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3 days in Los Angeles

A realistic day-by-day plan with start times, how long to allow, and travel estimates between stops.

1 day2 days3 days4 days5 days

This 3-day plan covers Griffith Observatory, Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Los Angeles Food Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood and more. It starts around 9am, keeps two main things per day with a proper lunch, and leaves the evening for food or a show. Travel times are estimates from the distance between stops.

1

Day 1

Griffith Observatory, Warner Bros. Studio Tour & more

  1. 09:00

    Griffith Observatory & Hollywood Sign

    3 h

    Parking is limited, so use the shuttle or rideshare. The observatory is closed on Mondays.

  2. 12:30

    Lunch

    Walk a couple of streets away from the main sight – prices drop and quality rises.

  3. 14:00

    ↓ About 15 min by metro or taxi

    Warner Bros. Studio Tour

    3 h

    Tours run throughout the day and book up in summer. Allow three hours.

  4. 19:00

    ↓ About 40 min by metro or taxi

    Los Angeles Food Tour

    3 h

    Go hungry and wear comfortable shoes.

2

Day 2

Universal Studios Hollywood & The Getty Center

  1. 09:00

    Universal Studios Hollywood

    4 h

    Weekends are crowded. Arrive at opening and do the most popular rides first.

  2. 12:30

    Lunch

    Walk a couple of streets away from the main sight – prices drop and quality rises.

  3. 14:00

    ↓ About 40 min by metro or taxi

    The Getty Center

    3 h

    Admission is free, but you must reserve a timed slot and pay for parking.

  4. 19:30

    Dinner

    Book ahead if you want a specific restaurant, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.

3

Day 3

Santa Monica & Dodger Stadium Tour

  1. 09:00

    Santa Monica & Venice Beach

    2 h 30 min

    Rent a bike for the coastal path between the two. Fog is common in the mornings in early summer.

  2. 12:30

    Lunch

    Walk a couple of streets away from the main sight – prices drop and quality rises.

  3. 14:00

    ↓ About 65 min by metro or taxi

    Dodger Stadium Tour

    1 h 30 min

    Check match days; tours are limited.

  4. 19:30

    Dinner

    Book ahead if you want a specific restaurant, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.

The route on a map

Pins follow the order of the plan. Click a pin for details.

Best time to visit Los Angeles

The most comfortable months with manageable crowds are Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec. These are broad seasonal patterns, not forecasts.

  1. Jan
    Mild
    Crowds: busy
  2. Feb
    Mild
    Crowds: busy
  3. Mar
    Mild
    Crowds: peak
  4. Apr
    Warm
    Crowds: peak
  5. May
    Warm
    Crowds: peak
  6. Jun
    Warm
    Crowds: peak
  7. Jul
    Hot
    Crowds: peak
  8. Aug
    Hot
    Crowds: peak
  9. Sep
    Hot
    Crowds: peak
  10. Oct
    Warm
    Crowds: peak
  11. Nov
    Mild
    Crowds: busy
  12. Dec
    Mild
    Crowds: busy

Best months Peak crowds and harsh weatherBars show how busy it is: taller means more visitors.

3-day Los Angeles questions

Is 3 days enough for Los Angeles?

Four to five days. This plan fits the main sights into 3 days at a comfortable pace, with a lunch break each day.

Can I change the order of the days?

Yes. Group days by neighbourhood if your hotel is far from a sight, and swap any day if opening hours (many museums close one day a week) or the weather requires it.

What should I book before I go?

Book Warner Bros. Studio Tour, The Getty Center, Dodger Stadium Tour first – they use timed entry or sell out.