While we did not bump into Miley Cyrus on this road trip, this Los Angeles itinerary left us in awe, and we certainly partied hard in the USA (in the car 😂)
Hollywood, palm trees, and sunny weather are the first things that come to mind when we think about Los Angeles. Hence, we were surprised to find out that the city has various national parks, beaches, and attractions —perfect for a road trip!
However, if this is your first time visiting LA or the USA, planning one may be confusing.
Thus, with this comprehensive 7-Day Los Angeles itinerary, we hope to help you navigate driving around LA and California better! Covering iconic attractions, beaches, lakes, forests, and some less-visited spots, we promise that the experiences and views on this road trip will be ones to remember forever.
Make this road trip even better by enjoying up to 50% off China Airlines, Trip.com, Traveloka, Agoda, and many more, with Citi Mastercard. But that’s not all — read on to find out how you could win a Dream Holiday worth S$20,000*!
Getting to Los Angeles from Singapore
We flew with China Airlines, one of Taiwan’s major flag carriers, from Singapore to Los Angeles.
The total flight time was ~17 hours, with a layover at Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport. This gave us time to stretch, walk around, and get bubble tea, which helped make the long-haul flight more bearable. In the air, the spacious seats and well-loaded entertainment catalogue kept us so comfortable and engaged that the flight flew by!
Psst, enjoy an additional 6% off China Airlines airfares with your Citi Mastercard.
Pre-Trip Essentials
Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA): While visas aren’t required for Singaporean passport holders visiting the USA for 90 days, you will need to apply for an ESTA (US$21, ~S$27.30) online before visiting.
Connectivity: We opted for an eSIM for smooth and fast 5G coverage during our road trip and the convenience of not switching SIM cards. However, there is usually no connection in the national parks, so remember to download an offline version of the maps before going.
And we have a deal for you! Get 10% off AIRSIMe eSIM credit with the promo code <CITIESIM> when you checkout with a Citi Mastercard.
Car rental: We rented a Midsize SUV (5-seater, automatic transmission) with Hertz for ~US$53/day (~S$69/day), inclusive of taxes and insurance. Prices may fluctuate, so book early to secure your car before arrival!
There is also a free shuttle bus between the airport and the car rental facility for convenience. Take note that a Young Renter Daily Fee applies for drivers below age 25, and Singaporeans require an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive overseas.
*Pro-tip: Get 10% off base rates for Hertz car rentals worldwide when you book with your Citi Mastercard!
Map of 7-Day Los Angeles Road Trip Itinerary
Take note: This trip happened in 2025, so we avoided the areas in Malibu that were hit by the Palisades Fire.
Day 0-1: Arrive in Los Angeles and Disney California Adventure Park
After a full day of travelling, we finally hopped off the plane at LAX at around 9PM, and proceeded to a hotel near the airport to sleep off the jetlag. And we woke up full of excitement for our first full day in LA, to be spent at Disney California Adventure Park (DCA).
Not to be confused with its neighbour Disneyland, DCA houses more thrilling rides exclusive to LA. It has eight uniquely themed areas — such as Cars Land, Avengers Campus, and Pixar Pier — and showcases characters from the newer Disney and Pixar shows!
As a Disney fan and adrenaline junkie, I really enjoyed the rides in DCA, especially Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout, Incredicoaster, and Web Slingers!
Web Slingers amazed me the most, as this 4-D ride required us to compete against other players to shoot rogue robotic spiders down. And we are not shooting with guns, it’s with “spider webs” coming out from our wrists. Just like Spider-Man!
Another memorable part of the day would be catching the Pixar characters perform in their floats at the Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration Parade. We found ourselves giggling and dancing along to the hype music as the characters danced past us!
*Pro-tip: Download the Disneyland app to access the ride waiting times and virtual queues, meet-and-greet and show timings, and more!
Cars Land
One of the highlights of DCA is Cars Land, and setting foot here felt like a scene out of the Grand Canyon! The most popular ride here is Radiator Springs Racers, which takes riders on a thrilling car race around the canyon.
However, the queue for the ride can get pretty long without a Single Lightning Lane Pass.
*Pro-tip: Join the single-rider queue for shorter waiting times. You might not be able to sit with your friends, but there’s a chance you can race them in separate cars.
We recommend visiting Cars Land at sunset to watch the place light up neon! Ask a staff member for the specific light-up time as it changes based on when the sun sets.
World of Color Fountain Show
End the day on a high with the World of Color Fountain Show happening at Pixar Pier. Watch iconic Disney and Pixar characters come to life in this grand and colourful water show, which left us all staring in awe.
