How to Spend a Staycation in Los Angeles

Find ideas and inspiration for how to spend a staycation in Los Angeles to enjoy some time with your family or on your own.

Though Los Angeles offers no shortage of things to see and do for a fun-filled weekend, it’s nice to get a break from the city to enjoy some quiet time inside with your family or on your own. A staycation gives you the getaway experience, but you’ll have time to slow down and spend some quality time together. Even if you only have a weekend to get away, take a look at this travel itinerary and ideas for spending a staycation in Los Angeles.

Friday Evening

On Friday, you’ll have 72 hours for your staycation in Los Angeles. For a little break from the city, you can book a hotel or vacation rental in another neighborhood for different scenery, or you can splurge with a luxurious hotel that offers everything you need in one place. With a luxury hotel, you’ll have access to room service, spa treatments, a community pool, a fitness center, and other activities, all without leaving the comfort of your hotel.

If you prefer to stay home, you can still have a staycation experience. Order delivery or carry-out from a restaurant like Lum-Ka Naad, a versatile Thai restaurant in the valley that offers creative cuisine from all over the country.

After dinner, you can enjoy a movie night with the family or catch up on your favorite television show. On a couple’s retreat, opt for wine or cocktails you can have at home and watch your favorite romantic films for a cozy night together.

Saturday Morning

On Saturday morning, you’ll have 48 hours remaining on your Los Angeles staycation. Start by making a delicious breakfast for your family and enjoying some time together, or order room service for a pampered morning. If you have a fitness center at your hotel, get in a morning workout to give yourself a boost of energy for the day.

After breakfast, you have virtually limitless options for how to spend your day. If you have the kids, a trip to the Santa Monica Pier is a great way to enjoy the sunshine and give the kids a chance to ride amusement park rides and play games. You could also visit Griffith Park and stroll along hiking trails that give you stunning city views. For more sightseeing, head to the Walk of Fame and take photos of the famous Hollywood stars along the sidewalk.

For lunch, grab some takeout from a food truck to bring home with you and relax with your family. Some of the local favorites include The Lobos Truck, Jogasaki Sushi Burrito, and Prince of Venice, but this is a good chance to try a new option that you haven’t had before.

Saturday Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, you can relax on the sand at Santa Monica State Beach, a popular beach for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. The beach is a great place for the whole family, but it’s also the perfect way to unwind and take some time to yourself on a solo trip.

For dinner, visit the Original Farmers Market, a historic location with gourmet foods and shops, to pick up some local produce and meat to cook your own meal at home. You can find everything from Italian cuisine staples to exotic ingredients, giving you a chance to test your culinary skills.

On Saturday night in Los Angeles, you can head back out into the city for a sightseeing tour of the famous landmarks, streets, and movie studios. Places like Sunset Strip, Mulholland Drive, and Melrose Avenue are great places for a self-driving tour.

Sunday Morning

On Sunday morning in Los Angeles, you’ll have 24 hours left for sightseeing. Start with a quick breakfast at home before heading out into nature on a hike in Runyon Canyon Park. Spanning 160 acres, the park offers beautiful views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the distant cityscapes for a feeling of getting away from it all.

For another opportunity to get outside, visit the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The cemetery is home to many iconic celebrity graves, including Hattie McDaniel, Max Factor, and Cecil B. DeMille.

If you want to go out and sightsee with the kids, you can visit the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The long promenade is home to many shops, eateries, and street performers, so you can catch an impromptu show along the way. Before you leave, grab some carry-out seafood for a quick lunch and eat on a bench or table by the beach.

Sunday Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, visit the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens to experience a lovely, tranquil space where you can peruse artwork, browse books, and stroll through idyllic garden spaces with colorful flowers, water features, and picturesque bridges.

If you want something more adventurous, you can travel to the Bronson Canyon to see an iconic movie set or hike the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. There’s also a hiking loop around the Hollywood Reservoir, a man-made lake with views of the city.

Before you return to the hotel to make dinner, stop at The Last Bookstore, an artsy shop with vintage books and records. You can find a new book to relax and read on your last night of staycation or pick up a retro record for a romantic evening. If you booked a rental with a hot tub, spend some time relaxing with a glass of wine or a cocktail before you return to the daily grind.

Ready for the perfect weekend getaway?

Now that you have a staycation itinerary for a few days of time spent with yourself or your family, it’s time to start planning. Take a look at weekend getaways from Los Angeles and browse deals on Los Angeles hotels on Expedia to save on your trip!