First-Time in the United States: Exploring Los Angeles as a Solo Female Traveler
As someone visiting the United States for the first time, I was pretty excited to visit Los Angeles. I’d watched so many movies set here that the city already felt oddly familiar, even though I’d never been!
If you're also planning a trip to LA, 3 days is a good amount of time to cover all the must-sees without feeling rushed. From downtown food spots to the Hollywood Walk of Fame — here’s how I spent my 3 days in Los Angeles!
Overview of Los Angeles Itinerary
Day 1 | Grand Central Market | Angels Flight Railway | The Broad | Walt Disney Concert Hall | The Last Bookstore | Original Farmers Market & The Grove | Santa Monica Pier |
Day 2 | Hollywood Walk of Fame | In-N-Out | Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood | Griffith Observatory |
Day 3 | Melrose Avenue | Melrose Trading Post | Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive | Venice Beach |
Bonus: Day 4 | Universal Studios Hollywood OR Disneyland Resort in California |
Day 1 – Downtown LA
Breakfast at Grand Central Market
I started the trip at Grand Central Market in Downtown LA. It’s a huge food hall that’s been around for over 100 years! I went for some delicious Mexican food and paired it with an iced latte to kick off the morning.
Opening hours: 8AM - 9PM daily
Angels Flight Railway
Just across the street is Angels Flight Railway, a cute little orange tram that climbs a short hill. It only takes a couple of minutes and costs $1, but honestly, seeing it was good enough for me — I decided to take the stairs beside it instead, which was just a short walk.
The Broad
Next, I visited The Broad, a modern art museum with an impressive collection of contemporary works. Entry is free, but you do need to reserve a timeslot online in advance. I went early in the day, and there were plenty of free slots available, so I managed to book one on the spot.
Opening hours: 11AM - 5PM (Tue, Wed, Fri), 10AM - 6PM (Sat - Sun), 11AM - 8PM (Thu), Closed on Mon
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Right beside The Broad is the Walt Disney Concert Hall, a striking silver building that’s fun to admire as you walk around. You might even recognize it from movies like Iron Man and Get Smart!
The Last Bookstore
Before heading out of Downtown, I stopped by The Last Bookstore, a spot I’d first seen on TikTok and wanted to check out. It’s set in an old bank building and is packed with new and used books, vinyl records, and quirky art installations.
Original Farmers Market & The Grove
For lunch, I took a short Uber ride to the Original Farmers Market — it's a local favorite with tons of food stalls. I had a poke bowl, then walked over to The Grove, a super pretty outdoor shopping area with music and fountains.
Alongside high-street staples like Zara, GAP and Sephora, there are plenty of dining options too — I spotted The Cheesecake Factory, Umami Burger, and a few cute cafés.
Even if you’re not planning to shop, it’s a nice place to stroll around and soak up the atmosphere!
Santa Monica Pier
For sunset, I headed to Santa Monica, one of the most famous beaches in LA. The pier is home to Pacific Park, a small amusement park with a Ferris wheel and roller coasters.
You might recognize it from Hannah Montana: The Movie, as well as countless other shows and films. Alongside the rides, there are street performers, arcade games, and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean!
Day 2 – Hollywood, Shopping & Santa Monica Pier
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Day 2 started with the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. I spotted stars dedicated to Queen, Tom Cruise, Snoop Dogg, and even Mickey Mouse, and checked out the handprints at TCL Chinese Theatre.
To be honest, it was a bit underwhelming—it’s really just a street, and not the cleanest either. Still, it felt surreal to finally see such an iconic spot I’ve only ever seen in movies.
In-N-Out
After walking Hollywood Boulevard, I stopped by In-N-Out Burger which was a 10-minute walk from the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Friends had recommended I try it, and it ended up being my cheapest meal of the trip.
The burger was tasty, the fries were simple, and the milkshake was thick and yummy. Definitely worth trying if you want a classic California fast-food experience!
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
I really wanted to do the Warner Bros. Studio Tour — it’s where you can walk through real sets, see props from Harry Potter and Friends, and explore soundstages where shows are filmed. But since I was relying on Ubers as a solo traveler, the ride out there was pretty expensive, so I ended up skipping it.
If you’re driving, though, I’d definitely recommend adding it to your Los Angeles itinerary. The tour takes around 2–3 hours and gives you a real behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood magic.
Fern Dell Hike to Griffith Observatory
In the evening, I went to Griffith Park and did the short Fern Dell trail up to Griffith Observatory. It took about 30–40 minutes to reach the top, and the view was incredible — I could see all of LA, and the Hollywood Sign too.
Inside, the Griffith Observatory has highlights like a working Tesla Coil, interactive space exhibits, and the Samuel Oschin Planetarium with its live star shows. The observatory itself is also a Hollywood star, featured in movies like La La Land and Rebel Without a Cause.
I stayed until sunset and watched the city light up. It was honestly one of my favorite moments of the trip!
Day 3 – West Hollywood and Beverly Hills
Melrose Avenue
I spent the afternoon exploring Melrose Avenue —there are so many cool walls and street art here. Beyond the murals, the street is lined with trendy shops worth checking out, like the Glossier flagship store, Supreme, and plenty of vintage boutiques where you can hunt for unique fashion finds.
If you’re visiting on a Sunday, definitely check out the Melrose Trading Post flea market. It’s held at Fairfax High School and has a nice, chill vibe with handmade goods, vintage clothes, and live music.
It costs USD$5 to enter, and the fee goes toward supporting the school. I bought a couple of rings and a top here—such a fun way to spend a relaxed afternoon!
Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive
On my last day, I checked out Beverly Hills. I saw the famous sign at Beverly Gardens Park, walked down Rodeo Drive, and stared at all the designer stores I couldn’t afford. Unfortunately, I didn’t spot a single celebrity — I thought they'll be all over the place.
I went to Erewhon for the famous Hailey Bieber smoothie that’s all over TikTok (yes, I caved). It was overpriced but surprisingly good. I also tried some sushi there — definitely not cheap, but it was really fresh.
Venice Beach
I wrapped up my first day at Venice Beach, one of the city’s most unique and lively spots. The boardwalk is buzzing with street performers, mural-covered walls, and quirky little shops selling everything from souvenirs to crystals.
Venice Beach is also home to the iconic Venice Skatepark and Muscle Beach, where you can watch skaters pulling off tricks and bodybuilders lifting under the sun—it doesn’t get more “California” than that.
I wrapped up the day by catching the sunset at Venice Beach. Watching the sky turn shades of orange and pink over the Pacific Ocean felt like the perfect ending to my LA trip. Just make sure to bring a sweater — it can get a little chilly in the evening!
🎢 Bonus: Spend a Day at a Theme Park
Cozy Cone Motel
If you’ve got an extra day to spare in Los Angeles, I’d recommend visiting one of the city’s world-famous theme parks.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is perfect if you’re into movies—you’ll find rides based on Jurassic World, The Simpsons, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, plus the iconic Studio Tour.
Disneyland Resort in California
If you’re more of a Disney fan, head to Disneyland Resort in California, the original park that started it all. It’s about a 40-minute drive from LA and actually has two separate parks.
Star Wars Rise of the Resistance
There's Disneyland Park, home to classics like Pirates of the Caribbean and It’s a Small World, and Disney California Adventure Park, which features newer lands like Cars Land and Avengers Campus. You’ll also find Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, one of the most immersive areas in any Disney park.
Alternatively, families with younger kids can check out LEGOLAND® California Resort, located in Carlsbad. It’s packed with interactive rides, themed zones, and giant LEGO builds that make it a fun day out for all ages.
Psst. Get 20% off LEGOLAND® California Resort Tickets on Klook from now until 1 Jan 2026!
Travel Essentials for Visiting Los Angeles
1) eSIM/Data Plan
Staying connected is a must in LA since you’ll be relying on maps and ride-hailing apps. I booked an 5G eSIM on Klook, which activated instantly when I landed — no need to swap SIM cards.
![[Global] eSIM Compatible Devices](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_550,h_356/v1759119278/nfarko448ioytrn96lwm.jpg)
2) Car Rental
One thing I quickly learned — LA is not a walking city. Attractions are spread far apart, and while there is public transport, it’s not the most convenient for visitors. Since I was traveling solo, I mostly used Uber to get around. It worked, but it was very expensive, especially for longer rides.
If you’re visiting with friends or family, I’d definitely recommend driving instead. Renting a car is not only cheaper when costs are split, but it also gives you the freedom to explore LA at your own pace. You can easily book a car rental on Klook, and most attractions have parking available.
3) Save on Attractions with the Klook Pass Los Angeles
Hangin' out with the coolest gang in town at Knott's Berry Farm!
Get access to 2, 3, 4, or 5 attractions/tours with one pass at a great price. Choose from top experiences like Disneyland California, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, and more!
Once you activate your Klook Pass, you have 90 days to use it (as long as you activate within 60 days of purchase). Super flexible and perfect if you want to mix and match attractions!
Ready to experience Los Angeles for yourself?
Looking for more fun things to do in Los Angeles? This 3-day itinerary just scratches the surface — LA is full of exciting neighborhoods, hidden gems, and unique experiences waiting to be explored. Check out more activities and tours on Klook to make the most of your trip!
More United States Travel Inspiration
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