Tips for building Los Angeles Itineraries

How do I plan a successful trip to Los Angeles? There is a formula that I take into consideration for each itinerary I plan. I hope that these tips for building Los Angeles itineraries help when:

a) Tourists visit Los Angeles

b) Los Angeles locals have visitors coming

Many of you are overwhelmed at the thought of planning a whole weekend or week of things to occupy and entertain. I also hope you use this plan of attack to get the most out of your time. 


Why did I need to come up with these tips?

I started making itineraries for my guests after a couple of visits from out-of-towners were a bust. Too much time spent in the car, too much contemplating what to do, and not enough time enjoying what this city has to offer. Itineraries are both perfect for those who are a little indecisive, and planning trips in advance helps with those hard-to-get reservations and exhibition tickets. For me creating itineraries feels a lot like making a mixtape/playlist for someone. My itineraries have an intro, a crescendo, some chill moments, and a killer ending. 

Here are my tips for building Los Angeles Itineraries

View of clouds from airplane window

Tip 1

Everyone visiting Los Angeles should go to this page. It breaks down planning and gives great tips for your first moments in Los Angeles. Did you also know that there are alternate airports that may be closer and cheaper to your destination? For example, if your plan is to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Studios for a couple of days and then head home, you may want to fly into Burbank Airport.

Tourists Start Here
View of Downtown Los Angeles from Hollywood, Los Angeles neighborhoods logo

Tip 2

Pick one area of the city and plan a couple of things to do in that area per day. I think the one area per day strategy works well. My Hollywood neighborhood guide gives you a lot of options in Hollywood to occupy 24 hours. Also, neighboring Los Feliz is perfectly doable as part of that day’s itinerary. For example, you could spend the day at Griffith Park and afterward hit up the Walk of Fame, which never closes, and then grab dinner at Musso & Frank Grill.

Neighborhood Guides
coins inside jar

Tip 3

Think of a budget. Los Angeles can be very economical, contrary to what it looks like on television. It can also set you back a paycheck. Your itinerary can help you and your guests spend what you are comfortable spending. Check my blog for all the Free things you can do. Look for the tags, free, cheap, and cheap dates on the right-hand side of the blog.

colorful arts hanging on wall

Tip 4

Ask yourself, what do you or your guests like? It could be as abstract as a word, a theme, or a hobby. See below.

Likes and dislikes

So back to the second point on this list. What do your guests like? Or what do you like, if you are planning this trip for yourself? If you can imagine it, Los Angeles has it. This can be super overwhelming for anyone, even us locals.

So, I am really organized, and maybe you aren’t—see below.

This is the table of likes I use for when my parents visit. I used this to plan several itineraries, including the series posted after this table.

My mom likes…My dad likes…
Relaxing vacations. The kind with sunshine, beaches, and umbrella drinksVacations that involve exploring and learning
Movies, television, and celebrityVinyl & Live music
California produce, BBQ, and great foodCalifornia Produce, BBQ, and great food
Mexican food and margaritasJapanese food and culture
ShoppingCars & design
PlantsCraft beer
Silly funThe movie Blade Runner

Putting the tips into practice

How do I take the above information and turn it into a trip?

L.A. Itinerary for Parents arrival day logo

Los Angeles Itinerary for Parents

This long weekend itinerary centered around seeing a concert at the iconic Hollywood Bowl. We found the best picnic items for the Bowl, did a lot of patio dining, and found something for everyone. See the entire itinerary.

Let’s see

View of old ticket concourse with art deco details

Grab-and-go itineraries

If you are short on money and short on time, I suggest you go to my grab-and-go itineraries. I have done the planning for you. These self-guided itineraries range from low to medium guidance and take the guesswork out of planning your trip.

Grab-and-go

Let me do the planning for you.

I have a few options to take the Los Angeles trip planning off your plate. I know this city well and recommend places to eat, the best places to dance, free museums, and other random ideas all the time. Here are some instances of me downloading my brain.

Planning on a budget

I have some travel games and self-guide itineraries that you can use to explore Los Angeles and beyond.

Grab and go

Something more customized

The above options are a little more general. If you come to town for a special occasion and/or want more hand-picked recommendations, I would love to work with you.

I have planned anniversaries, neighborhood explorations for recently relocated Angelenos, team-building, and more.

Let’s Plan!
Author photo
This Ugly Beautiful City logo over picture of sunset over downtown Los Angeles

Are you a local wondering what to do in Los Angeles?

I have created a page for you. Get ideas on how to explore your home city.

Local Start Here

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This Ugly Beautiful City is a 100% self-funded publication. If you have used any of the advice on these pages and would like to send a thank you, consider buying me a coffee.

Thank you!
overhead view of coffee in a glass cup with spoon.




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