Los Angeles.
Stay on one side of town each day. Griffith’s slopes, the Getty grounds and downtown’s changing levels supply the walking.
Travel style
Overview
Los Angeles rewards choosing a part of town before choosing the day’s plans. Downtown puts Grand Central Market within reach of the concert halls on Grand Avenue. To the west the Getty Center occupies a hill above the city, while Griffith Park offers a different view back across the neighborhoods.
Allow three full days and give each to one of those areas. Koreatown makes sense for a bathing afternoon, West Hollywood for a night of music. The distance between them matters more when a dinner or a concert has a fixed start.
Shortlist
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory gives the hill walk a visible destination above Los Feliz. A lookout can be a complete outing even if you spend little time indoors.
Getty Center
The Getty Center’s grounds put architecture and open space beside the galleries. Choose a shorter outdoor stretch when the hill is hot.
Culture ↓Sarita’s Pupuseria
Sarita’s gives the downtown route a named food stop. Eat at the market before making the climb toward Grand Avenue.
Three excellent days
Day 1
Up to the Griffith skyline
Koreatown → Los Feliz
Koreatown and Los Feliz are separate neighborhoods. Choose the baths and barbecue as one outing, or use a ride across Hollywood for the observatory, park paths and music venues.
- Morning
Start on Los Feliz’s breakfast streets before going uphill.
Expand +Collapse − morning suggestions
Los Angeles River, Elysian Valley path
For a longer active morning, ride to the public path in Frogtown before heading to Los Feliz. Stay on the signed bank route and respect posted closures.
Alcove Café & Bakery
Meet for coffee and cake in the Los Feliz bungalow garden. This is an easy starting point before rides into Griffith Park.
Fern Dell
Walk the shaded ravine at the western entrance to Griffith Park. Treat the fern garden and the climb beyond as one outing.
- Afternoon
Go up to the observatory for the basin view.
Expand +Collapse − afternoon suggestions
BCD Tofu House, Wilshire
Order soondubu, soft tofu simmered in a spicy broth, at the Wilshire Boulevard restaurant. Choose the heat level before it arrives bubbling.
Hollyhock House
Book a public visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s restored house on Olive Hill. Check the visitor schedule separately from the park’s hours.
Griffith Observatory
Look back at the basin from the terraces and go indoors for the astronomy exhibits when open.
- Evening
Catch the evening light on Los Feliz before heading home.
Expand +Collapse − evening suggestions
Park’s BBQ
Gather at the Koreatown grill for marinated galbi or sliced beef. Share one cut first and compare it with the unseasoned beef.
Greek Theatre
Choose an outdoor show in Griffith Park when the season is running. Plan the return ride before going up into the park.
Skylight Books
Browse the Vermont Avenue shelves for fiction and local history during early-evening opening hours. Pair it with a walk on Los Feliz’s commercial blocks.
Day 2
Art and a walk on the Westside
Brentwood → West Hollywood
Brentwood’s cafés and the Getty suit a Westside morning. West Hollywood is a separate afternoon transfer, best made early enough to eat before a show.
- Morning
Start in the gardens above the Getty tram.
Expand +Collapse − morning suggestions
Getty Center
Art, gardens and architecture share one hillside campus. Pick a collection and leave the rest of the visit to the grounds.
Brentwood Country Mart
Browse the small shops and food counters around the old red courtyard. Choose a takeaway picnic before returning to the main road.
Will Rogers State Historic Park
Walk an open section of the Inspiration Loop if park conditions allow. The park reopened with limited access after the fire; the historic ranch buildings are a separate matter from the trails.
- Afternoon
Choose a second garden or a museum indoors.
Expand +Collapse − afternoon suggestions
Skirball Cultural Center
Visit the Sepulveda Pass galleries for Jewish American history and current exhibitions. This is a separate museum stop from the Getty.
Pacific Design Center
Explore the public design exhibitions when advertised in West Hollywood. Many of the showrooms serve the trade, so choose a public event.
West Hollywood Park
Walk the public paths near the design center and library. This is a level outdoor break before a Sunset Strip evening.
