Trimm Travels

Discovering as much of God's creation as possible!

  • About
    • Bio
    • Bucket List
    • Work with Me
    • Disclosure and Privacy Policy
    • Contact
  • Blog
  • Destinations
  • Photography
    • Aerial
    • Cityscapes
    • Natural Landscapes
    • Tropical
    • Wildlife
  • Travel
    • Flying
    • Gear & Tech
    • Packing
    • Tips & Resources
  • Life at Home
    • Fashion
    • Inspiration
    • Maltese Mafia
    • Recipes
      • Travel Recipes
      • Slow Cooker Recipes
      • Pastas
      • Holiday Recipes
  • SHOP
  • FAQ

Los Angeles 3 Day Itinerary: An Easy Day Three Guide

June 30, 2020 by Heather Leave a Comment

Share this ...Share on Facebook
Facebook
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Buffer this page
Buffer

 

my easy and informative guide to LA in three days day three title photo macaroon ice cream and posing with hollywood sign

This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through these links. You can read my full disclosure policy here.

Last Updated: June 24, 2020
First Published: September 6, 2016

And just like that we have arrived on the last day of this Los Angeles 3 day itinerary. Hopefully, the first two days piqued your interest or provided tons of fun if you’ve already followed it. Now, let’s recap one last time in case you are just now joining in on the series:

LA in 3 Days: An Easy Intro Guide: I lived in LA for four years and absolutely adored it there. My love for the City of Angels along with one of my own three-day LA trips inspired me to write this guide from my actual itinerary. I realize how overwhelming it is when you have so much to see in a big city and very little time in which to do it!

LA in 3 Days: An Easy Day One Itinerary & Guide: Day One included popular attractions in Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, and Disneyland

LA in 3 Days: An Easy Day Two Itinerary & Guide: Day Two included fun times in Burbank, Pasadena, downtown LA as well as some evening recommendations.

Now here we are on the final day of our Los Angeles 3 day itinerary! I love the itinerary for this final day because it has an eclectic collection of several unique things to do. So, how about we get to them?

Los Angeles 3 Day Itinerary: Day Three

Just like Day Two, we opted for breakfast on-the-go to save time. However, if you are wanting recommendations, try Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles. It’s a unique place with a lot of options. The closest location for today’s itinerary would be the one on Pico which you can find on the map at the end of this post.

Urban Lights at LACMA

Me hanging off one of the 200 cast iron street lamps at Los Angeles County Museum of Art

After breakfast, head on over to see the iconic Urban Lights that are outside the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. They are a collection of 202 restored cast iron antique street lamps and have been featured in many movies and TV shows.

It is such a neat exhibit and a fabulous place for photos both during the daytime and at night. In fact, the Urban Lights are one of the most instagrammable spots in Los Angeles! I’m betting they are familiar to you, right?

This day 3 of my easy Los Angeles 3 day itinerary promises to wrap up your vacation with the utmost fun at LACMA, the Hollywood Sign, and Santa Monica Pier! #la #losangeles #california #hollywood #travel #itinerary #traveltips #usa #destinations

While you’re at LACMA, check out what current exhibits they have on display. You never know what you might find. During one of my trips in 2016, I heard about the Rain Room on the local news and decided we HAD to try it out!

Although it isn’t currently at LACMA, the Rain Room does travel around the world and museum officials informed me that the exhibit visits periodically. It’s a really cool technology exhibit where the same 528 gallons of water are recycled to “rain” in a room with an accommodating setup. The technology senses when a human is present therefore enabling visitors to walk through the rain and not get wet!

TIPS: If you do happen upon a cool exhibit and tickets are sold out to the public (as was the case for us with the Rain Room), I did find a loophole. LACMA sometimes will keep tickets open for its members. It’s a nominal fee to join the museum for a year and I did this since I’m a former resident of Los Angeles and I visit quite a bit. Becoming a member enabled us to get tickets for a time slot within the hour. I realize it’s a bit extreme so it does depend on how badly you want to get into the exhibit!

