5-Day Los Angeles Locals' Guide: Outdoor & Culinary Experiences for Couples
Los Angeles, California
5 days
About Los Angeles, California
Experience the vibrant culture and iconic landmarks of Los Angeles, California. This bustling city offers a blend of world-class cuisine, thriving nightlife, and an array of entertainment options. Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios, or the Getty Center for a taste of LA's rich history and creativity. Explore the trendy boutiques in Rodeo Drive, or unwind at the serene beaches of Santa Monica and Venice. Don't miss the breathtaking views from the Griffith Observatory and the vibrant art scene in downtown LA. With its diverse neighborhoods and endless activities, Los Angeles promises an unforgettable travel experience.
5-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Art and Beaches in Brentwood and Venice
Morning
Begin your day with a visit to the Getty Center. The Center is home to an impressive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The architecture of the building itself is also a sight to behold.
Lunch
Have lunch at a food truck in Venice Beach. The area is known for its vibrant food truck scene, offering everything from gourmet tacos to vegan burgers.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring the Venice Canals. These man-made canals were built in 1905 to mimic the canals of Venice, Italy. It's a peaceful and picturesque area that's perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Dinner
Enjoy a romantic dinner at a rooftop restaurant in West Hollywood. These restaurants offer stunning views of the city, making for a truly memorable dining experience.
Evening
End your day with a visit to the Griffith Observatory for some stargazing. The Observatory offers free public telescopes every evening, weather permitting.
Day 3
A Day at the Market and Zoo
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Los Angeles Farmers Market. This historic market has been operating since 1934 and features over 100 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and more.
Lunch
Have lunch at a trendy cafe in Silver Lake. This neighborhood is known for its hipster vibe and has a number of cafes serving up delicious food and coffee.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. The Zoo is home to over 1,400 animals, while the Botanical Gardens feature over 800 different plant species.
Dinner
Enjoy dinner at a sushi restaurant in Little Tokyo. Los Angeles has a large Japanese community, and Little Tokyo is the best place in the city to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine.
Evening
End your day with a visit to the Walt Disney Concert Hall for a live music performance. The Hall is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic and is known for its stunning architecture and acoustics.
Day 4
Maritime History and Music in San Pedro and Griffith Park
Morning
Begin your day with a visit to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. The Museum features a wide range of exhibits, including a dinosaur hall, a gem and mineral hall, and a nature garden.
Lunch
Have lunch at a seafood restaurant in San Pedro. This area is known for its fresh seafood, and there are a number of restaurants offering a wide range of dishes.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring the Los Angeles Maritime Museum. The Museum features a variety of exhibits related to the city's maritime history, including model ships, maritime art, and historical photographs.
Dinner
Enjoy dinner at a Mexican restaurant in East Los Angeles. The city has a large Mexican community, and East Los Angeles is the best place to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine.
Evening
End your day with a visit to the Greek Theatre for a live music performance. This outdoor amphitheater is one of the city's most iconic venues and hosts a variety of concerts throughout the year.
Day 5
Art and Luxury in San Marino and Beverly Hills
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. The Huntington is a cultural and research center that features a library, art collections, and botanical gardens.
Lunch
Have lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant in Pasadena. These restaurants focus on using locally sourced ingredients, resulting in fresh and flavorful dishes.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring the Norton Simon Museum. The Museum features an extensive collection of European art, as well as Asian art and sculptures.
Dinner
Enjoy a farewell dinner at a fine dining restaurant in Beverly Hills. This area is known for its luxury and glamour, and there are a number of high-end restaurants offering a variety of cuisines.
Evening
End your trip with a stroll along Rodeo Drive. This famous street is known for its luxury boutiques and is the perfect place to do some window shopping or pick up a souvenir.
Attractions in Itinerary (15)
1Hollywood Sign
One of the world's most iconic landmarks, the Hollywood Sign is a symbol of American cinema and has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows.
2Griffith Observatory
Located in Griffith Park, the Griffith Observatory offers a night hike that allows visitors to explore the stars. The observatory itself is a popular tourist attraction, with a planetarium and exhibits on astronomy.
3Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
The largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection of over 142,000 objects that illuminate 6,000 years of artistic expression across the globe.
4Santa Monica Pier
A large double-jointed pier at the foot of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica, California, with an amusement park, restaurants, and areas for views and fishing.
5Getty Center
The Getty Center, in Los Angeles, California, is a campus of the Getty Museum and other programs of the Getty Trust. The $1.3 billion Center opened to the public on December 16, 1997.
6Venice Canals
A district in the Venice section of Los Angeles, featuring man-made canals built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney as part of his Venice of America plan.
7Los Angeles Farmers Market
A historic Los Angeles landmark and tourist attraction, first opened in July 1934, known for its food stalls, sit-down eateries, prepared food vendors, and produce vendors.
8Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
A 133-acre zoo founded in 1966 and a botanical garden located in Los Angeles, California. It houses a diverse collection of 1,400 animals from around the world.
9Walt Disney Concert Hall
A concert hall in downtown Los Angeles, home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
10Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
One of the largest natural and historical museum in the western United States, its collections include nearly 35 million specimens and artifacts and cover 4.5 billion years of history.
11Los Angeles Maritime Museum
Located in the former Municipal Ferry Terminal building, the museum is dedicated to the maritime history of Southern California and features a range of exhibits and models of historic ships.
12Greek Theatre
An internationally renowned venue in the picturesque locale of Griffith Park that presents a wide variety of events year round including music, dance and theatrical performances.
13Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
A collections-based educational and research institution established by Henry E. Huntington, featuring a library, art collections, and botanical gardens.
14Norton Simon Museum
Known around the world as one of the most remarkable private art collections ever assembled. Over a 30-year period, the industrialist Norton Simon (1907–1993) amassed an astonishing collection of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century and a stellar collection of South and Southeast Asian art spanning 2,000 years.
15Rodeo Drive
A two-mile-long street, primarily in Beverly Hills, California, with its southern segment in the City of Los Angeles, known for its luxury-goods stores.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
Fish Tacos
A popular dish in Los Angeles, fish tacos are a must-try. They are made with grilled or fried fish, cabbage, and a creamy sauce, all wrapped in a corn tortilla.
French Dip Sandwich
A sandwich that originated in Los Angeles, it consists of thinly sliced roast beef served on a French roll. It is typically served with a side of 'au jus' for dipping.
California Roll
A sushi roll that was invented in Los Angeles. It typically includes avocado, crab meat, and cucumber.
Street Dogs
A popular late-night snack in Los Angeles, street dogs are bacon-wrapped hot dogs topped with grilled onions and bell peppers.
Korean BBQ
Los Angeles is home to a large Korean community and Korean BBQ is a must-try. It typically includes a variety of marinated meats that are grilled at your table.
Avocado Toast
A popular breakfast item in Los Angeles, avocado toast is made with ripe avocado spread on whole grain bread and topped with various toppings.
Churros
A popular dessert in Los Angeles, churros are fried dough pastries coated in sugar and often served with a side of chocolate for dipping.
Craft Beer
Los Angeles has a thriving craft beer scene. There are many local breweries that offer a wide variety of unique and flavorful beers.
Green Juice
A popular health drink in Los Angeles, green juice is made with a blend of green vegetables and fruits.
Bobba Tea
A popular drink in Los Angeles, Bobba tea or bubble tea is a Taiwanese tea-based drink with chewy tapioca balls.
Margarita
A popular cocktail in Los Angeles, Margaritas are made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, often served with salt on the rim of the glass.
California Wine
California is known for its wine. There are many local wineries in and around Los Angeles that produce a wide variety of wines.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Los Angeles, California is from March to May and between September and November. During these months, the city experiences pleasant weather with fewer crowds. The spring and fall seasons offer mild temperatures, making it perfect for sightseeing and beach activities. Moreover, airfare and hotel rates are generally more affordable during these periods compared to the summer months.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
January 15 | Mon | Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
February 19 | Mon | Presidents' Day |
May 27 | Mon | Memorial Day |
June 19 | Wed | Juneteenth |
July 4 | Thu | Independence Day |
September 2 | Mon | Labor Day |
October 14 | Mon | Columbus Day |
November 11 | Mon | Veterans Day |
November 28 | Thu | Thanksgiving Day |
December 25 | Wed | Christmas Day |
How to get around
Car Rental
Renting a car is a popular option for getting around Los Angeles. The city is spread out and having a car gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Most major car rental companies have locations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and throughout the city.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Los Angeles. They can be a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're planning to visit areas with limited parking or if you prefer not to drive.
