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Perfect 5 Day Los Angeles(LA) Itinerary 2024: Travel Guide

Read about the perfect 5 Day Los Angeles Itinerary for first-time visitors and how to utilize your 5 days in LA in 2023!

Known as the “City of Angels,” Los Angeles is the second largest city in the USA and famed for La La Land! The city is famous for Hollywood and ever since I first came to the USA, it was my dream to visit LA.

My dream came true to visit LA when I spent 5 days in Los Angeles- a famous city in the World! I have curated this 5 Day Los Angeles Itinerary for first-time visitors and sharing my experiences and travel tips to make your LA trip more memorable.

Los Angeles is known for its sunny weather, stunning beaches, and palm-lined boulevards, as well as its rich cultural offerings, including world-class museums, theaters, and music venues. It is also home to the entertainment industry, with Hollywood as its epicenter.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a bustling city experience, Los Angeles has something for everyone.

Los Angeles 5 days Guide

Even though I spent good 5 days in Los Angeles, it wasn’t enough to cover everything! But I am including the most amazing places to visit in LA in 5 days. So grab your coffee and read about this Perfect Los Angeles Itinerary. You can adjust the order of days as per your interest!

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Practical Information for your 5 Days Los Angeles Itinerary

How to Get to Los Angeles

There are several ways to get to Los Angeles, depending on your starting location and travel preferences. Here are the options:

  1. Fly: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the Main airport in the city and serves both domestic and international flights. Many airlines operate regular flights to LAX from major cities around the world. The airports in the area include Burbank Bob Hope Airport and Long Beach Airport.
  2. Drive: Los Angeles is well-connected by several major highways and if you’re coming from nearby cities like San Francisco, Las Vegas, or San Diego, driving could be a convenient option.
  3. Take the train: Amtrak offers several daily train services to Los Angeles from various cities across the country. The main train station in Los Angeles is Union Station, located in downtown LA.
  4. Bus: Greyhound and Megabus operate daily services to Los Angeles from several cities in California and other states. The main bus station in Los Angeles is located in downtown LA.

Whatever option you choose, make sure to book your tickets in advance to get the best rates!

How to Get from LAX Airport to Downtown LA

Los Angeles is a large and busy city with multiple centers. The distance from the airport to both Downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood (Hollywood Blvd) is 30 km / 18.6 miles. Venice Beach and Santa Monica are near LAX Airport. Always, keep in mind the traffic in LA is the worst all the time!

There are four different transport options when traveling from LAX to downtown LA; you can either take a taxi, a private shuttle, the bus, or the metro.

Taxi or Private Shuttle: One of the most convenient options is to You can take a taxi or rideshare service like Uber or Lyft from LAX to Downtown LA. The ride takes approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. The Private shuttles at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) have a set fee of around $46.50 USD for the 30 km journey to downtown LA.

By Bus: There is a FlyAway Bus that leaves Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) every 30 minutes and takes you to Union Station in downtown LA. This bus stops at the 5 main downtown neighborhoods, including Hollywood, Santa Monica, Van Nuys, and Westwood.

The cost of a one-way ticket is $9.75 and the journey takes approx 35 minutes, in light traffic. Tickets can be purchased at the Metrolink ticket machines located in the baggage claim and arrivals hall at Los Angeles Airport.

You can also purchase your ticket directly on the FlyAway bus, however, the drivers do not accept cash.so, I suggest booking your tickets online.

By Metro: This is my favorite option to get from LAX airport to Downtown LA. Metroline in LA is the most convenient and affordable. Unfortunately, there is no direct metro line from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)!

You’ll need to take the free Green Line shuttle which will take you to the Aviation/LAX Metro Rail Station. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes from 05:00 to 23:50 every day and takes 15 minutes to reach the metro station.

From there, take the Green Line Metro to Willowbrook, then you need to transfer to the Blue Line to reach downtown LA. You can use Google Maps for accurate details at the time of boarding!

The total trip takes approximately 45-60 minutes, and the fare is $1.75 per ride. You will need to purchase a TAP card for $1 which can be topped up for more than one metro trip.

You can purchase your TAP card from the automatic machines or ticket booths at the Aviation/LAX Metro Rail Station’s lower level. The metro runs every 10-20 minutes starting from 4 AM until 1 AM.

