5 Days In Los Angeles: A Complete L.A. Itinerary

As residents of the Bay Area, we`re inclined to raise our eyebrows at any mention of Los Angeles or Southern California generally as part of friendly competition between northern and southern parts of the state. But, if we`re truthful, LA is a rather intriguing city. Of course, it suffers traffic congestion, new age hippies operating Land Rovers, and truly terrible chauffeurs. We received cut off three times ON A SINGLE BLOCK (twice by Land Rovers) on one trip across LA, emphasizing all three points emphatically. And don`t misunderstand – over 5 days in Los Angeles, you`ll likely expend PLENTY of time idling in traffic.

Would we relocate to LA? Probably not. It’s not our style (we delight in ambulation, and learned strolling in LA isn’t overly enjoyable when a six lane road borders the sidewalk). Is it a splendid place to visit? Undoubtedly yes. There’s tons to do, see, eat, and drink in LA and just outside city limits. Alysha noted that it’s like NYC in the sense that, whatever you’re passionate about, you can likely discover it in LA.

We also learned that Los Angeles is quite expansive, which is why considering how to structure your time to make the most of it and avoid spending excessive time in transit is important. This guide will provide you with the information necessary to plan the perfect five day Los Angeles itinerary, covering both logistical aspects (yes, a rental car is advisable) and recommendations for utilizing your time well.

Planning a Trip to LA? Check out my other guides to discover fresh ideas to incorporate into your itinerary!

• Where to Reside in LA: A Complete Guide to LA’s 3 Best Areas
• The Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Los Angeles

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Where to Stay for 5 Days in L.A.

Before providing targeted guidance, we must address an important issue: do not reserve lodging through Airbnb in Los Angeles. Much like other west coast cities such as Seattle and San Francisco, L.A. is amidst a full-fledged housing crisis. The city is endeavoring to crack down on illegal rental units, though they remain prevalent citywide. Indeed, we would venture to say that A MAJORITY of Airbnb listings in L.A. fall into a grey area or are outright prohibited.

For locations outside major cities, we favor temporary home rentals. However, Los Angeles seems better suited to conventional accommodations.

Fortunately for you, L.A. offers many outstanding hotel choices. One top proposal would be to find an excellent hotel located in one of L.A.`s premier neighborhoods. If car rental is needed, be prepared to pay marginally more for overnight parking in areas like Downtown and Santa Monica.

The two best areas to explore are surely going to be Santa Monica for all the seaside vibes, and Silver Lake or Echo Park, which is a hub for creative types (I mean that in the most positive way) and is our preferred part of LA to stay in thanks to its central location between Hollywood and Downtown.

IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED TO STAY IN HOLLYWOOD. You will likely be glad you did not.

Given the five day timeframe, dividing around two to three days in each locale allows fully experiencing the character of both. Remaining in Silver Lake provides proximity to downtown and urban aspects while Santa Monica places you right on the shoreline, presenting a very different atmosphere.

Don’t miss my guide to the places one can lodge at while visiting Los Angeles, as discussed in this article.

Staying in Silver Lake

Silver Lake is a little more residential, though Sunset Blvd passes directly through it and it is lined with all kinds of fun shops, bars, and eateries. We loved the area north of Sunset between the two, near Elysian Park, where you’ll be extremely central to both Silver Lake and Echo Park. This area is right in the middle of Hollywood and Downtown, and will serve as a great home base for 5 days in LA.

There are only a couple hotel options here, as the area is mainly residential.

We were extremely close to staying at the Silver Lake Pool & Inn, but ultimately decided to remain elsewhere to be nearer to the shoreline. It’s a gorgeous property with all accessible facilities – such as a pool, as the name indicates – and it’s strategically located in the core of Silver Lake, walking distance to excellent bars, coffee, meals, and additional attractions.

The other option we find appealing is Noon on Sunset Hill, which has characteristics that are intermediate between a bed-and-breakfast and a hostel, with private rooms containing private bathrooms and some shared common spaces, including a kitchen. It’s a small establishment, and staying there would likely involve more social interaction than at another hotel thanks to all the common areas, such as two decks.

Staying in Santa Monica

In Santa Monica, view the northwestern part of the neighborhood close to Montana Ave, which was our preferred “ charming” street in all of LA. You’ll be within walking distance of excellent coffee, bars, and restaurants, and also the glitz and glam of Santa Monica State Beach and the Third Street Promenade.

Keep in mind, this area of L.A. is costly. We have a suggestion below for people who are on a budget, but want to be near the coast.