Treats in Koreatown

Why the vague recommendation? Unfortunately, my absolute favorite Koreatown eatery moved. And by moved, I don’t mean to another part of LA. Nope, I mean moved…to TEXAS!!

Collage of the Macaroon Ice Cream Sandwich and the Iota Cloud dessert from Iota Brew Cafe Los Angeles California

Left: Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich Right: Iota Cloud

Yep, Iota Brew Cafe is now in Dallas. However, I do have other recommendations if you want to try treats similar to the ones pictured above:

  • Oakobing: features Korean shaved ice in beautiful presentations
  • Caffé Bene Wilshire: features sweet waffles, savory toasts, traditional Korean drinks, a library, and $2 parking
  • Document Coffee Bar: features coffee drinks, pastries, scones, breads, patio, and parking

TIPS: You should be able to find a macaron ice cream sandwich as they aren’t that uncommon. The Iota Cloud might be a bit more difficult. It features mochi ice cream, fresh fruit, macarons, and cotton candy. I would try asking the place you choose if they make anything like it and show them this photo.

Hiking Mount Lee

(the Hollywood Sign Mountain)

 

This day 3 of my easy Los Angeles 3 day itinerary promises to wrap up your vacation with the utmost fun at LACMA, the Hollywood Sign, and Santa Monica Pier! #la #losangeles #california #hollywood #travel #itinerary #traveltips #usa #destinations

So now you’ve figured out why, instead of a hearty lunch, we chose yummy treats. Yes, we planned a hike! Now don’t worry, if you’re already saying “Hiking? No thanks!”, I have a great alternative listed below.

Hear me out. This is the perfect way to get exercise AND see possibly the greatest views in all of LA. Why you ask? Because you are getting to view Los Angeles from above the Hollywood Sign. Also, it’s free and free things to do in Los Angeles are fantastic right?

Sadly, we did not complete the hike. What was projected to be a mild day in the mid-70s turned out to be a stifling 86-degree day! Since the hike is unshaded, after a mile in, it was just too hot for us me. So that will have to be an exciting adventure for another trip.

I highly recommend this hike at a cooler time. Or, go in the morning if you don’t mind somewhat foggier views due to LA’s marine layer.

TIP: I don’t recommend this hike in June due to “June Gloom”, a weather pattern resulting in overcast skies that is strongest during the La Niña years. It can occur as early as May and as late as July or August.

If you can’t do the hike or are visiting at the wrong time of year, an easy substitution to still see incredible sights and get a fantastic view of the Hollywood Sign is:

Griffith Observatory

Collage of downtown Los Angeles California on top and me "holding up" the Hollywood Sign on the bottom

The Griffith Observatory is a great place to take in panoramic views of Los Angeles and close up views of the Hollywood Sign as shown in the photo above. It’s also a planetarium and has live shows from time to time.

Entrance to the grounds and the building is always free so coupled with the fantastic views, it makes it a very popular location. This is a gorgeous spot to watch the sunset!

TIPS: CLOSED on Mondays. There is a parking lot outside the observatory but space is limited and it is a long, winding, narrow drive to the top. Street parking along the way is first-come, first-serve but I don’t like parking there because it’s difficult to get in and out due to the narrow roads and the neverending line of traffic. Limited parking is available near the Greek Theater and is a good, free option as long as there are no concerts taking place. There is also a shuttle service throughout Griffith Park. You can decide which parking/shuttle option is best for you.

9/11 Memorial in Malibu

American Flag with Pacific Ocean in background at 9/11 Memorial Pepperdine University Malibu Los Angeles California

After the Observatory, drive over to Pepperdine University in Malibu to reflect in Heroes Garden, the 9/11 Memorial. While you reflect, you can also take in stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Dedicated on September 11, 2002, the memorial opened to the public a year later on September 11, 2003.