How to Get from Los Angeles Airport to Hollywood

The distance between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Hollywood is approximately 20 miles and you can get there by various options.

Taxi or Ride-share: You can take a taxi or book a ride-share service such as Uber or Lyft from the airport to Hollywood. The ride may take 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Public Transportation: You can take the Flyaway Bus to reach Union Station. From here take the Metro Red line to reach Hollywood/Vine Station. The trip can take up to an hour, depending on traffic and connections. We used this option to reach our hotel in Hollywood.

Private Shuttle: There are several airport shuttle companies that operate from LAX to Hollywood and it may cost you $40-$50 depending on the time of the day.

Best Time to Visit Los Angeles

Los Angeles can be a great destination to visit throughout the year because of its generally mild and sunny climate. It certainly depends on what kind of activities you’re looking for during your 5-day Los Angeles trip!

If you are looking for the warmest weather and the best beach conditions, the best time to visit Los Angeles is during the summer months, from June to August which is the peak tourist season. During this time, expect temperatures from 25-30°C, and the beaches are bustling with activities. Keep in mind, you may encounter larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations and attractions during the summer season.

If you prefer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, consider visiting Los Angeles in the spring from March to May or fall from September to November. During these months, the weather remains pleasant and the city is less crowded. The fall season is also a good time to take a Highway 1 road trip through California.

Winter from December to February can also be a good time to visit Los Angeles, especially if you are looking for lower prices and fewer crowds. However, temperatures can be cooler, ranging from 10-20°C, and rain is more common during this time.

How Many Days Do You Need to Visit Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is a large city with so many attractions, and there is no shortage of things to do in LA and see. If you want to see the major tourist attractions and get a feel for the city, 3 days are enough to visit LA. This would give you enough time to visit places like Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Downtown LA.

But if you have more time, you can cover some amazing places like universal studios, Joshua tree national park, and other nearby neighborhoods. It depends on your interests and travel style.

But honestly, I recommend 5 days in Los Angeles to make the most of your time during the holidays. Also, if you want to cover more beaches, you’ll definitely need 7 days or more in LA.

How to Get Around in Los Angeles

As I said, Los Angeles is a very spread-out city and all the sightseeing places are scattered throughout the city. So, you’ll need to use a combination of options to get around Los Angeles.

Car Rental: If you want to hire a car, I suggest renting a car from LAX airport. Discover Cars has the best options for your needs. Car is one of the best options if you are planning to visit many neighborhoods or faraway places in LA.

Los Angeles Public transportation

Metro and Buses: But if you don’t want to opt for the hassles of Parking and wasting time in the traffic, I suggest using public transportation. It uses a combination of buses and the metro.

Los Angeles has an extensive bus system operated by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Different bus services operate in different areas and it’s one of the most convenient options to get around LA.

The fare for a one-way bus ride on Metro is $1.75, and you can pay with cash or a TAP card that can be used on all Metro buses and trains).

You can get around Los Angeles without a car! Speaking from my own experiences!!

Taxi: If you are tired from using public transportation or want to visit Hollywood Sign, use rideshare like OLA or UBER or a taxi.

Hop On Hop Off Bus: This is the best option if you want to follow the organized route and want to visit the attractions at your pace! This is an ideal option who are traveling with family!

Book this Hop on Hop off tour. Your ticket will be valid for 24 or 48 hours, and you can choose from five different routes.

Walking: Walking is a great way to explore some of Los Angeles’ more walkable neighborhoods, such as Downtown LA, Hollywood, and Santa Monica.

Biking: Biking is a great way to explore some of Los Angeles’ neighborhoods and beaches. I saw dedicated bike lanes at Venice Beach and Santa Monica. There are several bike rental companies throughout the city for bike rentals.

Los Angeles Sightseeing Attraction Pass:

You can buy the Los Angeles City Attractions Pass which covers all the attractions of Los Angeles including Universal Studios. You Save up to 40% compared to buying individual attraction tickets which include beach activities and kid-friendly attractions too !!

