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The BEST Los Angeles 5 Day Itinerary

Plan your trip to LA with our Los Angeles 5 day itinerary made by LA locals - with the city's best from iconic attractions to hidden gems! This is the ultimate Los Angeles itinerary to get you to see as much of the city as you can in a short amount of time. We also go into how many days in Los Angeles you need, plus the best time to visit Los Angeles. 5 day itinerary for los angeles | what to do in la | 5 day itinerary for la | la itinerary | 1 week in la | los angeles trip | los angeles guideWhether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, planning the ideal Los Angeles 5 day itinerary can be overwhelming in such a sprawling metropolis—but don’t worry, boo, we gotchu.We’ve got the perfect Los Angeles travel itinerary for you, compiled by LA locals who were born & raised in this ol’ thing. We know this city like the back of our hands, and can help you make the most of your Los Angeles trip.

We’re going to delve into how many days in Los Angeles you really need to explore the city sufficiently, the best time to go to Los Angeles, a day-by-day ultimate Los Angeles 5 day itinerary to help you plan your trip, as well as insider LA tips to navigate the city.

 

Before You Go

 

 

Plan a Trip to Los Angeles with LA Locals

As LA locals, born and raised, we have an undying affection for our home city and want to show you its best in this 5 day Los Angeles itinerary.

To help plan your trip, refer to our other valuable LA guides:

 

Los Angeles 5 Day Itinerary

How Many Days in Los Angeles?

Although LA is a massive, thriving metropolis, a week in LA is a good amount of time to see the highlight of the city.

But, let’s be candid – this city can be on the pricey side. That’s why our Los Angeles itinerary has considered a shorter and sweeter 5-day time frame to plan a trip to LA. We’re firm believers that this 5 days in LA itinerary grasps the city’s essence.

Plus, that gives more time to explore other nearby destinations, such as Joshua Tree or Disneyland.

 

YOU’LL LOVE | Glamping in Joshua Tree

 

 

Best Time to Visit Los Angeles

Los Angeles is famous for its warm and sunny weather, making it an attractive destination year-round. But hold up, there are some nuances to consider when deciding the best time to visit Los Angeles.

The ideal time to plan your 5 days in Los Angeles itinerary largely depends on your preferences.

Summer

☀️ For sunny beach days, the summer months, particularly late June through August, are the best time to go to Los Angeles. During this period, you can expect clear skies and warm (or even very hot) temperatures (except for possibly June).

However, summer is also the busiest time for tourism (and locals), so you can expect much larger crowds at top sites, which can be a deterrent for many people.

“June Gloom”

🌧️ May and June in LA can often be gloomy and overcast for weeks, which might catch some travelers off guard.

The benefit of visiting during this “June gloom” time, as locals call it, is that temperatures can be quite pleasant and cool. You might even need a jacket!

Fall & Spring

🍂🌼 For smaller crowds and lower prices, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons: spring (March to May) & fall (Sep to Nov).

You’ll also have milder weather, ensuring your 5 days in Los Angeles itinerary is as darn fab as it should be.

Holidays and Special Events

Holidays and special events, like the Academy Awards in February or the Rose Parade in January, can make the city exceptionally busy.

So, when planning your 5 days in Los Angeles itinerary, be sure to check the local event calendar and factor in these festivities when deciding the best time to visit Los Angeles for you.

Now let’s get on with out Los Angeles 5 Day Itinerary!

Los Angeles 5 Day Itinerary

From the glitz of Hollywood to the iconic bohemian vibes of Venice, our 5 day Los Angeles travel itinerary is full of must-visit spots, each offering a unique slice of the LA experience.

 


Note: While many visitors to LA plan a visit to Disneyland, we do not have it included on our itinerary, as it is actually located in Anaheim, Orange County.

We have an Orange County travel guide section you can refer to, including posts for riding Disneyland’s Rise of the Resistance and where to stay near Disneyland.


