Los Angeles is one of the most iconic cities in the United States, and for good reason, it truly has it all. If you’re planning a trip to California and asking yourself how to make the most of 4 days in L.A., this guide is your perfect companion. We’ll walk you through the best itinerary to experience everything this megacity has to offer.
Its cultural and artistic scene is among the most important in the world. Its climate is one of the best in the Americas, and its charming nearby beaches attract thousands of visitors every day, many of whom are left in awe. On top of that, its urban core is that of a highly developed and diverse city. Like any major metropolis, L.A. is eclectic and rich in cultural and ethnic diversity.
Los Angeles: A City Full of Possibilities
No matter what kind of activity you’re into, Los Angeles is the place to be. With nearly 4 million residents, this vibrant metropolis offers something for every taste. Whether you’re looking to dive into its rich culture through museums and international neighborhoods, or experience firsthand the magic of Hollywood and the music scene on the Sunset Strip.
On top of that, L.A. offers nearby beaches, theme parks, and everything you need to fall in love with a truly great city. While it’s not perfect, like any major city, Los Angeles captures the essence and free spirit of California. It’s a place that will almost certainly leave you wanting to come back for more. Now, without further ado, let’s dive into the ultimate itinerary to answer the question: What to do in Los Angeles, California in 4 days? Let’s get started!
Day 1: Explore the city’s must-see spots
On your first day, like any good tourist, start by visiting the most iconic places in the city, the famous sites that have starred in countless movies and TV shows, and helped launch some of the most well-known artists of our time. A quick heads-up: public transportation in L.A. isn’t the most efficient, so if you want the best travel experience, we recommend renting a car. It’ll save you time, money, and give you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace.
Hollywood: A must-see during your 4 days in Los Angeles
Who hasn’t heard of this world-famous name? The neighborhood of Hollywood is, without exaggeration, one of the most iconic in the world. Founded in the early 20th century, it quickly became the heart of the American film industry thanks to its ideal climate and strategic location.
Thousands of actors and actresses have moved here chasing their big break, and many went on to become true cinema legends. As you stroll through its streets, don’t be surprised if you spot a dazzling celebrity or someone from the entertainment world. It’s a must-visit! Collect memories as timeless as a great film!
Sunset Strip: A perfect stop on a 4-day Los Angeles itinerary
Located on the west side of Los Angeles, the Sunset Strip neighborhood has played a major role in shaping the city’s cultural and artistic identity, especially in music. In the early 20th century, Sunset Strip gained fame as a glamorous hub tied to the film industry. However, by the mid-1960s, the neighborhood underwent a shift and became a symbol of L.A.’s counterculture and the rise of the hippie movement.
Music had a huge impact on this area, reaching its peak in the 1980s when many bands that are now considered legends first began to emerge. Its clubs and theaters became launching pads for groups like Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, Van Halen, and Mötley Crüe.
Back in the 1960s, the legendary band The Doors also got their start on Sunset Strip. While the music scene may not be as prominent today, the neighborhood remains a must-visit for anyone exploring L.A., the iconic clubs and bars are still standing. Be sure to stop by legendary venues like The Roxy and Rainbow, where many of these bands played in the early days of their fame. So if you’re wondering what to do in Los Angeles in 4 days, visiting this historic neighborhood should definitely be on your list!
Hollywood Sign
The iconic Hollywood Sign, who doesn’t want a photo there? Without a doubt, it’s one of the most recognizable symbols of Los Angeles. Unveiled in 1923, the sign originally read “Hollywoodland.” It was intended as an advertisement to promote new housing developments being built in the hills at the time. However, over the years, it evolved into a cultural landmark, becoming a signature symbol of both Los Angeles and the world of film and television.
Over time, the sign lost the “land” portion and has remained as it is today. Stretching 107 meters long, the sign has become so iconic that it’s impossible for locals to imagine Los Angeles without it. It’s now a historic and cultural landmark. Located on Mount Lee, within Griffith Park, the Hollywood Sign can be seen from many spots throughout the city. So be sure to snap as many photos as you can!
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Every place we’ve mentioned seems more famous than the last, and that’s just how Los Angeles is! Continuing our journey, we arrive at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Created in 1958 as part of an effort to revitalize the city, the Walk of Fame honors the work and artistic legacy of celebrities across television, film, theater, music, and radio. Each honoree is given a star-shaped plaque bearing their name, which is placed along this legendary sidewalk for all to see.
The Walk of Fame had an immediate impact on L.A.’s cultural scene and has remained one of the city’s top tourist attractions to this day. Located along Hollywood Boulevard, it now features over 2,000 stars. You’re almost guaranteed to find the star of your favorite artist! The site is full of fun trivia, but the main goal for most visitors is simple: snap a photo next to the star of their favorite celebrity. The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Al Pacino, or Alfred Hitchcock? Tell us, fellow traveler, which star would you take your dream photo with?
