themed areas, so it’s a fun spot to spend an entire day exploring.
Better yet, there are seasonal festivals and annual events that take place at Knott’s Berry Farm. You can check out what’s on while you’re in SoCal and time your visit accordingly. It’s a particularly popular place to go on and around Halloween in California, as it goes all-out for the occasion.
La Brea Tar Pits
A sixth option is to go to 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 out of the ground for millennia. The bones of trapped animals are preserved, and it’s a great spot to see fossils.
The La Brea Tar Pits are an ideal option if you don’t want to spend a whole day doing one activity. You can visit the museum at the tar pits in the morning, then spend the afternoon doing a few things you didn’t get to on previous days.
Los Angeles Itinerary Map
If you’re up for following my LA itinerary for 6 days, you can see the interactive Google map of all the places I mentioned here. It will help 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 and the surrounding area.
6 Days in Los Angeles
I hope my itinerary for 6 days in Los Angeles has helped you plan out how to spend your time in the City of Angels. This part of Southern California is one of my favorite places to travel in the Golden State, and it’s worth a special trip. There are so many things to do in LA that you’re sure to have a good time no matter what you choose.
There are lots more places to see here, too. If you have the chance, it’s worth staying in town a bit longer. You’ll be able to see other famous parts of LA and explore further afield. My other Los Angeles itineraries can give you more ideas, too.
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