Buy Los Angeles City All-Inclusive Pass with 40+ Attractions Here

What to Do In Los Angeles for 5 Days: Quick Overview of 5-Day LA Itinerary

In this Los Angeles Itinerary you’ll read:

  • Best Things to Do in LA in 5 Days
  • Best Places to Visit in Los Angeles in 5 Days
  • How to Maximize 5 Days in Los Angeles
  • LA Itinerary: Best of Hollywood, Beaches, and Downtown area

Day 1 of 5 Days Los Angeles Itinerary: Explore Hollywood Side

Hollywood, Hollywood Sign, Warner Brothers Studio & Griffith Observatory

As you arrive in the United State’s famed Hollywood city, I recommend starting your 1st day in Los Angeles with the famous Hollywood area!

Hollywood is home to the famous U.S. film industry with many major studios and entertainment companies located in the area. Thus visiting at least one of its historic film studios is an absolute must!

So, start your day by visiting Warner Brother’s Studio, one of the oldest and most popular film studios in the world!

Warner Brother Studio Tour

The Warner Brother Studio Tour is an awesome and fun way to learn about different movie setups. It is located on 110 acres and includes multiple sound stages, backlots, and production facilities.

During the tour, you’ll lead by an experienced tour guide, the tour usually takes between 2-3 hours in a small group together with a few other people.

During this time you’ll see different sets where famous films and TV shows like The Big Bang Theory, the Harry Potter series, Friends, and Batman were filmedMoreover, you can have a look at the original requisites from their latest productions.

The studio also offers VIP tours and behind-the-scenes experiences for visitors who want a more in-depth look at the production process.

The Studio tour is very popular and I recommend buying your tickets online in advance.

Book Your Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood Here!

Hollywood Sign

After visiting the studio, grab some lunch and head to the iconic Hollywood Sign. One of the most popular places to visit in LA is definitely the Hollywood Sign!

The sign is located on Mount Lee and it’s an icon of the Hollywood area or you can say entertainment industry of the US.

The sign is visible from many areas of LA and there are two ways you can visit the Hollywood sign – View from the Park or By Hike. As the sign is located outskirts of the area, you’ll need to reach it via UBER or Lyft!

I visited the sign from Lake Hollywood Park and didn’t opt for the hike. You can click amazing snaps from the Park itself and it’s a great way to get photographs of LA’s famous landmark!

If you want to opt for hiking the Hollywood sign, you’ll get amazing views of Los Angeles from above but it may require additional time!

Book your Hollywood Sign Guided Hike here!

If you are looking for a unique adventurous experience, you can book this Beverly Hills and Hollywood Helicopter Tour that will give you views from the comfort of a private helicopter! See the iconic Hollywood Sign and enjoy the views from above.

Hollywood

One of the famous places to include in your 5-day Los Angeles itinerary is the Hollywood neighborhood.

If there’s one part of Los Angeles EVERYONE knows, it’s Hollywood. In my opinion highly overrated and not glamorous at all yet not to miss during your time in LA.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Start your walk through Hollywood by taking a casual stroll at the popular Walk of Fame located on Vine Street. More than 2,600 celebrities were honored by writing their names on stars embedded in the sidewalk.

The stars are arranged in five categories: motion pictures, television, music, radio, and theater/live performance. It’s more than 2.1 km long so it can take some time until you finally spot your celebrity star!

It is considered a symbol of Hollywood’s rich cultural history and its ongoing contributions to the entertainment industry, one shouldn’t miss in your LA itinerary!

take photos with them

Dolby Theatre

You might have heard about Dolby Theatre already because it’s the most prestigious venue in the world including the famous Oscars ceremony takes place. So, once in a year, it welcomes the high society of the Film industry!

On all other days, Dolby Theatre functions as a shopping and entertainment mall including a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

TCL Chinese Theatre

Right next to the Dolby Theatre, you’ll find the TCL Chinese Theatre. If you want to watch a new movie, there is no better place than this Chinese temple-shaped Movie Theatre. Its pagoda-style roof and palace-like interiors are worth visiting!

One of the interesting features of the theatre includes the “forecourt of the stars”, located on the ground in front of the entrance.

The floor at the entrance is filled with cement blocks imprinted with the handprints, footprints, and signatures of famous Hollywood actors, directors, and other celebrities. The forecourt contains more than 200 such imprints and is a popular tourist attraction in Los Angeles.

