Los Angeles Trip Planning & Itineraries

Day 1: Downtown Los Angeles

First things first, if it's your first morning in LA, don't eat the buffet breakfast at your hotel! No matter where you're staying make a pilgrimage to The Original Pantry Cafe in downtown LA, owned by the former mayor of Los Angeles. You like eggs and bacon? They got it. You like steak with that? They got it. This place has been around since 1924 and is so famous you may just recognize it. After breakfast, if you're into art and history consider a walking tour of downtown LA or a contemporary art walking tour and really get beneath the skin of LA's chaotic, fascinating downtown. People accuse LA of lacking a heart; but they forget that LA's downtown is actually a beautiful (if a bit frayed) memento from the 1930s and '40s. At some point, if you need a break and want to experience a true LA icon, head over to Clifton's Cafeteria. It's a real cafeteria (think: buffet) and loaded with history (full disclosure, my grandmother worked there in 1939).

Day 2: Hollywood

A lot of people ask us, 'Is it OK to be fascinated by celebrities?' and 'Am I a bad person for taking a movie star home tour?' Nope. It is perfectly acceptable and encouraged. In fact you have a few options. Go for a comprehensive Grand Tour of Los Angeles that includes Hollywood and all of the cities major sites. Or try the Hollywood Movie Star Experience, which includes a tour of Sony Pictures Studios, a movie stars' home tour, and a 'Heart of Hollywood' walking tour. Or you can combine the two with a Grand Tour of LA & Movie Star Tour. If you're looking for something a little different, consider the clever and highly amusing Dearly Departed Tour. Sorry kids, this tour gets into the blood, lust and murder in LA and is not suitable for your young and innocent ears.

Day 3: 'Do Something Different' Day

Today is all about seeing LA from a new perspective. It doesn't matter which of the following activities you choose, because they all offer a non-typical insight into what makes LA tick. Personally I like the idea of a private surfing lesson. If you're feeling even more adventurous experience Los Angeles in a truly unique way: 'take the controls' flight over LA and Santa Monica, or a helicopter tour.

Mood

A-list celebrity nightclub on Hollywood Blvd.

LAX Nightclub

Aviation themed bar in Hollywood.

The Dresden

Featured in the film Swingers. Come listen to jazz crooners, Marty & Elayne.