overthinking itinerary - need help

Question

Trying to finalize agenda for our trip the week of June 7-12 and I keep second guessing myself so I can't seem to finish it. Traveling with 18-year-old son (we are family of 3). Posting agenda below - hoping you can tell me if I am doing too much. if something I have isn't worth it, or if you have a better suggestion and I really need help with food recommendations (especially hamburgers or Mexican places!) Also, what hours is considered rush hour (I keep seeing stay off roads if you can help it during rush hour - but when is that?) BTW: We will rent a car. PS - my son really doesn't want packed agendas like most of my trips so I already feel like I'm doing too much LOL. Thank you in advance!

Day 1 Arriving in San Deigo - staying at Paradise Point. Plan to mostly hang at hotel/pools this day - may go see the seals in La Jolla that evening?? Dinner - no clue

Day 2 - Going to Raising Canes for lunch (there are 3 restaurants my son wants to eat at and this is one of them - this was closest location I could find - tell me if I'm wrong), then spend the day at Zoo - dinner perhaps in Little Italy??

Day 3 - Going Jet Skiing before heading to Santa Monica for one Night. Staying at The Huntley. Stroll Pier but beyond that - I have no clue what to do - he wanted to see the pier - is it worth staying the night there as well??What else can we do? I understand swimming in ocean NOT recommended.

Day 4 - Staying at Loews for a couple nights. That Morning - tour of celebrity homes - which company to use? (or is that overrated/too touristy) - In and Out for lunch (#2 restaurant must) Jimmy Kimmel Show. Dinner (somewhere)/shopping, World of Illusion (?) they are open til like 10pm so thought could hit this after dinner if it's worth it...or comedy show as alternative??

Day 5: Warner Bros Tour Morning, Roscoes for lunch (#3 Must restaurant) Shopping Rodeo Drive, The Grove/Fairfax and then Dinner (somewhere?)

Couple things I wanted to add but couldn't figure out where made the most sense was the LACMA )just to see the light installation out front so can do this at night and potentially go to the Broad. OH and Griffith Observatory! We have to go there - but when (and is daytime or night time better - is this best place to get pic of Hollywood Sign?

Also heard to try to catch dinner at the Ivy or Craigs?

Day 6 - Fly home from LAX

Any other suggestions or changes to recommend? thank you!

Answer

Your itinerary looks fun, but yes, it’s a bit packed, especially if your son prefers a more relaxed pace. I’ve gone through your days and suggested adjustments, food options, and timing advice. LA traffic and rush hours are important to consider: generally, weekday mornings 7–10AM and evenings 3–7PM are heavy. On weekends, traffic is lighter, but certain areas (Hollywood, Santa Monica, Disneyland corridor) can still get busy.

Day 1 – San Diego, Paradise Point:

Hanging at the hotel/pools is perfect for a relaxed first day. La Jolla seals are fun to see in the evening; no rush.
For dinner nearby: Try George’s at the Cove for casual upscale fare with ocean views, or Hodad’s in Ocean Beach if you want a famous burger.

Day 2 – Zoo Day:

Raising Cane’s is great for lunch; the nearest location to the Zoo is the La Jolla or Mission Valley area. Check which one is easiest with your route.
After the Zoo, Little Italy is a great dinner spot. Popular choices include Born and Raised for steaks or Filippi’s Pizza Grotto.

Day 3 – Jet Skiing, Santa Monica:

Santa Monica Pier is iconic, but staying overnight is optional. One day trip could suffice unless you like beach town evenings.
Other Santa Monica ideas: Third Street Promenade for shopping, Palisades Park for ocean views, or a casual dinner at The Misfit for burgers and comfort food.
Swimming in the ocean is fine, but the water can be chilly; surfing or casual wading is fine.

Day 4 – Loews, Celebrity Homes, Jimmy Kimmel:

Celebrity home tours can be fun but are touristy; Starline Tours is popular. If your son isn’t very into celebrity culture, you might skip or shorten this.
Lunch at In-N-Out is perfect; closest location depends on your area—West Hollywood or Hollywood Blvd. are convenient.
Jimmy Kimmel taping requires tickets booked in advance.
Evening options: World of Illusions is fun, or a comedy show at The Laugh Factory or Comedy Store. You could combine this with dinner at Craig’s or The Ivy (expect long waits and pricey reservations).

Day 5 – Warner Bros, Shopping:

Warner Bros Studio Tour is best in the morning; tickets should be booked in advance.
Lunch at Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles is a solid pick.
Shopping options: Rodeo Drive is upscale and fun to stroll; The Grove/Fairfax area has casual shopping, dining, and outdoor ambiance.
LACMA’s Urban Light installation is great for photos at night; Broad Museum can be visited in the afternoon if time allows.
Griffith Observatory: Daytime gives clear views of the Hollywood Sign; night offers city lights but less sign visibility. Arrive 1–2 hours before sunset for both views and skyline photos.

General Food Recommendations:

Burgers: In-N-Out, Father’s Office (gourmet), Umami Burger
Mexican: Guelaguetza (Oaxacan, near Koreatown), El Compadre (classic LA), Gracias Madre (plant-based upscale)
Casual bites near tourist areas: Shake Shack in Santa Monica, Philippe’s Downtown LA

Suggestions to reduce stress:

Consider skipping one of the more touristy activities (like celebrity homes or World of Illusions) if your son prefers a slower pace.
Cluster activities geographically to reduce driving time—Hollywood, Griffith, and Jimmy Kimmel are close; Santa Monica is separate.
Book tickets in advance wherever possible to avoid waiting in lines (Warner Bros, Jimmy Kimmel, Broad).
Leave buffer time for traffic, especially when heading from hotel to attractions during peak hours.

Overall, your plan is doable but packed. If your son prefers more relaxed days, you might combine some shopping or museum visits with casual lunch/dinner breaks instead of trying to hit everything each day. Late August rush hours in LA are similar to weekday patterns: mornings 7–10AM, evenings 3–7PM. Weekends are lighter, but key corridors like the 405, 10, 101, and 110 can still get busy.

overthinking itinerary - need help

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