If you’re lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of the Disneyland fireworks on the way out of DCA.
Be sure to check out the World of Disney store outside the park for any last-minute souvenir shopping. It has a ginormous selection of Disney goods, and closes at midnight!
*Pro-tip: Purchase a Lightning Lane Multi Pass for only S$41 on top of your regular ticket via Klook to skip the queue at your favourite rides. Plus, you get to download a digital copy of your park photos.
Entrance fee: From S$132.50/pax via Klook
Opening hours: Varies
Address: Anaheim, CA 92802, United States
How to get there: 40min drive from LAX (Google Maps)
Read also: The Theme Park Lovers’ Guide to Los Angeles’ Best Theme Parks
Get S$10 off your Klook bookings (min. S$150 spend) when you book with a Citi Mastercard. Save money and enjoy more!
Day 2: Malibu and Santa Monica
Malibu Farm Pier Restaurant
Day 2 is all about beaches! So after picking up the car, we headed straight for Malibu Farm Pier Restaurant, which promises the best views of Malibu.
And they were so right! Situated on the boardwalk of the iconic Malibu Pier, this restaurant gave us unobstructed views of the sparkling blue ocean.
They also pride themselves on their farm-to-table dishes, so we ordered their vegan coconut curry and chicken broccoli quesadilla to share (as portion sizes in the USA are huge). We were surprised by how fresh the ingredients were.
After we finished the healthy and delicious meal, we took some time to stroll down the pier to soak in the view of the surrounding beaches, and watched the locals conquer the waves!
Cost: From US$19/main (~S$25)
Opening hours: 9AM – 7PM
Address: 23000 CA-1 Building A, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
How to get there: 35min drive from Hertz Car Rental LAX (Google Maps)
Point Dume
We thought the view from Malibu Pier was impressive enough, but Point Dume made our jaws drop with its towering cliffs, rocky coves, and endless shoreline. Not even kidding: we needed a moment to register the glorious landscape before us.
We only stayed at the lookout point, but if you have more time, you can attempt the 1.8km hike up to the top of Point Dume, or head down the long stairway that takes you to the shore.
*Note: There are limited parking spaces at Point Dume. Additional parking can be found at Westward Beach.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 5AM – 7PM
Address: Cliffside Dr &, Birdview Ave, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
How to get there: 14min drive from Malibu Farm Pier Restaurant (Google Maps)
El Matador State Beach
Known for its unique rock formations like those of the 12 Apostles in Australia, El Matador State Beach is popular among locals and tourists for photos and a relaxing time. The rocks are great backdrops for pictures, and during low tide, you can even go under them.
We went during high tide, so we had fun running around the sand barefoot and dipping our feet into the chilly waters instead!
Entrance fee: Free
Address: 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
How to get there: 10min drive from Point Dume (Google Maps)
Santa Monica Pier
After spending the day at Malibu, we managed to catch the gorgeous sunset at the iconic (but very crowded) Santa Monica Pier!
The whole pier was lined with shops selling souvenirs and snacks, and tourists snapping photos with the beach as a backdrop. Occasional squeals were also heard from people having fun on the rides at Pacific Park. As the sun went down, the Pacific Wheel began to light up in various neon colours, adding to the dreamy and nostalgic vibe of the place.
Fun fact: Santa Monica Pier is where Route 66 ends! This is the historic highway that stretches for 3940 km between Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California!
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 6AM – 10PM
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States
How to get there: 40min drive from El Matador State Beach (Google Maps)
Day 3: Six Flags Magic Mountain
Porto’s Bakery and Cafe
With six outlets spread across California, Porto’s Bakery and Cafe is a family-owned business that prides itself on its huge selection of affordable yet delicious traditional Cuban pastries, with prices as low as US$1.40 per pastry.
We opted for their best-sellers – the potato ball, meat pie, and guava & cheese strudel. Boy, were they flavourful! The warm potato ball was crispy on the outside and overflowing with gooey filling that makes you go yummm 🤤
The meat pie was very aromatic, while the guava and cheese strudel was a crowd-pleaser with its delightful sweet taste.
Cost: From US$1.40/pastry (~S$1.80)
Opening hours: 6:30AM – 8PM
Address: 3614 Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505, United States
How to get there: 5min drive from Lexen Hotel North Hollywood (Google Maps)
Six Flags Magic Mountain
That’s “Wonder Woman Flight of Courage”, the World’s tallest, longest single-rail coaster!
