I’ve lived in Los Angeles for the past 4 years. I moved here to pursue a degree in Film, and I quickly fell in love with the city. And that’s not my bias talking! I wouldn’t be making a 7 day Los Angeles itinerary if I didn’t love the city. 

I really think it’s one of the best cities in North America, and possibly the world. And I say this after I’ve visited multiple countries in almost every continent. There’s something magical about LA, which is why I recommend everyone visit at least once

Over the years I’ve assembled a list of several spots around the city that I absolutely adore. These spots, as well as some spots that I think are important to understanding LA as a city, have formed the backbone of this itinerary. This itinerary is informed by both my personal taste and my objective analysis of which attractions I think visitors should see to get a real taste of what is truly LA. 

The result of that analysis is this itinerary, which I hope can guide you on your LA visit as well. If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already made the decision to use a week of your paid time off to explore Los Angeles. First of all, you have great taste in travel destinations! And secondly, I hope this itinerary helps you maximize your time and allows you to visit all of LA’s key landmarks and attractions efficiently. The city is big, but hopefully this 7 day Los Angeles itinerary makes it a lot less intimidating.

So whether it’s your first or fiftieth visit, strap in and get ready to discover Los Angeles like never before. 

Subscribe to my Youtube channel @ Stephen Flores Travel, like me on Facebook at Passport Perspective, and follow me on Instagram / Twitter / Tiktok @StephenJFlores. And now let’s get on with the itinerary!

Introduction to this Itinerary

7 day los angeles itinerary dtla

7 days in Los Angeles might seem like a long time for some people. I get it, even if Los Angeles is such an expansive city, there’s no way you could spend 7 days in the city without getting bored, right? Well, take this from someone who has called the city home for almost half a decade: 7 days is the perfect amount of time to explore and experience this city. 

7 days will give you enough time to soak in the city, experiencing all the attractions LA is known for while also visiting some hidden gems. 7 days in Los Angeles also gives you some time to slow down your pace and really appreciate the finer details of the city. Attractions such as Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood also command a full day of exploration, so staying longer means you’ll get a more well-rounded LA experience. 

In short, it’s not overkill, and if you can swing it, I think your experience will be greatly enhanced by staying in the city for longer. So get ready to have the time of your life and experience Los Angeles in 7 days. 

Day 1: Downtown LA

Begin Your Day at Blue Bottle Coffee

Start your day by getting a drink and pastry at Blue Bottle Coffee. Originally founded in San Francisco, this chain has since expanded to multiple cities around the world. It’s an iconic Californian coffee chain, and it has some delicious options for you to choose from. 

This particular branch of Blue Bottle is located in the Bradbury Building, which also happens to be the first stop of our day. But there’s no need to rush! Take time to sit and get ready for your first full day in the city. 

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: Free.

Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am-5:30pm; Sat-Sun 7am-6pm 

Admire the Wrought-Iron Work of the Bradbury Building

7 day los angeles itinerary Bradbury Building Los Angeles

After downing the last of your Blue Bottle coffee, make your way around the corner to the entrance of the Bradbury Building. Once you push past those wooden doors, you’ll be greeted by a tall atrium made of orange bricks laced with ironwork, as well as a sunroof.

This building is a national historical landmark, one of the few office buildings in LA to be given that distinction. Lewis L. Bradbury commissioned the building and it opened in 1893. 

Unfortunately, the building is a working office building, which means you can only go to the upper floors if you work at the building or have business there. Additionally, as of 2024, you cannot use professional cameras to take pictures of the building, and no video recording of any kind is allowed.

Take note as well that on Saturdays and Sundays, visiting hours are shortened. Admiring the building shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes. It’s a stunning piece of architecture so it’s well worth the trek. 

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: Free.

Hours: Monday – Friday 9am-5pm; Saturday – Sunday 10am-2pm

Get Lost Among the Shelves of the Last Bookstore

Walk down a couple of blocks from the Bradbury building then make a left and you’ll find yourself at the entrance of the Last Bookstore. Check your bag at the door if you have one then head inside. The Last Bookstore is LA’s most iconic bookstore. Spanning two floors, there are thousands of books occupying the space, spanning genres from fiction to travel and even comic books. 

