Planning a 3 day trip to Los Angeles becomes much easier when you have a rental car. After landing at Los Angeles International Airport, many travelers choose to pick up a vehicle in Inglewood for faster service and lower costs.
This 3 day Los Angeles itinerary using a rental car is designed to help you explore beaches, city attractions, and iconic landmarks efficiently.
Day 1: Beaches and Coastal Drive
Start your journey with Los Angeles coastal highlights.
Morning: Santa Monica
Drive to Santa Monica
Estimated time: 20 to 30 minutes
What to do:
- Walk along Santa Monica Pier
- Enjoy ocean views
- Explore local cafes
Parking tip:
- Use public parking structures near the beach
Afternoon: Venice Beach
Drive to Venice Beach
Estimated time: 10 to 15 minutes
What to do:
- Explore the boardwalk
- Watch street performances
- Visit shops and food spots
Evening: Marina del Rey
Drive to Marina del Rey
What to do:
- Relax by the marina
- Enjoy sunset views
- Dine at waterfront restaurants
Return to Inglewood or your hotel for the night.
Day 2: Hollywood and City Attractions
Morning: Hollywood
Drive to Hollywood
Estimated time: 30 to 45 minutes
What to do:
- Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Visit iconic landmarks
- Take photos of the Hollywood sign
Afternoon: Griffith Observatory
Drive to Griffith Observatory
What to do:
- Enjoy panoramic views of Los Angeles
- Explore exhibits
- Capture great photos
Parking tip:
- Arrive early as parking fills quickly
Evening: Beverly Hills
Drive to Beverly Hills
What to do:
- Visit Rodeo Drive
- Explore luxury shopping
- Walk through iconic streets
Return to your hotel.
Day 3: Downtown and Local Experiences
Morning: Downtown Los Angeles
Drive to Downtown Los Angeles
Estimated time: 25 to 40 minutes
What to do:
- Explore cultural attractions
- Visit museums
- Experience local food spots
Afternoon: Shopping and Local Areas
Explore nearby areas for shopping and casual sightseeing.
Options include:
- Local markets
- Shopping centers
- Cafes and restaurants
Evening: Return Toward LAX
Head back toward Inglewood or near Los Angeles International Airport to prepare for departure.
Why Use a Rental Car for This Trip
Using a rental car gives you:
- Flexibility to explore multiple destinations
- Time efficiency compared to public transport
- Comfort during travel
- Freedom to adjust your schedule
Travelers searching for car rental near LAX benefit from easy access and convenient travel.
Driving Tips for Los Angeles
- Avoid peak traffic hours when possible
- Use GPS navigation for real time updates
- Keep extra time for travel delays
- Follow parking rules carefully
Suggested Daily Plan
Day 1
- Santa Monica
- Venice Beach
- Marina del Rey
Day 2
- Hollywood
- Griffith Observatory
- Beverly Hills
Day 3
- Downtown Los Angeles
- Shopping and local exploration
Call to Action
To make your trip smooth and stress free, book your rental car with 24Seven Rent A Car.
They offer:
- Quick pickup near LAX
- Affordable pricing
- Wide vehicle selection
- Easy booking process
Starting your journey with a reliable rental car ensures you can explore Los Angeles comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough to explore Los Angeles
Yes. With a rental car, you can cover major attractions in 3 days.
Is driving in Los Angeles difficult for tourists
No. With GPS and planning, it is manageable.
What is the best place to start the trip
Starting from Inglewood near LAX is convenient and efficient.
Do I need a rental car for this itinerary
Yes. It provides flexibility and saves time.
Final Thoughts
A 3 day Los Angeles itinerary using a rental car allows you to explore beaches, landmarks, and city attractions efficiently. Starting from Inglewood gives you quick access to all major destinations.
With proper planning and the right vehicle, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable Los Angeles trip.