Even if you don’t want to see a movie or do a tour inside, it’s fun to stand in the footprints of George Clooney & Co. and compare them with your own feet size!

Griffith Observatory

The Final stop of the day is Griffith Observatory, located close to the Hollywood neighborhood.

It is a popular public observatory located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood offering spectacular views of downtown LA Skylines, the Hollywood Hills area, and the Pacific Ocean.

Besides enjoying an amazing view, you can see live shows and presentations in the Planetarium, look through telescopes, and visit different exhibitions including interactive displays and historical artifacts related to astronomy and space exploration.

Check the more information about the Griffith Observatory and its exhibitions + tours.

I highly recommend staying until it gets dark. You really don’t want to miss one of the most stunning sunsets!

The Griffith Observatory is free to the public and is open from Tuesday to Sunday (Closed Monday). The grounds, terraces, and sidewalks are generally open every day. 

Pro Tip: Try to avoid reaching by your own car here as it’s a congested area and you may get stuck in the traffic! I recommend reaching here via Bus or by taxi.DASH Observatory/Los Feliz public bus service from the Vermont/Sunset Metro Red Line station to the Observatory every 20-25 minutes.

Day 2 of 5 Days Los Angeles Itinerary: See the Expensive Side of LA

Beverly Hills, Melrose Avenue, The Grove, and LACMA: Best of 5 Days in LA

On the second day of your 5-day Los Angeles Itinerary, visit the expensive area of LA- Beverly Hill!

Beverly Hills

Known for being home to many Hollywood stars and wealthy individuals, Beverly Hills is a very well-known area of LA. It is famous for its luxurious lifestyle, high-end shopping, and beautiful homes.

If you want to see the original celebrity homes, book this Los Angeles Original Celebrity Homes Tour which gives a glimpse at the exclusive lifestyles of major Hollywood stars all from the comfort of the seat!

Let’s explore some famous places in Beverly Hills.

Beverly Hills Sign

One of the most popular sightseeing attractions in Los Angeles “Beverly Hills Sign” is located in Beverly Hills Garden Park. There is a small Pond in front of it and it looks beautiful in all seasons!

Make sure to get a Photo here as evidence that you’ve visited the area on your LA trip!

Rodeo Drive: Luxurious Place to visit on your 5-day trip to LA

As you walk a few steps along Beverly Gardens Park on the left, you’ll reach to famous Rodeo Drive. Again turn left and you’ll reach the entrance of the most expensive and famous shopping street in Los Angeles. It attracts visitors from all over the globe!

The street is lined with designer stores such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Prada, as well as upscale department stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Just wander along, and admire the unaffordable goods in all the shop windows !!

In addition to shopping, Rodeo Drive is also home to several fine dining restaurants and cafes, as well as luxury hotels like The Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel, which was made famous by the movie “Pretty Woman.”

I loved the Rodeo Dive for its beautiful architecture and landscaping, with many of the buildings featuring elegant facades, palm trees, and beautiful flower arrangements.

I visited it during the Christmas and the steps at Rodeo Drive were decorated beautifully!

Even though you aren’t into shopping, I highly recommend taking a walk in the area to admire the beautiful surrounding!

The Beverly Hills Hotel
After visiting Rodeo Drive, make your way to the famous “Pink Palace”, The Beverly Hills Hotel. As you walk from the rodeo drive to Beverly Hills Hotel, you’ll come across so many impressive villas – one bigger and more beautiful than the other one.

The Beverly Hills Hotel is a 5-star hotel that opened in 1912 and has since become an iconic symbol of Beverly Hills and Hollywood glamour. It has hosted many famous guests over the years, including celebrities, politicians, and royalty.

The hotel’s signature pink and green decor, palm trees, and bungalows have become a symbol of the hotel’s luxury and elegance. While you’re in the area, you can spot some familiar celebrities entering the “Pink Palace” at Sunset Boulevard.

Overall, Beverly Hills is a popular destination in Los Angeles if you looking for a taste of the high life and a chance to experience some of the glamour and luxury that the city has to offer.

After visiting Beverly Hills, make your way to Melrose Avenue.

