There is a lot to explore in Los Angeles, which can make it difficult to decide how to spend just one day in the city! Choosing what to do in the city can be difficult due to the range of options available, including famous movie spots, lovely beaches, and amazing dining spots.
Although it may be difficult to enjoy L.A. in just one day, you can still experience much of Los Angeles on a day trip. However, the city caters to all, so no matter what you choose to do on this schedule, we are confident it will be worthwhile.
In Los Angeles, there are numerous cultural attractions available for everyone, whether they are high-brow, low-brow, or somewhere in the middle. Additionally, the city is perfect for active individuals with a variety of activities and attractions to keep you active.
Here is all the information you need for things to do in LA in a day.
Grab breakfast at The Original Farmer's Market.
Start your day right by enjoying a hearty breakfast at The Original Farmer's Market. The market located at Fairfax and West 3rd is not small — it was founded in 1934 and continues to be a popular place to purchase high-quality seafood, meats, fruits, vegetables, pastries, and sweets.
If you have the time, The Farmer's Market is an excellent place to explore. Head to Du-Par's (stall 210), a popular spot in Los Angeles since 1938 known for serving top-notch buttery hotcakes. Sure, there are many delicious options available at Du-Par's like mac ‘n' cheese, crab cakes, and pies, but the market offers even more choices.
If you are in a rush, head over to Bob's Coffee & Donuts (stall 450). Bob Tusquellas, the owner, has been providing high-quality coffee and delicious donuts since 1970. Every day, all pastries including Bob's renowned cinnamon rolls are made by hand. If this feels overwhelming, Los Angeles offers many excellent acai bowl choices to help you start your day.
Before leaving, make sure to pick up a New York-style pickle from Kaylin+Kaylin. Skewer either a hot dill, a honey mustard, or a kosher dill. If you believe pickles are unappetizing in the morning, you're missing out.
Stroll or paddle the Venice Canals
After you've had breakfast, take a walk to burn off your meal and discover the Venice Canal Historic District, a captivating neighborhood in Los Angeles. The Canals are situated between the Venice Boardwalk and its eccentric characters on the west side, and Abbot Kinney and its trendy residents on the east side.
Today, there are only six canals available for exploration, a decrease from the 13 canals that were present in the early 1900s. Developer Abbot Kinney aimed for his “Venice of America” project to resemble Italy's canals and provide a mode of transportation. The car had not yet become extremely popular in America. Thus, citizens of Venice used boats or canoes to navigate the canals, and gondoliers provided paid tours for tourists on the waterway, as seen in Italy today.
Seven of the original canals were filled by the late 1920s to make the area more suitable for car traffic. Fortunately, six canals were saved, so make sure to make use of them. You can admire the beautiful houses and lovely bridges in this unique area. If you're brave enough, you can also bring your non-motorized boat to explore the canals by water. The launch ramp is located on Venice Boulevard.
Shop along Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Following a visit to the Venice Canals, stroll east for 15 minutes to reach Abbot Kinney Boulevard (named after the canals' creator) for shopping and a snack. Abbot Kinney, a fashionable area with a variety of trendy stores, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, extends from Main Street in Santa Monica to Washington Boulevard, offering a walkable experience. Feel free to treat yourself to some of the most famous spots on the strip in LA for souvenirs from your solo day in the city.
Explore Grow at Abbot Kinney Blvd and Venice for a selection of distinctive Californian gifts, including candles, art, books, and accessories, all crafted in the Golden State with a local flair. If you're looking for more than just LA-themed souvenirs, visit Huset for a variety of options. This trendy local store, influenced by Scandinavian design, sells chic home decor and gift items. The house also offers stylish clothes for women, men, and children (IKEA is not as good as this place). Alternatively, you can purchase a screen-printed T-shirt, hoodie, or sticker with a very Los Angeles style from Vardagen. Nowhere else will you come across these unique hand-drawn designs.
As you stroll towards Huset and Vardagen from Grow to the West, you will come across Salt & Straw, a boutique ice cream store. They make delicious, ice cream with local ingredients, and you can sample a variety of flavors. If you're in LA for just one day, we highly suggest starting your day with ice cream.
Pay a visit to The Museum of Death.
Los Angeles is vibrant and lively, but it also houses the Museum of Death, a place dedicated to all things related to death. The Museum of Death is located approximately a 15-minute drive away from either the Observatory or Hollyhock House. If you decide to come, be prepared for some amazing, and frankly, disturbing views.
However, the Museum of Death is not intended to frighten its visitors. Contrary to that — in 2019, J.D. Healy, co-founder of the Museum of Death, expressed to The Los Angeles Times that inspiring thoughts of death through touch is beneficial. In the end, life has limits, and pondering about death even just a little can help one value life more.
Of course, the Museum of Death offers plenty to provoke thoughts about mortality. From artwork created by serial killers to a collection of coffins at the facility, as well as autopsy tools and life-sized replicas of execution devices, there is a lot to stimulate your mind here. Being a museum in California, the Museum of Death has a large collection of Manson Family items and exhibits. This consists of unedited images from the Manson Family killing spree in August 1969 — proceed with caution.