7 Day Los Angeles Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide to the West Coast
Los Angeles is not a single city. It is a collection of 88 incorporated cities and dozens of distinct neighborhoods spread across 500 square miles. If you try to see it all, you will spend your entire vacation in gridlock on the 405.
To make the most of a 7 day Los Angeles itinerary, you have to group your activities by geography. This guide optimizes your time, minimizing transit and maximizing your exposure to the culture, food, and landscapes that define Southern California.
Day 1: Hollywood and the Griffith Observatory
Start with the icons. Hollywood is gritty and tourist-heavy, but it provides the essential context for how this city became a global hub.
Morning: The Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre
Begin at the intersection of Hollywood and Highland. Walk the stars on the sidewalk, but don’t linger too long. Visit the TCL Chinese Theatre to see the handprints and footprints in the cement. If you want a view of the Hollywood Sign, head to the viewing decks at the Ovation Hollywood complex.
Afternoon: Hike to the Hollywood Sign
Drive ten minutes north to Bronson Canyon or Lake Hollywood Park. Follow the trails for a closer look at the 45-foot-tall letters. It’s a steep climb if you go all the way to the summit behind the sign, but the 360-degree view of the San Fernando Valley and the LA Basin is worth the sweat.
Evening: Griffith Observatory
Plan to arrive at the Griffith Observatory an hour before sunset. Entry to the grounds is free. You can use the high-powered telescopes to see planets or simply watch the city lights flicker on below. It is the best vantage point in the city.
Day 2: Art, Tar, and Mid-City Culture
Day two focuses on the Miracle Mile and the world-class museums that anchor the center of the city.
Morning: LACMA and the La Brea Tar Pits
Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Even if you don’t go inside, the "Urban Light" installation of 202 vintage streetlamps is a mandatory photo stop. Right next door are the La Brea Tar Pits. It is one of the only active ice-age excavation sites in the world located in a major city center.
Afternoon: The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Steps away from LACMA is the Academy Museum. This is the definitive museum for cinema lovers. The "Spherical Theater" designed by Renzo Piano is an architectural marvel. Spend your afternoon exploring costumes, scripts, and the technical history of filmmaking.
Evening: Dinner at The Original Farmers Market
Head to 3rd and Fairfax. The Original Farmers Market has been a local staple since 1934. It’s an open-air maze of food stalls ranging from French crepes to Brazilian BBQ. Grab a seat at a communal table and soak in the old-school LA atmosphere.
Day 3: Coastal Classics in Santa Monica and Venice
You cannot execute a 7 day Los Angeles itinerary without a full day dedicated to the Pacific Ocean.
Morning: Santa Monica Pier and Beach
Start at the Santa Monica Pier. Ride the solar-powered Ferris wheel at Pacific Park for views of the coastline stretching toward Malibu. Once you’re off the pier, walk or rent a bike to head south along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail.
Afternoon: Venice Canals and Abbot Kinney
Venice is a stark contrast to Santa Monica. Walk the Venice Canals—a quiet residential neighborhood modeled after Italy. Afterwards, head to Abbot Kinney Boulevard. It’s often called "the coolest block in America." You’ll find high-end boutiques, Salt & Straw ice cream, and some of the city’s best people-watching.
Evening: Skate Park and Boardwalk
End your day at the Venice Skate Park. Watch local skaters hit the bowls against the backdrop of the setting sun. The energy here is raw and quintessential Venice. Grab a drink at a rooftop bar like High Rooftop Lounge for a view of the ocean.
Day 4: Living Like a Local in Silver Lake and Echo Park
Take a break from the tourist traps. Today is about seeing how Angelenos actually live. The Eastside is the creative heart of the city.
Morning: Echo Park Lake
Rent a swan pedal boat at Echo Park Lake. It’s a cheap, relaxing way to see the downtown skyline framed by palm trees and lotus flower beds. Grab a coffee at one of the minimalist cafes on Sunset Boulevard afterward.
Afternoon: Silver Lake Stairs and Reservoirs
Silver Lake is famous for its "secret stairs"—steep concrete staircases built in the 1920s to connect hilly neighborhoods to trolley lines. Hike the Micheltorena Stairs for their bright colors and views of the Griffith Observatory. Walk the 2-mile loop around the Silver Lake Reservoir to see some of the city's best Mid-Century Modern architecture.
