Los Angeles is a vibrant and energetic city with a lot to offer. With plenty of options for great food, hikes, beach activities, and museums, you’re sure to enjoy your time spent in the City of Angels.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking for new experiences, spending one weekend in Los Angeles is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the city. Here are some of my favorite things to do and destinations to help you plan the ultimate 3-day weekend getaway in Los Angeles.
Side note: The following post was written by Hannah, a local of Los Angeles. This way, you can be sure you are reading the best and most accurate 3-day Los Angeles itinerary. Locals know best! See the author’s bio at the end for more information.
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Table of Contents
How do I get to Los Angeles?
The largest major airport in Los Angeles is LAX, which also has the largest selection of rental cars at the best rates. However, Burbank and Long Beach airports are popular among locals and travelers who like to avoid the overwhelming size, traffic, and crowds at LAX.
Long Beach is my favorite because it has an outdoor terminal speckled with palm trees and seating areas, which is fun!
There aren’t many efficient public transportation options to and from LAX, so Ubers or rental cars are your best bet (although a metro line is under construction coming late 2024). Keep in mind that an Uber all the way across Los Angeles could run you $50-$100 one way. The city is huge!
Depending on where you’re staying, what activities you’ve planned, and whether or not you rent a car, you should consider which LA area airport makes the most sense for you.
Tip! Be sure to check the DiscoverCars Search Engine to find the best deals on car rentals during your weekend in Los Angeles!
When is the best time to visit Los Angeles?
The weather is warm in Los Angeles most of the year, but if you plan on visiting the beach it’s best to visit between April-September. As with most big cities, the summer and holiday weekends are peak travel times with large crowds and higher prices.
Los Angeles Average Temperatures:
- Winter (Dec-Feb): 68/49 (February is the rainiest)
- Spring (March-May): 72/55
- Summer (June-August): 82/64
- Fall (Sept-Nov): 78/59
Where should I stay in Los Angeles?
Booking.comThe city of Los Angeles spans 29 miles wide and 44 miles tall! So it’s important to pick an area of town that will best suit your itinerary and your needs. Each part of the city offers a unique experience and there’s truly something for everyone.
For a central location with access to the Metro, Downtown LA has a lot to offer. If you plan to visit the beach often, Santa Monica is well-known with plenty of nightlife and things to do.
My Personal recommendations:
- Budget-friendly Option: Mayumi (Culver City) – Comfortable and modern rooms. Includes complimentary breakfast and happy hour.
- Mid-range Option: Garland Hotel (Studio City) – A unique and chic hotel in the heart of Studio City near Universal City Walk and the 101 Freeway.
- Luxury Option: Shutters on the Beach (Santa Monica) – Located directly on the beach, it doesn’t get much more luxurious than this.
- Dog-friendly Stay: Ace Hotel (Downtown LA) – Great location in Downtown LA with beautiful rooms and a rooftop pool overlooking the city. Here’s a dog-friendly guide to Los Angeles as well!
- Unique Option: Hotel Roosevelt (Hollywood) – Stay in a historic and glamorous hotel with lots of Hollywood history and a tropicana pool.
Sample 3-Day Los Angeles Weekend Itinerary
Day 1 in Los Angeles: Downtown
Morning:
Start your day with breakfast at Egg Slut located inside the Grand Central Market in Downtown LA. This not only gives you a delicious meal but strolling around the market is an activity in itself!
There are other vendors in the market so you can also grab a smoothie bowl from The Juice, a coffee from G&B Coffee, or a donut from Donut Man.
Afternoon:
After you’ve eaten to your heart’s content at Grand Central Market, walk across the street to Angel’s Flight and take a quick trip on the shortest railway in the world! It costs just $1 to ride each way and it’s a fun photo moment.
You can also visit The Broad Museum to see some cool modern art and their seasonal exhibits like the mirror room. The museum is free to visit, but you’ll need to reserve a time slot in advance.
Whether you’re a book-lover or not, take a stroll over to The Last Bookstore for a fun experience.
Evening:
Then, head over to 71 Above in the US Bank building for an incredible sunset view, dinner, and a cocktail! Seriously, this is my favorite thing to do with visitors in LA and you don’t want to miss it. Just be sure you know these tips for visiting 71 Above so that you meet the dress code and know how to find it.
Day 2 in Los Angeles: Beach Day
Morning:
What better way to start your day than breakfast by the beach? Start day 2 with breakfast at Paradise Cove in Malibu where you can literally eat with your toes in the sand. How cool!