 

Now back to our 5 day itinerary for Los Angeles…

Day 1: Venice Beach & Santa Monica

No one wants Los Angeles itineraries without the beach, bruh!

Start your trip visiting Venice and Santa Monica, two iconic beachfront neighborhoods accessible from the city.

 

READ MORE| Why we think LA is freaking awesome.

 

Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice Beach

First visit Abbot Kinney Boulevard, located in the heart of Venice Beach.

An eclectic trend-setter hub that’s a little more hipster than hippie, Abbot Kinney is renowned for its foodie restaurants, artisanal coffee shops, and variety of painfully cool shops.

 


🍽️ Try the farm-to-table cuisine of the wildly popular, celebrity-studded Gjelina

Note: Gjelina is so popular, your best bet is getting there as early as possible, even at 7 AM, when it opens. Otherwise, you can try its sister eatery, Gjelina Takeaway, to save on time.

☕  Blue Bottle Coffee and Intelligentsia Coffee are yuppie-approved options to savor a brew as astronomically delicious as the price tag.


 

Venice Beach on our Los Angeles 5 Day Itinerary

Street performers at Venice Beach

Venice Beach Boardwalk

Next on our Los Angeles 5 day itinerary, head to the bustling Venice Boardwalk immortalized in countless movies.

At Venice Boardwalk, you’ll find street performers, skateboarders performing tricks at Venice Beach Skatepark, food vendors, tattoo/piercing parlors, and shops selling anything from tourist souvenirs, sunglasses, raunchy novelty tees, weed paraphernalia, and, even weed itself (it’s legal in California, after all).

🏄 Surfs up! Catch some surf lessons in Venice

 

Venice Beach Skatepark on my Los Angeles 5 Day Itinerary

Venice Beach Skatepark

 

You’ll also find the famous Muscle Beach gym, where you can marvel at glistening, muscular bodies. You might even catch a bodybuilding competition—my friends, that was a SIGHT TO BEHOLD.

You can grab a pupusa, funnel cake, fruit and tajin cup, or an ice cream cone and meander the boardwalk at will. The boardwalk has long been a haven for freaks and hippies (gotta love ’em).

You might see a drum circle pop up. You’ll marvel at the spray paint artists and see gymnasts do incredible feats for tips. You will certainly wade through clouds of reefer.

As for lunch, there are ample boardwalk cafes, or you can grab take-out at a food stand and eat it on the grass overlooking the beach.


🍽️ For a sit-down restaurant, Fig Tree Cafe is a long-time favorite of our family from our Dopest Places to Eat in LA

🌮 You can also join a Venice Beach Walking Food Tour


Venice Canals on my 5 day itinerary for los angeles

Venice Canal Historic District

Venice Canals

Afterwards, take a rendezvous around the Venice Canals.

The picturesque Venice Canals were originally designed in the early 20th century by developer Abbot Kinney to mimic the famous canals of Venice, Italy—yes, that’s why it’s called Venice Beach!

Today, they’re a network of peaceful waterways with adorable bridges lined with beach houses, many with lush gardens and unique architectural details.

 


🧑‍🎨 On your way out of Venice, you can visit the artful 1940s home known as Mosaic Tile House in Venice, covered inside & out with covered tile and glass mosaics

(only open Saturdays 12-3 pm, reservations required)


Santa Monica Pier on my 5 day itinerary for los angeles

Santa Monica Pier

 

Santa Monica Pier

After you’ve had your fill of Venice Beach, head over to Santa Monica, a coastal city embodying the quintessential laid-back, sun-soaked essence of Southern California. It also has an iconic pier.

 


Parking

🅿️ Reserve discounted parking at the Santa Monica Pier


 

Santa Monica Pier for Sunset

We highly recommend timing your schedule so that you’re on the Santa Monica Pier, or within view of it, for sunset.

