We recently embarked on an action-packed 3-night trip to LA, blending iconic landmarks, thrilling theme park adventures, and classic California vibes. If you're looking for inspiration for a whirlwind West Coast getaway, here's exactly how we squeezed every drop of fun out of our LA experience!
Los Angeles is a city that never sleeps, offering something for every traveler. From the glitz of Hollywood to the laid-back beach towns and exhilarating theme parks, it can be overwhelming to plan a short trip. That's why we meticulously crafted our 3-day adventure to ensure we experienced the very best of LA before setting off for the bright lights of Las Vegas. Read on to see how we did it!
Day 1: Touching Down & Venice Beach Bliss
Our LA adventure began the moment our plane touched down!
- Hello, LAX! We landed at Los Angeles International Airport in the early afternoon, buzzing with excitement for the days ahead.
- Avis Hire Car Pickup: First order of business was picking up our Avis hire car. In a city as sprawling as LA, having our own wheels was absolutely essential for flexibility and comfort.
- Checking into Sea Sprite Hotel: We drove straight to the charming Sea Sprite Hotel, where we had a fantastic family suite right by the beach. It was the perfect base, offering a relaxed atmosphere after our flight.
- Venice Beach for Sunset: As evening approached, we made our way to the famous Venice Beach Boardwalk. The California sunsets are legendary, and witnessing the sky explode with fiery hues as the sun dipped below the Pacific horizon was truly magical.
- In-N-Out Burger: You simply can't visit the USA without hitting In-N-Out Burger! We made a quick stop for food on the way back to our hotel.
- Drinks & Snacks from Ralphs: We stopped at a local Ralphs supermarket to stock up on drinks and snacks for the hotel room and for the busy days ahead.
- Early night: The boys got settled for bed whilst I unpacked a little and organized everything we needed for the next day,
Day 2: Hollywood Magic & The Mushroom Kingdom Awaits!
Day two was all about thrilling rides, movie magic, and breathtaking city views.
- Universal Studios Hollywood: We were up bright and early for a full day at Universal Studios Hollywood! We knew we wanted to maximize our time, especially with one specific attraction in mind.
- Early Access to Super Nintendo World: This was a game-changer! We booked early access (highly recommend checking for this!) to be among the first to enter Super Nintendo World. It was much quieter, we bought the boys Power-Up bands, then did all of the rides and attractions with no queueing.
- Lunch at Toadstool Cafe: In the morning we secured a reservation at Mushroom Cafe for lunch and it did not disappoint. Read our full review here,
- Exploring the Rest of the Park: After soaking up all the Super Nintendo magic, we spent the rest of the day exploring the rest of Universal Studios. The Studio Tour gave us a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at movie sets, and we enjoyed attractions like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and The Jurassic World Ride was a firm favourite
- Griffith Observatory: As evening approached, we drove up to the iconic Griffith Observatory. The views from here are simply breathtaking – a panoramic sweep of the entire Los Angeles basin, stretching out to the Pacific Ocean. Seeing the Hollywood Sign from this vantage point as the city lights began to twinkle below was spectacular. We explored the fascinating exhibits inside and got to look through the Zeiss telescope.
- McDonald's: For a quick and easy dinner after a long day of walking and excitement, we grabbed a bite at McDonald's on our way back to the hotel.
- Back to Hotel: Exhausted but exhilarated, we returned to the Sea Sprite Hotel, already dreaming of our next day's adventures.
Day 3: Iconic Sights & Beachfront Fun
Our final full day in LA was a fantastic mix of high fashion, iconic landmarks, and classic beachfront entertainment.
- Pasadena Charm: We started our day by heading to the charming city of Pasadena. We loved exploring its beautiful architecture and finding filming locations and properties from our favourite films.
- Windsor Boulevard Drive: We walked down Windsor Boulevard admiring the grand, stately homes and tried to capture the famous photo of tree lined streets with the Hollywood sign between in the distance.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: A trip to LA isn't complete without a stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It was fun spotting our favorite stars and soaking in the energy of Hollywood Boulevard.
- Rodeo Drive Glamour: Next up, we drove to Beverly Hills to experience the legendary Rodeo Drive. While our wallets didn't quite stretch to the designer boutiques, it was an experience in itself to see the luxurious storefronts and the iconic architecture.
- Santa Monica Pier Fun: In the late afternoon, we headed back to the coast for some classic California fun at the Santa Monica Pier. It was cold and very foggy but the atmosphere was still fantastic.
- Fair and Arcades: We embraced our inner kids, enjoying the rides at Pacific Park and spending some time in the lively arcades on the pier.
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: For dinner, we opted for a fun, casual meal at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. right on the pier. Delicious shrimp with an ocean view – what more could you ask for? Read our full review here,
- Shopping at Target: Our final stop of the day was a quick trip to Target. We grabbed some last-minute souvenirs and stocked up on essentials for our upcoming road trip.
Day 4: Next Stop to Las Vegas!
Our amazing 3-night Los Angeles adventure came to an end on Day 4.
- Road Trip to Las Vegas: We woke early and checked out of the Sea Sprite Hotel, packed up our Avis hire car and hit the road. The drive from the Sea Sprite Hotel to Las Vegas is a classic American road trip, with the landscape gradually transforming into desert scenery, building anticipation for the dazzling lights of the Strip.
Our 3 nights in Los Angeles were an absolute whirlwind of excitement, iconic sights, and unforgettable experiences. From the thrilling rides at Universal Studios to the serene sunsets at Venice Beach and the glamour of Hollywood, LA truly delivered. If you're planning a quick trip to the West Coast, we hope our itinerary helps you make the most of your time in Los Angeles.
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