Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do | Viator.com
Los Angeles Itineraries
Suggested Itineraries in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Itineraries
Viator's website director, Scott McNeely, is a native of Los Angeles and somebody who actually loves his sprawling hometown. Scott's personal quest is to help all Viator.com travelers make the most of a visit to Los Angeles, whether you're a first-time or repeat visitor. So read on for Scott's suggestions on how to be a traveler, not a tourist, in the City of Angels.
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've got it. You want steak with that? They've got it. This place has been around since 1924 and is so famous you may just recognize it.
After breakfast, consider the Los Angeles Sightseeing Grand Tour to get a feel for the city or the Los Angeles Deluxe Champagne Airplane Tour for a classy flight over the city. 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 me, "Is it OK to be fascinated by celebrities?" or "Am I a bad person for taking a movie stars' homes tour?" My answer -- nope. It is perfectly acceptable and encouraged. In fact, you've got a few options. Satisfy your Paparazzi urges or find your future home on the "Los Angeles City Tour and Movie Stars' Homes Tour.
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. Yet another option is the 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: Theme Park Day!!!!
OK, so after 2 full days in LA the kids are screaming, begging, demanding to be taken to a theme park. Kids are like that, and we can help. Los Angeles and nearby Anaheim has theme parks like they're going out of style, so take your pick and have a great day letting lose and enjoying the world-class rides and entertainment:
Day 4: '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 Gondola ride in LA's Huntington Harbor. 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. If you've enough sightseeing and are looking for pure thrills, try paragliding over Malibu.
Day 5: Get Cultured in LA
Finally, maybe you're in a more contemplative mood. If so, make a beeline for the J. Paul Getty Museum, which houses European paintings, drawings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and European and American photographs. Don't let anybody ever tell you there's no culture in Los Angeles!
LA? We love it.
The above suggestions are just a small slice of the things to do in Los Angeles. If you need more inspiration browse our complete list of Los Angeles tours & activities.
Or why not extend your stay in California: hit the beach in San Diego, leave your heart in San Francisco or hug a tree in Lake Tahoe.
Browse our complete list of tours and activities in Los Angeles:
