2 days in LA in July

Question

We have 2 days in LA in July (husband, me and 2 older teenage kids). It's the end of a California trip (after San Francisco, Yosemite, Monterey and Santa Barbara). Any suggestions and places to stay? We'll have a hire car. On our arrival in LA from Santa Barbara planning on going straight to Universal for the day (not counting that as one of our 2 days). Then have 2 days to spend in LA before we have a day in Disney and fly home.

We love hiking but I think it may be too hot then (we're British! and also conscious of recent fires), history, sightseeing and want to see the must sees of LA and have some fun! Any ideas of itineraries and convenient places to stay so we can make the most of our 2 days? Thanks in advance!!

Answer

For your 2 days in Los Angeles in July, it’s great that you already have Universal Studios covered. With a hire car, you have flexibility to explore both classic sights and some less touristy areas. Since you’re traveling with older teens, you’ll want a mix of iconic LA attractions, some outdoor activities that aren’t too strenuous in the summer heat, and a bit of local flavor.

Where to stay: Since you’ll be splitting your time between sightseeing and Disney, staying somewhere central or in West Hollywood, Hollywood, or near Beverly Hills is convenient. These areas give you reasonable access to major attractions, restaurants, and shopping. You could also consider Santa Monica if you want to experience the beach scene, but that will add some driving time to Universal and downtown areas.

Hollywood/West Hollywood: Close to Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, and easy freeway access to other attractions.
Beverly Hills: Slightly more upscale, quieter, and still central for sightseeing.
Santa Monica: Beachfront area with shopping and dining, good for a more relaxed vibe but further from Universal and downtown.

Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1: Iconic LA Sights and Culture

Morning: Start at Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city and the Hollywood Sign. It’s a short, manageable hike if you want to stretch your legs.
Late Morning: Head to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre to see the handprints of famous stars. Quick stroll and photo ops here.
Lunch: Grab something casual on Hollywood Blvd or head toward Sunset Blvd for a wider choice.
Afternoon: Drive through Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive for a taste of luxury LA shopping (even just window shopping can be fun). Alternatively, visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) or The Broad in downtown LA if you enjoy art and culture.
Evening: Consider heading to Santa Monica Pier or Venice Beach to catch the sunset and enjoy a lively boardwalk atmosphere. Dinner in Santa Monica or West Hollywood depending on where you stay.

Day 2: Scenic Drives and Relaxed Outdoor Fun

Morning: Take a drive along Mulholland Drive or the Pacific Coast Highway for breathtaking views of the city and coastline.
Late Morning: Visit the Getty Center, which offers stunning architecture, art collections, and gardens. The hilltop views are amazing and it’s relatively cool inside the galleries.
Lunch: Eat at the Getty’s cafe or nearby Brentwood or Westwood neighborhoods for casual dining.
Afternoon: If the family wants some light outdoor activity, you could do the short hike at Runyon Canyon (but avoid peak sun hours) or stroll along Santa Monica Beach/Third Street Promenade for shopping and street performers.
Evening: Wrap up with a dinner in West Hollywood or downtown LA, perhaps try a fun themed restaurant or rooftop dining for city views.

Tips:

July can be hot, so plan morning outdoor activities and afternoon museum or indoor visits.
Traffic in LA can be heavy. Try to plan routes with a bit of buffer time, especially if heading toward Disney the next day.
Parking can be tricky and expensive. Look for hotels with parking included or plan for paid parking at attractions.
For a family-friendly vibe with teens, mix iconic sightseeing with experiences like Santa Monica Pier arcade, street art in the Arts District, or a studio tour at Warner Bros or Sony.

This itinerary balances must-see attractions, some outdoor activity, and cultural highlights, while keeping in mind the summer heat and LA traffic.