Perfect Itinerary for a 2-Day Trip to Los Angeles
Looking for a perfect 2 day itinerary for Los Angeles? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
My daughter and I love traveling and exploring together, and we put together an unforgettable 2 Day Itinerary Los Angeles packed with fun and memories for both adults and teens. We had a great time, and so will you!
So if you’re ready to create your own incredible family-friendly getaway in sunny LA, grab a pen and start jotting down these must-dos—you won’t believe how much you can pack into just 2 days in Los Angeles!
Short on time? Check out my top tips for how to spend 2 days in Los Angeles:
- The Warner Brothers Studio tour is a must. You not only get to see behind the scenes of Hollywood, you may get to meet an actual celebrity (like we did!).
- Santa Monica Pier, for the beach and all the fun of the boardwalk.
- Griffith Observatory or the Hollywood Bowl Overlook for some of the most incredible views of the city.
Of course, LA has enough to keep you busy for weeks. But if you’re short on time, two days will let you hit the highlights, get a real feel for the city, and leave you wanting to come back for more.
The iconic landmarks alone make the trip worth it. But L.A. is so much more. The weather, the vibes and laidback atmosphere, the celebrity sightings. It really does make for an epic trip!
2 Day Itinerary Los Angeles
Day 1: Studio Tours ~ Walk of Fame ~ Celebrity Homes ~ Pier/Beach
Warner Brothers Studio Tour
Address: 3400 Warner Blvd., Burbank CA 91505
Parking and Arrival Information
Our first day in L.A., we started with the Warner Brothers Studio Tour.
It was the one thing that was universally recommended to us by everyone we told about our whirlwind L.A. adventure.
And it did not disappoint! I do think that this guided tour was absolutely one of the best things we did during our two days in Los Angeles.
Warner Brothers Studio Hollywood is famous for filming some of the most popular TV shows and movies. We got to see – and sometimes interact with – the sets from shows like Abbott Elementary, Friends, The Big Bang Theory, Gilmore Girls, Pretty Little Liars, and movies like Ant-Man and the Wasp, Harry Potter, Blade Runner, and Casablanca. And so many more!
We also got to try working with a green screen, we learned how the sound is added into films in post-production, and my daughter got to go into Harry’s room under the stairs at 4 Privet Drive.
While there are several tour options to choose from, because we had a lot to fit in that day, we got there early and did the ‘standard tour’, which was about 3 hours long, compared to some other tours which could go up to 6 hours.
The good news is that no matter which tour you select, you’ll be able to enjoy photo ops on Sheldon’s spot from “The Big Bang Theory”, sit on the “Friends” couch at their beloved Central Perk, turn yourself into a wizard from Harry Potter’s Wizarding World, and browse exclusive show merchandise at the gift shop.
Finally, as an extra-special bonus, my daughter also had a chance meeting with Iain Armitage of the show Young Sheldon! He was at the studio filming an episode of the show.
But even without that awesome celebrity sighting, we would still say that WB Studios is a great way to be introduced to all of the Hollywood glamour that we usually only get to see on screen.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City
Another option – especially if you’re traveling with anyone Harry Potter (and/or theme park!)-obsessed— is a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Pro tip: if your budget permits, consider the Universal Express or VIP Experience ticket options. As you can imagine, Universal Studios is beyond popular! And there aren’t very many times throughout the year when you won’t be waiting in long lines to check out the rides. The enhanced ticket options offer you express access to the rides, cutting your wait times down to a fraction of the time. Since you only have two days in Los Angeles, it might be worth it for you to splurge a little so you don’t spend your entire day in one park. There’s a lot more to see!
Universal Studios Hollywood is a dream come true for thrill-seekers and movie lovers! With themed lands like Springfield and Minion Land, it’s easy to lose yourself in these fantastical worlds. And the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, of course! From practicing spells at Ollivander’s to soaring on the Flight of the Hippogriff, you can be fully immersed in the magic. And don’t forget the Butterbeer!
If you have any gamers in the family, they’ll go crazy for the interactive attractions at Super Nintendo World, especially the epic Mario Kart race! This world is pure, vibrant fun, and perfect for letting loose.
With all the amazing attractions, from Jurassic World to Transformers, you could easily spend the whole day exploring. But trust me, there’s more to LA than just the theme parks, so let’s get ready for the next stop in our adventure!
