3 Days in Los Angeles: Hollywood, Beaches & Tacos

Day 1 explores Tinseltown — the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre's celebrity handprints, Griffith Observatory's panoramic city views, and the historic Hollywood Bowl. Dive into the glitz, glamour, and movie-making history of the world's entertainment capital.

Day 2 brings you to the coast — ride the iconic Santa Monica Pier roller coaster, stroll Venice Beach's eccentric boardwalk, browse Abbot Kinney Boulevard's boutiques, and watch a spectacular Pacific sunset.

Day 3 explores the urban core — the cutting-edge contemporary art at The Broad, the striking Walt Disney Concert Hall, the bustling Grand Central Market food hall, and the creative Arts District with its craft breweries and murals.

The most famous movie palace in the world, opened in 1927. The forecourt features handprints and footprints of legends from Marilyn Monroe to Avengers stars. Book a guided tour to see the opulent auditorium and IMAX screen. Allow time to find your favorite celebrity prints on the sidewalks outside.

Hollywood's oldest restaurant, serving classic American fare since 1919. Order the legendary flannel cakes or a martini at the wood-paneled bar where Faulkner and Chaplin once drank. The menu is famously cash-only, so come prepared. The retro red booths and bow-tied waiters transport you to old Hollywood.

Perched on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, this free observatory offers breathtaking views of the LA basin, the Pacific, and the Hollywood Sign. Explore the hands-on astronomy exhibits, look through the Zeiss telescope, and catch a show in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. Parking is extremely limited — take a ride-share instead.

A sprawling shopping and entertainment complex at the heart of Hollywood. The central courtyard offers a perfect photo op with the Hollywood Sign framed by Chinese-inspired arches. Browse the Dolby Theatre (home of the Oscars), catch a movie at the TCL IMAX, or explore the Hollywood Museum's memorabilia collections.

A historic Hollywood gastropub opened in 1927, featuring live jazz, craft cocktails, and elevated pub fare. Try the signature fish and chips or the Hollywood burger while sitting on the outdoor patio. The stained-glass ceiling and dark-wood interior are beautifully preserved. Live music most nights after 8pm.

The iconic 1909 wooden pier extends 1,600 feet into the Pacific Ocean. Ride the Pacific Wheel — the world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel — and play vintage carnival games at Playland Arcade. The pier also has a small aquarium and frequent street performers. Arrive early to avoid crowds and pay for parking at the municipal lot.

A vibrant three-block outdoor pedestrian mall packed with shops, street musicians, and sidewalk cafes. Browse flagship stores like Apple and Nike, discover local boutiques, and watch the performers — everything from magicians to breakdancers. Perfect for souvenir shopping and people-watching before lunch.

A Santa Monica institution perched right on the beach overlooking the pier. Since 1923, this restaurant has served fresh Pacific seafood with panoramic ocean views. The lobster roll and clam chowder in a sourdough bowl are local favorites. Request a window table for the best views of surfers and the coastline.

LA's most eccentric stretch of coast — the Venice Boardwalk is a carnival of street performers, skate dancers, drum circles, and outdoor vendors. Watch the bodybuilders at Muscle Beach, browse the colorful murals, and dip your toes in the sand. Stay to see the sunset paint the sky over the Pacific.

The quintessential Venice dining experience — a rustic-chic California restaurant on Abbot Kinney known for its wood-fired pizzas, seasonal vegetable dishes, and creative cocktails. The lively open kitchen and communal buzz make for a memorable meal. Try the burrata with heirloom tomatoes and the wild mushroom pizza. Reservations are essential.

A world-class contemporary art museum housed in a striking honeycomb-like white structure. Admission is free but requires advance timed reservations — book weeks ahead. The collection includes works by Warhol, Basquiat, Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms, and Jeff Koons. Allow 2 hours to experience the full collection. The museum's ground floor has a great gift shop.

Frank Gehry's architectural masterpiece — a shimmering stainless-steel sculpture that is home to the LA Philharmonic. Free self-guided tours are available from 10am (check the website for timed slots). The garden and the Blue Ribbon Garden rooftop offer excellent city views. The acoustics inside are world-renowned — catch a rehearsal if you can.

A historic indoor food hall dating to 1917, packed with dozens of vendors serving everything from tacos and pupusas to ramen and oysters. Must-tries include the ultra-popular Eggslut (get the Fairfax sandwich), tacos at Villa's Tacos, and the fresh-pressed juices. The vibrant, noisy atmosphere is pure Downtown LA. Bring cash — some stalls are cash-only.

Los Angeles' historic Japanese-American neighborhood, founded in the 1880s. Visit the Japanese American National Museum for powerful exhibits on the internment era, explore the quiet Japanese Garden at the DoubleTree hotel, and browse the shops of Japanese Village Plaza for unique gifts and ceramics. Don't leave without a mochi or matcha soft serve.

The Arts District is LA's creative heart — converted warehouses house galleries, craft breweries, and artist studios. Wander the mural-covered streets before dinner at Bavel, a stunning Middle Eastern restaurant from acclaimed chef Ori Menashe. Order the hummus with lamb, the grilled octopus, and the legendary malawach. The industrial-chic space with an open kitchen and lush courtyard is unforgettable. Book weeks ahead.