As you explore the pier, you can experience classic amusement park rides and fair games at Pacific Park, including the iconic Ferris wheel with its breathtaking ocean views. The pier also hosts a wide range of dining options, from casual snacks like ice cream cones and funnel cakes to seafood restaurants offering oceanfront dining.

 

🚲 Zoom Zoom! | Rent bikes in Santa Monica

 

Being on or around the pier is the perfect place to enjoy your first sunset in LA, with unobstructed views of what is often a glorious, colorful majesty meeting the sea.

Don’t miss walking onto the sand to capture some photos—the best view of the pier is from afar! You can capture some truly epic photographs of the sun setting behind the pier and its iconic ferris wheel from the sand.

 


Dining in Santa Monica

Some of the most notable Santa Monica dining options are:

🦞 The Lobster: iconic seafood restaurant with stunning oceanfront location

🍃 FIG: farm-to-table dining experience focused on seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients

🥃 The Misfit Restaurant + Bar: American comfort food with a stylish twist, + top-tier craft cocktails

🍕Tar & Roses: wood-fired small plates, pizza, and creative dishes served 

🍜 Cassia: elegantly combining French and Vietnamese flavors


 

For more casual Santa Monica dining options, try:

🥙 The Courtyard Kitchen: Mediterranean-inspired dishes with many vegans/vegetarians options

🍔 Pono Burger: mouthwatering burgers using organic and locally-sourced ingredients

🍩 DK’s Donuts: heavenly IG-worthy donut haven from our list of Dopest Places to Eat in LA

 


 

Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills on our 5 day los angeles itinerary

Rodeo Drive

Day 2: Beverly Hills, LACMA, La Brea Tar Pits, Griffith Observatory, West Hollywood (Melrose)

Let’s move onto Day 2 of our 5 day itinerary for Los Angeles.

Now it’s time to listen to the band Weezer, and go to 🎶 Beverly Hills 🎶.

 

Beverly Hills

For a quick visit just to check it off your list, hit up Rodeo Drive, and take a photo-op in front of the lily pad-framed “Beverly Hills” sign in front of the Beverly Gardens Park.

 

driving down Beverly Hills is one of the best drives in LA for visitors

Beverly Hills sign

Photo Credit: Dave Herholz

If you want more time in Beverly Hills, you can explore more of the lush Beverly Gardens Park or window-shop at high-end boutiques.

 

✈️ Summon the planes! | See Los Angeles by air on a private LA plane tour

 

Additionally, you could take a FREE guided tour of Greystone Mansion to appreciate the 1920s LA era opulence of its English Tudor Revival style architecture, grand stone façade, intricate woodwork, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

 


Lunch

Some restaurants to try in Beverly Hills include:

🍽️ Spago: Wolfgang Puck’s legendary fine dining establishment for California cuisine & celeb clientele

🍝 Il Pastaio: charming Italian eatery serving homemade pasta in a casual setting

🥪 Nate ‘n Al Delicatessen: a local deli institution serving beloved classic deli sandwiches


 

If Beverly Hills dining is a little out of reach for you, dine at a different neighborhood in the West LA area.

Refer to our “West LA” section of our Dining in Los Angeles Guide for some of our favorite options nearby, including Ethiopian, Indonesian, and sushi.

 


LACMA is on our 5 day los angeles itinerary

Urban Lights exhibit at LACMA

 

Photo-Op at LACMA

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is your next stop for your Los Angeles itineraries, featuring an extensive collection of art spanning various eras and cultures.

LACMA tickets are free for members, and for LA residents after 3 pm Mon-Fri. Otherwise, they cost $25.

Since you’re short on time, you don’t have to go inside the museum—unless you really want to, of course!

📸 Instead, visit the (free) Urban Lights exhibit to snap some iconic photographs.

 


Parking

🅿️ If you’re lucky, you’ll find metered street parking (free on Sundays!), otherwise there’s a paid parking garage that costs $12-$15 before 7 pm (free after 7 pm).


