What To Do in Los Angeles for a Day

No matter where in the U.S. you live, a Royal Caribbean ship is never too far for a quick getaway, as they set sail from a variety of convenient destinations across the country.

For example, you can experience epic three-, four- and five-night adventures down the West Coast from the City of Angels, visiting beautiful destinations like Catalina Island, California and Ensenada, Mexico. Longer trips will whisk you away to places like Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and even as far as Colombia and Panama.

As a bonus: When you cruise from L.A., it’s no sweat to extend your vacation so you can spend more time soaking up every drop of that California sunshine. Explore the city before your cruise or opt for a convenient shore excursion that hits all the top sights right before heading back home.

Keep reading for the ultimate guide to enjoy all that L.A. has to offer, from hot dining spots and soothing spas to picturesque bike trails and iconic cultural sights.

Key Takeaways

●  From iconic food trucks to historic markets, L.A.’s culinary scene is as diverse and trendsetting as it gets.

●  Walk in Hollywood’s footsteps, explore legendary parks and museums and experience the creative heartbeat of the city.

●  Take advantage of free things to do in L.A. by biking beach paths, surfing world-famous waves or hiking to sweeping skyline views.

●  Lounge poolside at glamorous hotels, indulge in luxe spa treatments or find serenity in lush botanical gardens.

●  Explore cruises from Los Angeles and expand your trip with the many fun things to do in L.A.

What Can You Do in Los Angeles for One Day?

With careful planning and prioritizing the most important experiences, you can strike the perfect chord and create a harmonious day-trip in La La Land. Whether you’re hoping to get an amazing bite to eat or looking for glamorous things to do in Downtime L.A., the city has all that to offer and more.

First, kick off your day with a sweet treat at Cake Monkey Bakery, where you can indulge in baked goods that will give you the perfect amount of sugar and energy for your full day ahead. Then, head to Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park for sweeping panoramas of the skyline and a postcard-perfect glimpse of the Hollywood Sign. Or, if you’re in the mood for some sunshine and ocean waves, rent a bike and cruise The Strand between Santa Monica and Venice. End the night on a high note by strolling through Rodeo Drive or grabbing a cocktail at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt before tucking into bed or heading to your cruise destination.

1. If You Want To Try a New Dish…

Roadside Attraction

Time it takes: One hour.

Recommendation: Be adventurous.

L.A. is known for its incredible restaurants, but many foodies prefer scoping out the sidewalks rather than the scene of “being seen” at fine dining establishments. The city is famous for putting food trucks on the map and has locals making U-turns for spots like The Tropic Truck, which serves up “Cali Caribbean cuisine” (don’t miss the jerk chicken wrap), Hustle N Dough for coffee and a doughnut and Mariscos Jalisco for shrimp tacos and octopus tostadas.

The Sweet Escape

Time it takes: One hour.

Recommendation: Bring your sweet tooth.

If you pine for homemade baked goods or want an indulgent breakfast treat, Cake Monkey Bakery has you covered. From mini and full-size layer cakes to modern twists on retro snack treats, like inside-out s’mores and gourmet toaster pastries, this sweet spot redefines the dessert table. There are even vegan and gluten-free options, complete with a full coffee menu. You’ll also be just a five-minute drive from other top attractions like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and The Grove, a popular shopping and dining area.

Dine Around the World

Time it takes: Three hours.

Recommendation: Wear walking shoes.

From vegan Thai and Korean-Mexican fusion to Persian and barbecue, L.A.’s varied food lineup is one of its biggest draws. To sample the best of this sprawling city’s culinary scene, make sure a food stall tour of DTLA’s (that’s downtown L.A.) iconic Grand Central Market is on your to-do list. Stop at Ana Maria for tacos, Knead Noods for freshly made pasta, Shiku for Korean or Golden Road Brewing for craft beers.

2. If You Want To Experience The Culture …

Rodeo Drive and L.A. Highlights

Time it takes: Five hours

Recommendation: Bring your camera for a selfie.