 A 10th-anniversary rededication took place on September 11, 2011, as the Thomas E Burnett, Jr Heroes Garden. This honors the Pepperdine Alum who was on United Flight 93 that fateful day. It is a sanctuary designed for quiet reflection and you can often find people praying, studying or taking photos. Please do be respectful if you visit!

TIPS: It is free to visit. If coming from the Observatory, take Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood west all the way to the coast then turn right onto PCH/Highway 1. This is a great direct, scenic drive and you will pass many iconic landmarks along the way.

Once you arrive at Pepperdine, tell the guard at the gate you are going to Heroes Garden and they will let you through. Ask for directions to the top. There is a small parking lot right in front of the Memorial. Park there and if it’s full, be cognizant of parking signs around campus.

If you want to eat dinner and watch the sunset in Malibu my recommendations are Moonshadows or Nobu Malibu. However, if you want to make the most of your Los Angeles 3-day itinerary, then head for…

The Santa Monica Experience

Just get back on PCH/Highway 1 south until you come into Santa Monica. Park the car and enjoy the outdoor atmosphere that is the famous beachside town. There’s the 3rd Street Promenade that has countless shopping and restaurant options.

Bruxie

Exterior nighttime shot of Bruxie in Santa Monica Los Angeles California

Bruxie is located on the 3rd Street Promenade and is known for its cute little waffle sandwiches with both savory and sweet options. They serve breakfast all day as well.

Original Fried Chicken and Waffle Sandwich from Bruxie in Santa Monica Los Angeles California

My Original Fried Chicken and Waffle Sandwich

I highly recommend their specialty, the Original Fried Chicken and Waffle Sandwich. It’s fantastic! The waffle itself isn’t overly sweet but is quite fluffy for only 250 calories.

The Original consists of chicken, lettuce and is served with 100% Vermont pure maple syrup. For sides, you have the options of fresh fruit, tomato soup, or caesar salad.

TIPS: It is an indoor/outdoor cafe but no doors separate the two areas. Park in one of the many public parking decks around the Third Street Promenade.

Santa Monica Pier

 

This day 3 of my easy Los Angeles 3 day itinerary promises to wrap up your vacation with the utmost fun at LACMA, the Hollywood Sign, and Santa Monica Pier! #la #losangeles #california #hollywood #travel #itinerary #traveltips #usa #destinations

After you finish dinner, head down to the water to take a stroll out onto the famous Santa Monica Pier. If it’s your thing, ride the Ferris wheel and roller coaster in Pacific Park. Check the calendar before you go as sometimes there are special exhibits like Cirque du Soleil shows under the big top in the parking lot!

nighttime shot of the ferris wheel lit up on Santa Monica pier Los Angeles California

TIPS: Information on Pacific Park such as tickets and operating hours can be found here. You can stay parked in the same lot as Bruxie or the Third Street Promenade. How easy is that?

Last Tip

Me with Jay Leno onstage before The Tonight Show Burbank Los Angeles California

Me with Jay Leno

Keep your eyes open wherever you are in LA. You never know who you are going to run into in LaLaLand. During my four years as a resident and countless return visits, I’ve seen, met, and talked with many celebrities! However, this celebrity photo from back in the day is my favorite.

It was my second time to attend The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Both times I was chosen by Jay to come onstage in front of a full audience for a photo-op. Please excuse the quality as the staff took the photo with a polaroid camera.

TIPS: Although Jay Leno no longer hosts The Tonight Show pay attention during audience warm-ups of any show-taping you attend. If the host opens it up for questions, ask if you can come on stage for a photo. All they can say is no but they may very well reward you with a yes!

MAP IT!

PIN IT!