Public Transportation
Los Angeles has a network of buses and trains operated by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro). The Metro Rail system includes six lines that serve different parts of the city, including downtown, Hollywood, and Santa Monica. The Metro Bus system covers the entire city and surrounding areas.
Biking
Los Angeles has been expanding its network of bike lanes and paths, making cycling a viable way to get around certain parts of the city. The city also has a bike share program, Metro Bike Share, which allows you to rent bikes for short trips.
Walking
While Los Angeles is known for being spread out, many of its neighborhoods are walkable. Areas like Downtown, Santa Monica, and Hollywood have plenty of attractions within walking distance of each other.
Taxis
Taxis are available throughout Los Angeles, although they can be more expensive than other options. They can be hailed on the street in busy areas, but in quieter neighborhoods, you may need to call a taxi company to arrange a pickup.
Shuttle Services
Several companies offer shuttle services to and from LAX and other popular destinations in Los Angeles. These can be a convenient option if you're traveling with a large group or have a lot of luggage.
Driving Services
For a more luxurious experience, consider hiring a private car or limousine service. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation and can be booked in advance.
Important information
Currency$ USD
Time zoneUTC-5
Driving sideRight
Emergency phone911
Drinking waterYes
Power sockets
Voltage120 V
Things to know about Los Angeles, California as a first time visitor
1
Los Angeles is a sprawling city, so it's best to plan your activities around specific neighborhoods to minimize travel time.
2
Public transportation is available but not always reliable or convenient, so consider renting a car or using rideshare apps.
3
Parking can be challenging in some areas, so always check parking signs to avoid tickets.
4
Los Angeles is known for its traffic, so try to avoid rush hour times if possible.
5
The weather is generally mild, but it can get quite hot in the summer with temperatures often reaching over 90°F (32°C).
6
Even though it's sunny most of the year, it can get chilly at night, especially in the winter, so bring a light jacket.
7
Los Angeles is a very diverse city with many different cultures, so be respectful of all people and customs.
8
Tipping is customary in Los Angeles. A tip of 15-20% is standard for restaurants, taxis, and other service providers.
9
Los Angeles is in the Pacific Time Zone and observes daylight saving time.
10
Los Angeles has strict smoking laws. Smoking is banned in most public places, including beaches and parks.
11
Los Angeles has a plastic bag ban, so bring your own reusable bags when shopping.
12
Los Angeles has a lot of street food vendors, especially in areas like Downtown and East LA. Always check for health department grades before eating.
13
Los Angeles is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own unique vibe and attractions. Do some research to find the ones that interest you most.
14
Los Angeles is a casual city, but some high-end restaurants and clubs have dress codes.
15
Los Angeles has a significant homeless population, particularly in areas like Skid Row and Venice Beach.
16
Los Angeles is prone to earthquakes. Familiarize yourself with basic earthquake safety tips.
17
Los Angeles has a high cost of living, so budget accordingly.
18
Los Angeles has many farmers markets offering fresh, local produce. They're worth checking out.
19
Los Angeles is a city that never sleeps, so be prepared for noise, especially in busier neighborhoods.