Griffith Observatory
Located within Griffith Park, this scientific landmark has become a popular tourist destination, largely thanks to the stunning panoramic views it offers of the city. Since its construction in 1935, it has undergone several renovations and upgrades, with the most recent in 2006, which gave it the look it has today.
One of our top suggestions for visiting this spot is to go in the late afternoon, so you can take in the sunset with the city of Los Angeles as your backdrop. Trust us, it’s a breathtaking experience! However, if you’re a science enthusiast and want to enjoy the exhibits inside, make sure to go earlier in the day. The observatory offers fascinating insights into the cosmos and the latest developments from NASA. Plus, the sweeping panoramic views are unforgettable, you’ll truly feel like the entire city is at your feet!
We’ve wrapped up our first day in Los Angeles. It might seem like we’ve suggested a lot for just one day, but one of the great things about L.A. is that many of these spots are located close to each other. So, if you manage your time well, you’ll be able to see them all without a hitch. Now, let’s move on to Day 2!
Day 2: Explore the cultural diversity of the metropolis
On the second day of our journey, we’ll focus on the heart of the city: Downtown Los Angeles. This area is a hub of economic and urban development, filled with towering skyscrapers and vibrant neighborhoods you absolutely must explore during your adventure. As a tip, it’s best to avoid the Skid Row area, as it’s known for its high concentration of homelessness. However, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to see all sides of L.A., you can walk through it safely, just make sure to go during the day, be respectful, and you’ll be fine.
Downtown
The economic and metropolitan heart of L.A. holds hidden gems that will enrich your experience in the city. Some of the most popular spots include the Los Angeles Music Center, home to several breathtaking architectural landmarks that are sure to catch your eye, most notably, the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Just a few blocks away, you’ll find Los Angeles City Hall, another architectural icon that’s well worth a visit. Entry is completely free, and if you head up to the observation deck, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the entire city!
Chinatown
One of the best places to visit in Downtown Los Angeles is Chinatown. While most major U.S. cities have a Chinatown, L.A.’s stands out for its size and for bringing a true slice of Asia right into the heart of the city. Its streets are lined with buildings that showcase a blend of architectural styles, not just traditional Chinese elements, but also Mexican-style structures dating back to the early days of Los Angeles’ development. This unique mix makes it a fascinating neighborhood to explore,
There’s plenty to see in L.A.’s Chinatown, starting with the Chinatown Central Plaza, a space inspired by Beijing, filled with shops where you can find just about anything, plus a wide variety of Asian restaurants to satisfy any craving. Another highlight is Chung King Road, a bohemian, artsy boulevard lined with galleries and buzzing nightlife, making it a popular spot in the city to grab a drink.
One of the neighborhood’s most visited attractions is the Chinese American Museum, which offers fascinating cultural exhibits. Here, you can explore the contributions of Chinese culture to the development of the U.S. and learn about the history of Chinese immigrants in Los Angeles through photographs, documents, historical artifacts, and more.
- Address: 425 N Los Ángeles St, Los Ángeles, CA 90012
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 15:00
- Prices: Adults from $3 USD – Seniors (60+) or students from $2 USD
Little Tokyo
Just a few steps from Chinatown, you’ll find one of the most incredible spots in downtown: the Japanese neighborhood, known as Little Tokyo. Inspired by Japan’s capital, this neighborhood brings the essence of one of the world’s most unique cultures right to your fingertips. Its streets, designed with traditional Japanese architecture in mind, are home to spaces that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to the Land of the Rising Sun.
From traditional Japanese gardens, where water flows alongside stone paths and grassy spots perfect for resting or writing haikus, to unmistakable Buddhist temples where meditation nourishes both body and spirit in true samurai fashion. Just like Chinatown, Little Tokyo also features a Japanese American Museum, where you can explore and reflect on the impact of Japanese culture in the United States.
This space is much more symbolic and historic, as it addresses the events of World War II, when Japan and the United States were at war. At that time, this neighborhood in L.A. not only already existed, it was shut down during the conflict. If you’re looking for a cultural and educational experience that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into the land of Pikachu, Goku, sushi, and sake, visit Little Tokyo, you won’t regret it!
Day 3: Let the sun warm you up! Visit the most iconic beaches of the Golden State
As we mentioned at the start of this post, Los Angeles has it all! Along the famous West Coast, you’ll find several beaches that are iconic to the city. Thanks to its consistently good weather, we recommend visiting so you can enjoy some truly wonderful days. There are around 60 beaches near L.A. where you can spend the day relaxing or enjoying popular water sports. Surfing, for example, is deeply rooted in L.A.’s culture, so give it a try, even if you’re a complete beginner. Up next, we’ll highlight the two most popular beaches in this eclectic metropolis, must-visits if you’re spending 4 days in Los Angeles:
Santa Monica Beach
The favorite beach among both locals and visitors is Santa Monica Beach. Located just 20 minutes by car from L.A., this bay is a key part of California culture and an essential stop during your trip to Los Angeles. Day or night, it offers a lively atmosphere with a variety of activities for all ages and interests.
