Looking for the best things to do and see in Los Angeles this weekend? In this guide we share a detailed and complete itinerary on how to spend 2 epic days in Los Angeles. The sprawling city of LA has some of the best culture, food and attractions in the country to be enjoyed with its 284 sunny days a year. There is something in the city for every type of traveler to enjoy in just 72 hours in LA.
How to get around in Los Angeles?
As one of largest cities in the United States, Los Angeles can be a bit overwhelming to first time visitors. It is important to remember that visiting attractions across the city can longer than expected to drive especially during its extended rush hour. Public transportation in LA is not great. Getting a rental car in LA might be the best way to get around when spending 2 days in Los Angeles. If you do not feel comfortable driving in LA you can always use Uber or Lyft to go to the top places to visit in Los Angeles.
Where to stay in Los Angeles?
For your first time in LA we recommend staying in Hollywood (it has the majority of the attractions), Beverly Hills, or Santa Monica. It depends on what highlights you would like to visit most.
How to spend 2 days in Los Angeles itinerary: The best spots to visit in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Itinerary – Day 1: Hollywood Sign
On the first day in Los Angeles we recommend hiking to the back of the Hollywood sign, visiting the Griffith Observatory, take a selfie at Urban Lights at LACMA and walk down Rodeo Drive.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
You cannot leave LA without visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This hall of fame covers 15 blocks with over 2,500 brass stars in the sidewalk, in honor of famous musicians, actors, directors, producers, musicians and even fictional characters.
Address: Hollywood Boulevard, Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Hollywood Sign from Griffith Observatory
At the Griffith Observatory you can enjoy the Samuel Oschin Planetarium and a panoramic view of Los Angeles with a great view of the Hollywood sign. Even though the entrance is free, you must pay for parking. It can be hard to find a parking spot at the top so many people choose to park down the hill. We got lucky and parked right outside the Observatory.
The Observatory is open from Monday to Friday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The best time to go to the Griffith Observatory is at sunset for the best views of Downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood sign. Without a doubt, Griffith Observatory is a must to include on your 2 days LA Itinerary.
Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Hike Behind the Hollywood Sign
It is a light hike that takes you behind the Hollywood sign where you can enjoy fantastic panoramic views. The are three popular trails: Mt Hollywood, The Canyon Boulevard, and the Cahuenga Peak. Another great place to see the Hollywood sign is from Hollywood Lake Park.
Address: 3160 Canyon Lake Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive is the place to go shopping if you like expensive brands. This exclusive Beverly Hills boulevard is the home of the most glamorous brands in the world. Even if you are not looking to buy anything, it is still worth walking down the street, seeing the shops and maybe even running into a famous person.
Urban Lights at LACMA
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is home to one of the most iconic spot and Instagrammable place in the city. It is home to the Urban Light sculpture with 202 restored historic street lamps from the 1920s and 1930s just asking for a photo shoot. You must add this quick stop as it is one of the top attractions in Los Angeles.
Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Los Angeles Itinerary – Day 2: Santa Monica + Venice Beach
On the second day in our LA 2 days Itinerary, we recommend visiting the nearby towns of Venice Beach and Santa Monica.
Venice Beach
Walking along the Venice Beach Boardwalk is a highlight of Los Angeles not to be missed. It is one of the most Instagrammable places in LA. It is the perfect beach to chill or enjoy an active afternoon. In Venice Beach you will find many different coffee shops, restaurants and shops with the chance to take a stroll at Skate Park. You can easily spend a day walking down the streets, swimming at the beach at Muscle Beach, taking photos at the dozens of murals, listening to street performers, shopping at its hip stores, and eating delicious food. The best thing to do in Venice Beach is renting a bike to ride down the boardwalk and watch sunset.
Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is one of the most famous landmarks of Los Angeles. On the pier you can find an amusement park, restaurants, food carts and speciality shops. It is probably one of the busiest piers on the West Coast and the perfect place to watch street performers or the setting sun.
Other things to do in LA to add to your 2 Days in Los Angeles Itinerary
If you like visiting as much as possible in a destination here is a list of some of the top attractions in Los Angeles you can add to your 2 days in Los Angeles itinerary.
- Go for a hike at Runyon Canyon.
- Go for a walk down Sunset Boulevard.
- Visit some of the coolest state parks in California.
- Visit the Venice Canal.
- Take a tour and visit the homes from some celebrities.
- Take a road trip to Malibu and near beaches.
- Have fun in Disneyland, Universal Studios, or CityWalk in Hollywood.
- Big Dume Beach, Point Dume State Beach or El Matador Beach.