Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is not only the world’s film capital but also a captivating tourist destination with countless exciting things to explore. Do you only have 3 days to experience this vast city? Don’t worry, with this detailed guide, you’ll have a memorable trip, discovering the highlights of LA.
Day 1: Food Exploration and Relaxation
After a long flight and jet lag, your first day in Los Angeles should be dedicated to resting and getting used to the new pace of life. It’s even better if you combine this with experiencing LA’s distinctive cuisine.
In-N-Out Burger: Fast Food Icon
Start your culinary journey with In-N-Out Burger, an unmissable icon of Los Angeles. This burger chain is famous for its simple yet excellent quality menu, especially the burger with its signature Thousand Island-style dressing and fragrant grilled ground beef.
In-N-Out Burger, a Los Angeles food icon
The special feature of In-N-Out Burger lies in its use of fresh ingredients, especially the french fries made from freshly cut potatoes on-site, bringing a soft and delicious flavor that is different from other fast-food chains. With affordable prices, In-N-Out Burger is an ideal choice for travelers looking to save money.
Getting Accustomed to the Time Zone
After enjoying a delicious meal, take time to rest and get used to the new time zone. Try to adjust your sleep schedule to local time to avoid fatigue and fully enjoy the following days.
Day 2: Hollywood and Pop Culture
Day two is the time to explore the iconic landmarks of Los Angeles, starting with the Hollywood Walk of Fame and ending with a delicious dinner in the Dolby Theatre shopping area.
Hollywood Walk of Fame: The Boulevard of Stars
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a must-visit destination when coming to Los Angeles. Strolling along this famous boulevard, you will admire thousands of stars engraved with the names of famous artists in film, music, and television.
Hollywood Walk of Fame, a famous tourist attraction in Los Angeles
In addition, this area also concentrates major theaters such as the Dolby Theatre (where the Oscars ceremony is held), wax museums, and countless bustling shops and bars. However, be careful with strangers trying to invite you to buy free CDs, as they may demand money after you take them.
Trader Joe’s: Organic Snack Paradise
Before heading to Hollywood, stop by Trader Joe’s, a supermarket famous for its organic products and unique snacks. Here, you can find delicious and healthy mango ice cream, dried grapes, and snacks made from fruits and vegetables. This is also an ideal place to buy souvenirs to take home.
Trader Joe's store front, a haven for organic snacks and unique food items
Jinya Ramen Express: Japanese Flavors in the Heart of Hollywood
After exploring Hollywood, enjoy a delicious dinner at Jinya Ramen Express, located in the shopping area of the Dolby Theatre. This ramen shop is famous for its rich Japanese-flavored broth and chewy noodles. This is a great option if you want a change of pace and enjoy Asian cuisine in the heart of Hollywood.
Day 3: Art and Diverse Cuisine
On your last day in Los Angeles, take time to explore contemporary art at The Broad and enjoy diverse cuisine at Grand Central Market.
The Broad: Contemporary Art Museum
The Broad is a famous contemporary art museum located on Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles. This museum displays artworks from the 90s and offers free admission.
The Broad museum in Los Angeles, showcasing modern and contemporary art
If you’re lucky, you can join a free guided tour to better understand the meaning of the artworks displayed here.
Grand Central Market: Multicultural Food Heaven
After visiting the museum, head to Grand Central Market to enjoy diverse cuisine from around the world. This market concentrates many delicious eateries with all kinds of dishes from Mexico, Asia to Europe.
Villa Moreliana: Traditional Mexican Flavors
Don’t miss Villa Moreliana, a famous Mexican eatery known for its traditional dishes like tacos with tripe, tongue, and pork. The dishes here are affordable and served by enthusiastic staff, ready to invite customers to try samples.
Villa Moreliana food stall at Grand Central Market, serving traditional Mexican tacos
Eggslut: Egg Creativity
If you are an egg lover, visit Eggslut, a famous shop known for its beautifully decorated and uniquely flavored egg dishes, burgers, and sandwiches. The restaurant is usually very crowded, especially during lunchtime, so arrive early to avoid queuing.
Conclusion
With this 3-day itinerary, you have been able to explore the highlights of Los Angeles, from cultural icons like the Hollywood Walk of Fame to unique culinary experiences at In-N-Out Burger and Grand Central Market. Hopefully, this guide will help you have a memorable trip and discover more interesting things about the City of Angels.