20
Los Angeles has a lot of hills and uneven sidewalks, so wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Packing List
Clothing
Lightweight clothing
Underwear
Socks
Sleepwear
Swimsuit
Sunglasses
Hat for sun protection
Comfortable walking shoes
Flip flops for the beach
Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash or soap
Deodorant
Razor and shaving cream
Makeup and makeup remover
Sunscreen
Lip balm with SPF
First-aid kit with band-aids and antiseptic wipes
Prescription medications
Hand sanitizer
Travel documents and essentials
Passport or ID
Boarding passes
Hotel reservation confirmations
Car rental confirmations
Travel insurance documents
Credit and debit cards
Cash
Guidebook or map
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Headphones
Camera
Charger for camera
Power bank
Adapter plug (if traveling from abroad)
Miscellaneous items
Reusable water bottle
Snacks for the journey
Books or magazines for the flight
Travel pillow and blanket
Earplugs and eye mask
Tote bag for beach or shopping
Umbrella or rain jacket (just in case)
Travel laundry detergent packets
Weather Conditions
Los Angeles, California, is known for its Mediterranean climate, which means it has warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city is sunny nearly 300 days a year, making it a great destination for sun-seekers. In the summer months, from June to August, temperatures can reach up to 85°F (29°C), but the heat is usually dry and not humid. It's a good idea to pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. However, the evenings can cool down, so bringing a light jacket or sweater is recommended. In the fall, from September to November, the weather remains warm but becomes less intense, with temperatures ranging from 79°F (26°C) during the day to around 59°F (15°C) at night. This is a great time to visit if you want to avoid the summer crowds but still enjoy warm weather. Winter, from December to February, is the wettest season in Los Angeles, but it's still relatively mild compared to other parts of the country. Temperatures can range from 68°F (20°C) during the day to 48°F (9°C) at night. It's advisable to pack a waterproof jacket or umbrella. Spring, from March to May, sees temperatures gradually warming up from the winter, with highs reaching up to 75°F (24°C) and lows around 55°F (13°C). This is a beautiful time to visit as the city is in bloom. Regardless of the time of year, it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip as weather can vary. Also, remember that Los Angeles is a large city with microclimates, so temperatures can differ significantly between the coast and inland areas. Always stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, especially if you're not used to the heat.
| Month | Hi / Lo (°C) | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
January | 20° / 8° | January is the coldest month in Los Angeles, but it's still relatively mild with occasional rain. |
February | 21° / 9° | February sees a slight increase in temperature, with a mix of sunny and rainy days. |
March | 22° / 10° | March marks the beginning of spring, with temperatures gradually rising and more sunny days. |
April | 24° / 12° | April is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures and plenty of sunshine. |
May | 25° / 14° | May is a beautiful month to visit, with warm temperatures and clear skies. |
June | 28° / 16° | June is the start of summer, with long sunny days and warm temperatures. |
July | 30° / 18° | July is the hottest month in Los Angeles, perfect for beach activities and outdoor exploration. |
August | 30° / 18° | August continues the summer heat, with high temperatures and sunny days. |
September | 29° / 17° | September is a great month to visit, with slightly cooler temperatures and less crowded tourist spots. |
October | 26° / 14° | October offers comfortable temperatures and less crowded beaches, making it a great time for outdoor activities. |
November | 23° / 11° | November sees a drop in temperature, but it's still warm enough for sightseeing and outdoor activities. |
December | 20° / 8° | December is a cooler month with shorter days, but it's still a great time to visit for holiday festivities. |
Did you know?
Places near by Los Angeles, California
Santa Monica Pier
A large double-jointed pier at the foot of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica, California, with an amusement park, restaurants, and shops.
Disneyland Resort
A world-famous amusement park featuring iconic attractions, entertainment, and shopping venues.
Joshua Tree National Park
A vast protected area in southern California featuring rugged rock formations and stark desert landscapes.
Laguna Beach
A small coastal city known for its many art galleries, coves, and beaches.
Santa Barbara
A city on the central California coast known for its Mediterranean-style white stucco buildings, upscale boutiques, and restaurants.
San Diego Zoo
A world-renowned zoo housing over 3,500 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies.
Palm Springs
A city in the Sonoran Desert known for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses, and spas.
Solvang
A city in southern California's Santa Ynez Valley known for its Danish-style architecture and many wineries.
San Diego
A city on the Pacific coast of California known for its beaches, parks, and warm climate.
Las Vegas
A vibrant city known for its 24-hour casinos, entertainment shows, and nightlife.
