Planning a weekend trip to Los Angeles? Discover the ultimate 3-day LA itinerary featuring Universal Studios Hollywood, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Hollywood Boulevard, Griffith Observatory, and more!
Los Angeles is a city of glitz, beaches, and unforgettable moments—and even in just three days, you can experience a perfect mix of iconic attractions, coastal charm, and cinematic thrills. Whether it’s your first time in LA or a return visit, this itinerary hits all the must-see highlights.
What to do in LA for a Weekend
Day 1: Movie Magic at Universal Studios Hollywood
All Day: Universal Studios Hollywood
Dedicate your first day to the world of movies at Universal Studios Hollywood, one of the top attractions in LA. This theme park-meets-working-studio has something for everyone—whether you’re a thrill-seeker, film buff, or just a fan of unforgettable experiences.
Don’t Miss:
- Studio Tour – A behind-the-scenes ride through real movie sets. This was my favorite part of the entire park.
- Harry Potter World – Explore Hogwarts and sip butterbeer.
- Super Nintendo World – Jump into a real-life video game. The wait time was INSANE, so we chose to use the single rider line to speed up the time in this area.
- Rides like Jurassic World, The Mummy, and Transformers.
Dinner: After a full day, unwind at Universal CityWalk with dinner, shopping, or a sweet treat at Voodoo Doughnut.
Day 2: Beaches, Boulevards & Celebrity Sights
Morning: Santa Monica Pier
Begin the day at the historic Santa Monica Pier. Ride the Pacific Wheel, take in ocean views, and grab a beachside coffee. Walk along the sand or check out the nearby Third Street Promenade for shopping and dining.
Midday: Venice Beach
Next, head down the beach path to Venice Beach, where street performers, skateboarders, and artists fill the boardwalk with energy. Don’t miss:
- Muscle Beach
- Eclectic shops and street art
- Street vendors and great snacks
- Abbot Kinney Blvd for boutique shopping and brunch
Afternoon: Hollywood Boulevard & Celebrity Bus Tour
In the afternoon, head to Hollywood Boulevard. Snap a photo with your favorite stars on the Walk of Fame, check out the TCL Chinese Theatre, and browse souvenir shops.
For a fun and fast way to see the city, take a Hollywood bus tour to drive past celebrity homes, the Sunset Strip, and Mulholland Drive.
We chose to book a tour with Hollywood Bus Tours. They took us in an open air van and drove us all around the city and pointing out the stars home and notable spots. It was fun and highly recommend this activity.
Evening Options:
- Rodeo Drive – Window shop the high end boutiques and dine at one of the local restaurants.
- Malibu Sunset – Enjoy a scenic drive and dinner at Malibu Farm or Duke’s.
- Downtown Rooftop – Sip cocktails with skyline views at Perch or Spire 73.
- Casual Night In – If you’re tired from the day, grab In-N-Out and chill!
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Day 3: One Last View Before You Go
Morning: Griffith Observatory
Before you leave town, spend a peaceful morning at Griffith Observatory. It opens at 10 AM, but the grounds are open earlier—perfect for a quiet sunrise or an early walk with breathtaking views.
Things to Do:
- Take in sweeping views of LA and the Hollywood Sign
- Walk one of the nearby hiking trails
- Explore the space exhibits and telescopes inside (free admission!)
It’s the perfect low-key ending to a busy LA weekend.
With three days in Los Angeles, you can experience the best of both worlds: the Hollywood glamour, the beach town energy, and the laid-back luxury that makes this city so unforgettable.
From thrilling rides to ocean sunsets and star-studded streets, LA gives you something to remember at every turn.
