Los Angeles First Visit Classics
Stay in Hollywood; three days covering Hollywood and the Observatory, the Getty and Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica Pier.
Each day covers one area to reduce traffic: day one, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and sunset at the Griffith Observatory; day two, the Getty Center, Rodeo Drive and Sunset Boulevard; day three, the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach, then straight to the airport. Suited to first-time visitors with limited time; Universal Studios and Disneyland are left for next time.
May and June often bring marine layer fog; September and October have the clearest beach weather.
Day by day
Day 1 · Hollywood and Sunset at the Observatory
Los Angeles（Hollywood Walk of Fame / TCL Chinese Theatre、Dolby Theatre、Hollywood Sign、Griffith Observatory）
A taxi from the airport takes about 40–60 minutes to Hollywood; walk the Walk of Fame, then in the evening take a taxi or the DASH bus up to the Griffith Observatory.
The Observatory is closed on Mondays; parking is tight, so head up early before sunset.
Stay: Hollywood
Day 2 · Getty Center and Beverly Hills
Los Angeles（Getty Center、Beverly Hills / Rodeo Drive、Sunset Boulevard）
A taxi or car takes about 30–45 minutes to the Getty Center; take the hilltop tram up to the museum. In the afternoon, visit Rodeo Drive, then return to Hollywood along Sunset Boulevard in the evening.
Entry to the Getty is free, but parking costs money; it is closed on Mondays.
Stay: Hollywood
Day 3 · Santa Monica and Venice Beach
Los Angeles（Santa Monica Pier、Venice Beach）
About 40–60 minutes from Hollywood to Santa Monica; walk or bike about 30 minutes along the boardwalk from the pier to Venice Beach, then take a taxi about 20 minutes to the airport.
Leave plenty of time to reach the airport; the I-405 freeway is very congested at rush hour.