Evening: Sunset Junction
Sunset Junction is the intersection of Sunset and Santa Monica Boulevards. It is the hub of the area’s dining scene. Choose from Thai street food, upscale Mexican, or classic American bistros. Stay for a show at one of the local indie music venues like The Echo or Satellite.
Day 5: Day Trip to Santa Barbara
On day five, head north on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Santa Barbara, known as the "American Riviera," is about a 90-minute drive from Los Angeles.
Morning: State Street and the Mission
Start your morning on State Street, the city’s pedestrian-friendly main drag. Shop the red-tiled boutiques and then visit Old Mission Santa Barbara. The "Queen of the Missions" was founded in 1786 and offers stunning Spanish colonial architecture and rose gardens.
Afternoon: Stearns Wharf and Funk Zone
Walk out onto Stearns Wharf, the oldest working wood wharf in California. For lunch, sample fresh sea urchin or local fish. Afterward, head to the Funk Zone—a former industrial district converted into a dense cluster of wine tasting rooms and art galleries.
Evening: Sunset at Butterfly Beach
Drive five minutes south to Montecito. Butterfly Beach faces west, making it one of the few places on the coast where you can watch a true over-the-ocean sunset. Drive back to LA after dinner, or book a boutique hotel to stay the night.
Day 6: The Wonders of Malibu
Malibu is 21 miles of scenic coastline. It feels worlds away from the urban sprawl of central LA.
Morning: Getty Villa
Set overlooking the ocean, the Getty Villa is a recreation of an ancient Roman country house. It houses a vast collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. Note: You need to book a timed entry ticket in advance, though admission is free.
Afternoon: Hiking and Surfing
Head to Point Dume State Beach. The cliffs here provide a dramatic backdrop for a hike. If you’re lucky, you’ll see whales migrating off the coast. If you prefer the water, head to Zuma Beach for a swim or watch the pros catch waves at Surfrider Beach near the Malibu Pier.
Evening: Seafood on the Coast
Eat at Neptune’s Net or Malibu Seafood. These are casual, order-at-the-counter spots where you eat on picnic tables. It’s a classic Southern California experience: fresh fish, salt air, and the sound of the Pacific.
Day 7: Downtown LA and a Leisurely Wrap-Up
Your final day should be spent in Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA). The area has undergone a massive revitalization and is now a center for food and history.
Morning: The Broad and Walt Disney Concert Hall
Visit The Broad for contemporary art. Its "vail and vault" design is as impressive as the collection inside, which includes works by Warhol and Basquiat. Next door is Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall. Take a self-guided tour of the stainless-steel exterior and the rooftop garden.
Afternoon: Grand Central Market and Bradbury Building
Cross the street to Grand Central Market. This food hall has been operating since 1917. Try the tacos at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas or a gourmet egg sandwich at Eggslut. Walk across the street to the Bradbury Building to see the Victorian court and open-cage elevators featured in Blade Runner.
Evening: Arts District and Last Bookstore
Finish your trip in the Arts District. This neighborhood is full of converted warehouses, breweries, and street art. Before you leave, stop by The Last Bookstore, an enormous split-level shop housed in an old bank building. Explore the "Labyrinth" of books on the second floor—it’s the perfect place to reflect on your week.
Where to stay for a week in Los Angeles
When planning a 7 day Los Angeles itinerary, your choice of home base determines how much of your life you spend in traffic.
- Santa Monica/Venice: Best for families and beach lovers. You get the ocean breeze and walkable neighborhoods, but you are further from the Eastside and Downtown.
- West Hollywood (WeHo): The most central option. You are equidistant from the beach and Downtown. It features the best nightlife and high-end hotel options.
- Silver Lake/Echo Park: Best for a local feel. It is trendy, hilly, and filled with unique Airbnbs. It’s great for exploring the creative side of the city.
- Downtown (DTLA): Best for those using public transit. Most Metro lines converge here, making it easier to get around without a car, though the area can be gritty in parts.
Pick one location and stay there. Checking in and out of multiple hotels will waste precious hours better spent at the beach or a museum.