Los Angeles, California

🎬 Day 1: Arrive & Explore Hollywood

Hollywood Walk of Fame: Find your favorite stars along the iconic boulevard
TCL Chinese Theatre: Compare handprints with celebrities at this historic landmark
Dolby Theatre: Peek inside the Oscars’ home and join a guided behind-the-scenes tour
Hollywood & Highland: Browse shops and catch your first views of the Hollywood Sign
Capitol Records Building: Snap a photo of the famous record-shaped tower nearby
Join a guided Hollywood walking tour for celebrity history, film trivia, and secret spots

Porto’s Bakery (Glendale, 15-20 min. drive): Grab a Cuban sandwich, cheese rolls, or guava pastries at this iconic bakery
Griffith Observatory: Explore space exhibits and telescopes with sweeping skyline views
Hollywood Sign Trail: Hike to one of several vantage points for iconic photo ops
Amir’s Garden or Fern Dell: Wander quieter trails in Griffith Park’s lush corners
Greek Theatre (Optional): Visit or catch a show at this outdoor amphitheater
Sunset Over LA: Watch the city glow from the observatory lawn
Book a guided hike to the Hollywood Sign for expert navigation and bonus photo stops

Studio Tour: Go behind the scenes of working movie sets and sound stages
Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Fly with Hippogriffs and sip butterbeer in Hogsmeade
Jurassic World Ride: Brave dino encounters and big drops
WaterWorld Stunt Show: Watch explosions and jet-ski stunts in a crowd favorite
CityWalk: Explore shops, restaurants, and street performers just outside the park
Reserve your Universal tickets in advance and consider an Express Pass to skip long lines

Santa Monica Pier: Ride the Ferris wheel, play arcade games, and spot street performers
Third Street Promenade: Shop, people-watch, and enjoy outdoor dining
Venice Boardwalk: See mural art, skateparks, and colorful local vendors
Muscle Beach: Watch bodybuilders lift beneath the palm trees
Venice Canals: Stroll over peaceful footbridges in this quiet neighborhood pocket
Join a bike or e-bike tour along the beach path for a fun and scenic coastal ride

Getty Center: Take a tram to this hilltop campus with gardens, art, and architecture
J. Paul Getty Museum: View classical antiquities and masterpieces from around the world
Central Garden: Relax beside winding paths and waterfalls designed by Robert Irwin
LACMA (Alternate Option): Explore contemporary art, film exhibits, and Urban Light sculpture
La Brea Tar Pits: Walk among Ice Age fossils and bubbling asphalt nearby
Reserve museum tickets online and check for special exhibits or free admission days

Rodeo Drive: Window-shop designer boutiques and maybe spot a celebrity or two
Beverly Gardens Park: Snap a photo at the iconic Beverly Hills sign
Greystone Mansion: Visit the grounds of this hidden historic estate
Drive Mulholland or Sunset Boulevard: Take in scenic views and legendary roadways
Beverly Hills Trolley (Optional): Get a narrated tour of star-studded streets and estates
Book a celebrity home tour or architecture tour to explore LA’s luxury neighborhoods

Pacific Coast Highway (PCH): Cruise along coastal cliffs with views of surfers and sea spray
El Matador Beach: Explore sea caves and rugged rock formations at low tide
Malibu Pier: Stroll past fishermen and stop for a coffee or oceanfront snack
Zuma Beach: Lounge or take a walk on this wide, sandy local favorite
Fish Tacos or Seafood Farewell: End your trip with a final ocean-view meal
Reserve parking at Malibu beaches or a table at a pier-side restaurant for a breezy sendoff