The Last bookstore is also known for its iconic book-art installations, including the instagram famous book tunnel. The bookstore is actually in a converted bank and some of the vaults are still in the store, now being used to display books.

The second floor of the bookstore also has some shops selling art, photography equipment, and other trinkets. A visit to Downtown LA, and a 7 day Los Angeles itinerary, would not be complete without a visit to LA’s favorite bookstore. 

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: Free.

Hours: Everyday 11am – 8pm

Climb Aboard Angel’s Flight

7 day los angeles itinerary angels flight

Head back out of the Last Bookstore and back to the Bradbury Building area. Cross through Grand Central Market (which we will return to later) and head to the Angel’s Flight railway station that’s located at the base of Bunker Hill.

While the railway may be here now, this site wasn’t where the railway was originally installed. It used to be located at the 3rd street tunnel and, after closing and reopening a number of times since the year 2000, it reopened permanently in 2017. 

You’ll be able to spot the railway by looking for its iconic orange stations. The railway has two cars, one that ascends and one that descends, with both doing the opposite simultaneously.

It costs $1 to ride it up or down one-way, but is only $0.5 for those that have the TAP Metro Card. This railway was made famous by the 2016 movie La La Land and is a great way to reach The Broad and the Walt Disney Concert Hall from the bottom of Bunker Hill. 

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: $1 per ride. $0.5 for TAP cardholders 

Hours: Everyday 6:45am – 10pm

Tour the Iconic Halls of the Walt Disney Concert Hall

Once you exit the railway at the top of the hill, make your way to the right, past the Broad museum (which you will visit later) until you reach the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall. Commissioned in 1987 by Lillian Disney, the wife of famed filmmaker Walt Disney, to the tune of $50 million, it opened its doors in 2003, going $100 million over budget. It serves as the home base for the LA Philharmonic and the LA Master Chorale and was designed by architect Frank Gehry. 

The Walt Disney Concert Hall has free audio tours most days of the year, with tours starting in the lobby. The tour will take you through the halls of the concert venue, going into detail on its design and acoustics. If you’re lucky, you can even get a peek into the main concert hall itself.

The tour continues in the outdoor patio area of the venue which has some manicured gardens and water features. It’s a nice quiet place to relax in. The tour should take you about 60-90 minutes to fully walk through, after which you can head back down Angel’s Flight and head to Grand Central Market for lunch.

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: Free for tours. Prices for shows vary.

Hours: 10am – 3pm

Lunch at Grand Central Market

Located diagonally opposite both the Bradbury Building and Angel’s Flight (there are two entrances), Grand Central Market probably ties with the Original Farmers Market as LA’s best food location. Grand Central Market was originally called the Wonder Market when it opened in October 1917. It used to be Los Angeles’ largest public market and is still currently its oldest. Grand Central Market features over 40 vendors, with most of them being exclusive to Los Angeles. 

My favorite stalls to sample are Eggslut, which is located by the Bradbury Building entrance, and the carnitas tacos stand that is right beside it. The tacos I think are the best dish in the entire market, and Eggslut is famous the world over for its sandwiches. They both usually command long lines, so either have lunch early or late to maximize your time. You’ll also need to get a table, which will be easier if you eat at off-peak times.

The market has a number of other cuisines you can sample such as Japanese, Chinese, and Italian. A flea market can also be found in the basement of the market. This is an essential stop on your 7 days in LA itinerary, so don’t miss it!

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: Free

Hours: Everyday 8am-9pm

Immerse Yourself in the Modern Art Maze that is The Broad

7 day los angeles itinerary the broad

Featuring some of my favorite modern art pieces, the Broad spans 120,000 square feet and houses over 2,000 pieces of art. Built and financed by Eli and Edith Broad, hence the name, the Broad’s art collection features the works of celebrated artists like Andy Warhol, Roy Liechtenstein, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, among others. 900,000 visitors come to the Broad every year and it’s quickly established itself as a bastion for the arts in LA.  