- Evening
End on Sunset with dinner and a walk between the historic clubs.
Expand +Collapse − evening suggestions
Dan Tana’s
Book the small Santa Monica Boulevard Italian restaurant for chicken parmigiana or a red-sauce pasta. Give dinner time rather than squeezing it between shows.
The Comedy Store
Choose the lineup and room on the Sunset Strip before buying tickets. Different stages can have different start times.
Sunset Plaza
Walk the short stretch of Sunset Boulevard with its café terraces and hillside views. Cross at signals on this busy road.
Day 3
From Broadway to the hilltop
Grand Central Market → Grand Avenue
Downtown’s Broadway market sits below Bunker Hill. The funicular makes the change in level clear, and the concert halls and museums make it worth going up.
- Morning
See the ironwork on Broadway before climbing the hill.
Expand +Collapse − morning suggestions
Eggslut, Grand Central Market
Order the Fairfax, soft scrambled eggs and chives in a brioche bun. The counter fronts Broadway, an easier rendezvous than the whole market.
G&B Coffee
Order a cappuccino at the Hill Street side of the market. The long counter is an easy first stop for friends arriving separately.
Angels Flight
Ride the little funicular between Hill Street and Bunker Hill when operating. From the upper landing it is a short walk to the museums.
- Afternoon
Walk Grand Avenue between two very different collections.
Expand +Collapse − afternoon suggestions
Sarita’s Pupuseria
Choose a handmade Salvadoran pupusa to order, with fillings that include vegetarian options. This counter works for the friend who wants something different from ramen.
MOCA Grand Avenue
Explore the contemporary collection across Grand Avenue. The sunken courtyard brings you below the surrounding towers before entering the galleries.
Grand Park
Walk the terraces from the Music Center toward City Hall. The fountain and long city axis give the hill a clear direction.
- Evening
Eat near Broadway and return through the Music Center plaza.
Expand +Collapse − evening suggestions
Ramen Hood
A vegan ramen counter gives the Broadway food hall a substantial plant-based meal. Sit down while the noodles are hot.
Philippe the Original
Head north toward Union Station for a French dip. Choose roast beef or lamb and have the roll dipped in the meat juices before taking a booth.
The Music Center Plaza
Watch the evening crowd gather between the theaters above Grand Park. Check the public calendar for outdoor dance and music.
What to book
Check current trail conditions around Griffith and reserve the Getty’s entry. Choose shade or a shorter route in heat.
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory sits above Los Angeles in Griffith Park. Check both the approach to the observatory and the condition of any trail you want to walk.
Getty Center
The Getty Center pairs galleries with gardens. Arrange entry first and use the indoor spaces when the exposed outdoor stretches get too warm.
The full guide
Neighborhoods
Downtown suits the market and an easy evening on Grand Avenue. Los Feliz brings Griffith Park closer and adds a transfer for the concert. Santa Monica deserves a separate coastal day if the ocean is your priority.
Dining
Choose the stop before making the drive. A pupusa or a bowl of vegan ramen fits the Grand Central Market day. Go to Koreatown for tofu stew or barbecue, and reserve the museum restaurant only on the Westside day.
Ramen Hood
Grand Central Market
A vegan ramen counter gives the Broadway food hall a substantial plant-based meal. Sit down while the noodles are hot.
Zaddy TipCheck this counter’s service hours separately from the building’s.
Sarita’s Pupuseria
Grand Central Market, Broadway
Choose a handmade Salvadoran pupusa to order, with fillings that include vegetarian options. This counter works for the friend who wants something different from ramen.
Zaddy TipSplit the ordering between the two counters and meet at a seat. Ask about dairy if choosing a vegetarian filling.
Eggslut, Grand Central Market
Grand Central Market
Order the Fairfax, soft scrambled eggs and chives in a brioche bun. The counter fronts Broadway, an easier rendezvous than the whole market.
Zaddy TipCome during morning service and allow for a line.
Philippe the Original
Grand Central Market
Head north toward Union Station for a French dip. Choose roast beef or lamb and have the roll dipped in the meat juices before taking a booth.