Disney California Adventure was definitely just a warm-up for the thrill capital of the world, Six Flags Magic Mountain. This park houses 19 record-breaking roller coasters, earning it the title of having the most roller coasters in an amusement park.
The adrenaline junkies in us were so pumped to be here!
Rides
Full Throttle: the world’s tallest triple-launching roller coaster
Even as thrill seekers, our hearts were palpitating at the sight of these roller coasters with close to 90° drops, breakneck speeds, insane heights, and multiple loops.
We could physically only handle 10 of the rides and concluded that Full Throttle, Goliath, and The Riddler’s Revenge were our favourites.
The most thrilling of all the rides was the infamous X2, the world’s first 5-D coaster with seats that can spin 360° forwards or backwards to add another dimension of movement. Due to the intensity of the ride, we would recommend taking this ride last, as it was the one that knocked all energy out of us.
Dining
Thankfully, there were many dining options for us to refuel around the park. They had an Unlimited All Day Dining Package (~US$45), and an Endless Refreshment Package (~US$19), which meant we got unlimited beverage refills throughout the blazing hot day.
Both DCA and Six Flags also provide water coolers around the parks.
*Pro-tip: Download the Six Flags app to access ride waiting times and the park map.
Entrance fee: From S$88/ticket via Klook
Opening hours: 10:30AM – 6PM
Address: 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355, United States
How to get there: 30min drive from Porto’s Bakery and Cafe (Google Maps)
Citi Mastercard Cardmembers can enjoy S$10 off Klook bookings (min. S$150 spend)!
Erewhon
An exclusive premium supermarket chain in LA, Erewhon is where we imagine celebrities and influencers shop for their groceries. The shelves are lined with organic produce, and simple things like water can cost up to US$7 (~S$9) per bottle.
We came here not really intending to buy anything, but for the “cultural experience” of browsing the shelves of extravagant goods like a Hollywood star 🌟
They also have a hot food section where you can choose ingredients to be added to a takeaway lunchbox, much like an atas caifan.
The only thing we got was the viral Hailey Bieber’s Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie (US$20) from the Tonic Bar to see what the hype was all about.
At first glance, this smoothie — like other famous Erewhon smoothies — was very pretty, with pink and white swirls blending into each other.
As for the taste, we were pleasantly surprised by how much we loved it! The banana and strawberry went well together, and we demolished the entire cup.
Opening hours: 7AM – 10PM
Address: 12833 Ventura Blvd Suite #105, Studio City, CA 91604, United States
How to get there: 31min drive from Six Flags Magic Mountain (Google Maps)
We used our Citi PremierMiles Mastercard for all our spending in the US as we could earn 2.2 Citi Miles for every S$1 foreign currency spent! Best part, there is no cap on the miles you can earn, and miles don’t expire!
Day 4: Joshua Tree National Park
Pioneertown
For the next 2 days, we left the city for the National Parks, starting with a stop at Pioneertown for a taste of the past.
Straight out of a cowboy movie, Pioneertown is an old film site that has now turned into a tourist attraction. With shops, a petting zoo, a motel, and the local favourite Pappy and Harriet’s restaurant lining the sandy street, this place is more than just a photogenic spot. Yeehaw!
We had lunch at the historic Red Dog Saloon, which was originally built in 1946 and has been featured in many old Western films. Currently, it’s a vibey bar with live music serving Tex-Mex cuisine and cocktails!
Entrance fee: Free
Address: 53539 Mane St, Pioneertown, CA 92268, United States
How to get there: 2hr 10min drive from Lexen Hotel North Hollywood (Google Maps)
Joshua Tree National Park
As we approached Joshua Tree National Park, the view drastically changed to a vast desert with huge boulders, and Joshua Trees scattered everywhere on the rocky sand — very other-worldly indeed.
As the desert was very dry and there was no form of shade outside, we came prepared with huge bottles of water, and wore caps and appropriate shoes before attempting a few short and scenic hikes.
*Pro-tip: There is usually no cell service here. Download an offline map before arriving.
Entrance fee: From US$30 for Standard Entrance Pass (~S$39), valid for 7 days per vehicle
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 25min drive from Pioneertown (Google Maps)
Arch Rock
The popular 2km Arch Rock trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking the arch-shaped rock. While it’s relatively flat and easy, certain parts are narrow and have uneven rocky surfaces. Thankfully, there were signs along the sandy paths to show us the right directions!
Instead of just looking at the rock, we wanted to go underneath the arch as we were curious about the view from up there. This meant having to go on all fours to ascend the boulders, but the view of the endless miles of jumbo rocks from above was worth it!
*Note: Drone flying is not allowed in the national parks.
Starting point: Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, United States
How to get there: 50min drive from Pioneertown (Google Maps)
Skull Rock
Photo credit: National Park Service
A short drive away from Arch Rock is Skull Rock, another popular photo spot in the national park. As the name suggests, this is a huge granite rock that eroded over time to resemble the shape of a skull.
And good news, you don’t need to hike to see it! There’s a parking spot located across the road from the rock.
Starting point: Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, United States
How to get there: 8min drive from Arch Rock Nature Trailhead (Google Maps)
Hidden Valley
As sunset approached, we drove to the Hidden Valley Nature Trailhead to embark on the scenic 1.6km trail, which leads you to the top of a humongous, hidden valley of rocks.
The scale of the valley was insane. With the fiery orange sun setting in the backdrop, this place felt like a painting we wished we could capture in our memory forever. Highly recommend watching the sunset here when in Joshua Tree National Park!
*Pro-tip: While the National Park is open 24 hours, we recommend leaving before it gets dark, as there are no street lamps on the road. Be careful when driving in the dark.
Starting point: 74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, United States
How to get there: 15min drive from Skull Rock Trailhead (Google Maps)
Stargazing at Airbnb
After a full day on the road and hiking, we decided to take the night chill by relaxing in our Airbnb, and making dinner from groceries we got at the nearby Walmart Supercenter.
And when night fell, the clear desert sky turned into a sparkling tapestry of stars, even revealing a Milky Way that we could see from our backyard. We spent hours in the dark absorbing this sight and attempting some epic astrophotography. It felt like the whole galaxy was right above us 🤩
Be warned that the temperatures drop quite drastically after sundown!
Opening hours: 6AM – 11PM
Address: 58501 29 Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley, CA 92284, United States
How to get there: 30min drive from Hidden Valley Nature Trailhead (Google Maps)
Day 5: Big Bear Lake
JT Country Kitchen
A local recommended JT Country Kitchen for breakfast, a cosy retro diner serving some of the best pancakes, French toast, and hash browns around town!
Their “World Famous” buttermilk pancake was as large as a dinner plate, fluffy but crispy on the edges. Their French toast was thick, buttery, and fluffy, while the shredded hashbrowns were fried to perfection!
Opening hours: 7AM – 3PM
Address: 61768 29 Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, United States
How to get there: 6min drive from Walmart Supercenter (Google Maps)
Big Bear Lake Alpine Pedal Path
Fueled by our hearty breakfast, we embarked on an hour’s drive out of the desert into the forests and waters of Big Bear Lake.
We headed straight for the Alpine Pedal Path, a 5km paved trail with stunning views of the glistening blue lake and the towering forested mountains. The lake reminded us of the ones in Switzerland, and if you are up for it, you can rent a bicycle near the visitor centre to cycle around it.
Entrance fee: Free
Address: 740 Stanfield Cutoff, Big Bear, CA 92314, United States
How to get there: 1hr 12min drive from JT Country Kitchen (Google Maps)
Tropicali
Ranked No. 1 restaurant in California by Yelp, Tropicali is known for its flavourful and fresh poke bowls.
We got their signature Tahiti and Pele bowls, and our completely empty bowls are a testament to how scrumptious they were! The fresh sashimi — along with their mixture of house sauces — went so well together that we wished we had space in our stomachs for another one!
Their decorations are wild too: imagine entering via a shark’s mouth and having a life-sized polar bear structure staring at you through a window! The whole bohemian vibe of the restaurant added to the experience. Plus, it has a panoramic view of the entire lake.
Cost: From US$11.95/main (~S$15.50)
Opening hours: 11AM – 6PM, closed on Tue & Wed
Address: 40771 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315, United States
How to get there: 3min walk from Big Bear Visitor Center (Google Maps)
Mine Shaft Alpine Coaster
When we heard that California’s only mountain coaster is in Big Bear, we had to give it a shot.
Open all year-round, this thrilling coaster lets us soak in the views of Big Bear Lake on the way up, before speeding down a mile-long metal track at an exhilarating speed of 43km/hr. With steep drops, dips, and twists, we can’t help but let out a long scream as we zoomed down.
They also have other fun activities such as go-karts, alpine slides, snow tubing, and more.
