California love. Los Angeles is a city of endless possibilities and even with just 24 hours you can experience a potent dose of fun which may be illegal in other states. The city offers so many different looks, vantage points and vibes, and we’re going to show you the best way to experience it all in a day…
Arrival At LAX…
You’re going to need a car. Period. If you want to experience the best of LA, head straight to the rental car shuttles and get your show on the road. We highly recommend Silvercar, which allows you to rent an Audi A4 at pretty excellent pricing, especially if you use our promo code GOTT for $25 off your first rental. You can also stack promo code FIRST30 if it’s your first rental for an additional 30% off (before March 23rd)…
Head To Hollywood…
Plug something like the Whiskey A Go Go or Chateau Marmont into your GPS and head for West Hollywood. You can cruise across the famous Sunset Strip, stopping as needed, and then through the “walk of fame” as you enter central Hollywood on Hollywood Boulevard, just a few blocks from Sunset. Again, you can stop along the way as needed, since you’ve got a car.
Eat In Hollywood / East Hollywood…
Lunch in Hollywood is a right of passage. We love the 101 Cafe, a celebrity hideout, Kabuki, a legendary sushi den and Cleo, for some upscale mediterranean food in a swanky hotel. Have an indulgent meal, because our next move will blow your mind and definitely burn some calories.
Drive Up To The Hollywood Sign In Style…
Locals know that one of the coolest roads in the Hollywood Hills is Durand Drive. Take Franklin Ave to North Beachwood Drive and turn towards the mountains. Take Beachwood to Belden, and then Belden to Durand and just keep climbing. You’ll eventually end up with amazing views of the Hollywood sign, a perfect place to stop for a photo op and then head on to the real cool part.
A Drive Through The Hills To A Gorgeous Hiking Spot, Chock Full Of Celebs…
Like celebs? This is a great spot. Don’t care? This spot is even better. Runyon Canyon is an incredible stretch between the the Hollywood Hills and Laurel Canyon offering 360° views of Santa Monica, Downtown LA, the Hollywood Sign, LAX and even Burbank. You can walk and hike for miles in pristine dusty nature, on great paths. Shades on is a must, it’s LA after all…
Hotel Rooftop… Anywhere.
You hiked, you worked hard, now it’s time for a mojito in the sun. Head somewhere like the plush SLS Beverly Hills to access their rooftop pool and have a quick dip. Rooftop pool scenes are a “thing” in LA, so you have plenty to choose from. Since clouds are as common as unicorns in LA, you’re just about guaranteed to get a tan.
Sunset In East Santa Monica…
Fan of perfect sunsets, awesome dinner spots and walking along the beach? Ok cool. Santa Monica is one of the best spots to catch an iconic California sunset, and if you head just East of the pier, you’ll get the pier (and the sun) in your Instagram shot while avoiding a majority of the tourists. You’ll also find a really cool walk way along the beach where you can stroll. Santa Monica has countless good dinner spots, so just walk into town and enjoy.
Cocktails, Cocktails, Cocktails…
This is Los Angeles we’re talking about here. You’ll find great drinks wherever you go. Obviously get an Uber or a safe ride and hit somewhere iconic like Chateau Marmont, where you never know who you’ll run into, the Beverly Hills Hotel, for the ultimate glitz or perhaps a rooftop like Drai’s at the W in Hollywood for a party to remember. You can’t go wrong.
Time To Sleep…
We just did a post on 5 amazing hotels where you can use points to stay in LA for free. West Hollywood is a great location for food, nightlife and close access to many of the things on the list, or if you’re in town for a game (or business) Downtown LA has a bustling art scene and increasing livelihood. If you want to go super posh, head to Beverly Hills or a seaside resort like Marina Del Rey for the ritzy stuff.
Breakfast In Beverly Hills…
Nothing says LA like having breakfast in Beverly Hills. We loved Alfred, the ridiculously expensive trendy coffee shop in Beverly Hills. At $10 their literally titled #10dollarlatte is over the top, but it’s somewhat justified in quality and originality. It’s like four shots of premium Stumpton coffee poured into chocolate or vanilla milk. The pastries are top notch and you’ll certainly feel like a star.
Lunch In Malibu, If You’ve Got Time…
Ok, technically our 24 hours may be up, depending on your flight time, but if you’ve got it, do lunch in Malibu. Cruising down Pacific Coast Highway is epic, it’s impossible to find a bad view, and though almost every restaurant will require a reverse mortgage, you’ll have the best time and be left with memories of breaking waves rather than suitcases. Hit the airport and then be bummed out for days on end until you plan your return trip…
great suggestions. Silvercar was much cooler before they discontinued their private pickup service. Now they make you take a shuttle bus. And it’s frequency leaves a lot to be desired,
I think you nailed it, but I would substitute the Hollywood Sign with the Getty Center.