This day 3 of my easy Los Angeles 3 day itinerary promises to wrap up your vacation with the utmost fun at LACMA, the Hollywood Sign, and Santa Monica Pier! #la #losangeles #california #hollywood #travel #itinerary #traveltips #usa #destinations
This day 3 of my easy Los Angeles 3 day itinerary promises to wrap up your vacation with the utmost fun at LACMA, the Hollywood Sign, and Santa Monica Pier! #la #losangeles #california #hollywood #travel #itinerary #traveltips #usa #destinations
This day 3 of my easy Los Angeles 3 day itinerary promises to wrap up your vacation with the utmost fun at LACMA, the Hollywood Sign, and Santa Monica Pier! #la #losangeles #california #hollywood #travel #itinerary #traveltips #usa #destinations

And there you have it, a full Los Angeles 3 day itinerary! This concludes the series and I hope it inspires you to travel to Los Angeles even if you don’t have a lot of time to spend. It’s definitely a busy but fun itinerary that takes you to most of the major LA tourist attractions in a short timeframe. Afterwards, if you want to continue your adventures to other parts of the state then this 10-day road trip of California is perfect!

Drop me a comment below if you visit and follow this Los Angeles 3 day itinerary. If you have already been to LA, I  would LOVE to hear what your favorite thing is to do there!

 ‘Til next time…

Trimm Travels,

Heather
Share this ...Share on Facebook
Facebook
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Buffer this page
Buffer

You might also like...

Categorized: Destinations · Tagged: California, Los Angeles, United States

Leave a Reply - I Love Comments! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I accept the Privacy Policy

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Welcome to Trimm Travels!

Hi! I'm Heather and I like to say I'm a hybrid as I'm a born and bred Southern girl who lived in California for a few years and left part of her heart there! I have a passion for travel, food and photography and I am so excited to share my experiences with all of you! I hope to discover as much of God's creation as possible before I leave it and I would love to have you follow along on my journey! Read More…

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Snapchat
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Tracking Trimm Travels!

Never miss an exciting update! Get new posts (including tips and recipes) delivered straight to your inbox!

Track Now
Trimm Travels Bloglovin

Trimm Traveling The Globe

Recent Posts

It might surprise you to learn that New York in February is a fantastic idea. Cheaper costs, fewer crowds, and lots of events...so why not? #newyork #nyc #february #valentines #winter #couples #romance

New York in February for Valentine’s and Beyond

You don't have to go overseas to experience Europe. There are plenty of places to find Europe in America for a true, international adventure! #europe #america #domestic #travel #usa #adventure

Europe in America: Domestic Travel for Experience Abroad

Try an international food swap and learn a new way of culinary traveling. It's perfect for foods you miss and those times you can't travel! #food #snacks #travel #foodswap #culinary #snackswap #foodies

International Food Swap: A New Form of Culinary Travel

Thinking of the perfect gift year after year is quite difficult. This list of unique travel gifts will help solve that problem while delighting your traveler at the same time! If you are more of a traditionalist, there are classic choices along with gift card options too. #unique #travel #gifts #holiday #giftguide #christmas #presents #globetrotter

20 Unique Travel Gifts for the Globetrotter in Your Life

Get Your Travel On!

Most Popular Posts

  • 15 Things to Do in Asheville North Carolina: Something for Everyone
    15 Things to Do in Asheville North Carolina: Something for Everyone
  • Top Things to See in South Dakota + Where to Eat
    Top Things to See in South Dakota + Where to Eat
  • 5 Interesting Places To Eat In Yellowstone & Grand Teton
    5 Interesting Places To Eat In Yellowstone & Grand Teton
  • The Best Time To Visit Yellowstone & Grand Teton: 5 Reasons + 35 Photos
    The Best Time To Visit Yellowstone & Grand Teton: 5 Reasons + 35 Photos

Where To?

