There’s plenty to do and see in Los Angeles. Whether you’re downtown taking in the culture, or on a beach with your friends watching the waves, there’s always something going on. With so much city to explore, it’s hard to know where to start. Each part of Los Angeles has its own style and flavor. Here’s a few Los Angeles daytrip ideas that are sure to make your vacations or days off more fun.
An Afternoon in Downtown LA
The best way to start seeing any city is to jump right in. Downtown Los Angeles is dense with music, culture, and great eats. Just taking a walk down Broadway or Main Street will keep you busy for hours. While you’re there, stop by the Grand Central Market. It’s right next to the Bradbury Building, which is a Los Angeles landmark in its own right. The Grand Central Market is a great place to settle down for lunch and people-watching. Whether you’re in the mood for Oysters or a sandwich, there’s good eats to be had by all.
If you’re more artistically inclined, there’s plenty to do downtown. Check out The Broad for some of the best Contemporary Art in the world today. Some of the artist on display include Roy Lichtenstein, Jeff Koons, and Yayoi Kusama. If you’re more of a music lover, the Grammy Museum is right down the road. Learn more about your favorite artists and the music they created.
A Beach Party in Westside
When people picture Los Angeles, they’re usually thinking about the Westside. The waterfront stretches from the Pacific Palisades down to Marina Del Rey. Every mile is packed with places to eat and drink, live music, and beautiful beaches. Los Angeles daytrip ideas are plentiful when you’re cruising down Pacific Ave. Start your journey off with a quick stop at the Santa Monica Pier. This is the official endpoint for the storied Route 66, and the historical endpoint of many cross-country journeys.
After you hit the pier, go check out the Third Street Promenade. This open air market is a great place to walk around with someone special, or get some light shopping in. After that, head on down to Venice. The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a perfect place to blend in with the locals and catch a few rays. If the beach isn’t your style, check out the Venice Canals Historic District. The man made canals that criss-cross Venice were modeled after the waterways in Venice, Italy. While many of the canals have been turned into roads, the ones that remain are well-kept and perfect for an evening walk.
A Glamorous Evening in Central LA
No Los Angeles daytrip is complete without spending some time in Central LA. You can walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cruise the Sunset Strip, and watch the West Coast sunset from the Hollywood sign without ever leaving Central. Start off your trip with a stop at LA’s original Farmers Market for a bite to eat. If you want to sample some more of the local flavor, check out Pink’s Hot Dogs. This historic restaurant has been serving hot dogs to hungry Californians since 1939.
Make sure to swing by Grauman’s Chinese Theater and the Kodak Theater while sauntering down the Walk of Fame. Although, Hollywood isn’t just glitz and glamor. There’s excellent hiking in the Hollywood Hills if you want to take a break from the city for a moment. While you’re up there, check out the Hollywood sign, but not too close. The sign is on private property, and they’d prefer it if you didn’t touch it.
We Want To Make Your Los Angeles Daytrip Ideas Come True
At Value Rental Car we want to help you get to your destination quickly and safely. We offer clean and affordable rental cars for local driving in LA and Pasadena, with complimentary pickup and drop off service within seven miles of our two locations. If you’re a college student, we want to help you get on the road. We rent to drivers under the age of 21, and we offer cash and debit card car rentals. Check out some of our other articles to learn more about how car rental works!