LA 3 days

Question

We have 3 days in LA, we want to explore santa monica, Venice Beach and Hollywood. Second trip, but its in January so colder compared to previous April trip. Im thinking to stay 1 night in each location. Where is best to stay first and has more attractions? which locations to avoid and what is best place to stay. We reach LA Saturday midday. Family of 4, with teen children. Thinking to go straight to Hollywood, drops bags(carry on only no big bags), explore stay overnight, next day explore neighborhood and then onto Santa Monica area. Does this sound doable. What is main area to stay. Would it be too cold to stay near beach? Thank you for your time

Answer

For a 3-day January trip to Los Angeles focusing on Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach, your plan is generally doable, but there are some factors to consider regarding traffic, weather, and accommodations.

Starting in Hollywood makes sense since you'll be arriving midday on Saturday. This allows you to drop off your bags, explore the main attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and perhaps the Griffith Observatory. Staying overnight in Hollywood positions you near central LA attractions and reduces initial travel stress.

Next day, you can continue exploring the Hollywood area or nearby neighborhoods like West Hollywood or Beverly Hills. After your daytime activities, you can head west toward Santa Monica or Venice Beach in the afternoon or evening and stay overnight in that area.

Beachside stays in January are perfectly fine. The weather is cooler than April, with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (around 18°C), and mornings/evenings cooler. You likely won’t be swimming, but the beach and pier areas are still enjoyable for walking, biking, and sightseeing. Santa Monica and Venice are lively even in winter, with restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.

Hollywood: Convenient for iconic LA attractions, museums, and easy access to Griffith Park. Traffic can be heavy on weekends, so plan your routes carefully.
Santa Monica: Great for families, walking-friendly, with beach access, pier attractions, shopping, and restaurants. A good choice for your second night.
Venice Beach: More eclectic and artsy, good for a stroll or casual dining. You could combine Venice and Santa Monica since they are very close.

Areas to be cautious with:

Downtown LA (DTLA) at night can be less walkable and a bit gritty in parts, especially if unfamiliar.
Certain parts of Venice can feel sketchy, particularly off the main boardwalk, but daytime visits are generally fine.

Overall itinerary suggestion:

Saturday: Arrive midday, go to Hollywood, drop bags, explore, overnight in Hollywood.
Sunday: Morning in Hollywood or nearby, then drive to Santa Monica/Venice in afternoon, overnight near beach.
Monday: Enjoy Santa Monica/Venice, bike along the beach path, shop, and depart later.

Staying near the beach in January is comfortable for walking, sightseeing, and dining. Layered clothing is recommended, especially for cooler mornings and evenings. This plan minimizes long drives, balances sightseeing and relaxation, and keeps travel practical with teen children.

LA 3 days

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