So, if you’re planning a long weekend in Los Angeles and want a combination of must-see attractions, delicious food, and less-touristy experiences, use this LA itinerary as a guide!
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Weekend trip in Los Angeles
Day 1: Santa Monica and Venice Beach
Begin your Los Angeles itinerary by experiencing the stunning Pacific Ocean and the laid-back, hip atmosphere of LA’s coastal communities.
Get breakfast at Gjusta
Gjusta is a popular area in Venice Beach that is enjoyed by both residents and tourists. It can become crowded, so order ahead for takeout or arrive about 7 a.m. when they open.
The menu features handcrafted, baked breads as well as typical California cuisine made with simple, locally sourced ingredients. Consider bowls, basic egg dishes, etc. You can’t go wrong, so choose whatever looks good that day!
Will Rogers State Park
The former East coaster in me swooned the first time I ate at John & Vinny’s. It’s an Italian restaurant with delicious pizza, pasta, and salads. There’s also a natural wine bar idea inside called Helen’s, which includes a sommelier and wine flights.
Santa Monica Waterfront
The Santa Monica Pier is a popular tourist destination located on the Pacific Ocean. While it’s wonderful for taking photos, I usually skip the rides and events on the pier in favor of the Ocean Front Walk, which runs alongside Santa Monica Beach. It’s a terrific place to people-watch, and you’ll almost certainly see a lot of sleepy squirrels stretched out on their tummies in the grass. So strange.
Venice Beach and Canals
You’ve probably seen the famed Venice Beach in movies. It’s bustling with activity and a great area to stroll, so plan a visit during your Los Angeles trip.
You’ve probably seen the famed Venice Beach in movies. It’s bustling with activity and a great area to stroll, so plan a visit during your Los Angeles trip. Venice Beach with individuals exercising on public equipment (in a non-creepy manner, of course).
Day 2: Hollywood Hills and Silver Lake
Get breakfast at Republique
If you ask anyone where the best breakfast in Los Angeles is, République is probably on the list. It’s Instagrammable and makes amazing pastries, so there’s a lot to like.
When you step in, you will instantly notice that this is a special spot. The restaurant is bright and open, thanks to the large atrium that anchors the room. The historic detailing is obvious, and you’ll be pleased to hear that the story complements the aesthetics.
Hike Runyon Canyon
Runyon Canyon is one of Los Angeles’ best-known hikes, so it’s a must-see regardless of your schedule. It takes about 1.5 hours to complete, which is just long enough to get your heart racing. The panoramic city vistas, however, may obscure the exertion.
Get lunch at Burgers. Never Say Die
Burgers Never Say Die in Silver Lake specializes in smash burgers, which are made with a compacted patty for excellent char. Burgers Never Say Die, on the other hand, stands out for keeping the patty’s edges so thin that they are crispy. I’ve never had a smash burger like this, and I’m ready for it.
Seek out artistic staircases
Silver Lake has several fantastic art-covered staircases. One of the most popular is the Micheltorena Heart Stairs, but there are a few others nearby!
Weekend Sherpa describes a 1.5-mile hike that leads to other less-visited areas if you have time for a longer trip. For more ideas, visit the Painted Stairways of Silver Lake Facebook group.
Check out Griffith Park
However, the most popular attractions in Griffith Park are the walking pathways and the Griffith Observatory. If you enjoy astronomy, you should visit the observatory. It is free to enter and features a variety of exhibitions, as well as a planetarium with an entry cost.
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