Zaddy TipUse the North Alameda Street restaurant. Allow a ride or a walk back to Grand Avenue if a performance follows.
BCD Tofu House, Wilshire
Koreatown
Order soondubu, soft tofu simmered in a spicy broth, at the Wilshire Boulevard restaurant. Choose the heat level before it arrives bubbling.
Zaddy TipUse the Wilshire Koreatown branch for this itinerary.
Park’s BBQ
Koreatown
Gather at the Koreatown grill for marinated galbi or sliced beef. Share one cut first and compare it with the unseasoned beef.
Zaddy TipReserve the Vermont Avenue restaurant if your group needs a particular sitting.
The Restaurant at the Getty Center
Brentwood
Reserve a window table for a seasonal lunch above the city. Make the museum grounds part of the meal.
Zaddy TipRestaurant access requires reaching the Getty campus by tram or the pedestrian route.
Dan Tana’s
Brentwood
Book the small Santa Monica Boulevard Italian restaurant for chicken parmigiana or a red-sauce pasta. Give dinner time rather than squeezing it between shows.
Zaddy TipBook the West Hollywood restaurant for a seated meal near the Troubadour.
Culture
The approach to the Getty is part of the visit. Leave time for the tram and the switch from galleries to garden terraces.
Getty Center
Brentwood
Art, gardens and architecture share one hillside campus. Pick a collection and leave the rest of the visit to the grounds.
Zaddy TipReserve free timed entry. Parking is separate and the museum normally closes Monday. At review the South Pavilion, North Pavilion galleries and East Pavilion plaza-level galleries were closed for renovations. Check the Getty’s current gallery list before planning around a single work.
Activities
At Griffith, the length of the outing depends on where you start. The terraces alone make a satisfying visit for anyone skipping a hillside hike.
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Park
Look back at the basin from the terraces and go indoors for the astronomy exhibits when open.
Zaddy TipUse the observatory’s transport and parking advice. The building usually closes Mondays. Pack a layer for the evening.
Wi Spa
Wilshire Boulevard
Give this Korean spa several hours so the baths and common areas can set the afternoon’s pace.
Zaddy TipRead the bathing and clothing rules for each area. Compare admission with the price of any treatment you want.
Nightlife
The polished metal folds are visible for free. A seat inside gives you the acoustics and a reason to stay after dark.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Downtown
Look through the LA Phil season by composer or performer. Make the hall the main event of a downtown night.
Zaddy TipCheck the venue on the ticket. The orchestra also performs at the Hollywood Bowl.
The Sunset Strip
West Hollywood
Music rooms along this stretch of Sunset Boulevard give a group good reasons to make West Hollywood its only evening stop.
Zaddy TipPick the venue and tickets first. Plan the return trip before the set starts.
Where to stay
Put the money into a room if you’ll need an afternoon retreat between outings.
Freehand Los Angeles
Downtown
Choose between a bed and a private room within reach of Broadway’s food hall.
Zaddy TipFor friends, compare a whole room with separate bed prices.
The Biltmore Los Angeles
Pershing Square
The historic hotel makes the interiors part of a downtown stay. It suits a night at Disney Hall.
Zaddy TipLook at the total with parking if you bring a car downtown.
Getting around
The FlyAway bus to Union Station gives a downtown stay a workable airport connection. Add the last leg to your room. Budget separately for the trip west to the Getty, particularly around commuter hours.
FAQs
Do I need a car for downtown?
You can do the first day on foot and use the FlyAway for LAX. Compare transit or hired rides for the two hillside outings.
Can I add the beach?
Add a night for Santa Monica or replace the Getty day with the coast. Trying both in a single afternoon gives traffic most of the day.
Researched and edited by Zaddy Travels. The linked sources inform our selections and planning advice. Hotel and dining recommendations are based on published information.
Related destinations
Wi Spa
Wi Spa gives Koreatown an entire afternoon of bathing. Read the bathing arrangements before you go so the experience suits everyone.
