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Perfect Weekend in Los Angeles

Beaches, Hollywood glamour, and endless sunshine in the City of Angels

📍Los Angeles, USA⏱️2 Days

Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis where entertainment culture meets stunning beaches and year-round sunshine. This weekend itinerary takes you from the iconic Hollywood Hills to the trendy Venice Beach boardwalk, with stops at world-class museums and authentic taco stands. Get ready to experience the laid-back California lifestyle mixed with big-city excitement.

📅Saturday

🌅Morning

7:00 AM - Griffith Observatory & Hollywood Sign 🏔️ Start early with a hike to Griffith Observatory for sunrise views of the city and iconic Hollywood sign (free parking before 8 AM).
9:00 AM - Breakfast in Los Feliz 🥞 Fuel up at Sqirl or HomeState for trendy California breakfast with local ingredients.
10:30 AM - Hollywood Walk of Fame ⭐ Stroll down Hollywood Boulevard, see celebrity stars, TCL Chinese Theatre, and Dolby Theatre.

☀️Afternoon

12:00 PM - Lunch at Grand Central Market 🌮 Downtown LA's historic food hall with Eggslut, Tacos Tumbras a Tomas, and more.
1:30 PM - The Broad Museum 🎨 Contemporary art museum featuring Kusama's Infinity Mirrors (book free timed tickets online).
3:30 PM - Arts District 🎭 Explore street art murals, galleries, and hipster coffee shops in this converted industrial area.

🌆Evening

5:30 PM - Santa Monica Pier 🎡 Drive west to catch golden hour at the iconic pier with Pacific Park amusement rides.
7:00 PM - Dinner on Third Street Promenade 🍽️ Pedestrian-only shopping street with countless restaurants and street performers.
9:00 PM - Sunset at Venice Beach 🌅 Walk the Venice Boardwalk, see eclectic street performers and muscle beach (safe until 10 PM).

📅Sunday

🌅Morning

8:00 AM - Venice Canals 🚣 Peaceful morning stroll through the historic Venice Canal District, a hidden gem with charming bridges.
9:30 AM - Breakfast in Abbott Kinney ☕ Trendy boulevard with Intelligentsia Coffee, Gjelina, and boutique shopping.
11:00 AM - Getty Center 🏛️ World-class art museum with stunning architecture and garden (free admission, $20 parking).

☀️Afternoon

1:00 PM - Lunch in West Hollywood 🥗 Try Urth Caffé, Joan's on Third, or trendy spots along Melrose Avenue.
2:30 PM - Rodeo Drive 💎 Window shop luxury boutiques in Beverly Hills, see the iconic palm-tree lined street.
4:00 PM - Farmers Market & The Grove 🛍️ Historic outdoor market (since 1934) plus adjacent outdoor shopping mall.

🌆Evening

6:00 PM - Sunset Boulevard 🌆 Drive the legendary road from Downtown to the beach, passing through Hollywood and WeHo.
7:30 PM - Dinner in Korean Town 🍖 Experience authentic Korean BBQ at Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong or Parks BBQ.
9:30 PM - Rooftop Bar 🍹 End at Perch Downtown or EP & LP for cocktails with skyline views.

💡Essential Tips

Rent a Car - LA is huge and spread out, public transport is limited. Uber/Lyft works but adds up.
Traffic Planning - Avoid freeways 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM. Use Waze app for real-time traffic.
Parking Apps - Download SpotHero or ParkWhiz to find and pre-pay for parking.
Beach Parking - Arrive before 10 AM at beaches for free street parking, otherwise $10-20.
Taco Trucks - Some of the best food in LA comes from taco trucks, try carne asada or al pastor.
Sunscreen Always - Even when cloudy, UV rays are strong. Bring sunglasses and hat.
Reservations - Book popular restaurants 1-2 weeks ahead, especially for weekend dinners.
Beach Layers - Mornings can be foggy/cool, afternoons hot. Bring a light jacket.

💰Budget Guide

Budget Breakdown: Expect $500-750 per person for the weekend (excluding accommodation). Accommodation: $150-300/night (hostels $60-80). Food: $80-120/day (tacos $3-5, sit-down $20-40). Car rental: $60-100/day plus gas $40. Parking: $30-50/day. Attractions: mostly free! LA is expensive but beaches and hiking are free.

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