How to Spend 24 Hours in Los Angeles, California
People have high expectations when spending time in Los Angeles, as it is the city of dreams and magic. However, you cannot experience everything it has to offer in just 24 hours, aka one day! But we’re going to provide you with the highlights, so that you can try.
The best tip to make the most of your time in LA is to list your priorities and carefully checkmark everything before midnight. What you see and do, depends on you! Do you want to experience the local lifestyle of LA, visit the tradition hotspots, see the famous landmarks, or spend most of your time eating out in fancy restaurants and walking on the beach? Here is our guide on how to spend a day in LA.
Morning in Los Angeles
Take a Hike Through the Los Angeles Hollywood Hills
Start your morning early, with a hike along the famous Hollywood trails. There are three routes that lead to the iconic Hollywood sign and provides epic views of the Griffith Observatory and city skyline. For more information visit the official Hiking to the Sign website.
Get up early, put on your hiking shoes and pack for the trip to the hills. It’s best to do this activity first, if you want an uncrowded experience and photos that aren’t full of strangers.
Afterwards, head to the Hollywood Walk of Fame to find your favourite actors, singers and celebrities stars on the pavement. Check to see if there are any “star ceremonies” during your time in L.A, at walkoffame.com. The famous TCL Chinese theatre, is also on Hollywood Boulevard. Watch a movie in this historic cinema palace or support your favourite actors at a premier.
Related: 10 Free Things to Do in Los Angeles, USA
An Afternoon in Los Angeles
Experience a Los Angeles Brunch
After a few sites and a morning hike, you’ll be hungry. So, now is the time to be a local in Los Angeles, as everyone has a thing for brunch. There are many great restaurants serving brunch, in every nook and corner of the city.
The trendiest neighbourhood of West Hollywood is the best place for a lavish (and filling) brunch experience. This place is in the heart of LA and a walk or a bus ride from Hollywood Boulevard. As brunch is so popular try and reserve a table ahead of time.
3 great brunch spots are:
- Gracias Madre – 8905 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069-5605
- WeHo Bistro – 1040 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069-4106
- The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker – 8653 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069-2313
You can download the PreParture App and build your Los Angeles Itinerary, by adding the addresses provided. PreParture App is available via the app store and play store.
Soak Your Feet in the Sandy Beaches of Los Angeles
After brunch, the beach is your next spot, to relax and enjoy the Californian sunshine. With more than 15 beaches deciding, which one to enjoy could be a tricky choice to make. Beaches are great for people watching, relaxing, coastal walks, swimming and of course entertainment. Our top picks are:
Venice beach, which gives out a very colourful and lively vibe and helps you get your daily allowance of healthy vitamin D. Also. on Venice beach, you will have a lot to explore, including the boardwalk promenade, the volleyball courts, canals, shops and ice cream stores.
Santa Monica Beach, has plenty of things to do, so you can mix up your activities. We suggest not missing out on a paddle boarding lesson, visiting the original muscle beach, which dates back to the 1930s and the famous Santa Monica Pier, home to an arcade, carousel, the aquarium and more.
To get to these beaches, hire a car, flag a taxi or visit Metro.net for bus schedules.
Related: Our Top Picks for A Warm Winter Vacation in the USA
An Evening in Los Angeles
Have dinner in Santa Monica
End your day with a shopping spree in the Santa Monica area, which has unique boutiques as well as popular American clothing stores. Once you have your stylish new outfit or L.A. souvenir, settle down for a dinner with a view.
For an American seafood dinner, with a memorable sea view consider one of these restaurants:
- Coast Beach Café and Bar – 1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405-1063
- Del Frisco’s Grille – 1551 Ocean Ave, Suite 105, Santa Monica, CA 90401-2108
- Blue Plate Oysterette – 1355 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401-1019
After dinner, you can take a stroll along the pier of Santa Monica, play a few arcade games and ride the big wheel before finishing your night dancing. Club Los Globos and The Room Hollywood are fantastic places to dance and sip on a few cocktails or have a few beers.
Extra Activities in Los Angeles
If you have a little extra time available, throughout the day, consider visiting the La Brea Tar Pits or take a tour of the most glamorous houses in LA County, and home to the rich and famous.
We hope you have an excellent time in Los Angeles. Its a big city to conquer, but with a light planning and the guided help of the Preparture App, you could experience the city’s major highlights and attractions in a 24 hours.