Cost: From US$20/ride (~S$26)
Opening hours: 10AM – 4PM (Mon – Fri), 10AM – 5PM (Sat – Sun)
Address: 40359 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315, United States
How to get there: 2min drive from Big Bear Visitor Center (Google Maps)
Secret Sunset Hiking Tour with Local Guide
There are many popular hikes around Big Bear Lake, but we wanted to visit somewhere only locals knew about.
That’s why we booked a private sunset hiking tour with a friendly local guide named Amber, and it was the best decision we made.
Amber has been hiking around Big Bear since she was a child and has a wealth of knowledge on the flora and fauna there. She brought us to Snow Forest to hike, where we were the only ones on the trail!
This secret trail has no signs and is not even on the map. But the views from here? Absolutely breathtaking!
As the golden sun began to set, the orange hue reflecting off the lake made the view even more spectacular. And as an avid photographer herself, Amber took us to all the best photo spots on the hike.
This being a private tour meant that we could take as many photo breaks as we wanted. But even without breaks, this 5km trail is super manageable.
Besides this hike, Amber also offers a range of Airbnb experiences around Big Bear Lake, all year round!
*Pro-tip: Bring a jacket on this hike as the temperatures drop drastically after sundown.
Cost: S$64/pax via Airbnb
Tour timing: 6PM – 8PM
Saucy Mama’s Pizzeria
Amber recommended Saucy Mama’s Pizzeria for our dinner, and it did not disappoint! You could DIY your own pizza, but we got their Diane’s Margherita and Wendy’s Works (pepperoni and sausage with vegetables) pizzas to go.
The pizza had a crispy, focaccia-like texture and was topped with fresh ingredients that went so well with the cheese. Even as a crust-hater, I happily devoured every single bite of the pizza.
Cost: From US$18/small pizza (~S$23.50)
Opening hours: 11AM – 9PM
Address: 618 Pine Knot Ave, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315, United States
How to get there: 5min walk from Big Bear Visitor Center (Google Maps)
Day 6: Los Angeles City Attractions
Citadel Outlets
We are back in the city, and the first order of business is outlet mall shopping at Citadel Outlets. With over 130 beauty and fashion brands offering major in-store discounts and cheaper prices than back home, you could spend a full day here. And parking is free!
To help you understand how cheap things can be, a classic pair of white Puma trainers that cost more than S$100 in Singapore only cost ~S$39 here!
Citadel Outlets also has a range of food options to refuel after running around their huge compound with hands full of shopping bags.
Earn 2.2 Citi Miles for every S$1 foreign currency spent when you use the Citi PremierMiles Mastercard for your spending abroad. There is no cap on miles earned, and the best part? Citi Miles don’t expire!
Opening hours: 10AM – 9PM
Address: 100 Citadel Dr, Commerce, CA 90040, United States
How to get there: 1h 50min drive from Big Bear Visitor Center (Google Maps)
LACMA
After seeing many pictures of LACMA’s urban light display online, we had to check this modern art museum out.
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) houses more than 150,000 art pieces, including famous works such as Picasso’s “Weeping Woman with Handkerchief” and Andy Warhol’s “Campbell Soup Can”. Plus, you can faintly see the Hollywood sign from the Level 3 balcony of the BCAM building, and watch free live music performances outside on certain Friday evenings.
Purchase your timed-entry tickets online to skip the queue.
*Note: You don’t require a ticket to view the public urban light display. It’s free!
Entrance fee: From US$28/pax (~S$36.50)
Opening hours: 11AM – 6PM (Mon – Tue & Thur), 11AM – 8PM (Fri), 10AM – 7PM (Sat – Sun), closed on Wed
Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States
How to get there: 20min drive from Citadel Outlets (Google Maps)
Griffith Observatory
Featured in La La Land, Griffith Observatory is the best place to catch the sunset with the Hollywood sign and panoramic views of LA!
If you aren’t busy trying to recreate scenes from the film like us, head to the public telescope to see the stars up close, and inside the observatory to view the famous giant Foucault Pendulum.
There’s also a dirt path to the left of the observatory, which leads to a bench that allows visitors to watch the sparkling LA skyline.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 12PM – 10PM (Tue – Fri), 10AM – 10PM (Sat – Sun), closed on Mon
Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States
How to get there: 25min drive from LACMA (Google Maps)
Day 7: Los Angeles City Attractions and Leaving Los Angeles
Mariscos Jalisco
Hands down, the best tacos we had on the trip were from Mariscos Jalisco.
This Michelin food truck has four outlets across Los Angeles, and prides itself on its crispy shrimp tacos. We couldn’t help but order more after finishing our first one. They also offer a range of Mexican sodas.