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Address: Hollywood Boulevard, Vine Street
After the excitement of Warner Brothers Studios, we wanted a change of pace while still soaking up those chill LA vibes. We headed over to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, another absolute must-do on any 2 Day Itinerary – Los Angeles.
I know, I know, it’s touristy, but sometimes you just have to embrace those classic moments, right? My daughter and I had a blast strolling the boulevard, trying to spot all her favorite stars, and giggling about some of the more…unusual…choices. The Walk of Fame is such a snapshot of some of the biggest names in pop culture throughout the years.
We took our time, snapping pictures with the ‘stars’—including Cate Blanchett’s and Sylvester Stallone’s! Honestly, it ended up being way more fun than we even anticipated!
Pro Tip: If there is a particular star that you absolutely ‘must see’, then go to the Hollywood Walk of Fame website to use the map to find the exact location. Because the Walk is long, there is only a slight chance that you’re going to stumble on your favorite celebrity’s star by accident. You could spend the whole day looking!
The amount of time you spend on the Hollywood Walk of Fame depends on your pace and how many stars you want to see. While we didn’t have time to fit it all in, there are always those classic Hollywood attractions nearby, like the TCL Chinese Theatre or Madame Tussauds, perfect if you want to dive even deeper into the world of celebrity.
Celebrity Homes Tour
From where we were on The Hollywood Walk of Fame, it was an easy decision to get on a celebrity homes tour of the Hollywood Hills.
We chose the Hollywood Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes Tour by Open Bus Tours. But there were a lot of vendors to choose from that day, and all were pretty easy to book on the spot.
Author’s Note: The tours are rain or shine and that adage ‘it never rains in Southern California’ isn’t always true! Turns out, it can rain quite a lot! Imagine being in an open bus tour and it starts to rain. A lot. And the top of the bus can’t close! We took it in our stride and it did stop raining, eventually – about 60 minutes into the tour. But be prepared and consider the weather. We had the benefit of having ponchos, and a few folks had umbrellas (that they opened up on the bus!). But many people just got soaked. If the weather is looking iffy, see if you can find a closed bus option. Not as easy as it sounds in that area.
Despite the downpour, the tour was worth it. We got to see the famous Beverly Hills sign, Rodeo Drive, and the Hollywood Sign. And of course, we were also shown the homes of many celebrities, including Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino, Noah Beck, and Ariana Grande (former home). Plus many more.
Our tour guide was super knowledgeable, and it was interesting to hear that sometimes the celebrities will even engage with the tour guests if they happen to be outside when the bus passes. That didn’t happen for us – no surprise given that it was raining for most of our tour, so no one was outside. But maybe you’ll have better luck!
Santa Monica Pier
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
After the celebrity homes tour, and because it had stopped raining, we decided to shift gears completely and head over to catch that famous California sunset at the legendary Santa Monica Pier. This place is a popular spot and easy to add into your 2-day Los Angeles itinerary.
The second we stepped foot on the pier, it felt like we’d entered a whole different world. The air buzzed with laughter, the smell of popcorn and cotton candy filled the air, and those bright amusement park lights sparkled against the darkening sky. We went full-on tourists, riding the Ferris wheel for epic views of the coastline and trying our luck at some classic carnival games. We saw – but did not try – the historic steel roller coaster
Of course, no trip to the pier is complete without indulging in some good food! We devoured fresh fish tacos, shared a giant funnel cake, and watched the sun dip below the horizon with ice cream in hand. It was absolute perfection!
To be completely transparent, we weren’t so impressed by the Santa Monica beach itself. We are beach lovers and have seen plenty of better beaches, so we weren’t exactly compelled to walk along the sand or dip our toes in the water. But on the whole, the Santa Monica pier experience was worth the trip.
Venice Beach
Address: 1800 Ocean Front Walk Venice
And finally, because we were so close, and it was an easy 10-minute drive away, we decided to quickly swing by Venice Beach, another super popular spot in the area.
This place has a whole different vibe—artsy, offbeat, street performers, and totally unforgettable. It was the perfect way to cap off our amazing day!
We loved just walking along the boardwalk, checking out the shops, and soaking up the energy. It was this awesome mix of relaxed and exciting. Venice Beach was the ideal ending to a jam-packed day. We headed back to the hotel totally worn out, but buzzing with happy memories.
