Getaway Guide: Los Angeles

If you’re anything like us, then you’re always counting down the days until the weekend. All the new restaurants to try, places to see, and things to do get us giddy with excitement; we’re always ready for the next trip! If you haven’t been on a getaway to Los Angeles in a while, or better yet, if you’ve never been to L.A., why not make it your next destination? Although two days are nowhere near enough to see everything the City of Angels has to offer—if that’s all the time you have— here’s the best way to spend a weekend getaway in Los Angeles, CA.

Day 1

Arriving

In driving-focus Los Angeles, having a car at your disposal is a huge perk. So, if you can, visit Los Angeles with your car. Of equal importance to having your own vehicle is the location of your accommodation. If you don’t want to spend half your time in traffic, choose a hotel that is close to the attractions you plan on visiting.

If price is of no issue, the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel is a great option for a romantic getaway in Los Angeles—imagine the photo ops! NoMad Los Angeles is another great option if you want to stay somewhere closer to the center. Prefer a Hollywood locale? The Garland in North Hollywood is a hotel you’ll absolutely love. For a more affordable stay, consider checking out Airbnbs in Los Angeles; you won’t have a problem finding great options.

Afternoon

There’s absolutely no time to waste on a two-day getaway in Los Angeles. After sorting out your accommodation, head over to the famous Griffith Observatory. This free facility accepts visitors between 12 p.m. and 10 p.m. from Tuesday through Friday and between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. If you have a late check-in, get here around noon to see the awesome exhibits. Checking in early? Better! Leave your suitcase at the hotel and enjoy the observatory at your own pace. Even if you don’t go inside, the iconic view of L.A. from this awesome attraction is exciting enough on its own.

While you’re there, check another bucket list activity off your Los Angeles travel guide: a hike to the Hollywood Sign! There are trails leading straight from Griffith Park to the sign, and finding them is an easy feat. Don’t forget to snap a couple of pics for the ‘gram.

You’ll definitely be starving after all that walking. And where else should you get lunch on a getaway in Los Angeles if not at In-N-Out Burger? They have a Hollywood location on Sunset Boulevard, which is the most convenient one for you to get to. If you have energy after, consider going to the nearby Hollywood Walk of Fame, which is a mere 23-minute walk away.

Evening

Head back to your hotel after your touristy adventures; we recommend taking a little power nap because the next adventure of your getaway in Los Angeles will require you to have your energy back up. But don’t spend too much time lounging around the room—you need to be back on the road before sunset so you'll catch it in all its orange-and-magenta glory at the Santa Monica Pier.

After you watch the sunset on the beach, spend a few hours strolling along the pier, getting on the iconic amusement park rides, eating festival treats, and popping into a few shops for souvenirs. The Santa Monica Pier is the perfect place to wrap up your first day in town, especially if you’re on a couples’ getaway in Los Angeles.

Day 2

Morning

Rise and shine, you’re still in the City of Angels! Get up around sunrise and head over to the beach closest to you until midday. This is the best time to visit Los Angeles’s beaches because it won’t be as crowded, the sun won’t be as damaging, and you’ll get to lounge around and grab a quick brunch before getting touristy again. Whether you spend your morning surfing, tanning, swimming, or building sandcastles, you’ll already be off to a good start because the beach boosts your serotonin like no other place.

For brunch, Blu Jam Cafe, Poppy + Rose, and Pitchoun! Bakery are all great options and close to the next locale of your weekend getaway in Los Angeles, CA.

Afternoon 

Now that you’ve seen a few of Los Angeles’s biggest attractions and spent a couple of hours at the beach, heading to Downtown L.A. seems like a fitting next step. There’s so much to see in this corner of the city, so let’s get right to it.

Start the second afternoon of your getaway in Los Angeles at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The building is impressive enough to leave an impression—after all, it is recognized everywhere as one of the coolest architectural landmarks in California. Afterwards, stop by The Broad, which is right across the street from the concert hall. Not only is it one of the best modern art museums in the world, but admission is also free of charge.

Is your stomach starting to rumble? Great timing—the next stop on your Los Angeles travel guide is at the Grand Central Market. This food lovers’ paradise hosts over 38 different vendors spanning a variety of cuisines and offers something for everyone. 

Lastly, your final D.T.L.A. stop is the historic The Last Bookstore. Not only is this the largest bookstore in the state, but it also has an incredible selection of secondhand books and extremely Instagrammable details. It’s very easy to get distracted and spend hours browsing the shelves, but try to wrap up in two hours max to get on with other places to visit in Los Angeles.

Evening

Attending a live taping as a member of a studio audience in L.A. is a rite of passage. Whether you’re into daytime or nighttime talk shows, game shows, reality competitions, or scripted sitcoms, you can become part of the process in the Entertainment Capital of the World. It’s pretty easy to register for these tapings, but you have to do it weeks in advance of your actual getaway to Los Angeles. You’ll usually find ticket links on the websites of the show or the studio, and you’ll be able to sign up for free!

After watching a live taping, have a final delicious dinner of your visit to Los Angeles. As you know, L.A. is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse cities in the world, so whatever your heart desires, you’ll probably find a restaurant serving the best of it right here. Craving Oaxacan cuisine? Reserve table at Madre. Ethiopian? No one does it like Rosalind’s. How about Italian? Angelini is absolutely delicious; the options are practically endless.

Before you drive back to your hotel, don’t forget to bid adieu to the incomparable L.A. If you’ve gotten a taste of it once, you’ll definitely want to come back soon. If you find yourself unconsciously planning another getaway to Los Angeles as you're leaving, don’t say we didn’t warn you.