I want to share my Los Angeles itinerary for 5 days with you today. LA is one of the best places to visit in California, and you can see a lot of it if you have just under a week to explore. From Hollywood Boulevard to famous beaches, Downtown LA, and beloved theme parks, the City of Angels has a variety of things for travelers to do and experience. Read on for my itinerary. I’ve included an interactive map with all the places I recommend, too.
Los Angeles Itinerary for 5 Days
Is 5 days in Los Angeles enough? Yes, it most certainly is. The most exciting thing about a 5-day Los Angeles itinerary is that it allows you plenty of time to see the main attractions and get a feel for the local side of LA.
Los Angeles and the county around it cover a vast amount of ground, and having 5 days here will allow you to experience the urban highlights, coastal areas, and everything in between.
Whether you’re excited to see the big sights, go to the beach, dine, shop, get into the culture, ride roller-coasters, or check out filming locations from your favorite Hollywood movies, you’ll find no shortage of things to entertain you while you’re in this part of Southern California.
My Los Angeles itinerary for 5 days covers a variety of experiences and activities you can enjoy. It’s an ideal guide for first-time visitors and those who haven’t traveled to the City of Angels in a while.
You can use the itinerary as a template and change it to fit your travel style and preferences. If there’s something specific you want to see or do while you’re here, you can add it in wherever you’d like to.
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, and my 4-day Los Angeles itinerary, it will give you a good overview of the city and make you want to return soon.
Where to Stay in LA
If you’re spending 5 days in Los Angeles, there’s no shortage of places you can stay in and around the city. Whether you want to base yourself downtown, on the beach, in Hollywood, or inland, there are lots of hotels, apartment rentals, and other types of accommodation available.
My top choice for a place to stay if you follow this LA itinerary is the STILE Hotel. It’s in a central location downtown and it has great guest rooms and amenities. If that appeals, you can book a room here.
If you’re interested in checking out additional options, you can see some of the most popular hotels in LA here. There’s no shortage of fun places to stay in Los Angeles for every travel style, budget, and taste.
Day 1
My Los Angeles itinerary for 5 days starts at one of my favorite places in Downtown LA (DTLA): Grand Central Market. This 30,000-square-foot indoor food market has been a local landmark since 1917. It’s the city’s oldest and largest public market, and it’s open daily. The wide range of stalls offers a variety of delicious food from all over the world.
Grand Central Market is one of my favorite food markets in all of California. Whether you’re hungry for pastries from Bastion Bakery or a breakfast sandwich from Eggslut, you’re sure to find something that will energize you for your first day in LA.
There are lots of options for morning 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 fuel you up for a big day of sightseeing.
Downtown LA
After Grand Central Market, you can continue your 5-day LA itinerary with a walk around DTLA. There’s a lot to see and do in this part of Los Angeles, from bookstores to museums, 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 love to do when I’m in this part of LA is ride Angels Flight. This fun funicular near Grand Central Market opened in 1901, and it’s often referred to as “the world’s shortest railway”.
Bright orange in hue, it ferries passengers up a steep 1-block slope to the summit of Bunker Hill. You might recognize Angels Flight from TV shows like Perry Mason and movies like La La Land.
Atop Bunker Hill you’ll spot important cultural institutions like The Broad, Ahmanson Theatre, The Music Center, LA Opera, The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), and architect Frank Gehry’s eye-catching Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Back near Grand Central Market you can check out places like the Bradbury Building. Classic movies like Blade Runner were filmed in this famous five-story structure. Dating back to 1893, it’s fun to look inside and see its atrium full of ornate iron walkways, stairs, and elevators.
Not far from there you can visit The Last Bookstore. Housed in a former bank, this spacious shop features an interior punctuated by white columns and filled with books, boutiques, and creative installations. It’s worth popping inside to take a look at the titles and admire how they’ve turned works of literature into works of art.
Other noteworthy destinations in DTLA include Los Angeles City Hall and its 27th-floor observation deck, the historic Los Angeles Theatre with its amazing Baroque-style design, and Pershing Square, which features a contemporary purple bell tower.
