Note: These itineraries represent just a sampling of what's available and are definitely doable in a short time span. But often more ends up being less, so don't try to cram too much stuff into 1 day if you don't have the energy. If you really want to enjoy even a fraction of what L.A. has to offer you really need at least 3 days.
If You Have 1 Day
Forget the culture/museum stuff -- it's time to see for yourself all those famous Hollywood sites you've watched on TV since you were a toddler. Start by spending the morning on Hollywood Boulevard: See the stars on the Walk of Fame, compare your hands and feet with the famous prints outside Grauman's Chinese Theatre, and pick up some silly memorabilia (the tackier the better) or some Day-Glo rock posters at one of the souvenir shops. Maybe even take a Red Line Hollywood walking tour. Next, hop in your rented convertible Mustang (red, of course) and cruise the world-renowned Sunset Boulevard to the sea. This 45-minute drive takes you through an entertaining cross section of all that is L.A.: from seedy Hollywood to flamboyant West Hollywood, past glittering Beverly Hills and the practical Westside, through Brentwood (O.J.'s old neighborhood), into the secluded enclave of Pacific Palisades, and finally to the sea. The entire drive takes you through a cross section of everything the city has to offer.
Next, head south on Palisades Beach Road into the big-city beach town of Santa Monica. Park at the Santa Monica Pier and head south on foot toward Venice Beach along the carnival-like Ocean Front Walk. Be sure to stop at Jody Maroni's Sausage Kingdom for a "haut dog" and situate yourself ocean-side at dusk to take in a spectacular L.A. sunset (good smog equals great sunsets). In the evening, after dinner (restaurant choices abound, but I highly recommend Joe's or Hama Sushi in Venice), you can check out the club and music scene in Hollywood and West Hollywood (pick up an L.A. Weekly to see what's on). Or, with a little advance planning, you could see a show at one of the many theaters in Hollywood or a concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall or Hollywood Bowl. Be sure to hit up a late-night bar or after-hours club (Three Clubs is a good bet) to stretch the day to its fullest.
If You Have 2 Days
Spend your first day in Hollywood and the Westside, saving the beach for Day 2. On Day 1, check out the Walk of Fame, Grauman's Chinese, and one of the showbiz museums along Hollywood Boulevard -- a schmaltzy one like the Hollywood Wax Museum, or a serious one like the Hollywood Entertainment Museum. If that's not your style, take a guided tour of one of the actual studios in Hollywood or in the Valley (great star-sighting opportunities). Then do a little window-shopping along trendy Melrose Avenue or in Beverly Hills' "Golden Triangle." Both have great lunch options where you can rest your feet and recharge your body.
If you have some more energy, take in one of the attractions of Museum Row; perhaps an exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art or the main floor of the Petersen Automotive Museum, with a short stopover at the La Brea Tar Pits. True culture vultures might want to visit the Getty Center -- just remember to make weekday-parking reservations in advance. In the evening, if you don't have theater tickets, have a special dinner at one of L.A.'s "in" restaurants -- perhaps Spago, The Ivy, or Paladar (be sure to reserve at least a few days in advance). End your evening with some libations at Daddy's or The Whiskey Bar in Hollywood and see what kind of trouble you can get into.
On Day 2, head down to Topanga State Beach early and enjoy an invigorating swim or surf session before a leisurely breakfast at Bread & Porridge in Santa Monica. Next, you might want to visit one of Santa Monica's art gallery complexes like the Bergamot Station or outdoor shopping venues along the Third Street Promenade. Have lunch overlooking the ocean at the Sidewalk Café in Venice, and then work it off by renting bikes or skates and joining the human carnival along Venice Beach. Cap off the day with a Bloody Mary and appetizers at The Lobster before heading back to your hotel. Wrap up your evening with some late-night cocktails at Santa Monica's Circle Bar or World Café.
If You Have 3 Days
Three days is just enough to see L.A. proper. After you've spent your first 2 days in Hollywood and at the beach, it's time to go to the Disneyland Resort. Arrive early to beat the crowds; you can party all day with Mickey and pals and still be back in L.A. by dinnertime. Be sure to check out Downtown Disney, especially if a good band is playing at the House of Blues.
If Disneyland's not your thing, try putting on your hiking boots, grabbing some sandwiches, and exploring L.A.'s parks: rural Will Rogers and Temescal overlooking the ocean, or central Griffith Park, which straddles the city and Valley. Or you may prefer to stimulate the economy by power-shopping along Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade or Montana Avenue, Venice's Abbot Kinney Boulevard, or Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood. All have a non-mall feel and a very eclectic mix of shops.
If You Have 4 or 5 Days
With 4 or 5 days in LA-LA Land, you should spend one at Disneyland or Universal Studios; both perhaps if you dig amusement parks. Or use the extra time to explore Downtown L.A., an area usually ignored by tourists but one rich in culture and historical adventures. Plan to arrive hungry, and choose authentic Mexican food on Olvera Street, Chinese dim sum in Chinatown, a variety of fresh ethnic offerings in the Grand Central Market, or an old-fashioned roast-beef dip sandwich at Philippe The Original, a downtown institution.
If you love horses, spend a few hours touring Griffith Park on horseback courtesy of Sunset Ranch Horse Rentals. Continue the animal theme with a sunny afternoon watching the koalas play at the Los Angeles Zoo. Start the evening with a performance at the stunning new Walt Disney Concert Hall, followed by a late-night French Dip sandwich and a nine-cent cup of coffee at Philippe The Original.
