Planning a trip to the United States soon? You might be wondering how many days in Los Angeles is enough. The answer, of course, depends on what you want to do and see while you’re in the city.
If you’re interested in exploring further than the city and throughout the state of California, we suggest spending at least three or four days in Los Angeles.
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That said, the answer really comes down to the type of holiday you’re looking for.
If you love being on the go and are happy to see everything at a fast pace, 2 days in Los Angeles might be enough for you.
But if you’d like to slow things down, and have a little more time to spend at each attraction and see more of California, you might want to consider 3 or 4 days in Los Angeles instead.
I put this guide together to help you figure out how many days in Los Angeles you’ll need. You’ll find all the things you need to think about when planning the length of your stay, along with a guide to Los Angeles’s highlights.
I’ve also suggested how long you should plan to spend at each one so that you can create a realistic itinerary for your visit so that you can enjoy every moment of your trip.
How To Decide How Long To Stay In Los Angeles
Deciding how long to spend in Los Angeles can depend on a few different things, like arrival time, hotel check-in, what you want to see, transportation, and more!
To help you figure out exactly how long you’ll need in Los Angeles, make a list of the things you want to do in the city, and consider the time of arrival and departure. Then, look at the distance between places to keep it realistic.
At the end of this exercise, you’ll know how many days in Los Angeles you’ll need.
That said, it’s important to keep a few things in mind when planning a trip to Los Angeles.
Are you planning on staying in Los Angeles, or do you want to use Los Angeles as a base to explore California?
Los Angeles can be a good base for exploring the state, but it really depends on what you want to do while in the United States.
Time Of Arrival, Hotel Check-In Time & Time Of Departure
One important thing to consider is whether your hotel check-in and departure times allow for a full day’s sightseeing.
To save time on arrival, consider booking a private transfer in advance.
If you’re planning on arriving late, you might consider adding an extra night to your stay. Another important consideration is what you will do with your luggage. Will you travel around the region by car? If so, you won’t have to worry about your luggage.
If you want to get to Los Angeles early to make the most of your day, you might need to store your luggage somewhere for a few hours before it is time for you to check into your accommodation.
Most hotels will offer this service, but not all. So don’t just assume that there will be somewhere to leave your bags – find out for sure before you go.
Staying In Los Angeles?
Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Los Angeles.
Best budget hotel: citizenM
Best mid-range hotel: Casa Del Mar
Best luxury hotel: The Beverly Hills Hotel
Things To Do In Los Angeles And Its Surroundings
Los Angeles is a popular destination for travelers who enjoy spending time on the beach and relaxing in the sun.
The city also offers a wide range of activities for those who want to explore, such as visiting Disney World, going to the Griffith observatory, and exploring Hollywood.
You must think carefully about which attractions or tours appeal to you the most and plan how to fit them all in – especially if you’re thinking about a short stay.
The list of highlights below will help you put your Los Angeles itinerary together, but be careful not to schedule every single moment of your day.
It’s always a good idea to leave a little leeway for things like long queues and transport delays – or simply to spend longer at the places you like the best!
Note that many travelers prefer to book tours and activities in advance to save time, skip the queues and make the most of their holidays.
Pace Of Activities
When thinking about how many days in Los Angeles you’ll need, ask yourself if you want a relaxing break or one that’s a whirlwind of activity. It’s pretty simple; the shorter your visit, the busier you will be.
So if you are the type of person who likes to enjoy the sights at a more leisurely pace – or a foodie who wants to have enough time to appreciate the local cuisine – then 4 days in Los Angeles city will definitely suit you better than 2.
Transportation
Think carefully about how you will get around during your visit. While it makes sense to visit attractions that are close together, you will still need to factor travel time into your days.
Can you visit attractions on foot? Will you reach your destination by scooter, taxi, or bus?
Do your research to find out how you will visit the places you wish to visit and keep the distance and time to reach your destination in mind when you build your itinerary in Los Angeles.
Make sure your itinerary is logical and that you visit nearby attractions in one go. That way, you won’t waste time traveling between places that are far apart.
That said, if you’re going to Los Angeles directly from the airport, you could book a private transfer to save time on arrival.
Some hotels might be able to arrange a transfer for you.
