Visit Los Angeles in 2 days

Welcome to Los Angeles, a world-renowned city and a must-see on any trip to California. L.A., as it is known, attracts several million visitors each year.

Because the city is large and the public transit system is inefficient, it is easier to get around by car.

Be sure to plan your driving to avoid rush hours and to strategically group your activities together. Trust me, it will save you a lot of headaches!

Grab your keys and let's go! 

Day 1

Morning

Good morning!

Start your day with a tour of Beverly Hills, the perfect place to see luxury cars and the immense mansions of some of the most popular stars.

In the mood for some window shopping? Rodeo Drive is a popular shopping destination known for its upscale boutiques.

Then make your way to Hollywood Boulevard to photograph the Walk of Fame with its famous handprints in the sidewalks. 

You will notice that several buildings on the boulevard have been abandoned. Focus on the section between La Brea and Vine Streets. 

If you have a strong interest in celebrities and want to play paparazzi, head straight to Hollywood Boulevard without stopping in Beverly Hills.

It's the starting point for several companies that offer guided tours of the homes of stars. 

In 3 hours, you will tour several neighborhoods of L.A., while benefiting from the knowledge of a local guide. In addition, you will avoid having to drive in traffic jams. 

Don't hesitate to negotiate the price.

WHERE TO EAT LUNCH

As long as you are in Los Angeles, the city of clichés, why not try the Hard Rock Cafe?

The menu offers burgers and other typical American fare, and probably T-shirts for sale.

Hard Rock Cafe

Budget: $15 to $30
Address: 6801 Hollywood Blvd
Phone: 1-323-464-7625
Website: Click here

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Afternoon

This afternoon, get back in your car and head for the legendary Universal film production studio.

Take the Studio Tour, a tour that will take you behind the scenes to learn more about special effects and the various stages of filmmaking.

You will also find an incredible theme park inspired by King Kong, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, The Simpsons and more. 

At the end of your tour, don't miss Universal CityWalk, a shopping area where you can pick up some original souvenirs.

WHERE TO EAT DINNER

There are plenty of dining options at Universal Studio.

You will find an array of fast-food restaurants and some themed restaurants including the Three Broomsticks, located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Harry Potter themed area.

The food is nothing exceptional, but the decor is impressive. Perfect for true fans of the young wizard!

The Three Broomsticks

Budget: $15 to $20
Address: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Phone: 1-800-864-8377
Website: Click here

Evening

Before heading back to your hotel, take a short detour to the Griffith Park Observatory, one of the best places to enjoy a view of the city and the famous Hollywood sign. 

You can also look through telescopes and explore the exhibits. Free parking is available for visitors. 

Try to be there for sunset, it's worth it!

Day 2

Morning

Good morning!

Today will be a very different day! Dress in vacation style and grab your swimsuit.

Drive your rental car to Venice Beach, a very bohemian seaside neighbourhood. 

Take a stroll along Abbot Kinney, one of my favorite streets in Los Angeles. 

It is lined with cafés, restaurants and small shops. 

By the way, if you like coffee, stop at the Intelligentsia on Albert Kinney for a really good cup!

Park your car in a nearby street or pay parking lot and walk down Venice Boulevard to the boardwalk. 

To take a photo at the iconic hanging Venice sign, go to the corner of Pacific and Windward Avenue.

The eccentric Venice boardwalk is a show unto itself! 

It is frequented by musicians, dancers, fitness buffs, bodybuilders, homeless people, painters, fortune tellers, vendors, shops of all kinds, and more. 

Ah yes, and a lot of tourists as well!

WHERE TO EAT LUNCH

If you like raw fish, go to the small Poke Poke stall.

The food is tasty, the fish is very fresh, and the prices are affordable.

Poke-Poke

Budget: $8 to $17 
Address: 2011 Oceanfront Walk (corner of Venice Blvd)
Phone: 310-822-5639
Website: Click here

Afternoon

There are many bike rentals on the boardwalk. Which is a good thing, because it will be your means of transportation this afternoon!

Bike rental will cost you about $25. A piece of advice, don't rent a tandem. Tourists are everywhere, they don't always watch where they're walking, and it's not that easy to control a tandem. 

Once you've got your bike, follow the bike path in the direction of Santa Monica, a wealthy seaside town.  

Your final destination is the Santa Monica Pier and its famous amusement park. 

You will also find the iconic sign marking the end of the legendary Route 66. 

The ride is only 4 kilometers, which leaves you with plenty of time to make several stops, and why not go for a little dip in the water!

Don't forget to keep an eye on your bikes! ;) 

Then return the bike at the end of the afternoon, with a nice tan as a bonus.

WHERE TO EAT DINNER

You will probably grab some snacks during your bike ride, and will want to eat a light dinner.

So I suggest going to Whole Foods Market, an organic grocery store.

It offers fresh food, ready-to-eat meals and a bar with a wide selection of beers on tap. It's one of my favorite places! 

Whole Foods Market

Budget: $10 to $15 
Address: 225 Lincoln Blvd
Phone: 310-566-9480
Website: Click here

Evening

Make your way slowly back to your hotel for an early night.

After 2 days in Los Angeles, you'll need a good rest!

And there you go!

What would you add to this itinerary in the City of Angels if you were planning a Western U.S. vacation? 

Don't hesitate to share your thoughts in the comments below.