 

La Brea Tarpits

Instead of visiting LACMA, you can also visit the La Brea Tar Pits, a captivating prehistoric archaeological site in the heart of Los Angeles. It’s home to a treasure trove of Ice Age fossils, including mammoths and saber-toothed cats.

🦴 This site is a fascinating and educational addition to your Los Angeles itinerary, but do keep in mind it can take 2-3 hours to experience it.

Buy discounted tickets here.

 


Hours

⏰ Open every day except for major holidays, from 9:30 AM to 5 PM


Cost

💰 Adult admission is around $15, with discounts available for seniors, students, & children. Buy tickets here.


 

Melrose, West Hollywood

Finish off Day 2 of your Los Angeles 5 day itinerary exploring Melrose Avenue.

This West Hollywood street is known for trendy shops and colorful street art. It’s arguably the most Instagrammable street in LA, so shoot to your hearts content as you explore the many murals around Melrose while window shopping.

 

 


For dinner, here are some of the top restaurants on Melrose:

🌮 Gracias Madre: plant-based Mexican-inspired dining and craft cocktails

🦀 Catch LA: trendy seafood restaurant known for its chic ambiance and stunning rooftop view


 

If you’re looking for things to do at night in this Los Angeles 5 day itinerary:

  • Catch a comedy show at the Hollywood Improv on Melrose. If you subscribe ahead of time to their mailing list, you can be notified when they have free shows!

 

  • Explore the Sunset Strip, renowned for its music venues and historic landmarks. Catch a live concert or look for celebrities at random bars. I may or may not have once smooched Ron Livingston on the cheek AND got shooed away by Sam Smith’s manager in the same night at Saddle Ranch on Sunset.

 


 

 

Day 3: Studio Tour, Hollywood, Hollywood Sign, Sunset at Griffith Observatory

Ready to break down Day 3 of our Los Angeles 5 day itinerary?

Tour a Movie Studio

On your third day of your Los Angeles trip itinerary, take a studio tour to experience the magic of cinema so emblematic of LA.

 


Here are two options:

 🎥 Warner Bros. Studio Tour: Go behind-the-scenes of one of Hollywood’s most iconic and busiest working studios. See soundstages, backlots, and the Batmobile. Tours daily from 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Buy tickets here.

🎬 Paramount Pictures Studio Tour: Explore Hollywood’s original movie studio, including soundstages, backlots, and new Tour Center & Prop Warehouse. Tours daily from 8:30 AM – 4 PM, 4:30 on Wed. Buy tickets here.


 

Note: There’s also the Universal Studios Hollywood Tram Tour, but this requires admission into the Universal Studios Hollywood amusement park. While visiting Universal Studios Hollywood is a ton of fun, we omitted it from our itinerary because it does require a full day.

 


 

 

Hollywood Wall of Fame

Afterwards, stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where you can spot the stars of your favorite actors and celebrities.

⭐ Find your favorite stars on the star directory and star map.

Here you’ll find tons of street performers—dance crews, musicians, and people dressed up as iconic movie characters. If you like what they’re serving, be sure to tip!

Next, visit the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre, famous for its hand and footprints in the forecourt.

 

🚗 Fast & Furious | Drive a Ferrari around Hollywood…because, why not?

 

Walk of Fame Ceremony

Scoping out the Walk of Fame stars is on our LA Bucket List, as is attending a Walk of Fame ceremony!

Check out the Walk of Fame press page to see if you happen to be visiting during a star unveiling ceremony, giving you a chance to see a celebrity up close and personal.

 


Tip: For the Walk of Fame ceremony, you have to get there super early (like at least an hour before the ceremony) to secure a decent spot.

The celebrities sometimes come to those up front and sign CD’s, posters, magazines, DVD’s, etc. We’ve seen Paul Rudd, Adam Scott, Michael Douglas, Will Ferrell, Macaulay Culkin, and Molly Shannon at Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremonies!

