How to spend 3 days in Los Angeles

Welcome to the bustling city of Los Angeles, where the sun-kissed beaches, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture converge to create an unforgettable experience! Join us as we take a virtual journey through the three incredible days that we spent in the City of Angels, exploring everything from famous beaches to Hollywood magic and beyond!

Where did we stay?

In our oh-so-classic style, we decided to go for the most budget-friendly option that HostelWorld had to offer that wasn't a total dump but was still easy on the wallet and close to all the action! All the essentials, right? Well, let me tell you, our definition of budget and LA's definition are prettyyyy different. This place turned out to be one of the most expensive "cheap" spots we've ever set foot in, but hey, it's LA! Our home for the next 3 nights was the Banana Bungalow in West Hollywood. We booked ourselves a private double room complete with our very own bathroom. And for all you budget core guys and gals out there, they had a shared kitchen, so you could whip up your own meals without breaking the bank. Plus, there was a cozy little spot to just kick back and unwind, making it the ideal launchpad for our LA escapades.

Day 1:

Our adventure began in the main attraction of LA. Hollywood! As we had booked a hostel in downtown Hollywood, we had just a short bus ride to the Walk of Fame. After that we explored the sun-soaked paradise of Los Angeles. Our afternoon was dedicated to soaking in the relaxed beach vibes that LA is renowned for!

Hollywood Walk of Fame:

So, there we were, standing on the legendary Hollywood Boulevard, ready to embark on our star-studded adventure along the world-famous Walk of Fame. A glittering sidewalk embedded with stars, each one etched with the name of an entertainment legend. Though we do have to admit, it's a lot dirtier here than we imagined!! Not quite red carpet ready, but still exciting all the same!

Now, Cathal had a mission to find his BAE, none other than the legendary Dwayne Johnson, or, of course, also known as "The Rock." I swear, he talks about The Rock more than any other person in this world, he's a bit obsessed! As for me, I had my sights set on a different kind of legend – my favorite funny guy, Jack Black. Literally, I have loved him since seeing him in School of Rock and there's been no turning back since. So there I was, on a comedic treasure hunt of my own, scanning the sidewalk for that famous name amidst the sea of golden stars!

Now, don't get me wrong, this star search wasn't as easy as it sounds. With over 2,700 brass stars beneath our feet, we had to dodge selfie sticks, navigate through excited tourists, and fend ourselves in front of the street performers dressed up as film stars – but it was all part of the hilarious Hollywood adventure!

Venice Beach:

Imagine this, artists sketching away on the sand, musicians strumming their guitars under the sun, and performers pulling off stunts that would make your jaw drop. Venice Beach is a spot with those who are full of creativity come to express themselves! We casually strolled along the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk, checking out the small street vendors and little market stalls, stopping to watch some of the incredible performers. Some of the street art was like a visual feast for our eyes – graffiti with messages, murals that seemed to tell stories, and quirky sculptures being shown all over the sidewalk.

And then there's the world-famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym, where bodybuilders turn the beach into their personal playground. Cathal may have thought about flexing his muscles, but let's just say he was no match for those seasoned muscle-heads! We couldn't help but explore the unique souvenir shops, knowing we had no intention to buy anything. Until, there was the sweet shop. Oh, the sweet shop! This place just happened to be Cathal's version of Disneyland. I'm talking candy galore, chocolates stacked to the ceiling, and more sugar than a kid's birthday party. If Cathal could have, he might have moved in permanently!

Santa Monica Pier:

We decided to kick things up a notch during our LA escapade. We met up with a friend who was currently living in LA and she suggested, why not hire a bike from Venice Beach and cruise our way to Santa Monica? Luckily for us, Mother Nature decided to be our best friend that day, gifting us with a picture-perfect California day. You know the kind – clear skies, gentle breeze, and just the right amount of sun. It was like the universe saying, "Go on, have an epic ride!"

So, we hopped on our trusty bikes we hired off the sidewalk and pedaled our way to Santa Monica. Once we arrived in one piece, the reward was so worth it! As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by a mix of classic amusements that felt straight out of a vintage movie, oceanfront dining and ocean views that could steal your breath away.