Beyond its long stretches of golden sand and the vast Pacific waters, Santa Monica Beach stands out for its iconic pier, which features an amusement park and a boardwalk lined with bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops, all blended with the beach vibe. This is the perfect setting for a beach day followed by a night full of adventure. At any hour, you’ll find hundreds of tourists strolling through the area and along the shore. So get your sunscreen, your camera, and your best outfit ready, Santa Monica Beach is waiting for you!
Venice Beach
What do Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jack Kerouac have in common? At first glance, it might seem like nothing, but in fact, both, each in their own world, were frequent visitors to Venice Beach. This is one of the most historic and eclectic beaches in all of California. In the 1960s, for example, the iconic Beat Generation, a literary movement that left a lasting legacy, took shape along this very shoreline. Many of its most influential voices, like Jack Kerouac, William Burroughs, and Allen Ginsberg, found inspiration while emptying bottles of wine on the bohemian sands of Venice Beach.
“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes ‘Awww!’”
—Jack Kerouac, On the Road
A young Arnold Schwarzenegger, newly arrived from Austria, found his home at the iconic Muscle Beach, a bodybuilding area located in Venice Beach. It was there that he developed the routine that helped sculpt his legendary physique and dominate the American bodybuilding scene for decades, long before his rise in Hollywood. This beach became so famous among athletes that it turned into a landmark for the bodybuilding world, later attracting legends like Ronnie Coleman and Dorian Yates.
After that bit of historical context about the beautiful Venice Beach, it’s worth noting that it still preserves its countercultural spirit and remains one of the most visited places in California. Like many beaches along the Golden State, its natural beauty is undeniable, but what truly sets it apart is its rich history and unique vibe. Venice is also incredibly tourist-friendly, embodying California’s core value: freedom. Have the time of your life at the beach of freedom!
Day 4: Los Angeles, a city full of art and fun
To wrap up your L.A. adventure, we suggest exploring the city’s most cultural, artistic, and entertaining side. As we’ve mentioned, Los Angeles has made historic contributions to both American and global creative culture, especially in film and music. But beyond that, the city offers an incredible artistic scene you can discover through its museums, galleries, and exhibitions.
Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles is a key center for cutting-edge art and culture in California. Located in the heart of the city, it houses over 5,000 works that trace the artistic evolution of the Golden State. Without a doubt, MOCA stands as a beacon of creativity, offering visitors an unforgettable experience where they can feel the essence of the pieces brought to life by a wide range of artists.
Here, you can admire everything from pieces by world-renowned artists like Andy Warhol to some of the most captivating works by emerging local talent. In addition to its impressive permanent collection, MOCA also features temporary exhibitions that explore timely and relevant topics such as politics, technological development, and the search for identity. Without a doubt, this is one of our top recommendations! Every corner of this incredible place tells a story worth discovering. Will you give it a chance?
Address: 250 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Prices
- Adults: from $15
- Seniors (65+): from $10
- Students: from $8
- Children under 12: free admission
Disney is also in California, discover it and let the magic in!
When people think of Disney theme parks, Orlando, Florida usually comes to mind. But did you know that the very first Disney park was built in Anaheim, just 20 minutes from Los Angeles? Now that you do, go visit! California’s Disney is just as magical as the famous Florida park, and if you’re in L.A., it’s right around the corner.
Inside this massive architectural wonder of fun, you’ll find a variety of themed areas, including a Downtown Disney district and Disney California Adventure, a park designed to showcase California’s culture through the stories and characters that have made the Disney franchise famous over the years. As for the rest of the park, we’ll let you experience it for yourself, but rest assured, you’re in for a magical adventure full of attractions, games, thrills, fun, and pure fantasy.
- Address: Anaheim, California 92802, USA.
- Prices: from $180 USD
Here’s a map to help you get to Disneyland from Los Angeles in the shortest time possible:
Frequently Asked Questions
What not to miss during a 4-day trip to Los Angeles
Here are some must-do activities for your 4-day visit to L.A.:
- Stroll through Hollywood
- Walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Visit the Griffith Observatory
- Explore downtown Los Angeles
- Spend time at Santa Monica and Venice Beach
- Be amazed by the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
Now you know exactly what not to miss during 4 days in Los Angeles!
When is the best time to travel to Los Angeles?
L.A.’s privileged climate makes it a great destination year-round. However, if you’d prefer to avoid larger tourist crowds, we recommend visiting between September and November, a perfect time to spend 4 unforgettable days in Los Angeles!
And that’s a wrap on our journey, fellow traveler! We’re confident that with this guide, your experience in Los Angeles will be absolutely amazing. . Now you know the best itinerary to enjoy the vibrant Californian metropolis. We’ve shown you what to do in Los Angeles in 4 days. Until our next adventure. Arrivederci!
