Reasonable Itinerary?

Question

Our family will be visiting LA this summer (two 19 year-olds and a 16 year-old). I'm wondering if this itinerary seems do-able, or if there are additional suggestions that might be interesting for my film-obsessed teens.

Day 1-

Morning visiting Hollywood Walk of fame and Sunset Boulevard

Afternoon studio tour at Warner Bros.

Evening at Griffith Conservatory

Day 2-

Explore downtown LA (Angel's Flight, The Broad, Bradbury Building, Little Tokyo, other?)

Evening movie in the main room at the Chinese Theater

Day 3-

Visit the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Evening show at the Hollywood Bowl

Day 4-

Drive out to spend a day exploring Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier

Day 5-

Universal Studios

Contemplating a vacation rental near Beverly Grove or even near West Hollywood. I would love any feedback. Thank you so much.

Answer

Your proposed itinerary for Los Angeles is very film-centric and should be exciting for teens who love movies. Overall, it is doable, but there are a few adjustments and additional suggestions to optimize travel time, reduce stress, and enhance the experience.

Accommodation Choice

Staying near Beverly Grove or West Hollywood is a good choice. Both areas are centrally located, relatively safe, and offer easy access to Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard, and studio tours. They also have ample restaurants and shopping, and parking is easier than in central Hollywood.

Day 1: Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Boulevard, Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Griffith Observatory

Morning: Hollywood Walk of Fame and Sunset Boulevard – allow 2–3 hours for walking, photos, and exploring side streets.
Afternoon: Warner Bros. Studio Tour – the standard “Studio Tour” is about 2–3 hours. Book tickets in advance.
Evening: Griffith Observatory – sunset is ideal for views of the city and the Hollywood Sign. Consider traffic from Hollywood to Griffith Park; it can take 30–45 minutes.

Day 2: Downtown LA Exploration

Angel's Flight, The Broad, Bradbury Building, and Little Tokyo are walkable if you start early. Allocate 3–4 hours for these, factoring in time for The Broad (tickets often need to be reserved).
Evening: Movie at TCL Chinese Theatre – check showtimes and consider a special experience in the main theater if available.

Day 3: Academy Museum of Motion Pictures & Hollywood Bowl

The Academy Museum can easily take 2–3 hours. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially in summer.
Evening show at Hollywood Bowl – ensure you have tickets in advance. Traffic and parking can be challenging; plan to arrive at least 1 hour early.

Day 4: Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier

Venice Beach Boardwalk – explore murals, street performers, and skate park. Allow 1–2 hours for a casual walk.
Santa Monica Pier – enjoy rides, arcade games, and food. Renting bikes to ride along the Strand is a fun addition for teens.

Day 5: Universal Studios Hollywood

Full day – plan to arrive early. Popular rides include Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World, and Studio Tour. Consider Express Pass to reduce wait times.

Additional Film-Focused Suggestions

Paramount Studios Tour – another classic studio tour option, smaller than Warner Bros., but with historic sets.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery – for film history enthusiasts, where many famous actors are buried; also hosts occasional screenings.
ArcLight or El Capitan theaters – historic theaters offering immersive movie experiences beyond standard screenings.
Interactive experiences like Star Trek or Marvel exhibitions, sometimes available seasonally.

Tips

LA traffic can be heavy; build in travel time between locations.
Booking tickets in advance for Warner Bros., Universal, The Broad, and Hollywood Bowl is highly recommended.
Parking: Beverly Grove and West Hollywood have better parking options than central Hollywood; still, check hotel parking policies and consider rideshares for evening events.
Stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes – walking is extensive in Hollywood and Venice.

Overall, the itinerary is reasonable and hits many highlights for film enthusiasts. Minor tweaks in timing and pre-booking attractions will ensure a smoother experience, and adding optional film-related experiences can enhance the trip for your teens.

Reasonable Itinerary?

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