Compare booking options: Los Angeles tours and activitiesAffiliate links; check dates and availability with the partner.
Where to stay
Hollywood or a central city base
Consider this for film-related plans and rail connections. Check the exact street and recent reviews, as the neighbourhood name alone says little about the stay.
A coastal base
A better fit if beach time is the main goal. Budget for longer transfers to inland sights and confirm parking costs if you rent a car.
Getting around
Metro can serve selected trips, while others need road transport. Compare a car's rental, insurance and parking with rides and transit. Allow substantial buffers and do not promise yourself multiple distant neighbourhoods in one afternoon.
A flexible itinerary
Use these three days as a starting point. Add arrival, departure or excursion days to fit your stay.
Hollywood and a view
Keep a film-focused visit and the Griffith area on a day with manageable transfers. If you plan a hike, check current conditions and choose a suitable route. Do not treat the Hollywood Sign as a roadside stop with unrestricted access.
Art at a calmer pace
Choose the Getty or another major collection, with reservation details settled. Leave room for lunch and the surrounding area rather than rushing into a second distant museum. Your hotel location may decide which combination is practical.
Coast, then a separate attraction day
Spend a day near your chosen beach area. Reserve another full day for a studio, theme park or neighbourhood you really want. Trying to combine a coast day with a major ticketed attraction often leaves too little time for either.
Food and local stops
Explore tacos, Korean cooking and neighbourhood restaurants as part of the trip. Choose food stops along your route rather than driving across the city for every meal.
Before you book
Hotel parking and attraction parking can materially change the budget. Add both before deciding that a cheap room and rental car are the best combination.