Recommended Lodgings: The Palihouse Santa Monica is nice indeed, and is pleasantly situated just a few blocks from the beach, Montana Avenue (our preferred stretch in LA), AND the Third Street Promenade. The Santa Monica Proper is similarly elegant. More affordable possibilities include the Shore Hotel and the Georgian Hotel, which are both situated directly along the closest avenue to the shoreline.

On a Budget, But Want the Beach? Stay in Venice!

If you’re on a budget but still want to be near the beach, look at nearby Venice Beach, which is like Santa Monica’s slightly eccentric cousin who sometimes neglects to shower, but is generally enjoyable.

Venice possesses some noteworthy qualities. It`s an iconic region of L.A., and there are superb areas with many bars, restaurants, and things to do and see. Taking a stroll along the canals is highly recommended, as is walking up Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Suggested Accommodations in Venice: Hotel Erwin is situated near the iconic Venice sign, providing an ideal base for exploring the locality. Further from the beach but still within walking distance are two additional quality choices – the Kinney and Inn at Venice Beach.

Your Complete 5 Day Los Angeles Itinerary

However, that does not signify you should not. You will find a handful of gluten free restaurant recommendations in the itinerary for LA below (don`t miss my complete guide to eating gluten free in Los Angeles), but for my non-gluten-free acquaintances, here are a few resources to examine regarding the best restaurants in LA.

• The Eater Index to LA
• 38 Essential LA Eateries (Eater)
• Female Foodie’s Index to the 25 Best Eateries in LA
• A First Timer’s Index to Dining in LA (The Infatuation)

Use those guides to plan your food stops if you don’t need to eat gluten free, like me. Eat all the tacos, Korean food, and avocado toasts you can!

With that out of the way, let’s get into it. 

Day 1: The Beaches

On your first day in Los Angeles, fully embrace all the beach vibes with a trip out to Santa Monica, the crown jewel of LA’s west side, and its lesser known but similarly enticing neighbor Venice Beach.

This was among our favourite parts of the city, notably alongside the most “charming” street in LA – Montana Ave on the northern side of the area.

Morning: Santa Monica

Verde Cocina has several spots around the city and surrounding region (three to be precise) where they blend locally sourced Northwest ingredients with traditional Mexican flavors and meals.

Montana Avenue

Montana Avenue is a stretch that is on the north side of Santa Monica, and the segment of the street between 7th and 20th is one of our favorite parts of LA (also, one of the bougier).

There’s sufficient here to occupy you for most of the day, but you should start with some of the best coffee in Los Angeles at Primo Passo Coffee Co, which almost always has a line outside the entrance of people eagerly awaiting their morning fuel to tackle the day.

Next, head northeast along Montana Ave towards 20th, taking your time browsing the wide assortment of shops, retailers, and cafes lining the road. Here are some spots not to miss along the way.

• There are TWO gluten free bakeries situated in close proximity to each other – Erin Mckenna’s Bakery and BreadBlok – the latter of which is one of the premier gluten free bakeries in LA.
• If shopping interests you more, Burro was one of our favorite stores in LA, filled with various trinkets, lovely cards, and eccentric gifts. Another excellent place for shopping is the Brentwood General Store, which sells a variety of artisan home goods.
• If you’re seeking a rare wine or craft beer bottle,the Duck Blind has a noteworthy selection.
• Do you enjoy cheese? We do. Andrew’s Cheese Shop is worth stopping in, even if you aren’t going to make a purchase. There’s an extensive selection of cheese (as expected) but also gourmet food items like pepper jelly and Vermont maple syrup that make ideal gifts.

Once you reach around 17th Street, the neighborhood becomes pretty residential, and it`s time to head to your next stop – the Third Street Promenade. It`s just over a mile, and I`d suggest walking.

The Third Street Promenade and the Santa Monica Pier

This is arguably the most tourist-frequented location in LA, but it`s certainly deserving of a visit. The Third Street Promenade is a pedestrian-only stretch in Santa Monica lined with various stores (mostly of larger brands) and more notably, leafy dinosaur fountains.

Begin on the northern end of the street and stroll south towards the Santa Monica Pier.

If you feel another coffee, Demitasse is an excellent choice, and it serves as a perfect starting point for your journey down 3rd Street.

I have no particular recommendations beyond casual wandering, people watching, and browsing stores that attract along this stretch, including Apple and Urban Outfitters plus typical chains.

Here are some notable neighborhood spots worth checking out.