The Broad has a mix of mediums on display, from paintings and sculptures to mirror rooms and light installations. The most famous piece on display has to be Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room. It’s a piece that features a number of lights and walls made of mirrors, giving the space an infiniteness. You’re only allowed in the room for a minute, however, and to obtain tickets you must grab a date and time slot for the month of your choice on the last Wednesday of the month prior. For example, if your visit is planned for April 11, then tickets will drop at 10 am PST on the last Wednesday of March.  

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: Free. Timed entry ticket required.

Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday & Friday 11 am – 5 pm; Thursday 11 am – 8 pm; Saturday 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday 10 am – 6 pm. Closed Mondays

Walk Down El Pueblo

Located a 20 minute walk from the Broad, the El Pueblo Historical District is the birthplace of Los Angeles. Encompassing about 9.5 acres, El Pueblo was started when 44 people, from 11 families, migrated from the Gulf of Mexico and made a tiny community known as a pueblo in what would eventually become Los Angeles in 1781. The population then expanded to over 2000 by the middle of the 19th century, and from there Los Angeles continued to grow into the behemoth it is today. 

The Historical District is made up of different streets and buildings. The center of the area is a pagoda that routinely features performers and celebrations. Olvera Street is a nice place to walk through and has stalls selling various Mexican items, while numerous historical buildings like the Avila Adobe and the Plaza Firehouse are open for you to explore. Expect to stay about an hour exploring the area. 

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: Free. 

Hours: Hours for shops and attractions vary. Click here for more details. 

And so ends your first day in LA! Hopefully this tiny slice of LA has made you excited to see the rest of it! Keep reading to see what other sites I recommend you see in this 7 days in Los Angeles itinerary. But for now, grab a quick dinner near your hotel or Airbnb and then head to bed. 

Day 2: West LA and Beverly Hills

Stroll Down Venice Beach and the Venice Canals

Start your day by having breakfast at Abbot Kinney. There are a couple of restaurants there that should appeal to most taste buds. After which, head on over to Venice Beach and the Venice Canals. I would start with the Venice Canals because some of the shops along Venice Beach might still be closed. 

The Venice area was named Venice because of these canals. Inspired by the city of the same name, the canals used to be a lot more expansive. However, urban development shrank them down to their current size. It’s still cool to walk along the banks of the neighborhood and admire the architecture of the different cute homes that line the canals.

Wander through the neighborhood for about 20-30 minutes, making sure to cross some of the bridges scattered throughout the canals, before making your way to Venice Beach proper. 

Venice Beach is a kitschy stretch of shops and restaurants located right by the wide stretch of sand also known as Venice Beach. It’s a little bit inauthentic, due to most of the shops selling souvenirs and other tourist novelties, but it is a classic Los Angeles attraction that everyone should experience.

Don’t forget to check out the famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym and to step on the sands of Venice Beach itself. Don’t visit at night though as the area can get a bit sketchy.  

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: Free. 

Hours: Open 24 hours

Experience the Attractions at the Santa Monica Pier

7 day los angeles itinerary santa monica pier

After walking along Venice Beach, catch an Uber and head on over to the Santa Monica Pier. The famed end of Route 66, the Santa Monica Pier is just as kitschy and touristy as Venice Beach. But, in my opinion, you can’t visit LA and not go to the Pier. It’s a quintessential piece of Americana with different rides, shops, arcades, restaurants, street performers, and artists populating the space. It’s an iconic LA spot, and it should be on everyone’s 7 days in Los Angeles itinerary. 

Snap a picture with the “End of Route 66” sign, and don’t forget to ride the rides at Pacific Park. My favorite is their rollercoaster aptly named “Pacific Coaster”. You need to pay for the rides and they’re a little on the pricey side, but you can’t visit the pier and not ride at least one ride.

Then, sample some food from the restaurants and food stalls on the pier, and don’t forget to watch some of the street performers in the area. There is a fun arcade about halfway down the pier too that you can visit, and be sure to walk to the end of the pier to get an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean. 

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: Free. 

Hours: Open 24 hours

Breakfast at Urth Cafe Beverly Hills

Now that you’re done exploring the Pier, it’s time to head to Beverly Hills! But before that, you should probably have lunch. I recommend dining at Urth Cafe in Beverly Hills for lunch. Urth Cafe is an LA staple and has a pretty wide selection for lunch. If you arrive before 1pm on weekdays and 2pm on weekends, you can even try their well-known breakfast menu. Once you’re done eating, head north to visit your last district of the day. 