Accommodations Activities Africa Alberta Amsterdam Asia Attractions Austria Banff Blog Birthday Blogversary California Canada Charleston Collab Posts Dallas Day Trips Europe Fall Food Gift Guide Greece Halloween Holiday Iceland Itineraries Lexie Los Angeles Lucerne Milestones Morocco New York NYC Paris Pennsylvania Philadelphia Photography Reykjavik South America Spain Sponsored Switzerland Texas United States Vienna

Tracking Trimm Travels Timewise

I can't believe how fast this year went by! Hopefully, I can inspire your future travels in 2020 and beyond with these highlights of my Roundup Review 2019! #roundup #northamerica #destinations #travel #europe #asia #southamerica #trimmtravels #nyc #usa
Another great travel year tracking Trimm Travels! I hope that I can inspire your travels in 2019 and beyond with highlights from my roundup review 2018! #travel #roundup #travelyear #destinations #travelinspiration #traveltips #morocco #usa #france #canada #iceland #austria
My annual travels all rolled up into one, nice little package! Featuring a summary of destinations you will want for your bucket list, check out my Tracking Trimm Travels: Roundup Review 2017! #roundup #review #bucketlist #destinations #travel #europe #southamerica #usa
Amazon Official Disclosure Trimm Travels

Photography Awards

NATJA Awards Honorable Mention Photography-Trimm Travels

Proud Member Of

Trimm Traveling Instagram-Come Follow Along!