 

🤑 Lifestyles of the Rich & the Famous | Take a Celebrity Homes Tour


Lunch

Grab lunch near the Walk of Fame or head to one of the Hollywood restaurants on our Dining in LA guide,

🍗 including the famous Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles

🌭 or Tail O’ the Pup hotdog stand

Otherwise, you can try out one of the iconic bacon-wrapped Danger Dogs, if you find a street vendor selling them!

 


 

 

Hollywood Sign

Visiting the iconic Hollywood Sign is a must on any Los Angeles itinerary (yes, it’s obviously on our LA Bucket List).

Head to Lake Hollywood Park to snap some pics in front of the Hollywood Sign for the ‘gram. If it’s a clear day, you can also find some majestic city views across the street.

 

Visiting the Hollywood Sign is one of the best things to do in LA on our 5 day itinerary for Los Angeles

If you’re after the quintessential shot of the Hollywood Sign framed by palm trees, Franklin Avenue or Windsor Blvd are your go-to streets.

 

🚁 Let’s go high! On a private Hollywood Sign Helicopter Tour (champagne included!)

 

Mount Lee to the back of the Hollywood Sign on 5 day itinerary for la

Back of the Hollywood Sign

 

For those with a bit more time and a spirit of adventure, hiking to the Hollywood Sign is a fun option.

The hike typically takes around 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the trail you choose and your pace. The most popular trail is the Mt. Hollywood Trail, which is moderately rigorous but doable for most fitness levels. It’s a great way to get up close and personal with the sign, and can be a fantastic spot to watch the sunset.

 

Note: While we do recommend watching the sunset from the Griffith Observatory (it’s one of the best spots to watch the sunset in LA), you can also choose to watch the sunset from the Hollywood Hills of the iconic sign. We do prefer Griffith Observatory, but if you’re short on time, do what makes sense for you!


sunset at Griffith Observatory on our 5 days los angeles itinerary

Griffith Observatory

Sunset at Griffith Observatory

🌇 Watching the sunset from the Griffith Observatory is an iconic Los Angeles experience combining breathtaking views, history, and a touch of stargazing magic—the perfect jewel for your 5-day itinerary for Los Angeles.

Perched atop Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, this historic observatory offers a panoramic view of the city and the Pacific Ocean beyond. It’s truly one of the best sunset spots in all of Los Angeles.

You can also reserve a guided tour, if you like.

Griffith Observatory opened its doors in 1935, and continues to serve as a center for public astronomy, making it a beloved landmark combining science, history, and awe-inspiring views in one.

⚡ Don’t miss the Tesla Coil!

 


Hours

⏰ Tuesday – Friday: 12:00 PM (noon) – 10:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Keep in mind the observatory is closed on Mondays.


Cost

💰Entry to the observatory building and grounds is free

🅿️ Parking within Griffith Park can range from $6 to $10


 

Dinner

🍸 Savor martinis and steak at Musso & Frank Grill, a historic Hollywood landmark dating back to 1919, listed on our LA Bucket List.

🍔 Or check out the famous Mel’s Drive-In Hollywood—I saw Justin Bieber there once many, many years ago!

 


 

Shops at Olvera Street on your los angeles trip

Shops at Olvera Street

Day 4: Downtown LA

On Day 4 of our Los Angeles travel itinerary, we’re doing DTLA.

Downtown LA is a dynamic urban hub offering a blend of modern attractions and a taste of the city’s diverse heritage. There’s so much to see, and we only have one day on our 5 days in Los Angeles itinerary to do it, so let’s get on with it!

Olvera Street

🇲🇽 Begin your day by immersing yourself in the rich Mexican heritage of Los Angeles at Olvera Street.

Explore the market stalls, enjoy the colorful ambiance, dive into some delicious tacos and taquitos, and pick up a souvenir or two.

Chinatown, Los Angeles on your Los Angeles trip

Chinatown

A few blocks away from Olvera Street is Chinatown.

