Wanderlog

4-day LA highlights

Hollywood, beaches, Getty, and studios in four days.

4 daysFirst-timersBest: Year-round; spring and fall best

Last updated: 2025-03-15

Day 1 – Hollywood

  • Hollywood Walk of Fame and Chinese Theatre
  • Griffith Observatory at sunset
Morning Hollywood Boulevard and Chinese Theatre. Afternoon optional studio tour. Evening Griffith Observatory for views and planetarium.
Tips:

Parking can be pricey. Griffith: free; planetarium show extra. Go for sunset.

Day 2 – Santa Monica and Venice

  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Venice Beach and canals
Morning Santa Monica Pier and beach. Bike to Venice. Venice Beach boardwalk and canals. Lunch at beach. Evening in Santa Monica or back to base.
Tips:

Rent bikes on the path. Venice can be lively; keep an eye on belongings.

Day 3 – Getty and Beverly Hills

  • Getty Center
  • Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive
Morning Getty Center (art, gardens, views). Afternoon Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive. Optional: Last Bookstore downtown.
Tips:

Getty is free; pay for parking. Reserve parking online.

Day 4 – Beaches or studios and departure

  • Malibu or another beach, or Universal Studios
  • Transfer to LAX
Universal Studios (full day) or Malibu/Manhattan Beach. Transfer to LAX. Allow 1 hour from central LA to LAX in traffic.
Tips:

LAX: traffic varies; allow buffer. Uber/Lyft or FlyAway bus.

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