The Perfect Weekend in Los Angeles: A 2-Day Itinerary
How to spend 48 hours in Los Angeles like a local — where to eat, what to see, and what to skip
Day 1 Morning: Starting Your Weekend Right
Start with breakfast tacos at Guerrilla Tacos in the Arts District, then explore the neighborhood's galleries, coffee shops, and street art. The Art Share LA and Hauser & Wirth gallery are must-sees.
Day 1 Afternoon: Exploring the Heart of the City
Head to the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades for antiquities and ocean views, then drive down Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Monica for beach time and the pier.
Day 1 Evening: Dinner and Nightlife
Dinner at Jitlada in Thai Town for extraordinary Southern Thai cuisine, then drinks in the Hollywood area — The Spare Room for cocktails and classic board games, or Good Times at Davey Wayne's for 70s-themed revelry.
Day 2 Morning: A Fresh Start
Hike Griffith Park to the Observatory for panoramic city views. The trail from Fern Dell is the most scenic approach. Spend time at the Observatory exploring the free exhibits and telescopes.
Day 2 Afternoon: Deeper Into the City
Drive to Venice for the canals and a walk along the boardwalk, then lunch at Grand Central Market downtown. Explore The Last Bookstore and The Broad (if you have timed tickets).
Day 2 Evening: The Grand Finale
Close with dinner at Bestia if you scored a reservation, or at one of the many excellent restaurants in Silver Lake or Los Feliz. The rooftop bars along Sunset Boulevard offer classic LA views.
Neighborhoods to Know in Los Angeles
Los Angeles's personality lives in its neighborhoods, and understanding them is the key to a great visit. The neighborhoods to prioritize are Arts District, Silver Lake, Venice, Thai Town, Santa Monica, Hollywood. Each has its own character, food scene, and energy. The best weekend trips leave time for unstructured wandering in at least one neighborhood — put away the phone, walk without a destination, and let the city reveal itself. You'll stumble into a cafe, a shop, or a park bench with a view that no itinerary could have predicted.
Pro Tip
The best time to visit Los Angeles: October through December and March through May offer the best weather. The marine layer (June Gloom) keeps mornings gray from late May through June. Fall is warm and clear with occasional Santa Ana winds.
Explore More
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. We earn a commission at no additional cost to you when you purchase through our links.