Los Angeles Chinatown is a vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood and a must-see for our LA itinerary for 5 days, offering a blend of traditional Chinese culture, modern attractions, and a wide range of delicious cuisine.

Consider a Chinatown & Little Tokyo Walking Tour!

 


 

Central Plaza is the heart of Chinatown and a great place to start your visit.

🏮 Explore the beautiful architecture, including the iconic red lanterns and dragon motifs.

🥢 Browse the unique shops and boutiques for souvenirs, gifts, and traditional Chinese goods.

🕯️Visit the Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea.

 


 

🥟 Don’t miss out on dim sum, noodles, and barbecue!

🍡 For sweet treats, get pastries, bubble tea, or traditional desserts at one of the many bakeries

 

Note: much of Chinatown is closed on Sundays.

 


Walt Disney Concert Hall on our 5 days in los angeles itinerary

Walt Disney Concert Hall

See Walt Disney Concert Hall and Historic Broadway

Next on our Los Angeles 5 Day Itinerary, you’ll drive past Walt Disney Concert Hall and admire the striking architectural marvel designed by Frank Gehry. If you have time and would like to stop for pictures, it is a truly magnificent photo-op.

You can also drive through the Historic Broadway Theatre District to marvel at the historic architecture. When you come back to LA, perhaps you can catch a show in one of the beautifully restored theaters!

 

READ MORE| Best scenic drives in LA

 

Grand Central Market on our 5 days in los angeles itinerary

Grand Central Market

 

Grand Central Market

🍽️ For lunch, don’t miss the Grand Central Market, frequented by tourists and locals alike. This bustling marketplace is conveniently located in downtown LA and offers a diverse range of food vendors, perfect for a foodie adventure.

 

I also highly recommend this Grand Central Market food tour, as it allows you to try food from many different vendors, while exploring downtown.

 

The Last Bookstore is on my 5 days in la itinerary

The Last Bookstore

 

The Last Bookstore

📖 Bookworms and Insta-photographers will both love a stop at the Last Bookstore, with its iconic book art installation that’s perfect for the ‘gram.

The Arts District

Finish your day in downtown LA with a visit to the Arts District.

This neighborhood is known for its contemporary art scene and a hip, industrial vibe. Explore art galleries, discover street art, and shop at unique stores to experience a modern twist on the city’s culture.

 


Finish the day with dinner at a trendy restaurant in the Arts District, such as:

🍝 the Michelin Guide-named Bestia

🌮 or Guerrilla Tacos, a popular spot for gourmet tacos.


 

Day 5: Silver Lake, Echo Park, Elysian Park

So sad, it’s the final day of your Los Angeles trip itinerary! Let’s explore some of LA’s hippest ‘hoods.

Silver Lake

Kickstart your day in Silver Lake, a trendy and eclectic neighborhood known for its creative energy and hipster culture.

Explore Sunset Junction, the heart of Silver Lake, and explore the streets with quirky shops, vintage boutiques, and unique cafes.

Don’t miss strolling around the beautiful and historic Silver Lake Reservoir.

You could also search for the hidden colorful staircases in Silver Lake, such as the Micheltorena Stairs.

 


🥘 Dine at All Day Baby, serving up modern twists on Southern comfort food.

☕ Make a pit stop at one of the local independent coffee shops, such as Dinosaur Coffee.


 

Echo Park

From Silver Lake, take a short drive or walk to Echo Park, a neighborhood blending relaxed bohemian vibes with a vibrant artistic scene.

Rent a swan pedal boat at Echo Park Lake and take in the picturesque views of downtown LA.

The area is also known for its street art, so keep an eye out for colorful murals and urban creativity.

 

 

For lunch, Echo Park boasts numerous eateries and food trucks offering diverse and delicious options.

 


Food options for your LA trip itinerary:

🥗 Elf Cafe: innovative vegetarian/vegan restaurant with a fab wine selection

🍜 Button Mash: arcade games and Asian-inspired comfort food, need I say more?

