7 Days in Los Angeles: Beaches, Studios & Theme Parks

Los Angeles, United States · 7 days, 6 nights · mid-range · from about $2200 per person · best in April, May, September

Los Angeles is a family dream: Disneyland and Universal Studios within 30 minutes of each other, pristine beaches for sunset walks, and enough movie-set sightseeing to keep entertainment junkies happy for days. Sprawling but drivable.

What to expect

Disneyland Resort: two parks (Disneyland, Disney California Adventure) plus Downtown Disney shopping.
Universal Studios Hollywood: movie-magic rides, Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and studio backlot tour.
Santa Monica Beach & Pier: iconic beach, amusement arcade, and beachfront dining.
Griffith Observatory: stargazing, hiking trails, and LA city views.
Getty Center: world-class art, gardens, and views overlooking the Pacific.

Day by day

Day 1: Arrival & Santa Monica Beach

Arrive at LAX or Burbank, collect rental car, drive to Santa Monica area.

Check in; first beach walk on Santa Monica Pier; arcade games and sunset views.

Fish tacos and ice cream on the pier; early night after travel day.

Day 2: Disneyland Resort—Full Day

Early arrival at Disneyland gates (open 8 am); hit Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion early.

Lunch in Fantasyland, then Matterhorn, Jungle Cruise, and newer attractions like Enchantment.

Return to hotel or catch fireworks; casual dinner near the park.

Day 3: Disney California Adventure Park

Second day at Disney parks; California Adventure focuses on Pixar Pier and Avengers Campus.

Lunch in the park; web-sling with Spider-Man, ride Incredicoaster, explore Radiator Springs.

Downtown Disney shopping; casual dinner in the resort district.

Day 4: Universal Studios Hollywood

Drive to Universal Hollywood; early entry to Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Hagrid's Ride.

Studio backlot tram tour, Minions attraction, Mummy coaster, and Transformers.

Dinner at Universal CityWalk; return to beach hotels for downtime.

Day 5: Griffith Observatory & Hikes

Drive to Griffith Park; easy hike to Griffith Observatory with city views.

Observatory museum (open afternoons), nearby Vista Trail with Hollywood sign views.

Sunset dinner at a Hollywood Hills restaurant; stargazing if evening visit to Observatory.

Day 6: Getty Center & Beach Recovery

Getty Center arrival (free entry); explore world-class art and sculpture gardens.

Lunch at Getty café overlooking city and ocean; more art or outdoor play.

Return to Santa Monica or Venice Beach for sunset; casual dinner and beach walk.

Day 7: Final Beach & Departure

Breakfast at a local café; one last beach swim or paddleboard at Venice Beach.

Souvenir shopping or local market browsing; lunch before airport transfer.

Drive to LAX/Burbank for departure or evening flight.

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