The Original Farmers Market
When you’re hungry for lunch, you can continue your Los Angeles itinerary for 5 days by driving to The Original Farmers Market. A long-time LA institution, this spot is home to restaurants, shops, and stalls selling food in a covered outdoor area. It’s one of my go-to places to get a quick bite to eat when I’m in LA.
Hollywood Boulevard
When you’re done with lunch, head to Hollywood Boulevard for the early afternoon. Highlights of this iconic thoroughfare include the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Capitol Records Building, the Dolby Theatre, the Chinese Theatre, and the Pantages Theatre. If you need some direction, you can take a bus tour to see all the best places in one go.
After you’ve explored Hollywood Boulevard, you can continue your 5-day Los Angeles itinerary by making your way over to Griffith Park and up to Griffith Observatory.
The observatory is a historic landmark on Mount Hollywood. Opened in 1935, it offers panoramic views of everything from the skyscrapers in Downtown LA to the famous Hollywood Sign, the local hiking trails, and the Pacific Ocean. It’s been used as a filming location for movies like Jurassic Park and The Terminator, too.
Arts District
You can admire the views or take a tour of Griffith Observatory, then continue your Los Angeles itinerary for 5 days by heading to the Arts District. This cool area by the river is known for its galleries, creative enterprises, restaurants, and nightlife scene.
My favorite spot for a pre-dinner drink in the Arts District is Death & Co. This hip New York cocktail bar has a speakeasy feel, low light, and creative drinks. My other half took me here on an LA date night once and we loved it. It’s an ideal place to kick off your first night out in the City of Angels.
After Death & Co, it’s a quick drive to dinner at award-winning chef Enrique Olvera’s Damian. This restaurant blends Mexican cuisine with seasonal Californian produce. The result is excellent food in a contemporary warehouse atmosphere. It’s one of my favorite places to eat in LA.
If you have energy after dinner, it’s worth checking out one of the famous rooftop bars in DTLA. They’re perfect for cocktails with city views, not to mention fun places to end your first day in the City of Angels. 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 5-day Los Angeles itinerary with a quick coffee and breakfast at one of the many cafes in Downtown LA. Whether you choose Basil & Cheese Cafe or Verve Coffee Roasters you can’t go wrong in this part of the city.
Venice
When you’re done eating, you can head out to Venice Beach. If you have a car, it’s best to park in or near the lot bounded by Pacific Ave and North and South Venice Blvd. This is where I always find parking, and it’s convenient for what’s next on the itinerary.
Venice Beach is known for its bohemian boardwalk. The oceanside promenade is packed with everything from casual restaurants to souvenir shops. It’s also where you’ll find Muscle Beach, the famous outdoor gym where Arnold Schwarzenegger once pumped iron. The basketball courts here featured in the movie White Men Can’t Jump, too.
You can take a walk up and down the boardwalk to check out the scene, then walk over to the Venice Canals. These human-made waterways were carved out in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney in an attempt to bring Italian flair to SoCal. Today they’re popular places to stroll around, soak up the atmosphere, and admire the waterfront houses.
After you’ve seen the canals, you can walk or drive over to Abbot Kinney Boulevard. This road is known for its trendy boutiques, good restaurants, and cool cafes. You can shop if you want to (and you’ll probably want to), or head straight to lunch. My top pick for a casual bite here is Greenleaf Kitchen and Cocktails.
Santa Monica
Leaving Abbot Kinney, you can continue your 5 days in LA by making your way up Main Street to Santa Monica. This part of Los Angeles is known 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 admire the views of the shore, then walk or drive over to the 3rd Street Promenade. There are shops on and around this pedestrianized stretch, and you can spend as much or as little time browsing and buying as you’d like to. If you want something different, locals love shopping on Montana Avenue.
The Getty Center
When you’ve finished exploring Santa Monica, you can continue your Los Angeles itinerary for 5 days by heading up to the Getty Center in Brentwood. This hilltop museum was designed by famous architect Richard Meier. It houses an impressive collection of European art that spans centuries. It offers free entry, too.
Once inside the Getty, you’ll find everything from Van Goghs to Turners and Rembrandts. You can book a guided tour if you want to see the highlights with an expert.