🍀🍀Happy St Patrick’s Day!!☘️☘️
🍀
📷 1-Throwback to this day two years ago in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay!
🍀
📷2-Greetings from Ireland! Look at that beautiful green grass! 😍
🍀
🍀
🍀
🍀
#trimmtravels #trimmtravelingireland #cliffsofmoher #uruguay #coloniadelsacramento #ireland #stpatricksday #stpattysday #stpaddysday #luckoftheirish #irish #visitireland #visitireland🍀 #visituruguay #visitsouthamerica #green #luck #🍀🍀🍀 #exploreireland #suerte🍀 #discoverireland #travelireland #travelsouthamerica #travellatinamerica
I’m so excited to have won Honorable Mention in I’m so excited to have won Honorable Mention in the 29th Annual North American Travel Journalists Association Awards with my photo “Fall in love with Mt Fuji” taken on my Japan trip in the fall of 2019! 😍🎉🙌🏼
🏆
This year means even more because due to the pandemic, print and digital publishing were combined making it even more difficult. For reference, National Geographic took bronze 🥉 in my category! 😱 Congrats to my friends @travelblissnow for taking gold🥇 and @hitraveltales for taking silver🥈! 🙌🏼 #29thnatjaawards 
🏆
🏆
🏆
🏆
#trimmtravels #japan #mtfuji #japanphoto #japanphotography #japanphotos #natja #sunsetphotography #sunsetphoto #sunsetphotos #photographyawards #photographyaward #fallinjapan #chureitopagoda #travelphotography #travelphoto #travelphotographer #travelblogger #travelwriter #travelmedia #traveljournalist #traveljournalism #photographylover #photographylovers💕💕 #japantravel #japantrip #japanesearchitecture #falllandscape #sunsetlovers
❤️❤️Happy Valentine’s Day!!❤️❤️ ❤️❤️Happy Valentine’s Day!!❤️❤️
❤️
What destination(s) are you in love with most? 🤔 For me, It’s NYC 🗽🇺🇸, Perú 🇵🇪, Japan 🇯🇵, and Iceland 🇮🇸!!
❤️
❤️
❤️
❤️
#trimmtravels #valentinesday #happyvalentinesday #nyc #newyork #ilovenyc #peru #perú #peru🇵🇪 #iloveperu #japan #ilovejapan #iceland #icelandtravel #iloveiceland #favoriteplaces #perutravel #travelwell #travellove #travellover🌎 #travelloversofinstagram #wheretogo #wheretogonext #travelblogger #meetthemoment #yesplease #nycphotography #nyc_instagram #nycgo #valentinesoutfit
The ESB is arguably one of the most iconic buildin The ESB is arguably one of the most iconic buildings in the entire 🌎. I love that for certain holidays, events, and circumstances of honor, it lights up different colors. 🎨
🗽
In addition to its sparkling party colors for New Year’s Eve 🎉, it lights up red and pulsates to convey a heartbeat for Valentine’s Day! ❣️
🗽
In my new post New York in February for Valentine’s and Beyond (link ⬆️ in bio then tap this photo) find out why it’s a fantastic time to visit the Big Apple. 🍎 HINT: Valentine’s is a plus but there’s SO much more to it! 😱🙌🏼
🗽
🗽
🗽
🗽
#trimmtravels #trimmtravelingnyc #nyc #newyork #newyorkcity #newyorknewyork #newyorklife #newyork_ig #nycphotography #nytimestravel #nybucketlist #ig_newyork #newyorkonly #manhattan #manhattannyc #newyorkstateofmind #empirestatebuilding #esb #empirestate #empirestatebldg #empirestatebuildingview #valentinesdecor #winterinnyc #winterinnewyork #valentinesweek #valentines_day #winterfun #winteractivities #centralparknyc #nycrestaurantweek
As we wrap up the last weekend of the holidays, I As we wrap up the last weekend of the holidays, I will leave you with one of my favorite photos I’ve taken. Should be no surprise it’s from NYC! 😍
🎄
Your eye was probably first drawn to the foreground immediately focusing on the greenery and Christmas balls. 
🎄
Sometimes, we have to look past the obvious...you know, the here and now to see all the bright things on the horizon in the future. Trusting and knowing God is in control. 🙏🏻✝️
🎉
That’s what we have to do in our current global situation. Push 2020 out of the way (shouldn’t be too hard for most of us) and look ahead to hopefully a brighter future in 2021! Happy New Year! 🎉🥂 Wishing all of you a safe, healthy, bright year! 🙏🏻
🎉
🎉
🎉
🎉
#trimmtravels #trimmtravelingnyc #nyc #newyorkcity #newyorknewyork #newyorkcitylife #newyorkcityphotography #newyorkcitychristmas #newyork #ilovenyc #ilovenyc❤️ #ilovenewyork #happynewyear #newyear #newyearnewyou #newyearnewme #reflections #deepthoughts💭 #itwillgetbetter #newadventuresawait #manhattan #oculusnyc #newyorkstateofmind #perspective #nycgo #nytimestravel #newyork_ig #ig_newyork #manhattannyc #newyorkonly
The Empire State Building was beautifully and fest The Empire State Building was beautifully and festively lit when the clock struck 12:01am on December 31, 2019. 
🎉
That day for me would culminate with the clock ticking down to start 2020 watching the ball drop in Times Square. 
🎉
It’s much different this time around. I miss being up in NYC for NYE. I’m very ready to say goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉
🎉
🎉
🎉
🎉
#trimmtravels #trimmtravelingnyc #newyork #newyorkcity #newyorknewyork #nyc #nycgo #newyorklife #newyearseve #newyearsrockineve #nye #balldrop #timessquarenyc #empirestatebuilding #esb #newyork_ig #nycphotography #nytimestravel #nybucketlist #ig_newyork #newyorkonly #manhattan #manhattannyc #newyorkstateofmind #happynewyear #holidayseason #holidaysinnyc #holidaymemories #imissnewyork #ilovenyc

Trimm Travels Instagram Button

  • Home
  • Disclosure and Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Tools
  • Contact

Copyright © 2021 Trimm Travels · Site by Design by Insight

Exclusive Member of Mediavine Travel

WHO DOESN'T LOVE COOKIES?
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. You can find out more about which cookies we use or switch them off in Cookie Settings. See our full Disclosure & Privacy Policy.

ACCEPT Decline
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your user experience. Some of these cookies are categorized as necessary and are stored on your browser because they are essential to make the basic functionalities of this website work. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored on your browser only with your consent. You have the option to opt-out of these cookies but doing so may affect your browsing experience. For more information, please see our Disclosure & Privacy Policy.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT