L.A. Fun: A Day Trip Guide to Los Angeles
Get swept up in the glamour of the City of Angels.
22 April 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Traveling to Los Angeles as a tourist would be an incredibly exciting and memorable experience. Visitors can explore the city's world-renowned beaches, such as Santa Monica and Venice Beach, as well as world-famous attractions such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Universal Studios theme park, and the Getty Museum. Los Angeles is also a cultural hub, with plenty of opportunities to experience the vibrant art, music, and food scenes of the city.
Day trip plan
Getting latest place information
- Start your day off at Bottega Louie for some scrumptious breakfast macarons and coffee.
- Take a stroll down the historic Rodeo Drive and window shop at designer boutiques like Gucci and Chanel.
- Catch an exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), home to the infamous Urban Light installation.
- Visit The Grove for some outdoor shopping, dining, and people watching.
- Wrap up your day with dinner and drinks at Pink Taco on Sunset Boulevard. Their tasty margaritas and authentic Mexican dishes make for a perfect end to the day.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Los Angeles by plane is to fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) which is located approximately 16 miles from downtown Los Angeles. There are numerous airlines that operate direct flights from various cities around the world to LAX.
Car
Driving to Los Angeles is an option, as the city is well-connected with major highways and road networks. However, traffic in and around Los Angeles can be very congested so it is important to plan your route ahead of time.
Train
There is no direct train service to Los Angeles, but Amtrak provides rail service to Union Station in downtown Los Angeles from various cities across the United States. The Pacific Surfliner route is a popular option which provides scenic views along the coast of California.
Boat
Los Angeles is a major port city and there are several cruise lines that offer sailings to and from Los Angeles. The Port of Los Angeles is the largest port in the United States and is home to several cruise terminals, including the World Cruise Center which is used by many major cruise line companies.
Bus
Taking a bus to Los Angeles is a cost-effective option as there are several bus companies that provide service from various cities to Los Angeles. Greyhound is a popular choice with multiple bus stops within the city of Los Angeles.