Note: We planned to cap off our first day in Los Angeles at a restaurant a friend had recommended, called Yamashiro Hollywood. It is a Japanese fusion restaurant that is noted to have both excellent food and stunning views. We were excited to try it out!
But we wore ourselves out with activities on Day 1, and ended up back in our hotel enjoying a lovely (but lowkey) dinner onsite.
And though we were happy with our day as a whole, we did wish we could’ve taken in those great views we were told about.
If a nice dinner out is part of what will make your experience special (which it often is for us), then factor that in so you aren’t as worn out as we were by the end of the first day!
Day 2: Grove Mall ~ The Getty Center ~ LACMA ~ Griffith Observatory ~ Hollywood Bowl
The Grove Mall
After a very restful night, we were ready to hit the ground running on Day 2 of our Los Angeles itinerary.
We started off the day early by looking for a quick bite at one of the area’s many coffee shops. Then we headed off to The Grove Mall.
Now, I’m not much of a shopper generally. And I definitely don’t feel a need to go shopping while on vacation – especially in the U.S., since I doubt there’s much difference between what I’ll find in another state and what’s available in my home state of Pennsylvania. (But, again, that’s a non-shopper’s viewpoint.)
My daughter, however, IS a shopper, and for her, that is part of the travel experience. And I know that’s the case for many people.
The Grove Mall is one of the places she’d heard about many times from some of her favorite YouTubers, so she really wanted to see it for herself.
And I must say that it really was a beautiful mall. It’s a well-laid-out open-air mall, with many high-end shops to choose from. A shopper’s dream.
Mostly I tagged along with the credit card. But a nice surprise for me was the Original Farmers Market, which is on the site of the Grove Mall.
Because the mall wasn’t initially on our radar, I didn’t do any research about it. So stumbling upon this historic L.A. landmark was a lot of fun. This farmers market opened in 1934 and has since become a historic landmark and a popular destination for locals and tourists. It features numerous stalls selling fresh produce, meats, seafood, baked goods, and a variety of prepared foods from around the world.
We had a great time exploring the market and feeling like part of history.
After the mall, we decided to take a quick detour to Erewhon, a chain of organic supermarkets in California, where they sell, among other things, smoothies inspired by famous online influencers.
Again, this was something my teenage daughter wanted to do, and I was happy to oblige! All of that up-front compromise meant that I could see all the museums and historical sites I wanted later in the day without any grumbling! 😉
The Getty Center
Address: 1200 Getty Center Drive
After the Mall and the Original Farmer’s Market, we headed over to the famous Getty Center (or just “The Getty” as everyone calls it, though the real name is the J. Paul Getty Museum). This place is special for so many reasons. For one, it’s completely free entry to get in (though you do need to reserve a time slot ahead of time). And don’t forget—it’s closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
The Getty isn’t just about the amazing art inside—though I’ll get to that in a second! Getting there is half the fun—you ride a tram up the hill and the whole city spreads out below. The museum itself is stunning. It’s all these white buildings that gleam in the sunshine, surrounded by beautiful gardens.
We wandered through galleries filled with incredible paintings and sculptures; each room more awe-inspiring than the last. But even if you’re not an art expert, the Getty’s gardens are reason enough to visit. With manicured lawns, fountains, and those city views—it’s simply breathtaking. We even grabbed a snack at the coffee kiosk and relaxed in the courtyard, soaking in the sunshine and the stunning architecture.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Address: 5905 Wilshire Boulevard
Next, we hopped in the car and made our way to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).
LACMA surprised us! Even my teen, who sometimes needs a bit of convincing when it comes to museums, was captivated by some of the contemporary installations! Their vast collection spans centuries and cultures—we saw everything from ancient sculptures to modern pop art.
Of course, LACMA wouldn’t be complete without its special events and exhibits. It’s always worth checking their website to see what’s on!
Even if you’re not an art expert, the museum offers guided tours and family-friendly activities, making it accessible and fun for all ages.
Plus, don’t miss snapping a pic with the iconic Urban Lights installation outside—it’s totally Instagram-worthy! If that’s your thing.
