15-Day Los Angeles Itinerary

Los Angeles is a city of contrasts—where historic neighborhoods meet cutting-edge creativity, and global culinary traditions blend seamlessly with California’s fresh, coastal lifestyle. From the glamour of Hollywood and the luxury of Beverly Hills to the cultural roots of Downtown LA and the laid-back beaches of Santa Monica and Malibu, the city offers an unparalleled diversity of experiences.

This carefully curated 15-day itinerary is designed for travelers seeking a comprehensive and well-paced exploration of Los Angeles. It combines iconic landmarks, hidden gems, immersive cultural experiences, and exceptional dining, while organizing each day geographically to minimize travel time. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this guide ensures you experience Los Angeles in a structured, enriching, and memorable way.

Day 1: Arrival & Downtown Los Angeles Orientation

Morning / Arrival

• Arrive at LAX
• Private airport transfer or Uber to hotel

Recommended Hotels

• InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown (luxury)
• Freehand Los Angeles (boutique/value)

Lunch

• Bottega Louie (Italian & pastries)

Afternoon

• Visit:
  • Walt Disney Concert Hall
  • The Broad Museum

Evening

• Dinner: Bestia (Italian fine dining)
• Optional: Rooftop drinks at Perch LA

Day 2: Historic Los Angeles & Cultural Roots

Morning

• Guided walking tour (El Pueblo district via Viator)
• Explore:
  • Olvera Street
  • Avila Adobe

Lunch

• Cielito Lindo (historic taquitos)

Afternoon

• Visit:
  • Union Station
  • Chinese American Museum

Evening

• Dinner: Philippe The Original (French dip sandwiches)

Day 3: Arts District & Food Culture

Morning

• Coffee at Blue Bottle Coffee
• Walk Arts District murals

Lunch

• Grand Central Market (multi-vendor food hall)

Afternoon

• The Last Bookstore
• Optional food tour: Six Taste Food Tours

Evening

• Dinner: Girl & the Goat LA
• Craft cocktails at Death & Co

Day 4: Hollywood Landmarks

Morning

• Walk Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Visit TCL Chinese Theatre

Lunch

• In-N-Out Burger (classic California)

Afternoon

• Hollywood Museum
• Dolby Theatre tour

Evening

• Dinner: Musso & Frank Grill (historic Hollywood dining)

Day 5: Universal Studios Hollywood

Morning–Afternoon

• Full-day theme park experience
• Recommended: VIP Studio Tour

Lunch

• Inside park (Three Broomsticks or Jurassic Café)

Evening

• Universal CityWalk dining
• Return to hotel

Day 6: Griffith Park & Scenic LA

Morning

• Hike to Hollywood Sign

Lunch

• Picnic or café at Griffith Observatory

Afternoon

• Explore Griffith Observatory exhibits

Evening

• Sunset views over Los Angeles
• Dinner: Little Dom’s (Los Feliz)

Day 7: Beverly Hills & Luxury Experience

Morning

• Walk Rodeo Drive
• Beverly Gardens Park

Lunch

• The Polo Lounge (iconic LA dining)

Afternoon

• Spa or shopping experience

Evening

• Dinner: Spago Beverly Hills

Hotel Option Upgrade

• The Beverly Hills Hotel

Day 8: West Hollywood & Sunset Strip

Morning

• Brunch at Joan’s on Third

Afternoon

• Explore Sunset Strip
• Visit music landmarks

Evening

• Comedy show at The Comedy Store
• Dinner: Catch LA

Day 9: Santa Monica Coastal Experience

Morning

• Bike ride along beach path

Lunch

• The Lobster (oceanfront dining)

Afternoon

• Santa Monica Pier
• Third Street Promenade

Evening

• Sunset at beach
• Casual dinner: Blue Plate Taco

Day 10: Venice Beach & Creative Culture

Morning

• Venice Boardwalk walk

Lunch

• Gjelina (highly rated California cuisine)

Afternoon

• Abbot Kinney Boulevard shopping

Evening

• Rooftop drinks at Hotel Erwin

Day 11: Malibu Luxury Coastal Day

Morning

• Drive Pacific Coast Highway

Visit

• Zuma Beach

Lunch

• Malibu Farm (fresh coastal cuisine)

Afternoon

• Getty Villa (Roman art & architecture)

Evening

• Dinner: Nobu Malibu (premium experience)

Day 12: Museums & Science

Morning

• Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

Lunch

• Ray’s and Stark Bar

Afternoon

• La Brea Tar Pits
• Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Evening

• Dinner: Republique

Day 13: Pasadena & Heritage

Morning

• Visit The Huntington Library & Gardens

Lunch

• The Terrace Restaurant

Afternoon

• Explore Old Pasadena

Evening

• Return to LA
• Dinner: Union Pasadena

Day 14: Culinary Exploration & Global LA

Morning

• Food tour in Koreatown (guided via Viator)

Lunch

• Korean BBQ experience (Park’s BBQ)

Afternoon

• Little Tokyo exploration

Evening

• Dinner: Sushi Gen

Day 15: Shopping & Departure

Morning

• Visit The Grove & Farmers Market

Lunch

• Market dining stalls

Afternoon

• Last-minute shopping

Departure

• Transfer to LAX

Recommended Tour Operators

• Viator (city tours, food tours, studio tours)
• GetYourGuide (museum tickets, skip-the-line access)

Transportation Options

• Uber / Lyft (most convenient)
• Metro Rail (limited but useful downtown)
• Rental car (best for full itinerary coverage)

Optional Experiences to Enhance Trip

• Helicopter tour over Los Angeles
• Whale watching cruise (seasonal from Long Beach or Marina del Rey)
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
• Sunset dinner cruise (Marina del Rey)

Related Itineraries

• 2-Day Los Angeles Itinerary
• 4-Day Los Angeles Itinerary
• 5-Day Los Angeles Itinerary
• 7-Day Los Angeles Itinerary
• 10-Day Los Angeles Itinerary
• 14-Day Los Angeles Itinerary
• 21-Day Los Angeles Itinerary