36 Hours in Los Angeles: Things to Do and See

36 Hours

By Genevieve KoUpdated June 1, 2023

I know you’re going to hate me for leaving out your favorite place, but Los Angeles is huge. There's no way to cover its vastness in a weekend — or without a car — but it's possible to capture its romance by avoiding the 405-10 interchange and sticking to one part of town each day. In this guide, we go west to east and loop back to the middle. While downtown has yet to return to its 2019 energy, there are notable happenings in other neighborhoods, like the renovated Hammer Museum's reopening in Westwood, and the burgeoning number of restaurants, bars and shops in Hollywood. Locals know the best spots are hiding in plain sight, and an appreciation for beloved classics and an openness to all that's new define the City of Angels. Well, that and embracing the drives.

Friday: West side

Saturday: East side

Sunday: Mid-City