One day in LA and short on time? This guide covers the essentials whether you’re just passing through or squeezing the city into a tight schedule. Every spot here is free to visit, and this guide includes my tested parking hacks so you don’t get ripped off.
💡 Tip: plan around sunset—you don’t want to be stuck on the Hollywood Sign hike after dark!
All prices, schedules, and reservation requirements in this itinerary are accurate as of 2025 (please please please double-check official websites before your trip).
Index
🗺️ Overview Map
Here’s a look at the complete itinerary, with all stops pinned!
✨ Need to Know
⏱️ How many days to see Los Angeles
- 1 day is enough to hit the main highlights and get a feel for the city.
- 2 days is the most you need — there isn’t that much to see, and many spots are more hype than substance.
- 3+ days only make sense if you’re adding theme parks like Universal Studios or Disneyland. The city itself is easily covered in two.
📅 Best time to go
Anytime. LA doesn’t get too hot or too cold. Just take into account that the sun sets early in the winter!
💰 Budget
- Gas: ~$6
- Parking: ~$7.50
- Activities: Free
- Total for 1 day: ~$13.50
🚌 How to get around
You’ll need a car. Public transport in LA won’t cut it if you’re trying to cover these major highlights in just one day. I’ve listed reliable parking options for each stop so you don’t have to worry about it!
📌 The Essentials Itinerary
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Santa Monica Pier - Worth taking a look around.
🅿️ City Parking Garage. First 90 minutes free, and honestly that’s all you need.
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Beverly Hills - Upscale shopping streets. Not exactly my vibe, but it's a mandatory LA stop if you want to experience the movie magic (think Pretty Woman).
🅿️ First 2 hours free before 6pm at city lots. Best garages: Brighton Public Parking, Beverly Hills Public Parking, 438 N Beverly Dr Garage.
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Lunch - Fuel up before Hollywood.
💡 Parking near the Hollywood Walk of Fame is expensive, so save money and time by grabbing something to eat before you arrive—the less time you spend there, the better!
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Hollywood Walk of Fame - Iconic, you just have to.
🅿️ Hollywood and Highland Center. Expensive if you don’t validate the ticket at any of the shops, but it’s still the most convenient option.
$2.50 per 20 min / $7.50 per hour. $25 daily max. First 2 hours = $3 with validation from shops/restaurants.
- TCL Chinese Theatre - Right on the Walk of Fame—celebrity handprints and footprints are here!
- Dolby Theatre - Home of the Oscars! It's inside the Ovation Hollywood complex (where you parked). Look for the Awards Walk with all the Best Picture winners displayed.
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Hollywood Sign Hike - My favorite part about visiting LA without a doubt!
🥾 Follow this step-by-step video for the route up top—it’s got everything you need.
🅿️ Free street parking in the nearby residential area.
- Hollywood Sign Viewpoint - If you’ve got time and energy, push to the top for a complete view of LA!
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Griffith Observatory - Free exhibits and one of the best city views.
🅿️ Greek Theater lot. Free, 15-minute uphill walk. Shuttle also available: $0.50 one way (exact change, or can pay by card).
‼️Note: Parking here only works when there’s no Greek Theatre event — check the schedule and alternate parking info before your visit (details in the Before You Go section).
‼️ Before You Go
🙌 Essentials for international travelers:
- 🪙 Currency: USD (cards accepted everywhere).
- 💵 Tipping: 15-20% at restaurants.
- 🔌 Plug type: US adapters needed.
- 📶 Phone data: Don’t buy airport SIMs. ([See my cheap data guide, soon to come])
🚗 Parking alert: Griffith Observatory parking depends on events at the Greek Theatre — the free lot is only available when there’s no concert or event.
👉 Check before you go: Greek Theatre Events
👉 If there is an event, see alternate parking and shuttle info here: Griffith Observatory Parking Info
🎯 TL;DR (Trip At a Glance)
Santa Monica Pier → Beverly Hills → Hollywood Walk of Fame → TCL Chinese Theatre → Dolby Theatre → Hollywood Sign → Hollywood Sign Viewpoint → Griffith Observatory
Click on the image for the Google Maps route, including parking spots!
📝 Parking Cheatsheet
Want to avoid overpriced lots or straight up scams? I’ve pinned the best parking for every stop.
Tap the image for the Google Maps list with all the options!
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