Los Angeles in 5 Days: Hollywood, Santa Monica & Theme Parks: Day-by-Day Itinerary
Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, The Getty and Universal Studios — a first-timer’s LA by car and rideshare.
United StatesFirst-timersCity breakPhotogenicFamily
Length5 days / 4 nights
CitiesLos Angeles
CurrencyUSD US dollar
Best time to goMar–May and Sep–Nov are the most comfortable; summer is dry and hot inland, with morning “May Gray / June Gloom” fog on the coast.
Day-by-day overview
Day 1 Arrive × Santa MonicaDay 2 Hollywood × Griffith ObservatoryDay 3 Universal Studios HollywoodDay 4 Beach towns × MalibuDay 5 Last stops × fly home
Day 1Arrive × Santa Monica
10:00🚗 Transport
Arrive at Los Angeles LAX
Type / No.Flight
LocationLos Angeles LAX 🧭
ESTA must be approved before you fly; allow time for immigration.
14:00🏨 Stay
Check in (add your hotel)
Type / platformHotel
Check-in / out15:00 / 11:00
LocationSanta Monica 🧭
Staying near the beach makes the first evening easy.
15:30📍 Sight
Santa Monica Pier
Suggested time1.5 hrs
TicketsFree
LocationSanta Monica Pier 🧭
Free to walk on; rides are paid. Watch your belongings.
📸 Photo spot👶 Kid-friendly
18:00🍽 Food
19:30📍 Sight
Venice Beach sunset
Suggested time1.5 hrs
TicketsFree
LocationVenice Beach 🧭
Street performers and the skate park; stay in busy areas after dark.
📸 Photo spot🌙 Night view
Day 2Hollywood × Griffith Observatory
09:30📍 Sight
Hollywood Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre
Suggested time2 hrs
TicketsFree
LocationHollywood Boulevard 🧭
Crowded and a bit gritty; go early and keep valuables close.
📸 Photo spot
12:30🍽 Food
Grand Central Market
MealLunch
LocationGrand Central Market 🧭
Dozens of food stalls in a historic hall in downtown LA.
🍜 Must-eat
15:00📍 Sight
Getty Center
Suggested time3 hrs
Ticketsbook
LocationGetty Center 🧭
Free entry but a timed reservation is required; parking is paid.
📸 Photo spot🎟 Book ahead
18:30📍 Sight
Griffith Observatory at sunset
Suggested time2 hrs
TicketsFree
LocationGriffith Observatory 🧭
Great skyline and Hollywood Sign views; parking is tight — rideshare or the shuttle helps. Closed Mondays.
📸 Photo spot🌙 Night view
Day 3Universal Studios Hollywood
09:00📍 Sight
Universal Studios Hollywood
Suggested time8 hrs
Ticketsbook
LocationUniversal Studios Hollywood 🧭
Buy dated tickets ahead; weekends and holidays are busy, so arrive at opening.
👶 Kid-friendly🎟 Book ahead🕘 Expect a queue
13:00🍽 Food
19:00🍽 Food
Day 4Beach towns × Malibu
09:00🚗 Transport
Pick up a rental car
Type / No.Rental car
Check licence rules and insurance; most foreign licences need an International Driving Permit.
10:30📍 Sight
Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu
Suggested time3 hrs
TicketsFree
LocationMalibu Pier 🧭
Stop at El Matador or Zuma beaches if the weather is clear.
📸 Photo spot
13:00🍽 Food
15:30📍 Sight
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Suggested time2.5 hrs
TicketsFree
LocationAbbot Kinney Boulevard 🧭
Trendy shops and cafés; parking is metered and tight.
🛍 Shopping list📸 Photo spot
19:00🍽 Food
Day 5Last stops × fly home
07:30📝 Note
Final check
Double-check passports, power banks and valuables.
09:00📍 Sight
The Grove & Farmers Market
Suggested time2 hrs
TicketsFree
LocationThe Grove 🧭
Open-air mall with a historic market next door.
🛍 Shopping list
12:00🚗 Transport
Return the car
Type / No.Rental car
LocationLos Angeles LAX 🧭
Refuel first and allow time for the shuttle to the terminal.
15:00🚗 Transport
Head to the airport and fly home
Type / No.Flight
Aim to reach the airport 2.5–3 hours before an international flight.
🎟 Book these before you go
- Day 2｜Getty Center: Free entry but a timed reservation is required; parking is paid.
- Day 3｜Universal Studios Hollywood: Buy dated tickets ahead; weekends and holidays are busy, so arrive at opening.
🌦 Monthly temperatures: Los Angeles
| City / month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles High / low | 20° 9° | 20° 10° | 21° 11° | 23° 13° | 24° 15° | 26° 17° | 29° 19° | 29° 19° | 28° 18° | 25° 15° | 23° 11° | 20° 8° |
(typical averages — check the forecast before you go)
FAQ
How many days does Los Angeles in 5 Days: Hollywood, Santa Monica & Theme Parks take?
It’s planned as 5 days / 4 nights with 21 stops (9 sights and 6 meals). Copy it and add or remove stops to suit your pace.
What should I book in advance?
We recommend booking or buying ahead: Getty Center, Universal Studios Hollywood.
How do I make this template my own?
Tap “Use this template”, enter a name and start date, and an editable copy is created. Add your flights and hotels, adjust times and stops, then export a PDF or image to share.
Make it your trip
Copy the template, add your flights and hotels, then export a PDF, image or share link.
Note: opening hours, prices, timetables and entry rules change often — check official sources. This page offers general suggestions, not bookings or professional travel advice.