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: Free

Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm

Friday – Saturday: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm

Walk the Style Avenue of Rodeo Drive

Heading north from Urth Cafe, you’ll end up in the most glamorous street in the world. Rodeo Drive, known for its high-end boutiques from the likes of Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, was established when Fred Hayman, known as the “Father of Rodeo Drive”, opened the first luxury store on Rodeo Drive called Giorgio Beverly Hills in 1961. That attracted more high end brands to open up shop on the street, and soon enough Rodeo Drive was filled to the brim with luxury stores. 

I recommend walking both sides of the street, window shopping as you go along. Be sure to look where you’re walking as the “Walk of Style” (featuring Walk of Fame-style plaques) can be found inlaid on the street featuring names of iconic figures in the fashion industry. Don’t forget to visit the Golden Triangle on the southeast side of the street, which features a very instagrammable cobblestone walkway that slopes upward.  

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: Free

Hours: Street and Golden Triangle open 24 hours. Store hours vary.

Drive Past the Iconic Houses of Beverly Hills and Snap a Picture with the Beverly Hills Sign

7 day los angeles itinerary beverly hills

After walking both sides of Rodeo Drive, head northeast until you see the Beverly Hills sign. Chances are you’ll see a bunch of other tourists taking pictures with the famed sign as well. It’s an iconic LA landmark, so pictures are a must. 

When you’re done, hop in your car and drive (or if you don’t have one, begin walking) through the streets of Beverly Hills. Beverly Hills’ reputation precedes it, and you will find a smorgasbord of mansions in this neighborhood.

Beverly Hills was first purchased by a group of businessmen who had hoped to find oil in the area. When their search yielded disappointing results, they began selling the land. Eventually, Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford built the area’s first mansion in 1921, and the rest, as they say, is history. 

I wouldn’t recommend taking those tours that take you to celebrity homes as most of the time their information is outdated and incorrect. You can get a pretty good tour of the area’s architecture by simply driving around the neighborhood. Be sure to stop and take pictures with the neighborhood’s iconic palm trees that line each street. If you’re visiting without a car, walk down Beverly Hills Drive, turn left at the first corner, then walk down Rodeo Drive until you end up back at the shops.

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: Free

Hours: Open 24 Hours

And that ends Day 2! Head back to your hotel or Airbnb and search your surroundings for somewhere to eat. You’ve got to be rested for another big day of this 7 day Los Angeles itinerary. 

Day 3: The Getty and Griffith Park

Wander the White Marble Buildings of the Getty

7 day los angeles itinerary the getty

Start your day off in what is probably my absolute favorite museum in LA, even if the art in it isn’t really my thing: The Getty! Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Getty is probably one of the most gorgeous museums on earth. Built by J Paul Getty, its white marble buildings, coupled with its sweeping vistas and picturesque gardens give the museum a serene yet sophisticated feel. It’s so beautiful that it even stood in for heaven on the TV show The Good Place! Its collection focuses on pre-20th century religious art, which isn’t my favorite kind of art, but the grounds more than make up for it. 

My favorite area has to be the garden with a man-made waterfall that empties out into this giant pond. Surrounding the pond are paths you can walk through, all lined with trees and flowers. But no matter where you go, you’re almost always guaranteed a great view.

Be sure to explore all five buildings, which will take you about 3 hours to do. The best part is that admission is free, although food and parking will set you back about $30-$50. I recommend having lunch at the cafe on site, then moving onto the second and final location of the day once you’re done exploring. 

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: Free. Timed entry ticket required.

Hours: Tuesday–Friday, Sunday 10am–5:30pm; Saturday 10am–8pm; Closed Mondays

Admire the Hollywood Sign and Explore the Astronomical Wonderland of Griffith Observatory

Now whether you like hiking or not, I still think you should see the Griffith Observatory. It’s one of the most notable landmarks in Los Angeles and a 7 day Los Angeles itinerary should absolutely include a visit here. If you want to hike I’d recommend hiking before visiting the observatory. For this itinerary, though, I will assume you just want to visit the observatory. 