If you have some time afterwards, it’s worth checking out the museum’s gardens. They’re known for their views, and they’re great places to take pictures and videos.
Beverly Hills
After you’re done at the Getty Center, you can continue your itinerary for 5 days in Los Angeles by driving down Sunset Boulevard to Beverly Hills. This glitzy city in Los Angeles County is known for being a filming location and a haunt of A-list celebrities.
It’s also where you’ll find The Golden Triangle. This area is bounded by Santa Monica Boulevard, Wilshire Boulevard, and Canon Drive. The well-known shopping street of Rodeo Drive is here, too.
While visiting you can walk around the area, shop (or window shop if your budget doesn’t extend to luxury goods), and scout out filming locations from famous TV shows and movies like Beverly Hills 90210, Pretty Woman, and Clueless.
You can also go to famous hotels like the Beverly Wilshire. It featured in Pretty Woman, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a pre-dinner drink. THE Blvd Lounge is my favorite spot to have cocktails when I’m in this part of Los Angeles.
When it’s time for dinner, Avra is my top pick for a place to eat in Beverly Hills. This restaurant is not only known for its delicious seafood, but also its world-class people watching. If you go, keep an eye out for celebs while you enjoy your meal in the expansive dining room.
If you have energy left after dinner, it’s worth making a stop at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) on your way back to Downtown LA. That’s because this is 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 illuminates the night sky on Wilshire Boulevard.
Urban Light has become a Los Angeles landmark and attraction over the years. It’s great to see the lamps and walk through the installation after dark. It’s perfect for photos and videos, too.
Day 3
On the third of your 5 days in LA, I recommend heading to some of the South Bay’s famous beach cities. From Manhattan Beach to Hermosa Beach and the Palos Verdes Peninsula, they’re fun places to soak up the sun in SoCal.
Manhattan Beach
You can start your day with a drive to Manhattan Beach. This is one of my favorite places in Los Angeles County due to its mix of cute shops, restaurants, and oceanside attractions. My top pick for a place to eat breakfast here is Uncle Bill’s Pancake House. It’s a beloved local institution.
After a hearty pancake breakfast, you can burn off some calories by shopping downtown. There are great clothing boutiques, home interior 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 a special trip.
Given it’s in the name, going to the beach is a must while you’re in this part of LA. You can walk out to the end of the pier, swim in the ocean, stroll or bike along the 2.1-mile Strand (also called the Marvin Braude Bike Trail), or just soak up the rays on the sand.
Hermosa Beach
When you get hungry for lunch, you can drive or walk down to Hermosa Beach. Right next to Manhattan Beach, this laid-back coastal city is full of good restaurants and cafes.
I always like having lunch on Pier Avenue. There are lots of restaurants with outdoor tables in the colorful pedestrianized area by Hermosa Beach Pier. If you like Mexican food, Palmilla is the ideal spot.
After lunch you can explore Hermosa. There are shops selling everything from surfboards to gifts, clothing, and home furnishings. You can walk along the beach as well. You might spot 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 Los Angeles itinerary for 5 days with a drive down to the Palos Verdes Peninsula. This place is home to beautiful coastal scenery, hiking trails, and impressive homes.
If you have time and inclination, you can go for a hike on the Bluff Cove Trail or in Portuguese Bend Reserve. They’re fun places to get into nature in Los Angeles County, and they offer sweeping views of local beaches and places like Catalina Island.
If you don’t have time (or you’re just not into hiking), you can head to Terranea. This coastal resort in Palos Verdes is one of my favorite places in Los Angeles. From the clothing boutique to the amazing waterfront spa and the bars and restaurants, it’s hard to beat.
Depending on when you arrive, you can shop, get a spa treatment, or sip a pre-dinner drink at the bar while the sun goes down. There’s even a golf course on the property.
In the evening, my favorite restaurant at Terranea is Mar’sel. With a delicious menu, attentive service, and a terrace overlooking the ocean, it’s just the spot to end your day.
