Los Angeles Trip Planning & Itineraries

Day 1: Los Angeles: More Than Movies

First things first, 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, it's hard to choose just one thing to do in LA. To orient yourself take the double-decker bus tour and visit the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood sign and other icons. LA is more about driving than walking but make an exception to see behind the scenes, gaining entry to Kodak Theatre (home of the Academy Awards), the famous Grauman's Egyption Theatre and the Stella Adler Academy where movie stars train.

By now, you'll be tired. Head to the oasis of LA, the J Paul Getty Museum. A world cultural destination, it has a great view over LA and beautiful gardens as well as art - and coffee.

And don't miss 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).

More Los Angeles Sightseeing Tours »

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 to take a star tour in Los Angeles. 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.

More Hollywood Movie Stars Tours »

Day 3: 'Do Something Different' Day

Today is all about seeing LA from a new perspective. It doesn't matter which of the following Los Angeles activities you choose, because they all offer a non-typical insight into what makes LA tick. Personally I like the idea of a tandem paragliding in Malibu. 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. And by night, see LA really glitter on a night tour including Sunset Strip, Mulholland Drive and the sensational view from Griffith Park Observatory.

More Los Angeles Air & Helicopter Tours »

Mood

Right in the middle of the historic entertainment district of Hollywood Boulevard, this A-list celebrity nightclub is a Balinese-inspired paradise.

LAX Nightclub

Very groovy, very designed, aviation-themed bar in Hollywood. If you don't like queuing with the masses, consider reserving a table and getting your name on the guestlist - very Hollywood!

The Dresden

An old-style family business with good, affordable food; jazz crooners Marty & Elayne to entertain; and standing room only late at night. The Dresden features in such films as Swingers and That Thing You Do.

Farmer's Daughter Hotel

After an extreme makeover, this LA fixture has catapulted from shabby to chic, sporting a sassy 'urban cowboy' look that is an amazing alchemy of styles. The dedicated staff is enormously helpful. The central location may be noisy, but you can walk down to the Miracle Mile museums on Wilshire Blvd. or up to Melrose Ave. for funky shopping.

Georgian Hotel

A favorite hideaway of Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, this 1933 Art-Deco hotel near Santa Monica Pier sure has character. Renovated rooms have attractive amenities, like Nintendo systems, wi-fi internet, cozy bathrobes and Aveda bath products. From the moment you walk in, the Georgian Hotel's sense of history envelops you.

Millenium Biltmore Hotel

This 1923 landmark exudes the grandeur of a European palace and has hosted a galaxy of presidents, celebrities and royalty. Rooms, sheathed in soothing gold and ivory hues, feature all the trappings, although some are small-ish, reflecting the tastes of the time.