Los Angeles 7-day itinerary

Start at Santa Monica Pier — the iconic ferris wheel, Route 66 endpoint sign, and Pacific Ocean panorama. Walk the palisades path above the beach then descend south toward Venice. Pass Muscle Beach, the Venice Skatepark, and the boardwalk's parade of street performers and artists. The Venice Canals, two blocks inland, are a hidden residential gem. Breakfast at Gjusta Bakery — smoked fish toast ($14) and pastries in a converted warehouse.

Explore Abbot Kinney Boulevard — Venice's coolest strip with boutiques, galleries, and Intelligentsia coffee. Lunch at Gjelina ($18–25 mains) or cheap tacos at Tacos Por Favor on Olympic ($3.50/taco). Then the Getty Center — free admission, Richard Meier architecture, world-class art, and hilltop gardens with panoramic views. The tram ride up the hill sets the tone. Allow 2–3 hours for the art and gardens.

Drive PCH north to Malibu for sunset. El Matador State Beach ($12 parking) has dramatic sea stacks and caves — the most photogenic beach in LA. Or try Point Dume for sweeping coastal views. Dinner at Malibu Seafood ($15–22 fish plates) — a casual counter-service spot right on the PCH with ocean views. Drive back along the coast as the sun sets behind you — this is the California dream.

Hit Runyon Canyon early — the south entrance on Fuller Avenue is less crowded. The main loop is 3.5 miles with panoramic city views and the Hollywood Sign as a backdrop. You'll pass celebrity dog walkers and yoga classes on the plateau. Bring water and sunscreen. Post-hike, walk down to Hollywood Boulevard for breakfast at Republique on La Brea — a stunning Parisian-style bakery in a 1929 building. Their kouign-amann ($6) is legendary.

Walk the Walk of Fame past TCL Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre (Oscars venue). It's chaotic but essential. For a deeper Hollywood experience, take the Paramount Studios lot tour ($65, 2 hours) — the only major studio still in Hollywood proper. You'll walk soundstages where movies are actively being filmed. Lunch at Musso & Frank Grill on Hollywood Blvd — LA's oldest restaurant (1919), classic martinis and chicken pot pie ($28).

Head to the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. Catch a show at The Comedy Store ($20–25 cover) where Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock still do drop-ins. Or live music at the Troubadour ($15–30), where Elton John played his US debut. Pre-show dinner at Petit Trois on Highland — French bistro, no reservations, counter seating, and a double-cheeseburger ($19) that's absurdly good. Late night drinks at Rainbow Bar & Grill — rock and roll's living room.

Start at Grand Central Market on Broadway — a 1917 food hall with 40+ vendors. Egg Slut ($10 breakfast sandwich) has a cult following, or try Tacos Tumbras a Tomas for Oaxacan tlayudas ($12). Walk Broadway's Historic Theatre District — ornate movie palaces from the 1920s and 30s, some now event venues. The Bradbury Building on Broadway at 3rd (free lobby) has a stunning Victorian interior you'll recognize from Blade Runner.

Walk to the Arts District — LA's creative heart with massive murals on every warehouse wall, galleries, and the best coffee at Verve on Mateo Street. Browse Hauser & Wirth gallery (free, world-class exhibitions) and the converted warehouses along 7th Street. Then Little Tokyo for ramen at Daikokuya ($14–16, expect a line) or curry at Curry House. The Japanese Village Plaza has mochi shops and a peaceful garden.

DTLA has transformed into a proper nightlife destination. Drinks at Perch on Pershing Square — a rooftop bar on the 15th floor with city skyline views and French bistro food (cocktails $16–20). Or try the more casual Broken Shaker at the Freehand Hotel. For something different, Angel City Brewery in the Arts District has a huge courtyard, food trucks, and local IPAs ($8). Finish at Barcade on Spring Street — retro arcade games and craft beer.

Head to Museum Row on Wilshire Boulevard. LACMA ($20) has 140,000 works spanning ancient to contemporary — the Chris Burden Urban Light lamppost installation outside is LA's most photographed art piece. Next door, the La Brea Tar Pits are a surreal prehistoric site where ice age animals were trapped in natural asphalt (free to view the outdoor pits). Scientists are still excavating — you can watch through glass windows.

Metro to DTLA for The Broad — a contemporary art museum that's free (timed entry, book online). Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room is the signature piece ($18 add-on, worth it). Walk next door to Walt Disney Concert Hall — Frank Gehry's swooping stainless steel masterpiece. Free self-guided audio tours let you explore the garden and interior. Lunch at the Original Farmers Market at 3rd & Fairfax — 100+ vendors since 1934.

Koreatown is LA's most underrated neighborhood for food. Korean BBQ at Kang Ho-dong Baekjeong or Quarters ($25–35, you grill at the table). All-you-can-eat options at Gen KBBQ are great value. After dinner, noraebang (karaoke) at Pharaoh Karaoke — private rooms from $20/hour. K-town nightlife runs late — try The Prince (cocktails in a 1920s setting), Dan Sung Sa (retro Korean speakeasy), or HMS Bounty (dive bar, $5 beers).

Head to Manhattan Beach or Hermosa Beach — the South Bay's local beach towns are less touristy and more Californian than Santa Monica. Rent a surfboard ($15/hour) or boogie board ($8/hour) at a beachfront shop. The Strand bike path runs 22 miles along the coast — rent a beach cruiser ($12/hour) and ride from Hermosa to Redondo Beach Pier. Breakfast at Uncle Bill's Pancake House in Manhattan Beach — silver dollar pancakes ($14) since 1967.

Drive PCH north through Pacific Palisades to Malibu. Stop at the Getty Villa (free, but reserve timed entry online) — a recreation of a Roman country house filled with Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art on a clifftop above the Pacific. Continue to El Matador State Beach ($12 parking) — dramatic sea stacks, caves, and golden cliffs. It's the most photogenic beach in Southern California. Bring shoes with grip for the steep cliff staircase.

Watch the sunset from Point Dume or Zuma Beach — the sky turns impossible shades of pink and orange. Dinner at Malibu Seafood ($15–22) — counter-service fish and chips right on the PCH with ocean views. Or splurge at Nobu Malibu if the budget allows ($40–80 per person). Drive back along the coast road as the last light fades. Stop at the Santa Monica Pier for a nightcap — the ferris wheel lit up against the dark Pacific.

Silver Lake is LA's hipster heartland — think vintage shops, independent bookstores, and the city's best specialty coffee. Start at Intelligentsia on Sunset Boulevard, then walk to the Silver Lake Reservoir loop trail (2.2 miles, flat, stunning skyline views). Browse Mohawk General Store for LA fashion and Skylight Books for independent literature. Breakfast at Sqirl on Virgil — their ricotta toast with seasonal jam ($16) launched a thousand imitators.

Walk to Echo Park Lake — rent a swan pedal boat ($11/hour) on the lotus-filled lake with the downtown skyline rising behind the palm trees. Then hike up to Elysian Park for hidden trails and views of Dodger Stadium. For lunch, Guisados on Sunset in Echo Park does braised meat tacos ($4 each) that are worth the detour. Try the cochinita pibil and the chicharron. East LA's taco scene is unmatched.

Take the Gold Line to Highland Park — York Boulevard is lined with craft breweries, taco joints, and vintage shops. Highland Park Brewery does excellent IPAs ($7–9) in a converted warehouse. Dinner at Café Birdie for Mediterranean sharing plates ($16–24) or street tacos at Tacos El Pollo ($3 each). Evening drinks at The Hermosillo (dive bar, $4 Tecates) or Block Party for natural wines and DJ sets in an airy courtyard.

Drive or bus to Griffith Park early. Hike the Brush Canyon Trail (6.3 miles round trip) or the shorter Charlie Turner Trail (1.5 miles) for the closest Hollywood Sign views. Finish at Griffith Observatory — free admission, free telescopes, and the best panoramic views in LA. The Samuel Oschin Planetarium ($7) is excellent. On a clear morning, you can see the ocean, downtown, mountains, and the San Fernando Valley simultaneously.

Head to the Original Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax for a final food crawl — 100+ vendors selling everything from French crepes to Singaporean laksa since 1934. Pick up souvenirs at the adjacent Grove if you need gifts. Or head to Olvera Street in DTLA — LA's historic Mexican marketplace with handmade crafts, churros ($3), and taquitos at Cielito Lindo ($5 for three). The Avila Adobe (1818) is the oldest house in LA.

For your last LA evening, head to the Griffith Observatory for sunset if you missed it earlier, or to the rooftop at Mama Shelter in Hollywood for cocktails ($14–18) with skyline views. A farewell dinner at Bestia in the Arts District ($25–40 mains, Italian-inspired) or keep it budget at Howlin' Ray's for Nashville hot chicken ($14–18). Watch the city lights appear and toast to the city of angels.