A 2 day LA Itinerary – An honest guide to visiting on a short trip

Los Angeles is one of those places. You either love it or you hate it. In fact, when we started researching places to go and where to stay for our upcoming trip to the city we came across so much contrasting information. Some people think it is a dream destination with endless beaches, luxury hotels, and of course glitz and glamour. Others, think it’s superficial, and unfriendly. And so, we figured we just had to see it for ourselves and try to see LA in 2 days, to make up our own minds.

Now, we only had 2 days in LA as we were doing a bigger West Coast trip, and this time flew by, especially because we didn’t realise how big the place is. Whilst we didn’t run into any celebrities (bummer) we did see a lot of cool things. If you are like us and only have a limited time we have put together this 2 day LA itinerary including the best things to see and do, as well as an honest review of our time here. Here is our very honest guide to visiting LA.

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2 day LA itinerary Factsheet

If you are trying to see LA in 2 days here are some quick facts that you may need to know for your trip.

Country: USA

Languages Spoken: English

Currency: US Dollar $ (USD)

Famous for: Movie stars, great beaches

Visit if you like: celebrity culture, hiking, walks on the beach, nice weather

Also known as: Tinseltown, LA LA Land & the City of Angels

LA doesn’t really have a true centre, Downtown LA comes close, but even then, it is super spread out. It’s impossible to explore the city on foot, and each neighbourhood has a completely different ‘flavour’.

Also, LA is really multicultural. In fact, the city’s residents include people from over 140 countries who speak over 224 different languages. That being said it is a pretty big place and is not only diverse in terms of population but also terrain. Whilst it is mostly a desert basin, it is also surrounded by mountain ranges, and has 75 miles of coastline. Basically, you will find a little something for everyone during your 2 days in LA.

If you are tossing up between Los Angeles and San Francisco for your next trip you should read this post.

Is 2 days in LA enough?

We only allocated 2 days in LA, mostly due to our own time constraints. We also heard so many bad reviews that we weren’t sure how long we wanted to stay either. That being said we still felt like we should visit because we were doing a multi city US trip. I mean let’s face it, it is also one of the most talked about cities, particularly when it comes to Hollywood, so we really wanted to see what it was all about.

If you are wondering how long you need, well, 2 days in LA is nowhere near enough. We barely even began to scratch the surface. If we could do it all again we would try to schedule at least 5 days to get to grips with the city. It is a lot bigger than you might think and it does take time to get from one part of the city to another. Not just because of traffic but because this place is huge!

If you are trying to see LA in 2 days though, don’t worry, all is not lost. You will still be able to see a lot and enjoy your time in the city. It’s probably best to stick to a couple of neighbourhoods, and not try to see it all as this will put a lot of pressure on you. Pick a couple of must sees and stick to them.

Best time to plan a 2 day Los Angeles itinerary

An important thing to consider when planning your 2 day LA itinerary, is of course what time of year to visit. And the answer to this will depend on what you plan to do in the city.

 If you are visiting LA to explore the city and see the tourist sights, we recommend visiting around November. There are far less tourists around than in the summer months and the weather is still pretty mild. You also get cheaper hotels, with much more availability.

Winters in LA tend to be pretty mild, so whilst you might not want to lounge by the beach everyday, you should still get a bit of sunshine. You are looking at temperatures between 10-20 degrees Celsius.

Of course, if you are wanting to hit the beach and live the LA life, then you probably want to visit in the summer (August- September). Keep in mind though that summer is peak season so expect long lines at tourist attractions (particularly the theme parks) and more expensive accommodation.

Summer temperatures range between 18-30 degrees Celsius. It can be a bit sticky and uncomfortable if you are trying to hike, or walking around Downtown LA, or Hollywood, but perfect for lounging on the beach.

LA in 2 days – How to get here

Chances are your 2 day LA itinerary will start at LAX. As we might have mentioned before Los Angeles doesn’t have fantastic public transport links, so you are probably going to want to either get a taxi or a shuttle bus to your hotel.

Taxis, as well as Uber and Lyft, operate at LAX, and these are your more convenient options for getting to your hotel. Be prepared to pay around $70- $80 though, depending on where you are staying.