Getty Center
The Getty Center offers gardens and galleries on a Westside hill. Giving it a separate day keeps the view and the art from becoming a rushed detour.
Culture ↓Sarita’s Pupuseria
Sarita’s Pupuseria is a Salvadoran counter at Grand Central Market. A pupusa, a filled griddled corn cake, gives a downtown walk an excellent reason to pause.
Day 1
A spa day and a noodle supper
Koreatown → Los Feliz
Koreatown and Los Feliz are separate neighborhoods. Choose the baths and barbecue as one outing, or use a ride across Hollywood for the observatory, park paths and music venues.
- Morning
Start in Koreatown before crossing east for the view.
Expand +Collapse − morning suggestions
Clark Street Diner
Take a booth near Hollywood for pancakes or eggs on the way toward Los Feliz. Allow a ride between this stop and Koreatown.
Alcove Café & Bakery
Meet for coffee and cake in the Los Feliz bungalow garden. This is an easy starting point before rides into Griffith Park.
Fern Dell
Walk the shaded ravine at the western entrance to Griffith Park. Treat the fern garden and the climb beyond as one outing.
- Afternoon
Book the Korean spa or visit the hillside house on a public opening day.
Expand +Collapse − afternoon suggestions
BCD Tofu House, Wilshire
Order soondubu, soft tofu simmered in a spicy broth, at the Wilshire Boulevard restaurant. Choose the heat level before it arrives bubbling.
Wi Spa
Give this Korean spa several hours so the baths and common areas can set the afternoon’s pace.
Hollyhock House
Book a public visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s restored house on Olive Hill. Check the visitor schedule separately from the park’s hours.
- Evening
Settle around a grill for supper.
Expand +Collapse − evening suggestions
Park’s BBQ
Gather at the Koreatown grill for marinated galbi or sliced beef. Share one cut first and compare it with the unseasoned beef.
The Wiltern
Check the lineup at the Art Deco theater at Wilshire and Western. Its distinctive green tower makes the entrance easy to find.
Skylight Books
Browse the Vermont Avenue shelves for fiction and local history during early-evening opening hours. Pair it with a walk on Los Feliz’s commercial blocks.
Day 2
A garden above the freeway
Brentwood → West Hollywood
Brentwood’s cafés and the Getty suit a Westside morning. West Hollywood is a separate afternoon transfer, best made early enough to eat before a show.
- Morning
Take espresso at Caffè Luxxe and choose between the Getty’s gardens and the reopened paths at Will Rogers State Historic Park.
Expand +Collapse − morning suggestions
Caffè Luxxe, Brentwood Country Mart
Order espresso in the little coffee shop at the mart. The surrounding courtyard is a better place for a group than the counter itself.
Getty Center
Art, gardens and architecture share one hillside campus. Pick a collection and leave the rest of the visit to the grounds.
Will Rogers State Historic Park
Walk an open section of the Inspiration Loop if park conditions allow. The park reopened with limited access after the fire; the historic ranch buildings are a separate matter from the trails.
- Afternoon
Take lunch on the museum side of the hill.
Expand +Collapse − afternoon suggestions
Hammer Museum
Choose the current exhibition at the Westwood museum for a quieter Westside afternoon. Allow for the ride from Brentwood rather than crossing town twice.
The Restaurant at the Getty Center
Reserve a window table for a seasonal lunch above the city. Make the museum grounds part of the meal.
West Hollywood Park
Walk the public paths near the design center and library. This is a level outdoor break before a Sunset Strip evening.
- Evening
Stay at a West Hollywood table for the evening.
Expand +Collapse − evening suggestions
Dan Tana’s
Book the small Santa Monica Boulevard Italian restaurant for chicken parmigiana or a red-sauce pasta. Give dinner time rather than squeezing it between shows.
Troubadour
Choose a live show at the small West Hollywood venue and read the ticket for standing or seated arrangements.
Sunset Plaza
Walk the short stretch of Sunset Boulevard with its café terraces and hillside views. Cross at signals on this busy road.