After breakfast, take your time sitting on the pier, walking on the beach, and just soaking in the Malibu beach.
Afternoon:
Then head south to Santa Monica for the afternoon for the iconic LA beach experience. You’ve probably seen photos or heard of the Santa Monica pier. It’s the end of Route 66 and a popular destination for tourists and locals, especially on a sunny afternoon.
Rent a bike, walk the beach, ride the rides on the pier, or enjoy a funnel cake.
Evening:
After visiting Italy for 2 weeks, I’ve struggled to find authentic quality pasta in the States…UNTIL I went to Uovo.
This pasta bar offers a variety of dishes that are true to the Italian standards and will not disappoint. They do not take reservations so get there early to avoid the peak dinner rush.
Keep Reading:: More Warm Weather Winter Vacations in the USA
Day 3 in Los Angeles: Hollywood
Morning:
A visit to LA is not complete without seeing the famous Hollywood sign! Wake up bright and early for a 4-mile hike to the sign. It can be a moderately difficult hike with little shade, so it’s best to start before the sun is at its peak.
After your workout, head to breakfast. You can find plenty of great coffee options on Hollywood Boulevard like Intelligentsia or Tiago.
25 Degrees is another great option inside the Roosevelt Hotel which serves breakfast food all day long.
Afternoon:
If you visit on a Sunday, be sure to check out the Hollywood Farmers Market! There are food stands, amazing produce vendors, and plenty to see.
I definitely recommend that you take a hike up Runyon Canyon Dog Park where you can find incredible views of the city and plenty of happy hiking pups! There are multiple trails so you can follow the paved path up and down or use the East or West trails for something more scenic and difficult.
Evening:
For dinner, you’ll want to check out Sugarfish for a fabulous sushi dinner. I usually order the “Trust Me” which is where the chef sounds out several dishes which are all amazing.
If you have time, the Griffith Observatory is a great spot to end the trip under the stars!
Other things to do in Los Angeles
- Eataly – a huge Italian marketplace where you can find cooking classes, a gelato shop, market, pizza bar, and several Italian restaurants.
- Rodeo Drive – a world-renowned high-end shopping destination with designer boutiques and luxury shops lining the streets. Remember that scene in Pretty Woman? Yup, that was Rodeo Drive!
- Universal Studios Hollywood – take a backlot tour of the famous movie studios, visit Harry Potter world, or ride the amazing 3D rides at Universal Studios. One day at this park is plenty.
Tip! If planning to check out all of L.A’s main attractions., be sure to check out the City Pass to save up to 40%!
Where (else) to Eat in Los Angeles
There are plenty of great food and bar options in Los Angeles, but my personal favorites fall in the Arts District and Little Tokyo! The food is incredible and the vibe is quaint and peaceful, but energetic.
You can easily walk between the Arts District and Little Tokyo as well. Some of the best spots to check out are:
- Manuela: Serving the best fresh foods sourced from farmers right in Southern California!
- EIGHTYTWO Arcade Bar: Although no food is served here, it’s a fun place to stop after dinner. It’s free entry with vintage arcade games, drinks, and a large outdoor patio.
- Diakokuya Ramem: You can thank me later for this gem!
Other Los Angeles restaurants/food trucks to try…
- Smorgasburg: a collection of food trucks and street vendors in Downtown LA every Sunday offering a large variety of food.
- Pink’s Hot Dogs: a Hollywood legend food stand since 1939.
- L’Antica de Michelle: a highly-rated Italian restaurant in Hollywood serving incredible wood-fired pizza
Other Tips to know before visiting Los Angeles:
If you plan to use the Metro during your stay, be sure to get a TAP card. You can download the app in advance and load it with money. The metro does not accept cash.
Although the weather is warm during the day most of the year, it tends to be cold at night after the sun goes down! Be sure to bring a sweater or a few layers for the evenings.
One Weekend in Los Angeles isn’t enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in LA that one weekend would never be enough to complete your Los Angeles bucket list. You can customize your 3-day Los Angeles itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Los Angeles.
About the Author!
Plate & Compass is a food and travel blog written by Hannah Falkosky. After quitting her job and spending 8 weeks in Europe on just a few thousand dollars, she found her love for budget travel and sharing tips to help others explore the world.
She also spent 15 years working with award-winning chefs and developed a love for artful food and cocktails. Hannah is now based out of Los Angeles, and when she’s not traveling she makes it her mission to explore the best restaurants and cocktail bars while living life to the fullest.
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