We kicked things off with a leisurely stroll along the Santa Monica Pier, and I swear, it was like a carnival for adults! We couldn't resist the temptation of treats from the various food vendors. Pizza? Check! Ice cream? Double check! And yes, we totally overdid it.

But you know what pairs perfectly with gluttony? A cold beer! So, we headed to one of the nearby bars, where we sipped on some brewskis, chatted with our friend, and took in the beauty that surrounded us!

And then, as if our day couldn't get any better, the pièce de résistance – the sunset! We hopped on the historic Ferris wheel that overlooks the sparkling Pacific Ocean. It was like riding on a dream, with the sun painting the sky in hues of pink and orange. We might have even pretended we were in a sappy rom-com for a moment.

Day 2:

Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills:

Alright, let's talk luxury! When you're in the City of Angels, you've got to get a taste of the good life, right? So, we google mapped our bus route toward Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills! As we strolled down this iconic shopping street, we couldn't help but gawk at the high-end boutiques that lined the sidewalks. I mean, seriously, have you ever seen a handbag so expensive it could finance a small country? We wondered what it'd be like to be one of those folks who shops here on the regular, instead of just expert-level window shopping!

The surrounding Beverly Hills neighborhood was equally impressive, with elegant mansions that looked like they were designed by someone from the future, and tree-lined streets that probably whispered sweet financial advice to passersby. It was like stepping into a real-life Monopoly board, and we half-expected to see Mr. Monopoly himself rolling by in a golden limo!

After all that, we decided it was time to fulfill our appetite – and where else but at The Cheesecake Factory, a place famous for serving meals that make you question if you've

accidentally ordered for an army! Cathal, who's been to one before, insisted we revisit it. He vividly recalled the colossal servings, and let me tell you, he wasn't exaggerating. I mean, I thought I had a stomach that could rival a competitive eater, but even I was no match for the portion sizes. I actually opted for a half-sized portion, which is practically unheard of in my food dictionary. And guess what? Even that half-size defeated me! It's like The Cheesecake Factory exists in a parallel universe where portion control is just a myth.

Despite the name "The Cheesecake Factory" implying that cheesecake is non-negotiable, neither of us actually had one! I know, it's like going to a water park and refusing to get wet, but that's the twist in our foodie tale. We left with stomachs as full and maybe just a hint of cheesecake FOMO.

Day 3:

Alright, folks, hold onto your hats (or wizard hats) because we're diving into the magical world of Universal Studios Hollywood – where movies come to life, and where I finally got to live my childhood Harry Potter dreams! Now, for Cathal, this was round two, but for me, it was like stepping into a rollercoaster filled heaven!

We kicked things off with the world-famous Studio Tour, and let me tell you, it was like a backstage pass to Hollywood's secrets. We explored real movie sets, watched jaw-dropping special effects in action, and got an insider's peek into the chaotic and creative world of filmmaking. I mean, have you ever seen a flood being created before your very eyes?

After that excitement, we couldn't resist a detour to the Simpsons world. Homer and Bart were waiting to greet us, and Cathal couldn't pass up the chance to snag his favorite snack – a donut the size of a tractor tire. Seriously, that thing was bigger than his head!

Now, here comes the part that had me feeling like a kid who just found the golden ticket – the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! I practically floated into the magical realm of Hogwarts, and trust me when I say, I was in my absolute element. I sipped on Butterbeer, watched a young wizard-in-training think he had finally unlocked his magical powers (yes, I almost cried witnessing this, it was too cute!), and marveled at the intricately designed Hogsmeade Village. And oh, the Harry Potter ride! It was so worth the nearly two-hour wait (thank goodness for the stunning Hogwarts interior). It was like being whisked away on a broomstick for a high-speed adventure through the wizarding world. Cathal, bless his Muggle heart, isn't quite as big a fan of Harry Potter. I may need to enroll him in Hogwarts for some remedial magical education...

Our 3-day adventure in Los Angeles was filled with a perfect blend of beachside relaxation, glitz, glamour, and immersive entertainment. From the artistic streets of Venice Beach to the wizarding wonders of Harry Potter World, this journey showcased the diverse and captivating facets of the city. Whether you're a beach lover, a film enthusiast, or simply seeking a taste of LA's unique charm, this itinerary is bound to inspire your own exploration of the City of Angels.