Melrose Avenue

Melrose Avenue is one of LA’s most famous streets where you can find unique vintage shops, trendy boutiques, upscale restaurants, and some awesome wall paintings.

I recommend taking your time to admire the atmosphere around this area. Mostly, Melrose Avenue is known for its street art and murals, with many buildings featuring colorful and creative artwork. This is why, it’s a popular destination for street art enthusiasts and Instagrammers !!

Whether it is fashion, art, or food, you’re looking to shop, dine, or simply admire the creative atmosphere, Melrose Avenue is a must-visit destination in Los Angeles.

The Grove & Farmers Market

One place I recommend visiting in LA is the Grove, in fact, it’s the most visited famous place in LA. Though it’s a mall, it’s emblematic of what Los Angeles is all about with a little extra flavor and the history of LA!

The Grove has beautiful landscaping including a central park area surrounded by shops and restaurants, as well as several other outdoor areas with trees, flowers, and water features. You can check out the places to eat at the Grove.

I suggest arriving early and checking out the nearby Famer’s market as well. You’ll get all the flavors of LA here!

LACMA: Best Place to Include during 5 Days Trip to LA

The last stop your day is LACMA- Los Angeles County Museum of Art. This art museum is the largest of its kind in the western part of the US and features more than 150,000 works spanning from ancient times to contemporary art.

LACMA’s collection includes a wide variety of art, including American art, Asian art, Latin American art, Islamic art, and European paintings and sculptures. Some of the most well-known pieces in LACMA’s collection include works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Diego Rivera.

The museum’s campus spans over 20 acres and includes several buildings, outdoor sculpture gardens, and even a film and television museum.

In front of the Museum, you’ll find a famous permanent art installation called “Urban Lights” created by artist Chris Burden.

A total of 202 vintage street lamps of different styles have been restored and mounted on concrete bases, arranged in a grid pattern on a plaza in front of the museum.

These lamps are painted a uniform gray and are wired to light up at night, creating a dramatic and memorable visual display.

This is an awesome photo opportunity during the day as well as in the evening when they’re turned on. Don’t miss this artwork for Photography and social media posts on your 5-day trip to Los Angeles.

Day 3 of 5 Days LA Itinerary: Choose Your Own Adventure

On Day 3 of your 5-day Los Angeles Itinerary, choose any theme Park of your choice to have a fun-filled time in LA. As I already visited Disneyworld in Orlando, I chose Universal Studios LA for a full-day adventure.

Universal Studios

As of Spring 2024, ticket costs vary by day and season. But a 1-day general admission ticket starts at $109. I highly recommend purchasing (and printing) your tickets before visiting the park!

Book your Universal Studios Hollywood Ticket Online now!

When you purchase a 1 day Universal Studios Hollywood ticket online, you have to choose the date you want to visit and that will determine your ticket price.

You can reach Universal Studios by Car or Public Transportation. We didn’t have a car in LA so we reached via Bus. The bus will drop you on the road, and from here take a small walk that will lead to the parking garage. Then take the lift to reach the main entrance of the studio.

There are two lots in Universal Studio LA: Upper Lot and Lower Lot.

Here is my best Universal Studio Tip: Try to cover the Upper Lot first and then take the elevator down to the Lower Lot. This way you’ll not waste time in commute. In the last take the studio tour!

I can’t stress enough the importance of getting to the park at, or as close as possible to, the opening! We did so to utilize most of our time at Universal Studios!!

There will be so many display boards about the rides so, decide which you want to cover and plan accordingly!!

Travel Tip: The Wizarding World is – by far – Universal’s most crowded area in the Park, so it is essential that you arrive early and hit the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey followed by Flight of the Hippogriff first when the Park opens!

Day 4 of 5 Days LA Itinerary: Downtown LA

On day 4 of your 5-day Los Angeles Itinerary, visit the most exotic part of the city- Downtown.

Downtown Los Angeles(Known as DTLA), is the central business district of LA but not many people opt to visit it due to its homeless people scene!

But it’s totally safe to visit and there are really awesome and fun activities you shouldn’t miss in downtown LA. It has a variety of cultural, commercial, and entertainment attractions, including museums, art galleries, theaters, and restaurants.