What To Do In Los Angeles
Here are some of the best sights, experiences, and things to do in Los Angeles, along with our recommendations for how long to set aside for each.
Venice Beach
Venice beach is a must-see when visiting Los Angeles. It is a unique beach town that was built in homage to its namesake, Venice Italy.
This is a popular area in LA and is known for its lively boardwalk, sandy beaches, and bohemian vibe.
While you’re here, you can stroll along the boardwalk which is a hive of activity. There are lots of shops, restaurants, street performers, and bars the whole way and it’s a great spot for people-watching.
Lots of people also rent bikes or roller skates to go up and down the boardwalk. There are lots of rental places dotted along the boardwalk.
Be sure to hit the beach while you’re here to soak up some sun or go surfing or if you’re feeling very active, you can head to Muscle Beach.
This is an iconic outdoor gym based on the south side of the beach. Here you can watch bodybuilders in action while they train or you can try out some of the equipment yourself.
Exploring the canals of Venice is a great way to finish off a day here. You can stroll along with an ice cream taking in the views of these charming canals and the peaceful area surrounding them.
Suggested time: 4 hours
The Getty Center
Visiting the Getty Center while in LA is a truly unforgettable experience. This is a world-renowned museum that is home to an impressive collection of art, stunning gardens, and fascinating architecture.
The Getty Center’s gardens are a must-see with The Central Garden being the most notable. Here you can soak up the colorful lush oasis and waterfall which is a welcome escape from the busyness of LA city.
There are several tours throughout the day, as well as lectures and workshops throughout the year.
Whether you are an art lover or not, it is a great way to spend a day in LA. You can also enjoy beautiful views of the city from here.
Suggested time: 2 hours
Hike In Griffith Park
Another great activity in LA is a hike in Griffith Park. This is one of the biggest urban parks in the country and has several different hiking trails for you to enjoy.
Here you will find over 50 miles of hiking trails for all levels. From these trails, you can enjoy views of the city for miles and a glimpse of the iconic Hollywood sign.
You can also visit the Griffith Observatory here which is one of LA’s most popular attractions. There are stargazing events held here often or you can simply explore some of the exhibits on offer.
Griffith park is also home to several other attractions including two golf courses, the LA zoo, and the Autry Museum of the American West.
Suggested time: 4 hours
Explore Hollywood
An important part of any visit to Los Angeles is taking some time to explore Hollywood and all it has to offer.
You can stroll along the Hollywood walk of fame where over two thousand stars lay dedicated to a host of famous celebrities. Here you can find your favorite famous name and take a picture with it.
Going to the TCL Chinese Theatre is another great look into Hollywood life and is one of Hollywood’s most famous landmarks. It’s known for having celebrity hands and footprints in the cement outside the building.
To get a deeper look behind the curtain, you can join studio tours to one of the many major film and television studios. Here you can get a behind-the-scenes look at the filming and if you’re lucky, do some celebrity spotting too.
Suggested time: 2-3 hours
Best Time To Visit Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a dream destination for sun-seekers and beach lovers alike. But when is the best time to go to Los Angeles to get the most out of your stay?
This city in the United States is always brimming with exciting activities and sunny skies, but certain times of the year are more ideal than others. So, let’s look at what you can expect from Los Angeles weather.
To ensure you get the best out of your trip to Los Angeles, consider visiting between March and May or between September and November.
Avoid the months of June, July, and August as this is peak season and can be extremely hot and very busy with tourists.
If you’re looking for a good deal, consider visiting in the winter months, as temperatures are still relatively warm and hotel prices tend to be lower.
No matter when you visit, Los Angeles is sure to provide a vacation that will be remembered for years to come!
Final Thoughts On Los Angeles Trips
We hope this guide helped you figure out how many days in Los Angeles is enough.
And remember, the best way to make the most of your time is to pre-book tours and activities so that you can fully enjoy your holiday without wasting time!
Los Angeles is a great destination to relax and explore California.
We hope you’ll have a great time while doing the best things to do in Los Angeles.
Not sure when is the best time to visit Los Angeles? We recommend you visit Los Angeles from March to May and from September to November.
Traveling to California soon? Read one of the following guides:
