Los Angeles is a huge city, but there are plenty of ways to make the most of it in just one day! If you’re looking for a things to do in Los Angeles in one day, mix and match spots that are close to each other for a smoother experience.

• Beach Day: Spend time in Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and Malibu for ocean views, the iconic pier, and a relaxed coastal vibe.
• City Sights: Explore Hollywood Blvd, walk the Walk of Fame, and catch a view of the Hollywood Sign from select spots. Then, shop and dine at The Grove or take a quick detour to Beverly Hills.
• Thrill-Seeker’s Day: Head straight to Universal Studios for a day packed with rides, shows, and movie magic.
• Outdoor Adventure: Hike Runyon Canyon for city views or visit the Griffith Observatory for stunning panoramas of LA.

From the sun-kissed beaches of Malibu to the glitzy streets of Hollywood, every corner of this sprawling metropolis is bursting with character and charm, just waiting to be explored.

Los Angeles is so much more than just Hollywood glamour. It’s a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, where every neighborhood tells its own unique tale. From the hipster enclaves of Silver Lake to the chic boutiques of Beverly Hills, there’s something here for everyone’s taste and style.

Malibu

Malibu is the perfect mix of beaches, scenic drives, and laid-back vibes. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Hit the Beach – Zuma Beach is my top pick for sunbathing, surfing, or a relaxing seaside walk. The sunsets here are unreal!

Scenic Drive – Cruise down Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) for epic ocean views, rugged cliffs, and hidden coves.

Take a Hike – A short climb up Point Dume rewards you with breathtaking coastal views—totally worth it!

Shop & Stroll – Malibu Country Mart is great for boutique shopping or just people-watching.

Relax & Recharge – Try a sound bath at Rafi Lounge for the ultimate chill session.

Grab a Drink – Enjoy a beachside cocktail at Paradise Cove Beach Café—pure bliss.

Dine with a View – Splurge at Nobu Malibu for top-notch sushi and celebrity sightings.

Stay the Night – Malibu Beach RV Park offers oceanfront camping—fall asleep to the sound of waves!

For a complete guide to Malibu activities, check out: What to Do in Malibu, California

Venice Beach

Venice Beach is a vibrant, eclectic spot known for its colorful boardwalk, pop-up art stalls, quirky shops, and lively atmosphere. Whether you’re people-watching or soaking up the sun, it’s an iconic spot that’s impossible to miss. Don’t forget to stop by Muscle Beach, where you can get a day pass to work out under the sun!

On weekends, Venice Beach is particularly lively, with skateboarders, families, and even some secondhand ganja smoke wafting through the air. You can spend hours here walking, biking, or rollerblading along the coast. Rent a bike or scooter right on the boardwalk and take a ride to Marina Del Rey or Santa Monica.

Tip: If you’re there on a weekend, don’t miss the Drum Circle near Brooks Avenue and Ocean Front Walk—it’s an impromptu jam session happening every Saturday and Sunday from noon until dusk.

For a more relaxed vibe, head to Abbot Kinney Boulevard, a mile-long strip of boutiques, galleries, and cafes, perfect for browsing and people-watching.

For a complete guide to Venice Beach activities, check out: What to Do in Venice Beach

For more details and event updates, check out the calendar on Venice Paparazzi’s website, or head over to Abbot Kinney’s website for the latest happenings!

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is the ultimate destination for sun, fun, and a mix of beach vibes and shopping. Whether you’re in the mood to cruise the beach, shop ‘til you drop, or just enjoy the laid-back vibe, here’s how to make the most of your day.

Start at the Santa Monica Pier
When you arrive, head straight to the Santa Monica Pier—a must-see spot where you can feel the energy of this iconic location. From there, don’t miss the chance to ride the Pacific Park Ferris wheel. Offering stunning views of the beach and coastline, it’s a great way to get a panoramic view of Santa Monica. Tickets for the Ferris wheel are usually around $5 per person, making it an affordable and fun way to see the area from above.

Stroll or Roll Toward Venice Beach
After enjoying the pier, it’s time to head towards Venice Beach. You can either walk, rent a bike, or bring your rollerblades for a leisurely ride along the beach path. As you pass through, you’ll also come across the original Muscle Beach, where gymnasts and acrobats show off their skills. The vibe is electric, and you can soak in the sun while enjoying the unique atmosphere.

Shop ‘Til You Drop at Santa Monica Place
If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, head to Santa Monica Place, a shopping center with a wide range of top-tier stores like Nordstrom, Tiffany & Co., Nike, and more. You’ll find something for everyone, whether it’s a new outfit or a special gift.

Explore the 3rd Street Promenade
Just a short stroll away from Santa Monica Place is the 3rd Street Promenade. This pedestrian-friendly area offers even more shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It’s perfect for grabbing a bite to eat, browsing quirky shops, or simply soaking up the sun.

Parking: If you plan to spend the day in Santa Monica, it’s worth finding a parking lot where you’re not limited by time. For the best parking options, check out this link: Santa Monica Parking Info.

Tip: Check out Shoott for a free 30-minute photoshoot! Pick a location, make the most of the session, and walk away with amazing photos. You only pay for the photos you love. I’m not affiliated with them, but we used their service and thought it was a great way to capture memories.

Hollywood Sign

Can You Hike to the Hollywood Sign?

Absolutely! But before you start dreaming of scaling those iconic letters—hold up. Climbing the sign itself is a hard no. Trust me, security is tight, and trying to hop the fence will get you a fast pass to an encounter with law enforcement.

Now, let’s talk about getting that perfect shot. Surprisingly, the best photos aren’t taken right up close. To truly capture the Hollywood Sign in all its glory, you’ll want to step back a bit.

There are several hiking trails that lead to great viewpoints, but be aware that locals have been pushing to limit access. Keep an eye out for those “No Access to the Hollywood Sign” signs along the way.

Sure, you can see the sign from Griffith Observatory or the Hollywood & Highland shopping center, but it’s pretty distant for a great photo.

Best Spot for Photos? Lake Hollywood Park!
In my opinion, Lake Hollywood Park is the ultimate spot for snapping that postcard-perfect shot. You’ll get breathtaking views of the sign, plus you can park nearby and even hike closer—but not all the way to the top.

Want to hike behind the sign?
Take the Cahuenga Peak Trail. The first stretch is steep and challenging, but once you hit the ridge, you’ll have an incredible view from behind the sign. It’s a tough climb, but totally worth it! You can find detailed trail info here: Cahuenga Peak Hike.

The Grove

Let me tell you about The Grove—an iconic outdoor shopping destination that perfectly blends retail therapy with a touch of LA magic.

Before diving into the stores, hop on the free double-decker Grove Trolley and ride over to The Original Farmers Market—a foodie’s dream packed with gourmet goodies and international eats.

Back at The Grove, you’ll find a mix of top brands and unique pop-up shops. And when hunger kicks in (because let’s be real, shopping is a workout), there’s no shortage of delicious options—from classic American bites to authentic Italian cuisine.

Oh, and don’t miss the Dancing Fountain—a mesmerizing water show set to music.

Whether you’re on a guided LA tour or just exploring solo, The Grove is a must-visit. It also hosts exciting events like book signings and interviews, so check out the latest happenings: The Grove Events.

But my absolute favorite time to visit? The holiday season! The festive lights and decorations make it even more magical.

Hollywood Observatory

Griffith Observatory isn’t just any planetarium—it’s one of the few in the world that still puts on live planetarium shows! With millions of visitors each year, it’s a must-visit for stargazers and space enthusiasts alike.

From free public telescopes to fascinating astronomy exhibits and interactive space programs, there’s something for everyone. Admission to the Observatory, grounds, and telescopes is always free, though there are fees for parking and planetarium shows at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium.

But it’s not just about the stars—this place has serious Hollywood street cred! With over 170 film credits, Griffith Observatory has been the backdrop for classics like La La Land, Jurassic Park, Back to the Future, Terminator, and Transformers.

If you visit, I highly recommend catching a planetarium show. We saw Centered in the Universe, and it was absolutely mind-blowing!

Universal Studio – Hollywood

Thinking about visiting Universal Studios but not sure if it’s worth the splurge? Let me tell you—it absolutely is! 

Step into one of Hollywood’s largest movie sets and dive deep into the world of film production. From iconic movie scenes to behind-the-scenes secrets, it’s a must-visit for any movie lover.

Pro Tips for an Epic Day:

✅ Arrive early and plan to spend the whole day. You won’t want to miss a thing!
✅ Save CityWalk for later—explore the park first and end the day with shopping and dining.
✅ Hit your top attractions first—wait times can exceed an hour, so strategize!
✅ Don’t skip the Studio Tour! It’s packed with surprises, behind-the-scenes magic, and even a few thrills.

So grab your tickets, round up your crew, and get ready for a day of rides, laughs, and unforgettable memories at Universal Studios! 

For tickets and more info, visit: Universal Studios Hollywood

Walk of Fame

Walking down Hollywood Boulevard, you’ll find over 2,700 stars lining the sidewalks, each honoring a legend in film, TV, music, or theater. From old-school icons to today’s biggest celebrities, there’s a good chance you’ll spot a name you know and love. And let’s be real—snapping a pic with your favorite star is basically a must!

While you’re there, make sure to swing by the TCL Chinese Theatre. This place is packed with history, and right out front, you’ll see about 200 handprints, footprints, and autographs from some of the biggest names in Hollywood. It’s pretty wild to stand where movie legends once did!

Yeah, the Walk of Fame can get crowded, and not everyone finds it as glamorous as they imagined. But I still think it’s one of those things you just have to see at least once. If you time it right, you might even catch a movie premiere or a star unveiling—now that’s some real Hollywood magic! Plus, fun fact: this is where the Oscars were originally held back in the day.

So if you’re in LA, take a stroll, soak up the energy, and embrace the star-studded chaos—because this is Hollywood, baby!

Beverly Hills

Welcome to Beverly Hills, where luxury, history, and a touch of Hollywood magic come together. From the high-end shopping of Rodeo Drive to the serene Beverly Gardens Park and the stunning Greystone Mansion, there’s no shortage of iconic spots to explore. And of course, a visit isn’t complete without stopping by The Beverly Hills Hotel, where A-listers have been lounging for decades!

Beverly Hills & Pretty Woman

If you’re a Pretty Woman fan, you’ll love spotting some of the film’s famous locations! The Beverly Wilshire Hotel, sitting right at the end of Rodeo Drive, served as the backdrop for many scenes—though fun fact, the interiors were filmed elsewhere. And remember that legendary shopping spree? It happened at Boulmiche on Rodeo Drive (though the store has since moved). Even with these changes, Pretty Woman remains one of the most iconic films tied to Beverly Hills.

Beverly Hills & 90210

Okay, here’s a fun twist—despite the name, Beverly Hills, 90210 wasn’t really filmed in Beverly Hills! That beach house? It’s actually in Hermosa Beach. The Walsh family home? That’s in Altadena. And West Beverly High School? It’s really Torrance High School! But hey, the drama, romance, and ’90s fashion made up for the location swaps, right?

A Perfect Day in Beverly Hills

Start your morning with brunch at The Beverly Hills Hotel, then take a refreshing dip in their legendary pool. Next, head over to Rodeo Drive for some window shopping (or splurging, if you’re feeling fancy!). Afterward, stroll through the Greystone Mansion & Park—the grounds are free to visit, and if you want to explore inside, the mansion tour is just $10 per person.

Want to indulge? Treat yourself to a spa day at one of Beverly Hills’ world-class spas, then wrap up the day with dinner at a top-tier restaurant—because if you’re in Beverly Hills, you might as well do it in style!

Runyon Canyon

Right in the heart of Hollywood, Runyon Canyon is the perfect mix of a scenic hike and a little celebrity spotting. The trails aren’t the toughest, but the steady inclines will still get your heart pumping—and the views? Absolutely breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see all the way from Catalina Island to the Santa Monica Mountains. Whether you’re new to hiking or just want a more relaxed outdoor adventure, Runyon Canyon is a great pick.

For the best experience, start at the Fuller Avenue entrance. You’ll have two steep climbs to choose from—or if you’re up for a challenge, combine them into one solid workout. If you’re looking for an easier route (or even tougher trails), head to the Mulholland entrance for a mix of both, plus some stunning panoramas.

Love a lively atmosphere? Weekends at Runyon Canyon are buzzing with energy. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a celebrity! Over the years, I’ve seen Laurence Fishburne, Harry Styles, and my favorite—Robbie Williams. Good luck! Oh, and keep an eye out for rattlesnakes!

Located in the heart of Hollywood, Runyon Canyon offers a fantastic hiking experience with a side of celebrity spotting. While you won’t tackle the most challenging trails, the steady inclines and still provide a good workout and breathtaking views. On a clear day, you can even see from Catalina Island to the Santa Monica Mountains. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hiker looking for a more relaxed adventure, Runyon Canyon is the perfect choice for an enjoyable day on the trails.

For the best visit to Runyon Canyon Park, drive to the Fuller Avenue entrance. Choose between two steep climbs or combine them for a challenging circuit. Alternatively, head to the Mulholland entrance for challenging trails or an easier walk with stunning views.

If you thrive on the buzz of people and energy, hit the trails at Runyon Canyon Park on weekends! Some celebrities I spotted there over the years- Laurence Fishburne, Harry Styles or my favorite – Robbie Williams. Good luck! Oh and watch out for rattlesnakes!

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