A perfect day in LA: how to enjoy 24 hours in the City of Angels

With just 24 hours in Los Angeles, you can still enjoy a beach walk, take a surfing lesson, ride through the Santa Monica Mountains on horseback, and have a spiritual moment savoring handmade pasta. The key to fitting it all in: stick to the Westside of the city.

Some locals may be outraged by the idea of spending all your time in Santa Monica and Venice (I personally live on the Eastside and adore it), but with limited time, you don’t want to waste precious moments stuck in traffic (which some might argue is the quintessential LA experience).

To maximize both your valuable vacation time and your exploration of this diverse metropolis, here’s the guide to enjoying the ideal day in LA.

How can I navigate the city if I’m spending just 24 hours in Los Angeles?

Usually, I’d recommend renting a car, but if you’re only here for a day and focusing on one area – like the Westside described below – utilizing public transportation and/or rideshare services can definitely be effective.

What’s the most efficient way to get from LAX airport?

The most economical option for traveling from LAX to downtown Santa Monica is the Big Blue Bus. Take the Rapid 3 route on weekdays or Route 3 any day of the week – both choices only cost $1.10 for a single ride.

For a quicker but more expensive choice (starting at $40), consider using a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft. You’ll still need to take a free shuttle from baggage claim (which operates every seven minutes), but you’ll be dropped off at a designated rideshare area for a smooth pickup.

What should I do with my bags?

Go to your accommodation and drop off your luggage; hotel front desks typically hold them until your room is ready. If you have extra bags or oversized items (like golf clubs or skis) and want to avoid carrying everything, LAX Luggage Storage can assist you. They’ll even meet you at your arrival terminal to collect your bags and return them to you at your departure terminal.

Where is the best place to stay if I’m in Los Angeles for 24 hours?

The Sandbourne Santa Monica is conveniently situated close to LAX and within walking distance of Santa Monica and Urth Caffe (more on that later). It boasts style and local character in abundance. The onsite restaurant, Marelle, led by Santa Monica native Raphael Lunetta, showcases California cuisine on its menu. Guests can enjoy pottery lessons by the pool, take in ocean views, and browse LA-made souvenirs in the lobby shop. Even if you simply relaxed at this hotel, you’d still enjoy a great LA experience.

What can I do in 24 hours in Los Angeles?

Dive right into the day, as LA’s Westside wakes up early and stays lively all day long. However, if you prefer to focus on just one or two activities from the list below, no one would blame you for spending extra time by the pool or beach.

Morning

You can expect to see joggers, cyclists, and rollerbladers enjoying the beachside boardwalk.

Eat: Head straight to Urth Caffe, which opens at 7am and offers ample seating both indoors and in a delightful garden setting. The drink menu is vast and distinctive – be sure to try the Honey Vanilla Latte, which is just the right amount of sweet, or the Rumi Latte, crafted with organic turmeric and pistachio butter.

Do: Grab a coffee to go and take an early morning stroll along the beach. Begin at the iconic Santa Monica Pier for a sneak peek before it gets busy. While the Ferris wheel and other Pacific Park rides open at 11am, the pier is accessible starting at 6am. From there, walk south towards Muscle Beach in Venice.

Mid-morning

Once energized and with their legs stretched, early risers keep moving – whether that means enjoying a stack of pancakes or catching some waves.

Eat: Huckleberry Café is a beloved brunch spot in Santa Monica, serving delicious buttery pancakes drizzled with maple syrup and topped with blueberries, turkey chorizo breakfast burritos with crispy hash browns, and braised brisket hash from 7am to 3pm every day.

Do: Live your LA beach dream and ride the Pacific waves. Poseidon Paddle & Surf provides lessons and rentals for both surfing and stand-up paddleboarding. They also have a full shop for beach souvenirs and a coffee bar for your caffeine fix.

Afternoon

With the sun still shining, Angelenos remain active. After lunch, take a break from the beach and venture into the Santa Monica Mountains.

Eat: Don’t look away from the beach just yet. While the rooftop restaurant at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel, Calabra, isn’t right on the water, you’ll still enjoy ocean views alongside Mediterranean and Californian cuisine. The sides take center stage here – think Harissa Maple Brussels Sprouts and Greek fries served with a feta dill aioli – so be sure to order a few to share.

Do: Discover the Santa Monica Mountains on foot or horseback at Will Rogers State Historic Park, named after the beloved vaudeville star and actor who once owned the land. The Inspiration Point Loop is a moderate 2.2-mile hike, and if you’re interested in horseback riding, be sure to book a guided trail ride with Jigsaw Farms in advance.

Evening

While New Yorkers might dine after 9pm, that’s not typical on LA’s Westside. Instead, beach enthusiasts usually stroll through local shops and settle down for dinner just before sunset.

Eat: Venice’s Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a prime location for window shopping, but the window you’ll likely admire most is at Felix, a pasta lover’s paradise located right on this trendy street. Be sure to order a warm loaf of focaccia, and following that with ricotta-stuffed squash blossoms and handmade pappardelle will elevate your dining experience.

Do: Take some time to explore a few shops along Abbot Kinney, especially Burro, which features California-themed novelties like candles with a Pacific Ocean scent and gold necklaces shaped like the Golden State.

After dark

As previously mentioned, LA’s Westside tends to calm down once the sun sets. After all, everyone wants to rise early for more beach strolls and surf sessions. However, you can still find a great cocktail and enjoy a concert nearby.

Eat: Just half a block from the Santa Monica Pier lies Chez Jay, a nautical-themed dive bar cherished by both locals and tourists since 1959. Legend has it that Marilyn Monroe enjoyed champagne here while awaiting a secret meeting with JFK. Stop by for your own rendezvous featuring top sirloin, shrimp, and truffle parmesan fries.

Do: Enjoy a concert at McCabe's, a guitar shop and music venue that opened in 1959, predating Chez Jay. For decades, this venue has hosted folk, bluegrass, and Americana shows in its cozy 150-seat back room. Its intimate setting allows for a quick retreat back to your hotel for some rest.