Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Los Angeles?

Q: Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Los Angeles?

A weekend trip is usually not enough time to experience the dynamic city of Los Angeles, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. Or, perhaps you'll want to return another time to take it all in. You don't want to miss the chance to relax at the beach, wander through the museums, go hiking, and enjoy the city's energy. Many tourists set aside at least 5 or as many as 7 days for their visit. However, if your schedule only gives you a couple of days, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your weekend adventure in Los Angeles below.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Los Angeles?

Many travelers spend at least 5 or as many as 7 days in Los Angeles during their visit. After all, the dynamic city has plenty to explore such as the beaches, the famous sights and museums, and the hiking.

Los Angeles is a world-famous city with sprawling neighborhoods and a diverse population. In addition to being the home of Hollywood, the city also has many cultural neighborhoods and unique restaurants. Visitors can enjoy behind-the-scenes tours of production companies or wander down Hollywood Boulevard and check out the Walk of Fame. There are also many iconic beach areas including Venice Beach and Malibu.

Do you have one or two days to visit Los Angeles? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Los Angeles?

The very popular city of Los Angeles has many activities and attractions for visitors. So with one day, you'll probably feel rushed to see the main attractions. You really need more time to appreciate everything that the dynamic city has to offer. Many visitors prefer to have at least 5 or as many as 7 days to fully enjoy the city. If you have one day or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're in town.

How to spend a day in Los Angeles

When visiting Los Angeles, you can't miss Hollywood as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy it.

The delicious food of Los Angeles is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. There are a wide range of cuisines represented and many different neighborhoods that specialize in specific types of food. Popular dishes around town include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.

A few tour suggestions include:

LA Venice Beach Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours ($99)
LA Food Tour: Exploring America’s Culinary Frontier ($175)
Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour ($89)

Public transit in Los Angeles is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Los Angeles?

A weekend trip is usually not enough time to experience the dynamic city of Los Angeles, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. Or, perhaps you'll want to return another time to take it all in. You don't want to miss the chance to relax at the beach, wander through the museums, go hiking, and enjoy the city's energy. Many tourists set aside at least 5 or as many as 7 days for their visit. However, if your schedule only gives you a couple of days, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your weekend adventure in Los Angeles below.

The Griffith Observatory overlooking Los Angeles

How to spend 2 days in Los Angeles

With a weekend (two to three days) in Los Angeles, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

The beautiful beaches await you in Los Angeles, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous and fun atmospheres, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. There are many fun and high-energy urban beach settings, and there are also beaches that are lined with parks and offer a more natural environment. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.

A few tour suggestions include:

Glass Bottom Boat Ride in Redondo Beach ($25)
LA Venice Beach Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours ($99)
Private Helicopter Tour over Long Beach ($199)

This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Los Angeles, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.