🍤 Tsubaki: Japanese izakaya-style eatery with creative small plates


 

Seeing the view of the sunset from Elysian Park is one of the essential things to do in LA on our 5 day Los Angeles itinerary

Elysian Park for sunset

Visit Elysian Park for Sunset

Can you tell we love a good sunset spot? Let’s close out our Los Angeles 5 day itinerary with a really stunning one!

Elysian Park, one of Los Angeles’ hidden gems, is an ideal place to witness a stunning sunset over the city’s iconic skyline—in fact, seeing a sunset here is on our ultimate Bucket List Los Angeles Guide.

The most renowned spot in Elysian Park for capturing the downtown LA skyline at sunset is from the Elysian Park Scenic Overlook. It provides a panoramic view of the city with unobstructed vistas of downtown’s skyscrapers, Dodger Stadium, and beyond.

If you have a fur baby, bring ’em! This park is on our list of the best dog-friendly hikes in LA.

To reach the Scenic Overlook, follow the walking path uphill from the parking area near the Grace E. Simons Lodge. It’s a short but somewhat steep hike, and it’s worth it for the breathtaking view.

 


Parking

Elysian Park has a variety of parking areas, but they can fill up quickly, especially during peak sunset hours. Arrive early to secure a parking spot.

🅿️ Popular parking areas include the lot near the Grace E. Simons Lodge and along Stadium Way.


Insider Tips For Your Los Angeles Trip

Remember these insider tips to make the most of your 5 day Los Angeles itinerary.

Avoid Rush Hour Traffic

Don’t get stuck in the dreaded Carpocalypse. LA is notorious for its traffic, so plan your day to avoid the morning and evening rush hours.

The *least bad* times to drive are typically before 7 AM and after 10 AM, as well as between 12 PM and 3 PM, and after 8 PM. Of course, if there’s an accident, or some special event, traffic can come up at any time regardless, so be prepared and try to have flexibility for your scheduling.

Transportation

If you have no other option for your Los Angeles 5 day itinerary, you can use the Metro or buses to get around, but this will severely cut into your time for your itinerary for LA (especially the buses).

While LA’s public transportation has improved in recent years, it still leaves much to be desired for such a big city.

You can also use rideshares, but this will get pricey quickly—however, you will be saving on parking costs, as well as the time spent looking for parking.

LA is very much a driving city, and our top recommendation for transportation during your Los Angeles 5 day itinerary is renting a car, if you can.

You can also try out the Hop On Hop Off buses, which are super convenient buses that hit up tourist destinations and allow you to get on and off as you please. We haven’t used the one in LA yet, but we’ve used these buses around the world and definitely recommend them for easy, hands-off transportation.

Plan for Parking

If you’re driving, budget time for parking in your Los Angeles 5 day itinerary. Many areas, including popular tourist spots, may have limited parking, and paid parking lots can fill up quickly.

If you’re on a budget and prefer to avoid paid parking, download the app Spot Angeles to try to locate free parking spots.

Gas Prices

Gas prices in LA are astronomical and some of the most expensive in the country. If you’re on a budget, use an app like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas stations as you navigate your Los Angeles 5 day itinerary. Gas prices can vary widely based on where you are, so be sure to fill up when you’re in a cheap gas area.

 

Los Angeles 5 Day Itinerary: Closing Thoughts

That’s a wrap, folks! We hope this Los Angeles 5 day itinerary has helped you.

If you’re thinking of spending a week in LA, be sure to explore our other very informative and popular Los Angeles itineraries & guides:

And if you plan on heading to Orange County (Disneyland, anyone?), don’t miss our OC travel guides:

 

After you plan a trip to Los Angeles, you might also choose to check out our posts on nearby areas, such as our guide to the best road trips in Southern California, our Joshua Tree National Park itinerary, Glamping in Joshua Tree, or our autumn guide to exploring the Eastern Sierras.