Book this Downtown Los Angeles Walking Tour to learn about downtown’s history and culture!

Some of the most popular attractions in downtown LA include:

  • The Broad Museum: A contemporary art museum featuring works by artists such as Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, and Takashi Murakami.
  • The Walt Disney Concert Hall: A concert hall with twisted architecture designed by architect Frank Gehry that is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
  • The Grand Central Market: An indoor food market that offers a variety of international cuisine, including tacos, falafel, and ramen.
  • The Staples Center: An indoor arena that hosts concerts, sporting events, and other live performances.
  • The Los Angeles Convention Center: A large convention and exhibition space that hosts events such as the LA Auto Show and E3.
  • The Grammy Museum: This interactive museum explores the history and culture of music. Exhibits feature artifacts from some of the world’s most famous musicians, including Beyoncé and Michael Jackson.

Bradbury Building

I love the architecture and one of the top things to do in downtown LA is to visit the Bradbury Building. Just Walk through the archway entrance of this otherwise nondescript brick building and you’re greeted with a stunning, light-flooded alley of wood, iron, and brick. 

If you are a history buff like me, you’ll appreciate its place as Downtown’s oldest commercial building, and movie buffs will recognize the zigzagging staircases from the climax of Blade Runner. You can take a self-guided tour of the building’s main floor.

Visit The Union Station

Though getting around the United States via train isn’t popular, visiting the old-fashioned Union Station is one the famous things to do in the Los Angeles itinerary.

Union Station’s Mission-style exterior opens up into a grand waiting area with marble tiles, faux-wood beamed ceilings and Art Deco touches! Its grandeur is just a treat to the eyes!

Ride the Los Angeles Funicular

Known as Angels Flight, which you may recognize from La La Land movie is literally the little funicular that takes passengers up Bunker Hill over a century after its initial opening! This historic funicular railway is a unique way to explore the city and offers amazing views.

You can board Angels Flight from either Hill Street or Olive Street, and you can use your TAP Card for the tickets.

Visit the Last Bookstore

This sprawling bookstore is a bibliophile’s dream come true. It features a labyrinthine layout, unique book sculptures, and a wide selection of new and used books.

The Museum of Contemporary Art

This museum features works by some of the world’s most famous contemporary artists, including Mark Rothko and Jasper Johns. You can also enjoy the museum’s beautiful sculpture garden.

On the second Thursday of every month, galleries in Downtown LA open their doors to the public for a free art walk. You can explore galleries, meet artists, and enjoy live music and entertainment.

With so many galleries, museums, and public art installations, there is always something to explore in downtown LA and you can easily spend a whole day from your Los Angeles itinerary.

Day 5 of 5 Days LA Itinerary: Visit the Beaches

Getty Center, Venice Beach & Santa Monica: Best Places to Visit in LA in 5 Days

On the last day of your 5-day Los Angeles itinerary, reserve it for the beach and explore the coolest and best neighborhoods of LA- Santa Monica and Venice Beach! But before that, visit one of the best museums in Los Angeles!

The Getty Center

The Getty Center is known for its distinctive architecture, designed by architect Richard Meier and featuring modernist buildings, gardens, and courtyards set on a hilltop overlooking Los Angeles.

The Museum houses an extensive collection of art, including European paintings, drawings, sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and photography. It also has collections of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities, as well as European and American photographs.

Admission to the Getty Center is free, although parking fees do apply. You can access the museum and its collections through a tram ride from the parking area up to the hilltop campus.

After visiting the Getty Center, head to Venice Beach– the most famous and popular place to visit in LA.

Pro Tip: The best way to get around the Venice area is to rent a bike from one of the rental stations near the pier. Then follow the cycle path along the beach until you reach the popular Venice Skatepark where you can park your bike and can walk to the Venice Canals.

Book your Santa Monica and Venice eBike Tour Here in advance!

If you reach here by your own car, there are so many paid parking lots available at the beach!

Venice Beach

As you arrive in the Venice area, it feels totally different part of Los Angeles! I had seen everyone was super chilled and it almost seemed life happens slower than everywhere else in the city. The atmosphere was so relaxing here.

We took a casual walk through the area and explored its iconic landmarks. The town itself is very colorful and artistry!

