Los Angeles is one of the largest cities in the US, and its traffic congestion is notorious. But you needn’t cover every mile to enjoy this perma-sunny city. With just 48 hours, you can still hit many LA highlights, including tasting menus, hill hikes, shimmering shorelines, and Hollywood’s glamour and glitz.
While LA experienced severe wildfires in nearby canyons and foothills recently, the city’s core attractions remain untouched. The effects, however, have lingered in certain outdoor areas and residential neighborhoods. That includes some popular hiking trails, especially in Topanga and parts of the Angeles National Forest, that may have limited access (be sure to check before you go). Otherwise, LA has bounced back quickly, with blue skies and business as usual in most neighborhoods. Shops are open, events are on schedule, and your travel dollars help the region’s recovery.
Here’s how to experience the best of LA on a quick getaway.
Sleep in style at a historic Los Angeles hotel
Immerse yourself in LA’s signature Spanish Colonial architecture with a downtown stay at Hotel Figueroa. Opened in 1926 as a female-only hostel, this historic hotel, now part of the Hyatt family, showcases an impressive art collection focusing on works by female artists. Close to many top attractions, including the lively Arts District and the Crypto.com Arena, the hotel is an ideal home base for your explorations. Enjoy alfresco drinks and light bites at the hotel’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, Veranda, and take a dip in the curiously coffin-shaped pool.
Try these top Los Angeles bites
Start your day right at chic République, a Gothic-inspired breakfast spot with a chateau facade and an open kitchen in an eye-popper of a historic building with a vibrant breakfast menu and beloved pastries. For an easy lunch, head to Gjusta, a laid-back bakery in Venice known for eclectic selection of rustic deli creations—think smoked fish platters and hearty sandwiches like porchetta melt with tangy pickles. Silver Lake’s favorite farm-to-table café, Sqirl, is a top spot for lunch or, even better, brunch. The sorrel pesto rice bowl with herbs, pickled radishes, and avocado is a local favorite on the internationally inspired menu.
For a special occasion dinner, head to Providence, just outside Hollywood in Hancock Park. This upscale seafood restaurant offers a decadent chef’s tasting menu of impeccably plated courses and is known for using only wild-caught, sustainable seafood. For a livelier dinner, grab a table with friends or solo at West Hollywood’s Gracias Madre, and settle in for plant-based Mexican specialties like mushroom quesadillas and enchiladas suizas with butternut squash and three types of peppers. Sip your margarita as you prepare for an evening hopping around glittering West Hollywood, a neighborhood rife with rooftop lounges and live music venues.
Sample the city’s top-notch tacos any time of day. From classic Mexican street tacos to innovative fusion creations, there’s an entire scene to explore here. You’ll find plenty within Downtown LA and Boyle Heights alone.
Catch a few of LA’s most iconic sights and museums
Seeing the Hollywood sign is a must for any first-time visit to LA. And there’s no better place to appreciate it than from Griffith Observatory, with free access to unobstructed hilltop views. Take some panoramic pics of the city, and then explore the interactive space and science exhibits inside. Next, head to The Getty Center for world-class Western art and gorgeous gardens in an architecturally dazzling space set atop a hill. There’s a free tram from the base of the hill, so there’s no climbing necessary.
For a quick dive into the city’s entertainment culture, stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and look for your favorite stars. You’ll pass the famous TCL Chinese Theatre (also known as Grauman’s or Mann’s, two of its former monikers), where the footprints of stars are immortalized in cement.
You’ll also want to detour a bit outside the city to experience LA’s coveted coastline. Spend some time at Santa Monica Pier, enjoy the quirky, bohemian vibe of Venice Beach and its bustling boardwalk, and people-watch at the famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym.
Back in the city, visit LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art), where you can experience the famous Urban Light installation, an assemblage of 200 antique streetlights, and explore one of the most comprehensive art collections in the country. Or, go off the beaten path to the Museum of Death for everything from funeral ephemera to true crime memorabilia.
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Whether you’re soaking up art, sunshine, stardust, or even stardom, 48 hours in Los Angeles offers more than enough to fall fast for the city’s endless charms.