48 Hours in LA
How to spend a short weekend in the City of Angels
By Patricia Harrison
While you can spend months exploring the neighborhoods of Los Angeles without running out of new things to see and do, the city is also the perfect destination for a quick weekend escape. Because there are so many tried-and-true attractions—from the Grand Central Market to Santa Monica Pier— you can’t go wrong however you decide to fill your itinerary. Whether you’re planning a trip around an event or hankering for a couple days of California sun, check out our 48-hour itinerary for inspiration.
LA Strong
While some parts of Los Angeles are still recovering following the wildfires that erupted in January, the city is welcoming visitors and most main attractions are open. If you’re unsure whether to visit certain businesses, contact them directly. But more than 98 percent of LA is undamaged and visiting the city can support the local community.
2025 Events to Plan a Trip Around
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books (April 26–27)
This free two-day literary and cultural celebration—the largest of its kind in the nation—features a schedule of panels, readings, opportunities to mingle with authors and storytellers and tons of exhibitors at the University of Southern California campus.
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 (June 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 and 25)
This summer, LA’s Rose Bowl Stadium will host six FIFA Club World Cup matches. Teams playing include Paris Saint-Germain, Atlético de Madrid, Botafogo, CF Monterrey, CA River Plate, FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds.
Taste of Soul (October 18)
This one-day street fair brings more than 350,000 attendees to historic Crenshaw Boulevard every 3rd Saturday in October to honor the community and culture of south Los Angeles. Groove to live gospel, R&B, jazz and dance tunes and pick up eats from dozens of local food vendors.
Day 1
Fuel up with breakfast at Grand Central Market, a food hall that has been in continuous operation in Downtown LA since 1917. Today, the market’s 40 stalls are occupied by a mix of longtime legacy vendors and rising stars in the culinary scene selling empanadas, pastries, egg sandwiches, lattes, fresh pasta and lots more.
The Broad Contemporary Art Museum | Leonid Andronov - stock.adobe.com
Mosey to the Broad to admire the art museum’s striking architecture and view masterpieces by Jeff Koons, Takashi Murakami, Andy Warhol and other contemporary artists (admission is free, but we recommend booking tickets in advance). Then pop into Bestia, a hot spot in the Arts District for wood-fired Italian cuisine, to devour Margherita pizza and house-made ricotta gnocchi. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the Museum of Contemporary Art, the only artist-founded museum in the city, or checking out the street art and galleries of the Arts District. Look for the many famous murals in the neighborhood such as highlights from the Global Angel Wings Project.
For dinner, feast on ceviche, tacos and churros in a Mexico City–inspired ambience at LA Cha Cha Chá or enjoy inventive family-style dishes injected with flavors and techniques from around the globe in an airy, industrial-chic space at Girl and the Goat LA. After you’ve satisfied your appetite, see a show at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, home to the LA Philharmonic, or the Ahmanson Theater, which hosts musicals, concerts and dance performances. End your evening with a glass of wine or Champagne at Perch, a rooftop bar featuring nightly live music and DJs, tons of leafy plants and breathtaking views of the sparkling skyline.
Day 2
Start your day in Hollywood with coffee and a stack of hotcakes at The Griddle Cafe (it has more than a dozen kinds to choose from, including ones made with Frosted Flakes and strawberries). If pancakes aren’t your forte, the no-frill cafe is also known for its huevos rancheros, scrambles and breakfast tacos. For the rest of the morning, stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Check out the iconic star-studded sidewalk, the TCL Chinese Theatre and the famous handprints of Hollywood legends such as Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley. Then head to the Griffith Observatory for spectacular photo opps of the city and the iconic Hollywood sign. You can explore the exhibits inside, too, or just take in the iconic sights from the observation deck.
Hollywood Walk of Fame | Rawf8 - stock.adobe.com
Lunch calls for martinis and chicken Parmigiana or prime rib at Musso & Frank Grill, a Hollywood landmark that’s been serving classic steakhouse and Italian-American fare since 1919. Afterward, head to Santa Monica for a stroll by the beach and on the famed pier. You can also visit the aquarium, or take a ride on the Ferris wheel to take in some coastal views.
Before dinner, walk around the Third Street Promenade in Downtown Santa Monica, an area lined with upscale retailers and boutiques, to shop for clothing, accessories and other souvenirs. Once hunger strikes, grab a table at The Lobster to splurge on grilled California spiny lobster, clam chowder and shrimp cocktail. Order a round of margaritas to raise a glass to your LA adventures.
Where to Stay
Conrad Los Angeles
Conrad is situated in The Grand LA, a sprawling shopping, dining and entertainment complex in Downtown Los Angeles. The nearly three-year-old hotel has a sleek rooftop pool and bar, a public art gallery featuring local artists, and two dining options from renowned chef and humanitarian José Andrés.
Omni Los Angeles Hotel
Guests love the cozy amenities (think: plush robes, triple-sheeted beds and in-room spa treatments) at this Omni property near Dodger Stadium. Enjoy weekend brunch serenaded by live jazz on Sundays; or hang out at the heated outdoor pool, which is open year-round.
Loews Hollywood Hotel
Loews Hollywood Hotel, located within walking distance of the Hollywood Bowl, is an ideal home base for taking in the sights and sounds of Los Angeles' star-studded area. The property has lots of perks for those traveling with two- or four-legged family members, including baby bath kits, complimentary cribs and room service menus for cats and dogs.
Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.
Banner photo: Griffith Observatory and Los Angeles Skyline
