Are you planning to spend a week in Los Angeles on your Californian road trip? It’s the perfect way to make the most of everything the City of Angels has to offer!
Our Los Angeles Off Road guides have lovingly created this itinerary so you can experience the very best of Los Angeles. They’ll be delighted to assist you during your stay in the City of Angels.
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Day 1 : Conquer the city
Los Angeles is a sprawling city. It covers 1,200 km2, about 12 times the size of Paris. That being said, the City of Angels is overflowing with things to do which suit everyone whether you like culture, sports, history or music. There’s something to please young and old alike and you’ll leave LA with memories you’ll never forget.
Nothing beats having a local guide waiting to meet you the day after you arrive so you can get to grips with the city. At this first meeting, we’ll answer all your questions on the must-see places and how to get around Los Angeles. You’ll then be ready to have a great time in the City of Angels.
Another option for your first day is to take a tour by car of Los Angeles with a guide to get your bearings. What could be more magical than discovering or rediscovering the City of Angels by retracing the scenes from the film La La Land ?
From the legendary opening scene on the highway overlooking Downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Coast Jazz Club and the famous Griffit Observatory, come with us on a cinematic tour of the city. We’ll take you on a tour by car of LA, also passing by Downtown, Hollywood Boulevard, Mulholland Drive and Sunset Strip for unforgettable moments.
North of Santa Monica, the Getty Center overlooks the city. Among the must-see places in Los Angeles, it is one of the most important American museums and houses an impressive art collection in a building famed for its avant-garde architecture and beautiful gardens. It’s no coincidence that many visitors often spend as much time walking through the 500-plant gardens as they do admiring the museum’s collections.
The museum’s Garden Terrace Cafe has an incredible view of the city. A great place to soak up the day’s last rays of sun!
Photo : Los Angeles Off Road
Day 2 : Los Angeles history and culture
Photo : Los Angeles Off Road
Plan to spend the day in the neighborhood of Downtown LA. Although this business district was once deserted when the offices closed for the evening, the Downtown area has changed a lot since the early 2000’s.
Downtown LA has shaken off its gloomy image to become a lively spot that today attracts a young and trendy crowd to its restaurants, bars and stunning architecture, like the museum The Broad. Entry is free but we recommend reserving a queue jumper ticket in advance from their website. It houses contemporary art collections from the 1950s to the present day.
The Offbeat Los Angeles Tour: a must-see tour that speaks to the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the city via its four key neighborhoods Downtown LA, Civic Center, Arts District and Little Tokyo.
As your day draws to a close, go and see the sunset at the Griffith Observatory – an unmissable part of any visit to Los Angeles.
Perched on Mount Hollywood at an altitude of 300m, the observatory has breathtaking views of Los Angeles and gives you the chance to view the celestial sky thanks to the most advanced planetarium in the world. Be careful though, because parking is charged at $10/hour after noon and it’s often crowded.
Park in the free lot at the bottom of the hill and take the shuttle bus up.
Day 3 : Hollywood Sign and Hollywood Boulevard
Start your day at Lake Hollywood Park with its clear view of the Hollywood Sign. Want to reach for the skies? The more energetic among you might want to take the Wonderview Trail up to the back of the letters and enjoy a unique view of LA.
Continue your day with a little tour of Hollywood Boulevard and its famous stars! Don’t miss the Chinese Theater to compare your hand and footprints with the biggest stars. Shelter from the sun in lobby of the Roosevelt Hotel right across the street for a quick break. At the end of the afternoon we recommend watching the sunset from a rooftop – Mama Shelter or Dream Hotel are our favorites.
The Offbeat Los Angeles tour: suitable for anyone no matter your ability, you’ll walk up to legendary Hollywood sign and learn all about its history and that of the Hollywood district.
Day 4 : Studio Universal
We stay with the Hollywood theme for a tour of Universal Studios! Built next door to Universal Studios – a real film studio – Universal Studios Hollywood is « Cinema’s Disneyland” where many thrilling rides show you all the special effects and animations from famous films.
Don’t miss the « Studio Tour » to see the most breathtaking sets from movies and TV series. Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-see for both little and big kids on your week-long itinerary in LA.
Day 5 : Go West
Head out west! Start your day at the waterfront. Try Venice Beach, a popular, fun and hippie side of LA that’s waiting just for you. Enjoy the beach in the quiet of the morning and watch the bodybuilders arrive along with surfers looking to catch a wave and skaters at California’s most famous skatepark. For the more daring, « ride » the Californian waves with the help of a pro surfer who will show you different techniques. Something you’ll never forget!
Stay by the ocean after lunch and continue walking towards Santa Monica – a perfect seaside town bustling with people. Take a detour to Santa Monica Pier – the legendary boardwalk over the ocean – and its floating fairground. Shopoholics shouldn’t forget to take a stroll down 3rd Street Promenade.
The Offbeat Los Angeles tour: a half day bike or walking tour exploring the Cali lifestyle of Venice Beach and Santa Monica.
Photo : Los Angeles Off Road
Photo : Unsplash
Day 6: West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the UCLA campus
Start your day with Sunset Strip in West Hollywood and then continue walking down Melrose Avenue passing the legendary Melrose Place. Immerse yourself in the trendy and lively side of Los Angeles, mixing rock music, glamor, street art and luxury shop displays. Look up at the latest film and TV posters and advertisements of famous brands and you’ll be mesmerized by the glitz and glamor.
After lunch, imagine you’re Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman and go window-shopping on the iconic Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Get lost driving around an area called ‘The Flats’ and admire the curvy, shrub-lined streets. A break at the famous Beverly Hotel is essential for a refreshing dip in the swimming pool.
To round off the afternoon, go on a tour of the UCLA university campus. Park close to Dickinson Court and don’t miss the campus shop packed full of souvenirs.
The Offbeat Los Angeles experience: a jaunt around West Hollywood from the Sunset Strip to Melrose Avenue and you’ll witness the glamor, rock and roll culture, and luxury and celebrity lifestyle.
Day 7 : Alerte à Malibu
If you’re feeling athletic, start your day with a hike around the Santa Monica Mountain Heights. Park at the Los Leones Canyon Trailhead. It’s easy to find by the side of the road and it’s free!
Have lunch at the end of Malibu Pier at Malibu Farm… you’ve earned it! The restaurant at the entrance of the pontoon is often fully booked, so keep going to the end of the pier and try the Malibu Farm Café. It’s much more relaxed with counter service, a large terrace over the water and the same quality local and organic food.
Chill out on beach next door and take a swim while watching the many surfers that gather there.
As the day draws to an end and the sun slowly disappears on the horizon, Dume Point is a great place to watch this spectacular sunset over the ocean.