Featured in movies like Rebel Without a Cause and La La Land, the land for the observatory and the park was donated to the City of Los Angeles by Griffith J. Griffith. Before he died, he set aside some money to build a planetarium and observatory on the land. Construction began in 1933 and finished in 1935.

There are many exhibits in the observatory for you to sink your teeth in. Be sure to head to the roof to take a peek at the observatory’s massive telescopes, and head to the basement (which some people forget to do) to see some exhibits about the planets in our solar system.

They also have a planetarium, which you need to pay to enter. If you’ve been to one before, though, I would skip it. The outside of the observatory also has a great view of the Hollywood Sign. 

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: Free for observatory. Planetarium costs $10 for Adults 13-54; $8 for Seniors and Students / Teachers; $6 for Children 5-12; and FREE for Children below 5

Hours: Tuesday – Friday 12:00 noon – 10:00 p.m; Saturday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Closed Monday

And just like that, day 3 is done! Enjoy the sunset at Griffith Park then head to your hotel or Airbnb to recharge for day 4 of this 7 day Los Angeles itinerary.   

Day 4: Museums and The Grove 

Light the Lights and See World Class Modern Art at LACMA

Begin day 4 of this 7 day Los Angeles itinerary with a trip to LACMA, more specifically to see the LACMA Lights (although seeing the museum is on this itinerary too). The LACMA Lights, known formally as Urban Lights, is an art installation made up of 200 cast iron antique street lamps that used to light the roads of Los Angeles decades ago. It has quickly become synonymous with LA itself, with it becoming a favorite instagram destination. 

LACMA itself is an amazing art museum. Spanning over 5 floors, LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States. It holds over 150,000 works of art spanning from prehistoric times to the present.

My favorite piece of art has to be “The Garage” which is a walkthrough piece that’s supposed to look like a garage made up of different materials. My other favorite is “Metropolis II” which is like a huge hot wheels set, but a lot more impressive. Once you’re done, head north to the Farmer’s Market for lunch!

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: $28 for Adults 13-54; $24 for Seniors, Students, and Visitors with Disabilities; $13 for Teens and Youth; and FREE for Children below 3

Hours: Monday – Thursday 11am – 6pm; Friday 11am-8pm; Saturday – Sunday 10a.m. – 7p.m. Closed Wednesday

Have Lunch at the Original Farmers Market and Walk Through the Grove

7 day los angeles itinerary farmers market

Heading north, you’ll end up at The Grove and the Original LA Farmers Market. The Grove is a tiny but beautiful outdoor mall with a cineplex, some shops and restaurants, gorgeous fountains, and a working outdoor tram. The mall opened in 2002 and has since become one of the most visited malls in the city. 

But the real star of the show has to be the Original LA Farmers Market, which opened in 1934. Originally intended to be a place where nearby farmers could sell their produce, it has since blossomed into a food lovers mecca.

My two favorite restaurants or stalls have to be DuPar’s and Pampas. DuPar’s is a classic American diner, while Pampas has different kinds of meat served cafeteria style. Both options are great for lunch, but you can’t go wrong with trying anything in the market. 

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: Free

Hours: Monday-Friday 9AM-9PM; Saturday 10AM-9PM; Sunday 10AM-9PM. Some stores have extended hours

Learn About Movie Making at the Academy Museum

7 day los angeles itinerary academy museum

When you’re done with lunch, head back to the LACMA area and into your second and final museum of the day, as well as your last stop of the day: The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, known informally as the Academy Museum.

Opened in 2021 the museum celebrates every aspect of filmmaking. Featuring the Stories of Cinema galleries, which explain the different disciplines involved in filmmaking, as well as rotating exhibits, the museum also has several rooms specifically dedicated to the Oscars. 

I’ve visited this museum 3 separate times, and all three times I was positively enthralled. In addition to learning about the different film disciplines, the museum also exhibits iconic props and costumes from notable movies.

It also has an animation exhibit and a rooftop balcony that overlooks the stunning Los Angeles hills. Whether you’re a film fan or not, this museum should be on any week-long LA itinerary.