Griffith Observatory
Address: 2800 E Observatory Road
Finally, we headed over to the Griffith Observatory in time for the ‘golden hour’. Perched on Mount Hollywood’s south-facing slope, this landmark offers breathtaking views of downtown Los Angeles, the sparkling Pacific Ocean, and other parts of the sprawling Los Angeles Basin.
I’d heard great things about this place, but it honestly exceeded all expectations. Not only do you get a panoramic view of the city, but you can also see the Hollywood sign up close and personal. My selfie-loving daughter was obsessed with getting the perfect Hollywood sign shot.
But the Griffith Observatory isn’t just about the views (though they’re incredible!). We also explored the exhibits about space and science. They have telescopes to peek through, a planetarium with awesome shows, and even this giant Tesla coil that creates indoor lightning!
Pro tip: Try to get there early, especially on weekends, as it gets super busy. Griffith Observatory is open at 12 pm on weekdays and 10 am on weekends. Admission to the building and grounds is free, which makes it even better.
As the stars started to come out and the city lights twinkled below, we were both tired but oh-so-happy. We missed the incredible views the prior night due to exhaustion, but we more than made up for it with the views from the Griffith Observatory.
Hollywood Bowl Overlook
Address: 2301 N Highland Avenue
An alternate option is to end your Los Angeles visit at the Hollywood Bowl Overlook. It’s perched on Mulholland Drive, and the views are insane. It’s another area where you can see the whole city spread out below, and the Hollywood Bowl itself looks like something out of a movie.
Even without tickets to a concert (which, by the way, you should try to get if you can!), the Overlook sounds amazing. With the sunset painting the sky and the Bowl down below lit up against the twilight, it seems like another perfect way to end the trip.
We ended our 2 day itinerary – Los Angeles at In-N-Out Burger. And I have to admit, this was not just to appease my daughter. We’d both heard about these incredible burgers that we can only get on the West Coast. And we both wanted to try out the ‘secret’ menu we’d found online.
And we made the right choice! The double-double monster style is my new favorite fast-food burger. So it’s a good thing I don’t have regular access to them!
Where to Stay in Los Angeles for First Timers
Picking the perfect place to stay in LA can be tricky, especially if it’s your first visit. Also, keep in mind that there’s no single neighborhood where everything will be super close. No matter where you end up, a little driving will likely be involved. With that said, a couple of good areas for first-timers are:
Downtown LA or West Hollywood
If you’re down for a splurge on your “2 Day Itinerary Los Angeles” and want that classic LA experience, then Downtown LA or West Hollywood are awesome choices. Here are a few super cool hotels to check out, in case you need some ideas:
STILE Downtown Los Angeles by Kasa
Santa Monica or Venice Beach
But maybe you’re craving some chill beach time instead? I totally get it! If that’s the case, then staying closer to the coast in Santa Monica or Venice Beach is the way to go.
That’s what we did. We stayed at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel. And it was incredible. From the food to the service to the incredible room with ever amenity you can think of (and some that wouldn’t have crossed your mind – this has become my favorite U.S. hotel so far!
Admittedly, there are other Santa Monica hotels closer to the beach and the Pier than the Proper. But we didn’t miss it. Between driving a rental car (the Enterprise is literally walking distance from the hotel) and taking Ubers, we had no trouble at all getting wherever we wanted to go.
Here are some other hotels in those areas that might be a good fit:
HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel
Tips for Visiting Los Angeles
Plan Your Airport (LAX) Arrival
Unless you’re planning to rent a car right away, booking an airport pick-up is a lifesaver.
Consider Renting a Car
LA is a sprawling city, and while public transportation has improved, it’s still not the most convenient for sightseeing. Renting a car gives you the most freedom and flexibility to zip around and maximize your “2 Day Itinerary Los Angeles.” Sure, public transport, taxis, and ride-shares exist, but a car is best if you want to cover a lot of ground.
If you do end up renting a car, don’t forget to bring a credit card (not just a debit card). Probably it goes without saying, but I forgot to travel with a credit card, and they gave me a reaallly hard time. Luckily they gave me a break and let me rent with my debit card, but I’m sure not everyone will be so accommodating.
Also, if you do rent a car, then I suggest finding a way to build a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway into your itinerary. It’s an incredibly stunning view and worth the mileage – as long as you are brave enough to enduring riding cliffside without railings for parts of the drive.
No Car? No Problem!