Start your walk with the Venice Beach Boardwalk. It’s a great place to people-watch, shop for souvenirs, and take in the street performers and artists.

After that visit, the Venice Skatepark where you can see both, beginners and professionals, do some laps on their skateboards. It’s really fun to watch all the different tricks they perform!

Then continue your way to the central part of the town where you can find the iconic Venice Sign. It’s a great photo opportunity for your gram!

Tip: It’s very tricky to get a click with the sign, so when the walking sign is on, you’ll get a few seconds to get the Photo without many people!!

Next head to the most popular place in LA – Venice Canals. They are beautiful, man-made canals off 25th Street that resemble the canals of Venice, Italy! It’s not a very busy place and probably not easy to spot, but try to locate it via GPS when you walk around the area! The views are spectacular from the Venice Canal!

Along the canals, you can find gorgeous houses, easily walkable sidewalks, and many connecting bridges. It’s truly peaceful and perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Also, while you’re strolling around, check the Street art. Venice is known for its street art, and you can see some impressive murals and graffiti around the neighborhood!

In the end, made your way to Abbot Kinley Boulevard. This trendy street offers boutique shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants, and is a great place to spend an afternoon. There is always something going on here, so watch it and enjoy the eccentric atmosphere!

By the time you explore Venice, it must be evening, so head to Santa Monica! Take a bicycle path and reach Santa Monica.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica lies right at the pacific ocean and is famous for the iconic Santa Monica Pier with the Pacific Park amusement park. If you’re brave enough, ride the rollercoaster or enjoy the breathtaking view from the Ferris wheel !!

You’ll not get bored at the Pier at all because it features a historic carousel, and restaurants, and offers beautiful views of the ocean.

End your last day by watching the Sunset at Santa Monica Beach. There is no better way to end your 5 day Los Angeles itinerary than this!!

So walk down to the beach, sit down, and watch the sun disappear behind the horizon of the Pacific Ocean. The colors of sunset at Santa Monica beach remain always colorful throughout the year!!

Where To Stay In Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a sprawling city with many different neighborhoods, so where you should stay really depends on what you want to do and see along with your budget! A few of the different areas to stay for 5 days in Los Angeles:

  • Hollywood
  • Beverly Hills
  • Downtown LA
  • Santa Monica
  • Universal City

If you are visiting Los Angeles for 4-5 days, I recommend diving your stay between different areas of LA. This way, you can reduce your time commuting around different areas!

From Day-1 to Day-3 in this itinerary, you can stay in the Hollywood area to cover the east side of LA and Universal Studios.

For Day 4 and Day 5, I suggest staying near Santa Monica or Venice Beach because you can easily commute Downtown from anywhere! Also, it’s near to LAX airport when you fly back home on the last day! This way you can maximize most of your time exploring LA in 5 Days!

Here is my pick for hotels to stay in during your 5-day Los Angeles Itinerary:

Luxury :

Mid Range & Budget:

If you are looking for Rental apartments, check it out on VRBO.

Some FAQs related to your 5-day Los Angeles Itinerary

Is LA Worth Visiting?

Yes, Los Angeles is definitely worth visiting! It has everything you can ask for! From iconic attractions like Hollywood, famous art galleries, Museums, Theme Parks, beaches, diverse food scenes, and so many outdoor activities.

It has everything for everyone to enjoy.! Whether you are visiting Los Angeles for a weekend trip or spending 3-5 days, it’s totally worth your time!

Is Los Angeles Safe for Tourists?

Like any large city in the United States, Los Angeles has some areas that may be less safe than others, but overall, LA is generally safe for tourists as long as basic safety precautions are taken.

Always be aware of your surroundings and Keep your belongings safe. If possible avoid walking alone at night and avoid staying in areas with high crime rates!

However, it’s always a good idea to keep updating yourself on any safety concerns or updates during your stay.

Is 5 Days Enough to Visit Los Angeles?

I believe I have shared the best of 5 days in the Los Angeles Itinerary and 5 days is enough time to explore this sprawling city of California. If you venture out more for the beaches along the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll need more time. But Overall, 5 days is the perfect amount of time to visit Los Angeles.

5 days Los Angeles Itinerary

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