• The Misfit Bar and Restaurant is a suitable spot for a midday meal, or just drinks with numerous gluten free alternatives available, counting a dedicated fryer. They offer solid deals during happy hour too from opening until 6pm. Note: They’re just available for lunch from Thursday to Sunday.
• Chris + Mary is an intriguing small family-owned boutique that echoes the interests of its two owners… Chris and Mary. They stock items sensitive to ethical issues free from cruelty and exploitative labor practices.

I was highly impressed by this local`s guide to Santa Monica, which helped discover a few of the aforementioned places.

You will not want to miss visiting the Santa Monica Farmers Market, which is a place where top chefs regularly obtain fresh produce for their LA restaurants. It is held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 8am to 1pm along Arizona Avenue right in the center of the promenade. If your trip occurs on either of those two days, then adjust day 1 to be a Wednesday or Saturday. We feel it is worthwhile to visit.

Take a walk all the way to Colorado Avenue and turn right, which will lead you straight to the Santa Monica Pier.

To be completely honest, we had no idea that there’s a fully operational roller coaster and arcade here. As we were walking up, I was thinking to myself “wait, is that really… a roller coaster?”

It turns out, Pacific Park, the mini amusement center on the Pier, has a roller coaster, Ferris Wheel (is there a necessity that every city have a Ferris Wheel now?) and a handful of (overpriced and average) eateries. Still, it’s an entertaining stop, particularly with children, and it’s free to walk through.

Walk to the end of the pier and back, then head south along the seaside track towards Venice Beach. You’ll be strolling along Santa Monica State Beach, one of the most iconic beaches in LA and all of Southern California. This is the spot to bring your beach mat and picnic on a warm day (so, every day) and relax in the sun with thousands of your new closest companions.

Next, head south to Venice, either on foot, or by renting a bicycle from Santa Monica Bike Rentals (but you’ll have to return it).

Exploring Santa Monica by bicycle rental would be a great way to thoroughly see the area and nicely complement this initial day of your LA itinerary. You could pick up a bike, ride north to Montana Avenue, then pedal back down near 3rd Street to the pier and onward to Venice, before returning the rental at day`s end.

Afternoon: Venice

Venice Beach, renowned for its boardwalk and adjacent famed fitness facility, encompasses intriguing contradictions. Specifically, a vibrant yet sometimes unconventional boardwalk zone lined with family businesses selling diverse wares alongside higher-end Abbot Kinney Boulevard, conveying distinctly divergent atmospheres in close proximity.

Here are some things to do near Venice Beach.

• Walk along the waterfront promenade and take in the sights, sounds, and flavours that characterize Venice.
• Get coffee near the shoreline at Menotti’s Coffee Stop. If you’re in the mood for grub, head to Great White instead, which is across the street close to the famed Venice sign.
• Explore Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Get coffee at Blue Bottle or Intelligentsia. Shop at Burro (again), Urbanic for all sorts of cards, notebooks, and stationery, and Grow Venice, which has all the plants and containers to go with them. Additional stops comprise Salt and Bazaar. Erewhon Market is a high-end gourmet grocer at the eastern end of the street that merits a visit for foodies. Sweetfin is a 100% gluten free poke eatery that is good for a fast bite to eat. There are tons of shops here, counting storefronts for a few of the direct-to-consumer online brands like Casper and Warby Parker. It’s very hip, and worth exploring all the way down and back.
• Explore the Venice Canals, which are full of incredible homes that we were dreaming about owning someday before looking at the Zillow values. Walk from the end of Abbot Kinney along N Venice Boulevard.
• Indulge in delicious frozen treats at either Salt & Straw or Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, two imports from Portland and Chicago respectively.
• Grab a beverage at Venice Ale House, Roosterfish (a fun gay bar) or Venice Beach Wines.

That’s plenty of locations to explore on your initial day, so obtain some dinner either in Venice or near your lodging, and unwind (or, head to Roosterfish and let loose. Your decision).

Day 2: Melrose Place and Hollywood

This is quintessential LA, I believe. When I think of LA, I think of Sunset Blvd running through Hollywood and Melrose Place, which is lined with upscale boutiques and hip coffee shops, among other things.

Now that you`ve signed up, it`s time to review profiles and determine what type of house-sitting opportunity would best suit you.

Today, begin in Beverly Hills prior to making an extensive half circle all through Hollywood, with a stop at Melrose Place and the surrounding area in the middle.

Morning: Beverly Hills & Melrose Place

That’s where I want to be! 

Any individual else get that audio by the band Weezer embedded in their head promptly after hearing the words Beverly Hills? Just myself? Okay then.