Day 3
Breakfast below Bunker Hill
Grand Central Market → Grand Avenue
Downtown’s Broadway market sits below Bunker Hill. The funicular makes the change in level clear, and the concert halls and museums make it worth going up.
- Morning
Start at the market before the art museums open.
Expand +Collapse − morning suggestions
Bradbury Building
From the publicly accessible part of the ground floor look up at the iron staircases and glass roof. The offices above are private.
G&B Coffee
Order a cappuccino at the Hill Street side of the market. The long counter is an easy first stop for friends arriving separately.
Angels Flight
Ride the little funicular between Hill Street and Bunker Hill when operating. From the upper landing it is a short walk to the museums.
- Afternoon
Choose one gallery and leave room for a proper lunch.
Expand +Collapse − afternoon suggestions
Sarita’s Pupuseria
Choose a handmade Salvadoran pupusa to order, with fillings that include vegetarian options. This counter works for the friend who wants something different from ramen.
The Broad
Reserve the downtown contemporary art museum and choose a gallery instead of chasing every photo opportunity. Check special arrangements for the mirror rooms.
MOCA Grand Avenue
Explore the contemporary collection across Grand Avenue. The sunken courtyard brings you below the surrounding towers before entering the galleries.
- Evening
Choose dinner downtown and a seated performance.
Expand +Collapse − evening suggestions
Ramen Hood
A vegan ramen counter gives the Broadway food hall a substantial plant-based meal. Sit down while the noodles are hot.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Look through the LA Phil season by composer or performer. Make the hall the main event of a downtown night.
Philippe the Original
Head north toward Union Station for a French dip. Choose roast beef or lamb and have the roll dipped in the meat juices before taking a booth.
Read Wi Spa’s bathing rules and treatment arrangements. Reserve the Getty visit on a different day so a freeway journey never cuts the bath short.
Wi Spa
Wi Spa is a Korean-style bathing facility in Koreatown. Read the rules for the bathing areas and arrange any treatment before planning lunch nearby.
Getty Center
The Getty Center is a substantial west-side outing. Choose the entry time and travel arrangements independently of the Koreatown day.
The Sunset Strip
The Sunset Strip is a row of music venues in West Hollywood. Choose a band and door rather than expecting one invitation to cover the whole street.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Walt Disney Concert Hall brings a performance evening to downtown LA. Arrive in time to appreciate the room as well as the sound.
Ramen Hood
Ramen Hood gives the group a plant-based option inside Grand Central Market. Meet there before walking toward a downtown performance.
Dining ↓Day 1
A night at Disney Hall
Grand Central Market → Grand Avenue
Downtown’s Broadway market sits below Bunker Hill. The funicular makes the change in level clear, and the concert halls and museums make it worth going up.
- Morning
Meet at a single counter on Broadway.
Expand +Collapse − morning suggestions
Eggslut, Grand Central Market
Order the Fairfax, soft scrambled eggs and chives in a brioche bun. The counter fronts Broadway, an easier rendezvous than the whole market.
Bradbury Building
From the publicly accessible part of the ground floor look up at the iron staircases and glass roof. The offices above are private.
G&B Coffee
Order a cappuccino at the Hill Street side of the market. The long counter is an easy first stop for friends arriving separately.
- Afternoon
Share pupusas before giving an exhibition your attention.
Expand +Collapse − afternoon suggestions
Sarita’s Pupuseria
Choose a handmade Salvadoran pupusa to order, with fillings that include vegetarian options. This counter works for the friend who wants something different from ramen.
The Broad
Reserve the downtown contemporary art museum and choose a gallery instead of chasing every photo opportunity. Check special arrangements for the mirror rooms.
Grand Park
Walk the terraces from the Music Center toward City Hall. The fountain and long city axis give the hill a clear direction.
- Evening
Book the ensemble before deciding on dinner.
Expand +Collapse − evening suggestions
Ramen Hood
A vegan ramen counter gives the Broadway food hall a substantial plant-based meal. Sit down while the noodles are hot.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Look through the LA Phil season by composer or performer. Make the hall the main event of a downtown night.