Day 4
On the fourth of your 5 days in Los Angeles, I recommend heading to Malibu. There’s a lot to do in this famous part of LA County, from stunning beaches to fun hikes and great drives. Given it’s spread out, it’s worth spending a whole day here to see the highlights.
Malibu
You can start your day with breakfast or brunch. Geoffrey’s is famous for weekend brunch, and Reel Inn is popular with celebrities. They’re both great places to fuel up for a day of sightseeing.
After eating you can drive to Zuma Beach. It’s often considered the best stretch of sand in Malibu, and it’s a great place to get a taste of the area’s famous coastline. Whether you want to swim, body surf, play volleyball, surf, whale watch, or just soak up the sun, it’s a fun spot to be.
There’s also a boardwalk that runs the length of Zuma Beach. It’s an enjoyable place to go for a walk and take in the views of the Pacific Ocean. You can even stroll from Zuma Beach to Point Dume if you want to.
If you have time, you can drive over to see the rock formations at El Matador State Beach. It’s not far from Zuma Beach, and it’s famous for its sunning natural arches and sea caves. They’re unique spots to explore and take pictures.
When you get hungry for lunch, Trancas Country Market is the perfect place to go. 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 structures with restaurants and cafes. My top pick here is Malibu Brewing Company. It’s fun to have lunch out on the patio.
After lunch, you can go hiking or shopping. Malibu has some of the best trails in LA, and it’s worth getting a leg stretch while you’re here. The Mugu Peak Trail is hard to beat, the Escondido Falls Trail is beautiful, and Tuna Canyon is a fun place to get on the paths.
If hiking isn’t your thing, you can shop at Malibu Country Mart. This outdoor complex features a variety of boutiques, shops, restaurants, art galleries, and cafes. Whether you’re looking for clothing, souvenirs, gifts, or things for your home, it’s the perfect 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 around in LA, especially if you have a sports car or a convertible.
If you have time afterwards, it’s worth heading back to the coast to check out Surfrider Beach (aka Malibu Lagoon State Beach) and Malibu Pier. They’re great places to soak up the Pacific Ocean views.
When evening comes, Malibu has you covered for food and drink. Whether you want to eat at a casual spot by the beach or a fine dining restaurant with a view, there’s something for everyone here.
Malibu Seafood is my favorite order-at-the-counter spot by the ocean, Nobu is known for sushi, and the Inn of the Seventh Ray has amazing creekside dining in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Day 5
On the last morning of your 5-day Los Angeles itinerary, I recommend going to a theme park. The county and the surrounding areas are home to some of the most famous in the country, 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 known for its recognizable sets and movie-themed rides.
Some of the best parts of Universal Studios Hollywood are Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You can also go on the Studio Tour, a trolley ride through the Backlot where you can see famous filming locations.
Knott’s Berry Farm
Another option is to spend your day at Knott’s Berry Farm. Located in Orange County, this place is home to rides, roller-coasters, shops, and attractions. The park has five themed areas, so it’s a fun spot to explore for an entire day.
Better yet, there are seasonal festivals and annual events that take place 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. This is a particularly popular place to go on and around Halloween in California, as it goes all-out for the occasion.
Disneyland
A third option is to spend the final day of your trip at Disneyland (or its neighbor, Disney California Adventure Park). This world-famous theme park in Anaheim is near enough to LA that you can spend a day here if you get an early start.
From classic 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, the Matterhorn, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Another option is to spend your last 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 the place 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. As if that’s not enough, there are games and attractions to enjoy while you’re here as well.
Legoland
A fifth 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 a good 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 a water park, an aquarium, and a Dino Valley here.
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. It’s an active paleontological research site in LA, and 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 fun spot to see fossils.
This is a great 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 want to follow my LA itinerary for 5 days, you can find my interactive Google map of all the places I mentioned here. It will help you get 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.
Los Angeles Itinerary for 5 Days
I hope my Los Angeles itinerary for 5 days has helped you plan how to spend your time here. The City of Angels is one of my favorite places to travel 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. You’ll be able to discover other famous parts of LA and explore further afield. If you want inspiration, you can see more fun things to do in my itinerary for spending 6 days in Los Angeles. My other Los Angeles itineraries have additional ideas, too.
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