If driving isn’t your thing, there are plenty of organized tours that will show you all the highlights of LA. It might not be quite as flexible, but it takes the planning stress out of your trip!
Know the Opening Times
Some attractions in LA, like the Getty Center and Griffith Observatory, are closed on Mondays. The Getty Villa is closed on Tuesdays. Generally, the latter half of the week (Wednesday–Sunday) is the best time to visit these sights. Do a quick web search or check the official website of any attraction on your list before you go to avoid disappointment and make the most of your time in LA!
Parking in Los Angeles
First off, parking in Los Angeles can be expensive, especially downtown. Most lots charge by the hour, with a maximum for the day. There’s also flat-rate parking, where you pay one price no matter how long you stay.
The dream scenario is finding street parking, which can be free or metered. But let me tell you, those spots are like gold nuggets—everyone wants them! If you do snag one, be sure to read the signs carefully. Street parking often has time limits and might not be available during street cleaning.
The good news is that some attractions have their own parking lots that you can use for an extra fee.
Things to know before going to Los Angeles
L.A. is BIG.
Okay, here’s the thing about L.A.—it’s HUGE. Like, seriously big. So if you’re picturing a quick hop between the beach and the Hollywood sign, think again! That’s why it’s important to look at a map ahead of time and plan out what you really want to see on your 2 Day Itinerary Los Angeles. Otherwise, you could spend way too much time in the car.
Public transportation isn’t the best.
Speaking of cars, LA isn’t big on public transportation like some cities. Depending on your plans, renting a car might be a good idea, but be warned—traffic can get crazy! Whichever mode of transportation you choose make sure you leave enough time to account for the traffic.
The weather is pretty great, but…
It’s usually sunny and warm, but nights can get chilly and there are occasional rainy days – like the first day we were there. Bring some layers so you’re ready for anything!
Reservations are your friend.
L.A. has amazing restaurants, but popular spots fill up fast. If you’ve got your heart set on a place, try to book a week or two in advance.
A note about homelessness.
One last thing: sadly, homelessness is a big problem in Los Angeles, especially in the downtown area. It can be a difficult thing to see, especially if you have kids. So, it’s best to have a conversation about it before your trip. This way, you can approach the situation with understanding and kindness.
FAQs Related to spending 2 days in Los Angeles
Is 2 days in Los Angeles enough?
Two days is definitely enough to get a taste of what makes LA so special! You can hit a bunch of the prime spots, like those we covered in our 2 Day Itinerary. Sure, you could easily spend weeks exploring this city, but a short and sweet trip can be incredibly memorable, especially with a bit of planning.
Is Los Angeles still worth visiting?
Heck yeah! As someone who loved revisiting LA – this time with my daughter – I’d say it’s absolutely worth it. Of course, there’s always that glitzy Hollywood side to the city, but there are also incredible museums, beautiful beaches, diverse neighborhoods, and delicious food from all over the world. Plus, the weather is almost always perfect! Just remember, safety comes first. Do your research and stick to the well-populated areas, especially if you’re traveling solo or after dark.
Can you walk around Los Angeles?
Some spots in LA are perfect for strolling, like the Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach Boardwalk, and even parts of Hollywood. But, remember, LA is huge and spread out! Most of the attractions aren’t close enough to walk between, so having a car or using a ride-share service will be your best bet to get around quickly.
Is there good public transport in Los Angeles?
Yes and no! LA does have a public transport system with buses, trains, and subways that cover a wide area. It’s a good option if you’re staying within specific neighborhoods and don’t mind transfers. But, with a city this big, getting to some of the big attractions by public transport can take a while. If you want maximum flexibility, renting a car or using ride-share services might be faster for your your 2 Day Los Angeles itinerary.
Are there free attractions in Los Angeles?
Absolutely! Budget-friendly fun is totally possible in LA. Some of our trip’s highlights were completely free, like exploring the Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park, The Getty Center, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Pier and Beach, Hollywood Bowl, and Venice Beach.
2 Day Los Angeles Itinerary Wrap-Up!
I hope our two-day Los Angeles itinerary sparks some ideas for your own amazing trip. Whether you follow in our footsteps exactly or mix and match to create your own unique experience, I know you’re going to fall in love with this city just like we did!
Interested in some other 2-Day Itineraries? Check these out:
How to Spend 2 Days in Philadelphia: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary