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The Ultimate 3-Day Los Angeles Itinerary | Best Things To Do in LA

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TravelTalk24 Team

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The Ultimate 3-Day Los Angeles Itinerary | Best Things To Do in LA

Los Angeles is a sprawling city packed with world-famous attractions, but it's also notorious for its heavy traffic. If you only have 3 days to explore LA, you need a smart, efficient itinerary to maximize your fun and minimize your time stuck in a car.

Based on the excellent travel guide by 'Dream Tour Videos', we have mapped out the ultimate 3-day Los Angeles itinerary. This guide groups the best things to do in LA by location, ensuring you spend your time enjoying the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios, Griffith Park, and Santa Monica, rather than sitting on the freeway.

Watch the 3 Days in LA Travel Guide

The Perfect 3-Day LA Itinerary

DayDay 1
Activities & SightseeingHollywood, Beverly Hills & Universal Studios
NotesWalk the Hollywood Walk of Fame and see the TCL Chinese Theater on foot. Stroll down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Spend the afternoon and evening at Universal Studios Hollywood.
DayDay 2
Activities & SightseeingGriffith Park & Santa Monica Pier
NotesStart early at the Griffith Observatory to beat the crowds, then visit the LA Zoo. In the afternoon, head to the coast to enjoy the rides, food, and sunset at the Santa Monica Pier.
DayDay 3
Activities & SightseeingMuseums & Aquarium of the Pacific
NotesExplore the California Science Center and the La Brea Tar Pits. Drive down to Long Beach to visit the Aquarium of the Pacific and spend the evening enjoying the Long Beach Shoreline.

Top Sights & Attractions

LocationHollywood Boulevard
HighlightsWalk of Fame & Chinese Theater
DetailsSkip the red tour buses and explore on foot. See the celebrity handprints at the TCL Chinese Theater and thousands of stars on the Walk of Fame.
LocationUniversal Studios Hollywood
HighlightsJurassic World & Super Nintendo World
DetailsA legendary theme park offering studio tours and immersive rides. The Jurassic World water ride and Mario Kart are must-dos.
LocationGriffith Observatory
HighlightsHollywood Sign Views
DetailsPerched on Mount Hollywood, this 1935 observatory offers the best panoramic views of the LA skyline and the Hollywood sign.
LocationLa Brea Tar Pits
HighlightsActive Fossil Dig
DetailsThe only active urban fossil dig in the world. Take the guided excavation tour to see bubbling pools of asphalt preserving Ice Age ecosystems.
Pro Tip: Most tourists rush to the Griffith Observatory right at 5:00 PM to watch the sunset, leading to massive crowds and terrible traffic. To beat the rush, visit the Observatory early in the morning when you start your day at Griffith Park!

Where to Eat & Relax

While exploring these iconic LA spots, keep an eye out for these recommended food stops:

  • Universal CityWalk: After Universal Studios closes, head right outside the gates to CityWalk. It's packed with great restaurants, but make a reservation in advance as it gets busy!
  • Pier Burger (Santa Monica Pier): When you get hungry exploring the beach, grab a massive burger here—try the Pier Burger topped with bacon, cheese, and a fried egg.
  • Long Beach Shoreline: A fantastic area to grab dinner by the water after visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Master the LA Traffic

Trying to navigate from Hollywood Boulevard to the Santa Monica Pier while avoiding peak rush hour can be a nightmare. Let TravelTalk24 optimize your Los Angeles itinerary so you spend less time driving and more time exploring.

Tags

Los AngelesCaliforniaHollywoodUniversal StudiosSanta MonicaGriffith ObservatoryTravel Guide

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