If you haven’t stepped on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, peeked into Rodeo Drive storefront windows, walked the University of Southern California’s storied campus or shopped at Olvera Street marketplace—have you really been to L.A.? If you only have so much time before you head home after your cruise, take a guided sightseeing adventure of Los Angeles’ top sights to maximize what the city has to offer.

Explore Griffith Park’s Trails, Views, and Iconic Landmarks

Time it takes: Four hours

Recommendation: Take the DASH Observatory/Los Feliz shuttle.

Get a feel for Golden State terrain at Griffith Park, one of the country’s largest municipal parks with urban wilderness areas. The park’s elevation ranges from 384 to 1,625 feet above sea level, which means the landscape varies drastically from arid desert to coastal woodlands. You’ll also find camera-ready skyline views between visits to the Griffith Observatory, Greek Theatre and Autry Museum of the American West, which are all within the park.

Celebrate Music’s Biggest Moments at the GRAMMY Museum

Time it takes: Four hours

Recommendation: Listen and learn.

Calling all music lovers! Wander the halls of the GRAMMY Museum, a monument to music’s rich history, to explore the enduring legacies of Grammy Award-winning musicians. Enjoy interactive exhibits where you can see iconic looks worn on the Grammy Red Carpet, learn about the history of Latin music and discover how different music genres are all connected.

3. If You’re Seeking Adventure …

Bike Your Way Through Santa Monica and Venice

Time it takes: Set your pace on this six-mile ride.

Recommendation: Enjoy the views.

Renting a bike to ride along the waterfront path from Santa Monica to Venice, aka The Strand, offers the best beachy vibes you could ask for and more. This route serves up quintessential L.A. vibes, with excellent people-watching, street performers, beautiful beaches and stunning sunsets along the way. You’re also sure to spot some skateboarders catching air at Venice Skatepark.

Surf’s Up

Time it takes: One and a half hours

Recommendation: Hang 10 or have fun trying.

After you crest the curl on the FlowRider® surf simulator during your cruise, test your skills on the open water. Surfers of all levels can catch a wave by taking a surf lesson with Aqua Surf School at Surfrider Beach, one of the world’s most famous surf breaks.

Head for the Hills and Spot the Hollywood Sign

Time it takes: Go at your own pace.

Recommendation: Bring plenty of water.

There are few better ways to enjoy the iconic Hollywood sign than catching various views of it unfold as you hike the Santa Monica Mountains. The route options vary in difficulty, with the shortest one being just three miles round-trip. Adventurous hikers can opt for a steeper path that sets the stage for sweeping views of the San Fernando Valley, known locally as The Valley.

4. If You Crave Relaxation …

Live La Dolce Vita

Time it takes: Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Recommendation: Don’t forget your sunscreen.

The Hollywood Roosevelt is a part of silver screen history, with stars like Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable even once calling the hotel home. Now, you can try to catch sightings of A-list celebrities while lounging among palm trees at the David Hockney-designed pool when you book a day pass via ResortPass.

Spa Bliss

Time it takes: Treatments range from 30 minutes to five hours.

Recommendation: Splurge on a pampering session.

When in L.A., make like the celebrities do and book a rejuvenating spa day at La Prairie Spa at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. The Forbes Five-Star spot offers everything from caviar massages to manicures and firming facials.

Find Your Zen at The Huntington’s Japanese Garden

Time it takes: It’s up to you.

Recommendation: Watch a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Tucked in among the 130 acres of gardens at The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens, you’ll find the Japanese Garden. More than 100 years old, this verdant and calming oasis is teeming with fragrant blossoms, koi-filled ponds and even a picturesque moon bridge. You can also find tranquility here among the books in the library, admiring the art or roaming the rest of the gardens.

The Best Things To Do in L.A. Are Never Far Away

Sunny La La Land has countless opportunities to relax and explore, no matter what you’re looking to accomplish. From the endless fun things to do in L.A. with kids to the amazing nightlife and restaurants that keep high-energy junkies and foodies coming back time and time again, the city never disappoints. Now, you just have to determine your dream itinerary to create the perfect trip!

Keep the adventure going with a cruise from Los Angeles or to Los Angeles, giving you the freedom and flexibility to boost vacation fun, no matter your destination.