Beverly Hills

Initially, start your day at the Beverly Gardens, which is where you’ll find the well-known Beverly Hills sign. Alfred Coffee, the first genuinely famous coffee shop on Instagram, is directly across the street if you need a caffeinated pick-me-up (although there’s better coffee nearby – more on that in a moment).

From there, stroll down Rodeo Drive, which may be one of the most opulent routes in the entire world. Shops with prices beyond our budget restricted the street, and you might even spot a celebrity entering or exiting one. Although I will mention we were in LA for over a week and observed exactly ZERO celebrities.

Then, if you skipped Alfred’s and held out for some of the finest coffee in LA, you’re in luck.

While this part of the city doesn’t contain too many noteworthy places in my opinion, it does happen to house some rather good coffee establishments. Visit La Colombe, situated at the northwest corner of the area on Santa Monica Blvd, or Blue Bottle Coffee (a native of the Bay Area) or Aharon Coffee (fun latte art designs), both of which are located along S Beverly Drive to the south of Rodeo.

Meander along Rodeo Drive, then onto S Beverly Blvd. Numerous restaurants and cafes line S Beverly, allowing time to wander a bit and make several stops along the way.

The Original Farmers Market (and the Grove, I guess)

Next, head to the Original Farmers Market and the Grove.

The Original Farmers Market is an intriguing spot, full of numerous different vendors like numerous serving fresh food, a store full of French products, and spices and coffee boutiques. See them all here. Walk the market and take in all the aromas and sights. It’s a great spot to obtain food-related gifts or presents too.

The Grove is merely a shopping center. However somehow it’s extremely well known, and I can’t pinpoint where I initially heard about it. Yet it’s truly just a typical southern California indoor/outdoor shopping center.

Nearby, Melrose Trading Post is worth stopping by if you’re in town on a Sunday, as that is the only day it remains open. It’s akin to a large flea market, with a combination of local artisans (like an individual selling clocks crafted from books – imagine Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone with a functioning clock on the front cover) and people who must visit all the thrift stores in LA, then sell their best finds at the market. It wasn’t really our kind of scene, but it’s definitely worth exploring. It costs $5 to enter.

3rd Ave & Melrose Place

Along 3rd Ave there is a stretch that is well suited for those who enjoy coffee and gluten free cuisine. Here are some highlights from the area.

• Verve Coffee Roasters: A Santa Cruz founded espresso and pour over beverage company that I truly enjoy. Amazing pour over coffee along with espresso refreshments.
• Fonuts: 100% gluten compliment donuts (so they’re more like pastries than a deep-friend donut). The Blueberry Earl Grey is to expire for. Plenty of vegan alternatives too.
• Sweetfin: 100% gluten compliment poke bowls. Great speedy casual lunch alternative.
• Ecco un Poco: Amazing 100% gluten compliment gelato – yes even the cones! The managers were the ones behind the counter when we went, and painstakingly described to us where the pistachios, hazelnuts, and lemons they use were sourced from. In case you’re wondering, it was Sicily, Italy, and the Santa Monica Farmers Market.

Melrose Place is worth a stop, but it’s really just high-end shops that are beyond your price range, along with a few gems like Alfred Coffee.

Afternoon: Hollywood – East and West

The two parts of Hollywood differ notably in character, in our view. We feel West Hollywood has a youthful, vibrant spirit while East Hollywood near the Walk of Fame seems old and dull.

Below are some of the best things to do in Cacilhas

West Hollywood

It’s nearly lunch time, and . It was one of our preferred dining spots in Los Angeles.

For families and groups searching for great value, you won’t find much better than this modern bed and breakfast in the heart of Santo Spirito. Their spacious rooms for three or four provide exceptional value and contain more than adequate space for spreading out.

Guisados is considered the top choice, and they place their savory fillings like cochinita pibil, a succulent simmered pork with achiote and peppers, and my favorite choice, chorizo, on thicker than regular handmade corn tortillas. If you want to try many different fillings, opt for the sampler platter where you can choose six of them as mini tacos. That is what we did.

Gluten free note: everything is naturally gluten free except the shrimp and vegan tacos, and some specials. Be sure to double check with the pleasant and helpful staff regarding specifics. Moles are safe here!

West Hollywood in LA is a nightlife nexus, also home to the city`s expansive LGBTQ+ community as evidenced by the endless succession of gay bars along wide Santa Monica Boulevard.

Below are a few notable attractions not to overlook while in WeHo (given its abbreviation preference).

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Next, continue along Sunset to Hollywood, which is a great place to end the day.

Hollywood

Fame is bestowed upon Hollywood, yet sincerely it lacks the authentic character defining other sections of LA, beset as it is by tourists and constant commotion.

There are precisely three actions you must undertake in Hollywood.

Visit the Walk of Fame. However, it`s important to note that the Walk of Fame isn`t terribly impressive. In fact, I’d probably skip it. But when visiting similar attractions, right? Except, in this case, there are no Romans visiting the Walk of Fame. But if you’re in the area and want to capture a photo with your favorite actor`s star, it’s worth a quick stop. Given your limited time in LA, I’d recommend spending your time elsewhere.

Dine at In-N-Out, a staple of California cuisine. They offer a set menu of burgers, fries, and shakes, along with an extensive secret menu. Animal style fries are highly recommended. The hand-cut fries, fresh burgers, and great value make it one of the best meal deals in all of LA. We try to visit In-N-Out as often as our schedules allow since they provide solid gluten free selections (order “protein style with a gluten allergy, and no special sauce – special sauce packet on the side please!”).

Grab a beverage at one of Hollywood`s (and WeHo`s) numerous establishments. The Bar Marmont and the rooftop bar at the Sunset Tower Hotel are a good place to start.

Day 3: Downtown LA and the Arts District

Downtown LA and the nearby Arts District reflect the city`s evolution, representing up-and-coming areas undergoing positive change.

Blocks away from notorious Skid Row, where roadways are lined with homeless tent camps that fill in as an in-your-face reminder of the lodging emergency in urban communities on the West Coast, you’ll discover the Craftsmanship District loaded up with all sorts of specialty espresso shops, Instagrammable bars and eateries, high finish boutiques, craftsman collectives, and more.

Let`s consider the continuously expanding homeless citizenry for a minute. When you are in Downtown LA, you will see folks without homes and individuals experiencing addiction and other psychological health issues. Take a moment to recognize that the homeless are genuine people with real emotions and problems just like yourself before forming a judgement. They are victims of a society that has left them to fend for themselves, either regarding reasonably priced housing or psychological health issues.

Morning: Downtown LA

Start your morning by heading downtown. 

Coffee connoisseurs should quickly drive up to Chinatown to visit Endorffeine, a café operated by an individual who transitioned from scientific research to barista work. They are the sole person able to meticulously craft your drink. It merits the detour, and I believe it ranks among the finest coffeehouses in Los Angeles.

Otherwise, begin at Grand Central Market, the pulsating heart of this area of Downtown LA.

If gluten isn`t a concern for your diet, then you need to grab breakfast at Eggslut, the highly acclaimed breakfast sandwich spot located within Grand Central Market. Once fueled up, explore the rest of the market. There are various vendors – ranging from produce stands to taco shops and pupuserias, in addition to Thai street food – and it`s easy to spend an hour walking around sampling them.

Once you’ve finished at the market, head out to investigate the area just to the north, which has several sights deserving of seeing all in a practical little four block radius.

• Grand Park is the open green space where many of the sights in this area are located.
• LA City Hall is a tall building situated at the southeast corner of Grand Park.
• On the north side of the park is the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, an impressive cathedral blending harmoniously amongst the modern structures of Downtown LA.
• Several theaters line the northwestern edge of the park, such as the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, home to the LA Opera, and the Ahmanson Theatre, venue for popular Broadway productions.
• The Walt Disney Concert Hall is just off the southwest corner of the park and hosts the LA Philharmonic. Here is where to find a Beethoven concert.
• A block south is the Broad, considered the finest museum in Los Angeles filled with rotating modern art exhibitions. Entry is free, though lines can be long and tickets are required for some special exhibitions.

Next, head over to the Last Bookstoreand SUPPORT INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES. Its interior is somewhat dim and cramped, but they possess a huge collection of books across all genres, along with a wide selection of used books (they’re intermixed on the shelves with the new ones, mostly).

Exploring the Arts District

After exploring that area, either drive or take a rideshare over to the Arts District. I say drive or take a rideshare (rather than walking) because you’ll basically need to go right through Skid Row to get there. Better to play it safe.

First, begin at Verve Coffee Roasters at the northern end, and make your way south along Mateo Street, concluding at Wine Stop DTLA.

Here are a few highlights along the way. 

• Nourishment (sadly not gluten free): Zinc Cafe,Urban Radish (part supermarket too), and Guerilla Tacos (the original LA taco truck, or at minimum one of them, now possesses a restaurant).
• Beverages: Verve and Blue Bottle have outposts along Mateo Street.
• Hangouts: Everson Royce is the best of the gathering. Little Bear is good for beer devotees with their immense selection of Belgian beers on tap and in bottles, along with plenty of local California options too.
• It should come as no shock that there’s an urban distillery in this industrial-stylish part of LA – Greenbar Distillery – who makes all sorts of organic and sustainably made spirits in their space at the south end of the Arts District. Book a guided distillery tour or a guided spirit tasting for an afternoon of learning (and drinking, obviously), which will cost $15 a person.
• Wine Stop is a good spot to select up a good and exclusive bottle of wine. Their helpful staff will help you locate a bottle that fits your taste and budget.

Once finished with that section, head to Row DTLA, a unique space which brings together hip boutiques, cafes, and offices in repurposed warehouses. Although an odd combination, it packs an open-air complex selling everything from bicycles to hard ciders while innovative companies occupy upper floors.

Here’s what we discovered (and loved): 

• Pikunico: A Japanese food establishment – “karaage” – where everything except the buns is gluten free (double check that – things may have varied). I was crestfallen when we arrived and they were briefly shut. Next opportunity.
• Go Get Em Tiger and Paramount Coffee Projectare both among the finest coffee shops in LA.
• Flask and Field is a superb wine store, with plenty of hard-to-find beer and cider to select too.
• Hightide is an hip Japanese stationery store directly next to the parking structure. By Japanese, I mean it’s a Japanese brand, not that everything is in Japanese. Pop in to pick up a new pen, or stumble upon the ideal birthday card.

Smorgasburg LA

We will try our best to help you understand precisely what you need to do to get your timed entry reservations in this section, but be aware that things can change and, honestly, it`s a little perplexing. We would suggest heading over to the NPS website to read through it yourself (they also have a handy video).

Day 4: Silver Lake & Echo Park

Saving some of the best for last, Silver Lake and Echo Park are two incredible neighborhoods perched between Downtown LA and Hollywood.

Your trip will begin in Echo Park, make your way to Silver Lake, and finish with a sunset at Griffith Park and Observatory. Along the route, you’ll uncover some of the top food, drinks, and coffee in the entire city.

Echo Park

Squeezed between Downtown LA and Silver Lake and home to Dodger Stadium, Echo Park is an emerging neighborhood, although I think it has likely achieved the peak of its transformation to mainstream by now.

Silver Lake provides more luxury between the two, but Echo Park has charm of its own. It`s one of the neighborhoods that has undergone major transformation recently, with gentrification changing the area from predominantly LatinX to one full of coffee shops, trendy restaurants, vintage boutiques (including a candle retailer) and worn dive bars that early adapters and creatives favor.

Regardless of your views about gentrification, Echo Park is certainly worth a morning of exploration.

Begin with coffee at one of the three outstanding coffeehouses in this area.

• Several recommended cafes in Portland including Eightfold Coffee which uses exceptional local roaster Heart Coffee and offers seating options along with a curated bookshelf.
• Bloom and Plume Coffee: This cafe owned by a black entrepreneur Maurice Harris features beautiful floral decorations and aims to be a community gathering place. Come here for quality coffee in a picturesque setting.
• Woodcat Coffee:As a local institution in Echo Park, this shop is consistently busy with locals obtaining their daily caffeine fix along with a small menu and artisanal pastries.”

Next, get exploring! Here are some of our favorite spots that we discovered in Echo Park.

• 600 acres of greenery and LA views at Elysian Park. Hike the roughly 3 mile round trip route to Angel`s Point for some of the best panoramas of the city.
• Rent a pedal boat on Echo Park Lake, though we didn’t actually do this, it would be a great family-friendly option.
• Attend an LA Dodger`s game at Dodger Stadium and admire the sunset over the stadium with the mountains visible in the distance.
• Have breakfast at Honey Hi, a truly hip cafe serving organic ingredients in breakfast bowls and avocado toast that is 100% gluten free. They were briefly closed when we stopped by, and missing them was quite disappointing.
• Top spots to return to later for a beverage: for wine including natural varieties, head to Bar Bandini.Bar Caló focuses on agave-based cocktails using mezcal to craft unique drinks alongside Mexican snacks. Next door is Sunset Beer Co, which beer lovers should definitely visit – they have a good selection of gluten free beer and cider too.
• Browse the shelves at Stories Bookstore. This bookstore’s shelves contain preloved books from classics to rare finds. On the outdoor patio is a small cafe where you can sit and enjoy the book you just purchased.
• Shop for an eclectic selection of things you didn’t know you needed at Shout and About, and stop by Cookbook LA for a high end grocery store focusing exclusively on locally grown and produced food, which there is plenty of in LA.

Silver Lake

Compared to Echo Park, Silver Lake has a significantly more refined appearance. The stretch along Sunset Blvd contains record stores, coffee shops, and all kinds of restaurants, and when you turn north on Silver Lake Blvd towards the neighborhood`s namesake lake, the area becomes primarily residential very quickly. Though there are sections lined with gems like the vicinity surrounding LAMILL, where you’ll discover a couple of cool shops – Mush and Lake.

Silver Lake itself is a little underwhelming compared to Echo Park. It’s less scenic lake, and more industrial reservoir, complete with a chain link fence surrounding it and plenty of concrete. Still, the neighborhood is a true hipster paradise.

Some top things to do while visiting Silver Lake include:

• You can find the Silver Lake Farmers Market, held on Saturday mornings and Tuesday afternoons at the corner of Sunset Blvd and Edgecliffe Dr.
• If you missed the one in West Hollywood, head to Night + Market Song on Sunset Blvd to sample Thai cuisine that will amaze you.
• In need of more coffee?Dayglow (I subscribe to their beans!), Dinosaur Coffee and Intelligentsia are establishments in Silver Lake for coffee.
• For wine tasting and finding the perfect bottle, head to Silver Lake Wine. Tastings occur on Thursday evenings. They also have a great cider selection to choose from!
• ‘Grammable Stairs: Make your way to the Piano Mural Staircase and the Micheltorena Stairs – two settings perfect for your Instagram pictures from your weekend in LA.

Griffith Observatory

On your fourth day`s evening in LA, watch the sunset`s stunning vista from Griffith Observatory over the Los Angeles skyline viewable too is the iconic Hollywood sign, now checked off as we had not omitted it.

• Yellowstone National Park Lodgesoffers partial daily tours (one – two hours) through meadows, canyons, pine forests, and along streams within the park.

Day 5: Choose Your Own Adventure

On your last day in Los Angeles, it’s time to self-direct your own activities.

But don’t worry, I have three options for you to choose from. All three are full day excursions.

Option 1: Hiking, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu

If theme parks (hint, the next two options relate to this) don`t interest you, then this is the choice I’d recommend.

Begin your day with a , which is just up the shoreline to the north of Santa Monica. Your prize will be sweeping vistas over the coastline in both directions.

After the hike, head down to Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades and explore a little, but be sure to stop at Sweet Laurel for outstanding gluten-free pastries. Alfred Coffee, just around the corner, is the best bet for coffee in this area. Wander down to Will Rogers State Beach, which is a lovely spot to relax and listen to the waves crashing and seagulls calling.

Next, continue along Highway 1 driving north along the coast to Malibu. Head to Zuma Beach, a classic Southern Californian beach we frequented with our local family and emblematic of the region (dolphins can sometimes be seen from shore!), and travel back south from there. Stop at Point Dume and the Malibu Lagoon and Pier, as well as any other spots that catch your eye.

Option 2: Disneyland OR California Adventure

If you or your children have never visited the happiest place on earth before, that should be your initial amusement park to check off the list.

I possess fond recollections of Disneyland from growing up, as we visited about once per year when seeing family in Southern California. And even as an adult, I still enjoy it immensely.

NOTE: Visitors who intend to visit Disneyland or California Adventure should plan to arrive early and spend as much time as possible at the parks, so it is advisable to lodge near the destination. Additionally, if one resides at the Disneyland Resort Hotels,they are permitted to enter a park ONE FULL HOUR in advance, allowing direct access to the most popular attractions and bypassing literal hours standing in queues. However, accommodation here comes at great financial cost. Hundreds of dollars per night, to be precise. Alternatively, visitors may reside at one of the MANY lodging establishments across the street. I once lodged at the Anaheim Mariott, but should I return, I would opt for Hotel Indigo.

Within the Disneyland complex, there are actually two separate but related theme parks, Disneyland and California Adventure.

Here’s the crucial point: if you only have one day, I don’t believe you can sufficiently experience both of them. I’d choose one and focus your time there, and unless you’re tired of Disneyland because you’ve been SO MANY TIMES before, I’d pick Disneyland. If you have two or three days, purchase a park hopper pass and tour both locations. There’s plenty to see and do.

Disneyland is a classic destination, with experiences ranging from roller coasters like Space Mountain (which I believe is now associated with a Star Wars theme?) and Old Thunder Mountain Railroad, to kids rides featuring Disney characters like Dumbo, Snow White, and Peter Pan. It also offers attractions of various other types.

Here is a helpful guide on how to spend a day at Disneyland.

California Adventure features a predominantly Californian theme. A notable highlight is the roller coaster renowned for its signature looping formation in the likeness of Mickey Mouse, though my own preferred ride was undoubtedly Toy Story Midway Mania.

Here is a guide on how to make the most of a day spent at Disney California Adventure park.

Option 3: Universal Studios

When I visited previously, it left me with a somewhat indifferent impression.

HOWEVER, it is significantly closer to downtown LA – you won’t need to reserve separate accommodations closer to the park – more affordable, and it features the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for all my fellow Harry Potter enthusiasts out there (Goblet of Fire is still my favorite book, I vividly remember reading “KILL THE SPARE” and feeling chills run down my spine).

Someday I may return to explore the Harry Potter sites, but unless overwhelmed by Disney`s efforts to dominate or a huge Harry Potter fan, I`d opt for Disney instead.

Guidance for spending a day at Universal Studios is available here.

When to Visit LA

LA is a lovely place to explore essentially year round.

During the summer, the weather is warm and days are long, but prices are high and tourists are everywhere. Also, “June Gloom” might make visiting the beach a cold and windy prospect.

In the spring and fall shoulder seasons (April/May and Mid-September/October), which are the best time to be in LA generally owing to cooler temperatures and mostly clear skies, you’ll encounter less people and lower prices than peak summer.

Winters in LA are milder, typically ranging from the 60`s to 70`s during daytime hours, with rain comparatively infrequent in Southern California.

Regrettably, it is worth discussing fire season, which we are intimately familiar with as Bay Area residents. As temperatures rise and precipitation decreases, California has gotten drier and drier every single year, creating ideal conditions for huge fires in the blazing hot summer. Fire season now extends from late summer through the fall, often leaving LA and the rest of California covered with a layer of dense smoke for weeks at a time. And it’s not improving. Quite the opposite, in fact. Every year, there are a couple of fires in Southern California that make it unpleasant to be outside for weeks at a time. It shouldn’t prevent you from visiting, and you can’t really plan around it because it’s so unpredictable, but it’s something you should absolutely be aware of. Climate change is real.

How to Get In and Out of LA

Chances are, you’re probably flying into LA. Growing up, our extended family lived in LA while we were up in Seattle, and our family had exactly one rule. Never, ever, under any circumstances, fly into LAX. Mostly because getting to and from LAX is a mess in terms of traffic flow. But that’s going to be your most economical option, with the most flights going in and out daily.

Other choices incorporate Burbank, which usually is where we flew in and out of every single time when we would visit, Orange County, and Lengthy Beach.

How to Get Around (AKA Do You Need to Rent a Car?)

More and more, LA is making substantial investments in public transportation. There`s now even a train connecting downtown LA to Santa Monica! But ultimately, public transportation in LA is disappointing at best, and useless at its worst.

You may also think that using ride-sharing apps like Lyft and Uber could be an option to get around, which is certainly possible. However, by the end of your trip you`ll likely spend more on ridesharing than renting a car for the duration of your stay.

We believe acquiring vehicular transport is necessary to fully experience what Los Angeles has to offer. That is not to say you must always use a private vehicle – rideshare services are quite popular and helpful – but owning a car allows flexibility to traverse the expansive city, an activity you will likely wish to perform frequently over a five day visit.

Also, if visiting the theme parks, particularly Disneyland, you will want a vehicle.

Renting a vehicle at the airport will likely be the most practical choice if you’re flying in. I enjoy usingRentalcars.com to compare costs across various companies because they provide the rating of the specific location you’re looking to rent from. Some locations, even within the identical rental car company, are simply subpar, and Rentalcars.com helps you figure that out BEFORE you get there and discover for yourself.

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With just 5 days in LA, you’ve truly only scratched the surface of all the city has to offer. I mean, you didn’t even make it to Disneyland, one of my favorite places on earth, or Universal Studios! Or Malibu. Or the Santa Monica Mountains. Or to the top of Mt. Baldy.

Don’t worry, there’s plenty waiting for you on the next trip.

While we enjoyed LA, one of the things we look for in a city is “walkability.” As we were strolling along Sunset Blvd, walking from Silver Lake to Echo Park, we turned to each other and said “this is not the most pleasant place for walking.”

And that theme was consistent during the trip. Walking alongside a road with 4-6 lanes of constant fast-moving vehicles is decidedly unpleasant, we learned.

While there are stretches in LA, such as Montana Ave in Santa Monica and Abbot Kinney in Venice (among others) that are walkable, generally it’s not a walkable city. You’ll be relying on driving everywhere, which for us makes LA a great place to spend four days but not long-term.