Los Angeles is a California city with something for everyone. It is a world-renowned attraction, a stunning perspective, and many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
A 24-hour guide to Los Angeles
If you only have 24 hours to explore this huge city in Los Angeles, solid planning will help you make the most of your time.
This guide shows you the best way to experience LA like a pro, hitting all the highlights without feeling rushed.
7am – Sunrise at Griffith Observatory
Start your day at Griffith Observatory, one of LA’s most breathtaking viewing spots. Arrivals early and you can enjoy the sunrise with fewer crowds, taking in the views of the city’s skyline, from Hollywood signs to downtown LA and the Pacific Ocean, even on sunny days.
Insider Tips: Visit the Hollywood Mount Trail for a more active start. This 2.5-mile round-trip hike offers some of the best panoramic viewing spots, especially in the morning light. Find seasonal wild flowers and remember that certified trails are open from sunrise to sunset.
8:30am – Breakfast at Repbrick
After a morning hike we refueled at Repbrick, a casual family-owned spot in a stunning 1920s building.
Whether you’re craving a breakfast burrito, a flavourful crunch, or a fully brewed latte for breakfast at this cafe, this place offers. The airy space with high ceilings and communal tables creates a warm and engaging dining experience.
Insider Tips: Bookings are a good idea as it can get busy in the mornings. If the time is short, swing by the bakery counter and grab a quick grab and drink some coffee.
10am – Explore the Arts District
Head to the Arts District in Downtown LA. Here, the old warehouse has become a creative hotspot filled with street art, art galleries and trendy cafes.
Pass the bold murals and stop by contemporary artistic spaces like Hauser & Wirth to immerse yourself in the cultural vibe of your neighborhood with its extraordinary collections.
Insider Tips: If you like vintage shopping, check out the dtla column for searching for unique boutiques. The area also hosts pop-up events and design exhibitions, so be careful of anything unexpected!
11:30am – Visit the large museum
Step into the collection of art waiting on the broad. There you will find impressive works by artists such as Jeff Coons, Kusama Yayoi, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
The museum’s unique “veil and vault” architecture is a visual treat, even before walking inside the museum.
Insider Tips: General admission is free, but tickets are faster. Pay off in advance to avoid long waits. If you want to experience Kusamayayoi’s Infinity Mirror Room, you will need tickets at a different timing, so book early to secure a spot.
12:30pm – Lunch at Grand Central Market
A short walk from the wide range of Grand Central Market is a must-see for food lovers looking for fair-style food options.
This historic food hall has been a staple of the entire city since 1917, offering a variety of dinner options under one roof.
Whether you’re craving Eggslut’s famous egg sandwich, the real tacos from Tacos Tumbras a Tomas, or something completely different, Los Angeles won’t lack the delicious entertainment options.
Insider Tips: Seats fill up quickly during peak times, so check out the top levels of the market for additional services. For a refreshing pickup, grab some cold pressed juice from one of the benders before heading to the next stop.
Test your skills in the 2pm – 60out escape room
Take your adventure to the next level with 60out Escape Rooms. This is one of the top-notch Los Angeles Escape Room
With multiple locations in California cities, you can access downtown LA spots and head to another branch with a convenient daytime challenge or theme that will excite you.
Each location offers a range of immersive, story-driven challenges, ranging from high stakes robbers to spine-stabbing mysteries.
Insider Tips: Bookings are available for fast weekends, so book spots in advance. Whether you’re working on a puzzle with your friends or teaming up with fellow escape room fans, working together will make the experience even more thrilling.
3:30pm – Santa Monica Pier & Beach Walk
Head to the famous Santa Monica pier. Here you can immerse yourself in the beach atmosphere and enjoy the classic outdoor market on your way to the iconic Pacific Wheel, the world’s only solar powered circle.
Street performers, food stalls and arcade games add a vibrant atmosphere to make it a perfect casual place to experience LA’s beach culture.
Insider Tips: For a more active adventure, rent a bike and take a stroll along the Marvin Broud Bike Trail, which runs along the coast with spectacular Santa Monica Mountains views. If you want something quiet, Pallisard Park offers peaceful walks and breathtaking seaside views.
5:30pm – Sunset on the Venice Canal
Take a relaxing stroll through the Venice Canal, away from the busy city roads of Venice Beach. Inspired by the waterways of Venice, Italy, this quiet neighborhood features charming footbridges, scenic corridors and beautiful homes lined with water.
It’s the perfect place to slow down and immerse yourself in another experience when you’ve experienced 24 hours in Los Angeles.
Insider Tips: Arrived just before sunset in search of the best lighting. It’s the perfect time for photography, and Golden Glow makes the canal even more magical.
7pm – Dinner at Jerina
Finish your day with a meal at Gjelina, a Venice hotspot known for its seasonal farm-to-table dinner options. If you’re craving wood pizza, roasted vegetables, or fresh seafood, you’ve got it!
All dishes are made with bold flavours and high quality ingredients. The cozy, rustic chic setting adds to the experience and makes it a favorite casual place among locals and visitors.
Insider Tips: Bookings are fulfilled quickly, so book in advance. If you can’t get a table, next to the Gjelina Take Away (GTA) serves many of the same distinctive dishes for a relaxed, on-the-go optional suit.
10pm – drive down Mulholland late at night
Finish your day with an epic road trip along Mulholland Drive, one of LA’s most iconic road trips. Bending the mountains of Santa Monica, this route offers a drastic view of the city skyline illuminated below.
With minimal traffic at this time, it’s a peaceful, almost cinematic way to incorporate the beauty of LA before calling it the night.
Insider Tips: Stop by the Hollywood Bowl to see an invincible panoramic view of the city shining under the stars. Please be careful. Mulholland Drive is a little windy, so take your time and enjoy riding safely.
11:00pm – Rooftop drink on the seat
Enveloping your LA adventure with a drink from Palchi, a rooftop lounge that combines Parisian charm with a stunning city skyline view. Peering on top of a historic building, some evenings at this concert venue offer a cozy, yet upscale atmosphere with fire holes, lush Chinese garden atmosphere and live music.
The atmosphere is a great place to relax, whether you drink craft cocktails, wine glasses or local beer. Pair drinks with small bites such as truffle fries or charcoal grilled boards.
Insider Tips: The outdoor terrace offers the best views, but fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrivals early or book to get your prime spot. Check out the lounge on the second floor for a lively atmosphere where the DJ maintains energy late into the night.
Midnight – 24-hour taco stop
Without a late-night taco stop, a trip to LA would not be complete and Leo’s taco track is the place to go.
Known for the legendary Rev. Al Tacos, this local hotspot serves perfectly marinated pork chopped straight from the spit and topped with fresh pineapple.
This is the best fair-style food option if you want to close the night or are craving a midnight snack.
Insider Tips: The lines move fast, but don’t stop at one taco, like one taco or chorizo, like one taco or chorizo.
1am – Rest like a star (because you’ve won it!)
After a 24-hour whirlwind, it’s time to relax like an A-Lister. Whether you’re sunk into the luxurious beds of a Beverly Hills hotel, resting on your chic West Hollywood boutique stay, or kicking on an Airbnb while taking in the rooftop of a killer, you’ve conquered this California city for a day.
Insider Tips: Is it so exaggerated that you can’t sleep yet? Pour your night cap, dip in the last few sparkling city lights and scroll through the spectacular photos. There’s one thing for sure. This is not your last LA adventure.
It’s a wrap: Your LA Blockbuster Day
Spending 24 hours in Los Angeles is like starring in a fast-paced adventure movie. It’s packed with amazing view spots, unforgettable bites and moments you pause and say.
But of course, there is always something to discover. Maybe next time, you’ll be jumping into the city’s legendary concert venues like Walt Disney Concert Hall, exploring hidden Speak Agees, or detouring to LA’s lection-like areas like Culver City and East LA
One thing is for sure: one day in LA isn’t enough, but it’s a perfect start!
FAQ
1. What is the best way to start 24 hours in LA?
Start your day at sunrise at Griffith Observatory, a top spot in Los Angeles with stunning views.
2. Where can I eat breakfast during my 24 hours in LA?
République is a must-see in LA for a delicious morning meal in a historic California setting.
3. What are your fun noon activities in Los Angeles?
Test your skills at 60out Escape Rooms, a 24-hour thrilling stop in LA.
4. How do you enjoy the California Beach vibe in Los Angeles?
Head to Santa Monica Pier for ocean views and fun on the classic Los Angeles Boardwalk.
5. What is the relaxing night location in Los Angeles?
For 24 hours in LA, take a peaceful break by walking through the Venice Canal in the sunset.
6. Where can I have dinner in Los Angeles?
Gerina in Venice serves farm-to-table dishes. This is perfect for California Day in Los Angeles.
7. What is your scenic night drive in Los Angeles?
Mulholland Drive offers a breathtaking LA view during your 24-hour LA.
8. Where can I grab a late-night snack in LA?
Leo’s Taco Track serves iconic tacos, a California classic from Los Angeles Knight.
9. What are the great rooftop spots in Los Angeles?
Perch offers a stunning LA skyline view, perfect for rewinding in LA after 24 hours.
10. Is 24 hours in Los Angeles enough to see everything about Los Angeles?
No, but it’s a great start to explore the highlights of Los Angeles, California!
