This was my first official time in LA since I’d only ever stopped there for a layover. My friend and I are big movie and interior design fans so we packed a ton of cool stuff into our itinerary. Hope it helps you if you’re planning your own trip to LA.
TRAVEL DAY
Flew into LAX - I always travel in my “travel uniform” and pack a capsule wardrobe. You can also check out everything I packed in my personal item.
Picked up our rental car - you can definitely have a trip to LA without renting a car but we wanted to have the freedom and flexibility to go to a bunch of different places. Just be warned that parking in LA is expensive!
Had dinner at Poltergeist when we arrived and it was such an interesting experience! They have so many unique food options. If you're adventurous with your food, I think it’s a must try! It’s also a cool spot with pinball machines and a great atmosphere!
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO BELOW!
DAY 1
Breakfast at Erewhon Pacific Palisades - it’s a nice area with a ton of shops + it has free underground parking with validation. If you go on a Sunday like we did, there's also a cute little farmer's market.
Drove to El Matador Beach - there’s a small parking lot at the top but it gets full after 11am. Otherwise, it's a nice quiet beach with some beautiful rock formations.
Lunch at Taverna Tony - get the fried calamari! There's free parking and some nice stores to shop around at after dining.
Visited the Getty - you’ll need reservations and make sure you take the trolley up!
Stopped by Paderia Bakehouse Santa Monica for a little snack - get the double chocolate cookie! Free parking available in the lot in front.
Visited Schindler’s House - self guided but you need a reservation. Street parking only.
Grabbed a drink at Chateau Marmont - parked on a side street but there's valet available at the hotel. The mocktails were delicious!
Dinner at Lavo - street parking near the restaurant. The food was yummy but nothing life changing.
DAY 2
Breakfast at Acai Republic - If you’re driving, you can park at the LACMA garage and this place is walking distance from the museums. The acai bowls and empanadas were really good!
Visited The Academy Museum - go up to the observation deck for a nice view of the city!
Had a snack at Fanny’s in the Academy Museum - so many yummy pastries!
Visited LACMA - don’t forget to ask for the times they run the miniature city so you can see the cars and trains run!
Drove around the Venice Canals - such pretty views!
Stopped by the Santa Monica Proper hotel to look around - it’s such a beautiful hotel and I hope to stay there one day!
Grabbed a slice of Shins Pizza for dinner
DAY 3
Took a tour of The Future Perfect - you need to make reservations online
Had lunch at Uovo in Pasadena - we had the tasting menu and it was absolutely delicious! Best pasta I've probably ever had.
Took a tour of the Gamble House - you can make reservations online and the tour lasts an hour. Free parking available right in front.
Visited the Griffith Observatory - best to visit for sunset to enjoy the view and so you can view the telescope once night falls. The planetarium show is extra but it was cute and a good way to relax for a bit. Parking lot available at the very top but also on the road leading up.
Dinner at For the Win - best burger in LA! There's a little lot right in front but street parking is also available near by.
Watched a standup show at the Comedy Store - there’s a 2 drink minimum once inside (non-alcoholic drinks available). A bit of a pricey outing since you have to pay for drinks, tickets, and parking but so fun!
DAY 4
DISNEY! - We started the day at California Adventure and went to Disneyland around 3:30pm. We had the park hopper pass so we actually ended up going back and forth between the parks at night. Highly recommended getting the Lightening Lane pass. It’s an extra $30 but we were able to ride so many rides and save so much time by skipping the line!
DAY 5
Visited the Warner Bros Studio Tour - such a fun experience!
Drove through Laurel Canyon - such a fun drive! Its really mountainous and there are so many beautiful homes
Had Howlin Ray’s fried chicken for lunch
Toured the Hollyhock House - another self-guided tour. The house has a beautiful overlook of the city.
Visited the Broad Museum - so many cool interactive displays. They do have their own parking and I think you need to book a ticket online in advance.
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