You can also hop on the LAX FlyAway bus, which will get you between LAX and either Van Nuys or LA Union station for under $10. It is also worth checking if your hotel operates a shuttle service as this is cheaper than a taxi, but more convenient than the LAX FlyAway.

How much money do you need for 2 days in LA?

You might be wondering how much money you need for your 2 days in LA.  LA can be expensive although this really depends on what you are planning to do. We averaged at about $200 each per day not including accommodation costs. This was mostly because we booked tours which set us back a bit of money.

Food isn’t massively expensive in LA, and neither is public transport, but tours and attractions do cost a bit more. Also, public transport isn’t always the most convenient way to get around LA, and so you might rely more on taxis, or even renting your own car.

Accommodation can be a bit expensive, which is probably part of the reason we decided to see LA in 2 days, as opposed to a longer trip. Expect to spend about $150 as a minimum for a mid range hotel.

Eating and drinking during your 2 days in LA

LA is surprisingly big. So when it comes to planning where to eat during your 2 days in LA you have so many choices. Here is a guide to eating in LA to help you decide.

The main issue with eating in LA is just narrowing it down to a specific area. A really good way to try some great food, and learn a little bit about the history of different cuisines in LA is to do a food tour. This tour is a great option if you want to explore the iconic farmers market.

If you find yourself in Downtown LA, which is fast becomming a foodies paradise, then we recommend this tour.

Where to stay during your 2 days in LA

We chose to stay in Downtown LA despite reading a lot of articles advising against it. For us it essentially came down to money, and we found a decent deal at the Millennium Biltmore.  The hotel is grand and opulent, and almost a direct contrast to the streets that surround it.

I’m not going to lie, I felt nervous walking around downtown LA. Homelessness is a serious problem in the city, especially in the downtown area, which can be intimidating when you could tell a lot of them were drinking or taking drugs. Some of the streets also smelt a lot like urine and were not great.

We visited a 7/11 near the hotel and a lot of the smaller items like bags of sweets were practically bolted to the shelf and you had to ask a staff member to take them off for you. Eventually we got used to it and as long as you had your wits about you, you were fine. But those first impressions were not great. If we had the choice again we would stay in Hollywood. There is so much more to do there, with more bars and restaurants and a less grimy feel.

The hotel itself was fantastic though. Staff were super attentive and were there to help answer any questions we had. The rooms were also really spacious and clean.

If you are wondering where to stay for your 2 days in Los Angeles, here is a breakdown on some of the areas that we recommend.

Downtown LA

Accommodation tends to be a bit cheaper in Downtown LA. There are some sketchy parts, although it’s not as bad as it once was. There are some decent hotel selections, and some cool bars and restaurants. The Metro also runs through the Downtown area, so it makes it a bit easier to get around.

There are more and more restaurants and bars opening in Downtown LA, and it’s a very different place now to what it was a few years ago.

Hollywood

Hollywood is pretty synonymous with celebrities and luxury, but actually the area itself is one that celebrities tend to avoid. Back in the day it was full of low income housing which is a contrast to the whole idea that Hollywood is full of glitz and glamour. It’s a good neighbourhood to stay in though if you are wanting to go out at night and it’s great for bar hopping and clubbing. It’s very touristy, but that isn’t necessarily a negative in this instance.

If it is your first trip to LA then we recommend booking accommodation in Hollywood. It’s close to a lot of attractions, public transport, and several bars and restaurants.

Santa Monica/ Venice

Santa Monica and Venice are great if you are looking to spend some time near the beach. Santa Monica is a bit more expensive, but it’s close to the water, and there are lots of restaurants and bars. Venice is a little edgier, with graffiti clad walls, and a more alternative feel, but also good value for money. This is probably where we would stay on our next trip to LA, but because it is a bit further out, maybe not ideal for your first time here.

Choosing accommodation for your 2 days in LA can be quite daunting so what we would say is, decide what you want to see first. If you heart is set on enjoying the beaches in LA then stay in Venice or Santa Monica. If you want to indulge in celebrity culture, stay in Hollywood. It will save you so much time! Here are our tips for things to do in Venice as well as where to stay.

Getting around during your 2 days in LA

If you are in LA for 2 days you might be wondering how to get around. If you book yourself on some organised tours these usually include hotel pick up and drop off so you won’t have to worry about transport. But if you are getting around by yourself you may need to use public transport.

There are a lot of public transport options in the city, and it is actually really cheap as well. You just have to keep in mind that LA is huge and it will take a while getting from place to place. I had this idea in my head that no one uses public transport in LA, so was surprised to see that it was really busy. There was a Metro Station just a short walk from our hotel. I didn’t love it because there were a lot of shady looking dealings going on around and it smelt of pee. Still, once we went down the escalators it was fine and hassle free.

Buying a ticket was easy, and the metro was simple to negotiate. Sometimes the metro is the best option for getting around, especially because traffic in LA can be an absolute nightmare.

But that being said, if you are looking to visit the beaches, especially if you are staying in Downtown LA then either rent a car or get a taxi.

Things to do as part of your 2 day LA Itinerary

Here are some of the highlights to add to your 2 day LA itinerary. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but will hopefully help you plan your own trip.

Griffith Observatory

This was the first thing we did during our 2 days in LA, because we had heard so many good things about it. Here you can learn all about the cosmos and look through some powerful telescopes, as well as admiring the incredible views of LA.

It is relatively easy to get to as well using public transport. We caught the metro and then had to change onto the DASH, a small bus that took us straight to the observatory. You can also book a guided tour online before you visit.

You probably need at least an hour to just take it all in. We loved the view of LA from the top of the observatory. It really gives you an insight into just how big LA is.

It is also one of the best places to see the Hollywood sign. Mind you I should add that even from here the Hollywood sign is pretty small so unless you want to go hiking then this is your best bet. Although there are some strict rules about how close you can get.

Hike the Hollywood Hills

If you want to get a bit closer to the Hollywood Sign you can do a guided tour. You will learn all about Hollywood and the surrounding areas, and the views are incredible too.

Hollywood

Hollywood is another must when you are in LA for 2 days. Most of the action is centred around Hollywood Blvd. Here you will find the Walk of Fame, Madame Tussauds, and the TLC Chinese Theatre just to name a few.

The Chinese Theatre was one of our favourite bits, because it is where all the hand and shoe prints are for some of your favourite celebrities.

If you are looking for a bite to eat, head to Mel’s Diner. I know it is incredibly touristy but it is exactly what I imagined an American Diner to be like, complete with grilled cheese sandwiches and apple pie.

Universal Studios Hollywood

A trip to LA is not complete without a visit to Universal Studios. If you are a movie fan this is the place for you. You can explore the sets of some of the most popular films, as well as enjoying the park rides. Realistically you will need to spend a whole day here as there is so much to see and do. Just make sure you book tickets in advance.

Warner Brothers Studio Tour

Another studio you can visit is Warner Brothers, which includes getting your picture taken at a replica Central Perk set.

Hop On Hop Off Bus

Because LA is so big a Hop on Hop Off Bus tour is a good way to cover quite a bit of ground and see some of the key attractions. It’s especially useful when you only have 2 days in LA. There are different routes you can book onto, as well as 1 and 2 day options. We recommend booking online in advance.

Venice Beach

We ended up doing this as part of a bus tour, but if we could do it all again we would skip the tour and just do Venice Beach by itself. It’s beautiful and carefree, and sort of what you imagine life in California to be like. It’s also very alternative with shops selling T-shirts with crass slogans, and a lot of really cool graffiti all over the walls.

I loved visiting the skate park, mostly because it reminded me of school holidays where I would play Tony Hawks pro-skater. You can also visit muscle beach, where you will find a beach gym and a lot of shirtless fitness lovers. You know if that is your thing.

If you are looking for a bit to eat we recommend Big Daddy’s pizza. It is a quick meal and perfect for walking and eating. And the pizza is pretty good too I should add.

Santa Monica

Just down the road from Venice is Santa Monica. It is a lot more upscale and a great place to shop. You can also head to the pier where you will find a lot of rides. We didn’t get to spend a lot of time here which is a shame, and something I suppose we have to come back to. That is definitely one of the down sides of doing a bus tour, you don’t get to spend a lot of time in places. On the plus side I think we had the best frozen yoghurt of our lives here!

Beverly Hills

Back in its hay day Beverly Hills was the playground for the rich and famous. It is where they went to shop and to be seen. These days while it is still home to those ludicrously expensive shops, particularly on Rodeo Drive, you don’t get a ton of celebrity sightings, if that is your thing.