 

Let us know what you think of our Los Angeles 5 day itinerary!

For more travel inspiration, tips, and insights, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Feel free to reach out with any questions about our Los Angeles 5 day itinerary.

Or share your own experiences as you embark on your Los Angeles itinerary for 5 days!

Safe travels, adventurers!

Until next time,

-Renny & Benny

 


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Plan your trip to LA with our Los Angeles 5 day itinerary made by LA locals - with the city's best from iconic attractions to hidden gems! This is the ultimate Los Angeles itinerary to get you to see as much of the city as you can in a short amount of time. We also go into how many days in Los Angeles you need, plus the best time to visit Los Angeles. 5 day itinerary for los angeles | what to do in la | 5 day itinerary for la | la itinerary | 1 week in la | los angeles trip | los angeles guidePlan your trip to LA with our Los Angeles 5 day itinerary made by LA locals - with the city's best from iconic attractions to hidden gems! This is the ultimate Los Angeles itinerary to get you to see as much of the city as you can in a short amount of time. We also go into how many days in Los Angeles you need, plus the best time to visit Los Angeles. 5 day itinerary for los angeles | what to do in la | 5 day itinerary for la | la itinerary | 1 week in la | los angeles trip | los angeles guide
Plan your trip to LA with our Los Angeles 5 day itinerary made by LA locals - with the city's best from iconic attractions to hidden gems! This is the ultimate Los Angeles itinerary to get you to see as much of the city as you can in a short amount of time. We also go into how many days in Los Angeles you need, plus the best time to visit Los Angeles. 5 day itinerary for los angeles | what to do in la | 5 day itinerary for la | la itinerary | 1 week in la | los angeles trip | los angeles guidePlan your trip to LA with our Los Angeles 5 day itinerary made by LA locals - with the city's best from iconic attractions to hidden gems! This is the ultimate Los Angeles itinerary to get you to see as much of the city as you can in a short amount of time. We also go into how many days in Los Angeles you need, plus the best time to visit Los Angeles. 5 day itinerary for los angeles | what to do in la | 5 day itinerary for la | la itinerary | 1 week in la | los angeles trip | los angeles guide
Plan your trip to LA with our Los Angeles 5 day itinerary made by LA locals - with the city's best from iconic attractions to hidden gems! This is the ultimate Los Angeles itinerary to get you to see as much of the city as you can in a short amount of time. We also go into how many days in Los Angeles you need, plus the best time to visit Los Angeles. 5 day itinerary for los angeles | what to do in la | 5 day itinerary for la | la itinerary | 1 week in la | los angeles trip | los angeles guidePlan your trip to LA with our Los Angeles 5 day itinerary made by LA locals - with the city's best from iconic attractions to hidden gems! This is the ultimate Los Angeles itinerary to get you to see as much of the city as you can in a short amount of time. We also go into how many days in Los Angeles you need, plus the best time to visit Los Angeles. 5 day itinerary for los angeles | what to do in la | 5 day itinerary for la | la itinerary | 1 week in la | los angeles trip | los angeles guide
Plan your trip to LA with our Los Angeles 5 day itinerary made by LA locals - with the city's best from iconic attractions to hidden gems! This is the ultimate Los Angeles itinerary to get you to see as much of the city as you can in a short amount of time. We also go into how many days in Los Angeles you need, plus the best time to visit Los Angeles. 5 day itinerary for los angeles | what to do in la | 5 day itinerary for la | la itinerary | 1 week in la | los angeles trip | los angeles guidePlan your trip to LA with our Los Angeles 5 day itinerary made by LA locals - with the city's best from iconic attractions to hidden gems! This is the ultimate Los Angeles itinerary to get you to see as much of the city as you can in a short amount of time. We also go into how many days in Los Angeles you need, plus the best time to visit Los Angeles. 5 day itinerary for los angeles | what to do in la | 5 day itinerary for la | la itinerary | 1 week in la | los angeles trip | los angeles guide

 


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