The Music Center Plaza
Watch the evening crowd gather between the theaters above Grand Park. Check the public calendar for outdoor dance and music.
Day 2
From the Westside to the Sunset Strip
Brentwood → West Hollywood
Brentwood’s cafés and the Getty suit a Westside morning. West Hollywood is a separate afternoon transfer, best made early enough to eat before a show.
- Morning
Meet at the country mart before the uphill tram.
Expand +Collapse − morning suggestions
Caffè Luxxe, Brentwood Country Mart
Order espresso in the little coffee shop at the mart. The surrounding courtyard is a better place for a group than the counter itself.
Getty Center
Art, gardens and architecture share one hillside campus. Pick a collection and leave the rest of the visit to the grounds.
Brentwood Country Mart
Browse the small shops and food counters around the old red courtyard. Choose a takeaway picnic before returning to the main road.
- Afternoon
Stay for the art or head to a West Hollywood design stop.
Expand +Collapse − afternoon suggestions
The Restaurant at the Getty Center
Reserve a window table for a seasonal lunch above the city. Make the museum grounds part of the meal.
Pacific Design Center
Explore the public design exhibitions when advertised in West Hollywood. Many of the showrooms serve the trade, so choose a public event.
West Hollywood Park
Walk the public paths near the design center and library. This is a level outdoor break before a Sunset Strip evening.
- Evening
Choose the band or comedian and reserve by the bill.
Expand +Collapse − evening suggestions
Whisky a Go Go
Pick a band on the Sunset Strip venue’s live bill. The standing-room floor is a different evening from a comedy show, so choose the ticket before making dinner plans.
Troubadour
Choose a live show at the small West Hollywood venue and read the ticket for standing or seated arrangements.
The Comedy Store
Choose the lineup and room on the Sunset Strip before buying tickets. Different stages can have different start times.
Day 3
Barbecue and a Koreatown night
Koreatown → Los Feliz
Koreatown and Los Feliz are separate neighborhoods. Choose the baths and barbecue as one outing, or use a ride across Hollywood for the observatory, park paths and music venues.
- Morning
Meet for breakfast at Clark Street Diner or coffee at Alcove in Los Feliz. Barnsdall’s hilltop park gives the group a place to walk before lunch.
Expand +Collapse − morning suggestions
Clark Street Diner
Take a booth near Hollywood for pancakes or eggs on the way toward Los Feliz. Allow a ride between this stop and Koreatown.
Barnsdall Art Park
Visit the hilltop park in East Hollywood for the skyline and the exterior of Hollyhock House. Check site access before making the climb.
Alcove Café & Bakery
Meet for coffee and cake in the Los Feliz bungalow garden. This is an easy starting point before rides into Griffith Park.
- Afternoon
Share soft-tofu stew and see the city from above.
Expand +Collapse − afternoon suggestions
BCD Tofu House, Wilshire
Order soondubu, soft tofu simmered in a spicy broth, at the Wilshire Boulevard restaurant. Choose the heat level before it arrives bubbling.
Wi Spa
Give this Korean spa several hours so the baths and common areas can set the afternoon’s pace.
Griffith Observatory
Look back at the basin from the terraces and go indoors for the astronomy exhibits when open.
- Evening
Pick a show at the Wiltern or the Greek and eat on the same side of town.
Expand +Collapse − evening suggestions
Park’s BBQ
Gather at the Koreatown grill for marinated galbi or sliced beef. Share one cut first and compare it with the unseasoned beef.
The Wiltern
Check the lineup at the Art Deco theater at Wilshire and Western. Its distinctive green tower makes the entrance easy to find.
Greek Theatre
Choose an outdoor show in Griffith Park when the season is running. Plan the return ride before going up into the park.
Book the Sunset Strip act and the Walt Disney Concert Hall performance for different nights. Budget the trip home as carefully as the ticket.
The Sunset Strip
The Sunset Strip is a stretch of West Hollywood with several music venues. Select the artist and venue before settling on where to meet for dinner.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Walt Disney Concert Hall is downtown on Grand Avenue. Use the performance date to anchor an evening there and save the Strip for another night.