We visited the Beverly Hills sign and if you have a look at the streets surrounding the sign you will see your classic streets with palm trees on either side.

Tour of the movie stars’ homes

As part of our bus tour Dave and I became unwilling participants in a tour of the movie stars’ homes. If you are thinking of doing this don’t bother. Neither of us care that much about celebrity culture and most celebrities live in gated communities now, most likely to get away from those annoying celebrity tours.

We ended up driving around taking pictures of houses who looking back I can’t even remember who lived there. On a positive note it was kind of fun exploring these different neighbourhoods and getting a glimpse at how the other half live.

Sample 2 day LA itinerary

Here are some sample 2 day LA Itineraries to help you plan the perfect weekend away.

2 day LA itinerary for the first timers

Day 1

Start the day by heading to the Griffith Observatory and take a walk around the surrounding area.

In the afternoon head to Hollywood and visit the Walk of Fame, Hollywood Boulevard, and TLC Chinese Theatre. Grab some dinner and drinks in the area in the evening.

Day 2

Spend the day enjoying the beaches of LA including Venice Beach and Santa Monica.

2 day LA itinerary for celebrity lovers

Day 1

Start the day by exploring Hollywood, and do a tour of the celebrity homes in the afternoon. In the afternoon take a trip to Rodeo Drive and visit the Pretty Woman hotel, and explore some of the boutique shops.

Day 2

Head to Universal Studios and spend the day touring the various film sets and enjoying the rides. Alternatively, you can do the Warner Bros Studio tour instead. If you have time head to the Griffith Observatory in the evening.

What to pack for 2 days in LA

You might be wondering what to pack for your 2 days in LA. Well apart from your holiday staples here are some absolute musts for your trip.

• Sunglasses, sun cream – basically anything to protect you from the sunshine
• Swimwear – particularly in the summer months
• Comfortable walking shoes (and flip flops for the beach)
• At least one outfit for going out
• Reusable drink bottle, hiking clothes
• Jacket for evenings especially as it can get cool

Tips for planning your 2 day LA itinerary

• Have a plan especially if you are only in LA for 2 days
• Book any restaurants in advance
• Actually make time to see the beaches – this was our real highlight in LA
• You may want to consider renting a car for your 2 days in LA so that you can get around easier
• You aren’t going to see celebrities in LA, particularly not in places like Hollywood- most celebs live in gated communities and avoid the more touristy places

LA in 2 days – renting a car

One of the best ways to get around LA in 2 days in by renting a car. Yes, traffic can be intense in LA, but spend any amount of time here, and you will realise just how big it is. Renting a car and driving in LA can be daunting, but here are some tips.

• Cars are bigger in the USA and will pretty much always be automatic
• Drive on the right – I know that might sound obvious but if like us you are used to driving on the left it can take a little getting used to
• Get the full insurance option for piece of mind.

Romantic things to add to your 2 day Los Angeles itinerary

If you are hoping for a bit of romance during your 2 days in Los Angeles here are some suggestions of things to add to your itinerary.

• Admire the views from the Griffith Observatory – for extra romance do this a night and stargaze with your significant other.
• Stroll around Venice at sunset – it really is beautiful.
• Wander around the Exposition Park Rose Garden- this is one thing we didn’t have time to do which is a shame because the gardens are supposed to be stunning.
• Enjoy the rides at Santa Monica Pier.
• Do a helicopter ride.

LA in 2 days- What we really thought

If we could go back we would have stayed longer and we definitely would have avoided the bus tours. Don’t get me wrong, the tour was good because we did see a lot in a limited amount of time. But we both would have loved to have spent more time in Venice and Santa Monica instead of wasting our time in Beverly Hills.

Staying in downtown LA was also a bit of a mistake. There really isn’t much nightlife and that was kind of disappointing. All in all LA is a really strange city full of complete contrasts. You have your people really down on their luck in the downtown area and places like Skid Row, but then you have people with more money then sense in places like Beverly Hills and the Hollywood Hills. There are nice parts of the city and there are tacky parts, and so after two days we really were left wanting more. I guess a return trip is in order.

And if you are thinking of travelling further afield after your 2 days in LA, then why not visit Las Vegas?

If you found our guide to LA in 2 days useful please do pin it for later. We hope you enjoy your trip!