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: Adults $25; Seniors (62+) $19; Students (18+ with ID) $15; Children (17-), Museum Members, Academy members, and CA EBT cardholders Free

Hours: 10am – 6pm. Closed Tuesdays

And just like that we’re more than halfway through the week! But the best is yet to come, starting with a visit to a notable LA theme park tomorrow. 

Day 5: Universal Studios Hollywood

The theme park that created the concept of the movie studio tour, Universal Studios Hollywood is one of two theme parks in LA that you should definitely visit. Located at Universal City and featuring over 10 rides, shows, and experiences, Universal Studios Hollywood is your chance to dive into and experience your favorite movies on another level.

They have rides themed to the Simpsons, Jurassic World, Despicable Me, Revenge of the Mummy, Transformers, Harry Potter, and the Mario characters in the recently opened Super Nintendo World. 

The best ride, however, has to be the Studio Tram Tour. The ride is essentially a tour of Universal’s movie studio, including a peek into its sound stages and sets from iconic movies and tv shows. There are also two “rides within the ride” experiences with King Kong 360 3D and Fast and Furious Supercharged. It’s one of the best theme park rides on earth, and should be your number one priority during your visit. The park itself is one of the best theme parks in the US, which is why it should be on your weeklong Los Angeles itinerary. 

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: Varies by Day

Hours: Varies by Day

Now you’re probably exhausted after your day at the park, so tomorrow will be a lot more chill, but will also involve you going behind the scenes of iconic cinema landmarks!

Day 6: Hollywood and Warner Bros. 

See the (Cement) Stars of the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard

7 day los angeles itinerary walk of fame

For today’s adventure, head on over to Hollywood Boulevard to begin your day! Once you get there, look down at your feet. You’re bound to come across multiple cement stars lining the sidewalks on both sides of the street. This is the Walk of Fame, which consists of around 2800 stars (as of this writing) honoring different artists for their contributions to film, television, radio, music, and drama. 

The Walk of Fame was ideated by E.M. Stuart, who proposed the project to the Los Angeles City Council in 1955. The first star, belonging to Stanley Kramer, was placed on Hollywood Boulevard on March 28, 1960. There’s no one way to see the stars, but most of them are concentrated by the Chinese Theater, the El Capitan Theater, the Dolby Theater, and the Pantages Theater. My recommendation is to walk down both sides of Hollywood Boulevard from Las Palmas Avenue to Orange Drive to see them. 

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: Free

Hours: Open 24 hours

Gaze Upon the Signatures and Iconic Interior of the TCL Chinese Theater

To see another iconic spot on Hollywood Boulevard, head to the TCL Grauman’s Chinese Theater. This is where you can find the different hand and footprints left by various celebrities throughout the years in the ground outside the theater. In 1923 the theater was commissioned, with Sid Grauman moving forward with organizing and funding the building’s construction.

An urban legend says that Sid accidentally stepped on wet cement one day while the theater was under construction, cementing (pun intended) the tradition. The footprints used to be on the sidewalk but were moved when the Walk of Fame was approved. 

Many celebrities have their handprints and footprints immortalized on the ground, such as the stars of film franchises like Harry Potter, Star Wars, and The Hunger Games. Be sure to look at every concrete block before heading inside for your tour.

Tours of the theater take about 30 minutes and go into detail on its design, construction, and history. You’ll also get the chance to step into the theater itself. Take note of its eye-catching curtain and ceiling. For information on how to book this tour and for up-to-date pricing, checkout this link

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: Free for courtyard. Tour of interior prices vary. Check here for details.

Hours: Open 24 Hours. Tours operate 7 days a week, excluding special event days. Contact TCL Theaters for more information.

Tour the Lobby and Interior of the Dolby Theater 

7 day los angeles itinerary dolby theater

Formerly known as the Kodak Theater, the Dolby Theater is located beside the TCL Chinese Theater and is notable for being the home of the Oscars. It opened on November 9, 2001 after being commissioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to be the home of the Oscars, which it has hosted since 2002. 

Upon entering the lobby of the theater, notice the different columns that line the entryway. They have affixed to them the names and years of each Best Picture winner. The first winners are located at the front of the theater, with the rest of them continuing as you move through the lobby and up the stairs. Tours depart from the top of the staircase.

I highly recommend a tour as you get to actually stand on the stage where celebrities receive their Oscars every year. That alone is worth the price of admission. You’ll also get some information about the Oscars and how they stage them in the theater. Tours are subject to availability. Click here for more information.

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: Free for courtyard and staircase. Tour costs $25 for adults and $19 for patrons 17 and younger and 65 and older.

Hours: Courtyard and Staircase Open 24 Hours. Tours are subject to availability and are offered from 11am to 4pm.

Eat at California Classic In-N-Out Burger

A visit to Los Angeles must include a visit to In-N-Out Burger! Known the world over for its delicious burgers, their menu is deceptively simple, although you can also order from their secret menu, which you can find out more about here. I would recommend dining in instead of driving thru as the drive thru can take forever, especially during the lunch and dinner rush. My order usually consists of a cheeseburger, some fries, and a chocolate shake, but anything on the menu or secret menu should be good.

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: Free 

Hours: Varies by location.

Go Behind the Scenes at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour

7 day los angeles itinerary warner bros studio tour

After gorging yourself on In-N-Out burgers, head on over to the Warner Bros. lot to go on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour! This is my favorite tour in Los Angeles, as it gives you the chance to actually step onto a working studio lot (the Universal Tram Tour just drives past the sound stages and sets) and is a more in-depth look at the process, craft, and art of making movies and tv shows. You’ll see iconic sets from movies like Jurassic Park and La La Land and shows like Pretty Little Liars and Friends. 

The tour is divided into two parts: the first consists of a ride in a small vehicle which then circumnavigates the sets and sound stages. You’ll actually get an opportunity to step onto some iconic movie sets and enter a working soundstage currently being used for film production.  

The second part involves a self guided tour through two sound stages that include the Friends and Big Bang Theory sets, costumes from movies like Crazy Rich Asians and Game of Thrones, as well as interactive exhibits themed to Harry Potter and the DC Universe. It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon and I would be remiss to not include it in my 7 Day Los Angeles itinerary. 

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: $73 Adult, $63 Child

Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM.

And now you’re down to your last day in LA. I know, you’re sad to be leaving, but just wait! I saved the best for last.

Day 7: Disneyland

Featuring the second most attended theme park in the world after Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Disneyland is the undisputed Happiest Place on Earth. Opening in 1955, it created the blueprint for the modern theme park that Disney has used in their 11 other parks. The Disneyland Resort is spread across two theme parks (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure), three hotels, and the Downtown Disney District. 

Disneyland Park

For this itinerary, I would recommend visiting both parks in one day. It might cost you more, but it’ll be worth it to see both parks. Also, since you only have one day here, I recommend purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass so you can skip the lines at the most popular attractions.

The headliner rides you should ride at Disneyland are Space Mountain, It’s a Small Word, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Big Thunder Mountain, Indiana Jones Adventure, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Matterhorn, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Alice in Wonderland, Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan’s Flight, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Disneyland’s nighttime fireworks show is also a highlight, as is their parade.  

Disney California Adventure

Highlights in DCA include Goofy’s Sky School, the Incredicoaster, Toy Story Midway Mania, Soarin Over the World, Grizzly River Run, The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, Web Slingers, Monsters Inc: Mike and Sulley to the Rescue, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, and Radiator Springs Racers. DCA’s World of Color fountain and light show is also a must-see.

Be sure to try the many specialty food items as well, such as the Birria Tacos in San Fransokyo, the pastries of Jolly Holiday, the renowned churro, and the Mickey-shaped ice cream bars. To maximize your time, arrive 45 minutes before opening and stay until the park closes, which is usually at midnight.

IMPORTANT INFO

Entry Fee: Varies by Day.

Hours: Varies by Day.

Conclusion

LA is, in my opinion, one of the best cities in America. Its diverse attraction lineup, tasty food scene, and laid back atmosphere make it one of the most interesting destinations in the world. Hopefully this itinerary can help make your next LA visit one for the books. Let me know if this itinerary has helped you by commenting down below!

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