Cost: From US$2.75/taco (~S$3.60)
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM
Address: 3040 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023, United States
How to get there: 12min drive from Hollywood Franklin Hotel (Google Maps)
Hollywood Walk of Fame
No Los Angeles itinerary is complete without visiting the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Chancing upon a familiar star’s name, such as our favourite Jackie Chan and Chris Hemsworth, was fun, and we joined the other tourists in posing for a photo with them. A walk down the pink star-studded street also took us to the Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars are held, and the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre, where we spotted the autographs and handprints of our favorite celebrities.
*Pro-tip: Park at Ovation Hollywood Mall for only US$3 if you purchase something from them.
Entrance fee: Free
Address: Hollywood Boulevard, Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States
How to get there: 1min drive from Hollywood Franklin Hotel (Google Maps)
The Lighthouse Cafe
Before catching our midnight flight out of LAX, we dropped by Hermosa Beach for the famous Lighthouse Cafe to grab dinner and drinks over amazing live music. As the bar is pretty small and doesn’t usually take reservations, be prepared to wait a while for an available seat.
In the meantime, we just stood around and partied to the guitarist who was passionately performing on stage.
Fun fact: This is also a La La Land filming location!
Cost: From US$9/drink (~S$12)
Opening hours: 4PM – 12AM (Mon – Fri), 12PM – 1:30AM (Sat), 10AM – 12AM (Sun)
Address: 30 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, United States
How to get there: 33min drive from Hollywood Walk of Fame (Google Maps)
Where to stay in Los Angeles
Hilton Garden Inn LAX – El Segundo (Day 0–1)
As we landed in LAX late at night, we opted to stay at the Hilton Garden Inn LAX El Segundo, a well-furnished and comfortable hotel that was near the airport and Hertz. Plus, it’s within walking distance to many food options!
They also provide free airport transfer. The pickup points are located on the departure level of each terminal and are indicated by a red sign that says ‘Hotel & Private Parking Shuttle’.
Cost: From S$208/night for a King Bedroom
Address: 2100 E Mariposa Ave, El Segundo, CA 90245, United States
Lexen Hotel North Hollywood (Day 2–3)
Lexen Hotel North Hollywood was not only comfortable, but also had a great location for us to access Malibu and Six Flags Magic Mountain. Both locations were around a 30-minute drive from this lovely hotel, and the best part? They provide free-flow juice, water, and coffee-machine drinks in their pantry.
Cost: From S$281/night for a King Bedroom
Address: 5268 Tujunga Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91601, United States
Dusty Rabbit Bungalow Airbnb (Day 4)
This gorgeous Joshua Tree Airbnb comes with two bedrooms, a spacious living room, a fully-equipped kitchen, a washing machine, and a dryer.
A healthy Joshua Tree stands right in front of the bungalow, and there is an outdoor fire pit with chairs set up if you wish to have your own campfire (subject to the Fire Department’s permission). There are no neighbours, which meant that we could watch the stars and the sunrise undisturbed. The Airbnb is also within a few minutes’ drive to restaurants, shops, and Walmart Supercenter.
Cost: From S$265/night for two Queen beds
How to get there: 10min drive from Walmart Supercenter
American Black Bear Suite Airbnb (Day 5)
Located conveniently in the Big Bear Village, this cosy apartment is one of many in a flat, with a fully-equipped kitchen and one bedroom. We loved how it was within a few minutes walk from the lake and the village’s shops and eateries.
What charmed us about the place was their bear-themed decorations, and the gas-powered fireplace that we could effortlessly control with a knob!
Cost: From S$206/night for one King bed and a sofa bunk bed
How to get there: 3min walk from Big Bear Visitor Center
Hollywood Franklin Hotel (Day 6–7)
Previously known as The Adler A Hollywood Hotel, the whole vibe of this place screams Hollywood with murals of old famous superstars adorning the walls and a whole collection of autographs displayed in the lobby.
Its great location means you could see the Hollywood sign near the hotel, and it’s only a 2-minute drive from the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Cost: From S$256/night for two Queen beds
Address: 6141 Franklin Ave, Hollywood, CA 90028, United States
Get discounts on flights, accommodation, and activities for your LA trip
Overall, we had a very lovely time exploring Los Angeles and California with this itinerary! LA is just like the movies, and the natural landscapes around the city are something to behold.
We were amazed by how big everything was in the US (Family-sized snacks and single servings that can feed three people?!) and how polite and friendly most people were. This trip definitely changed our perspective on this country, and we can’t wait to be back!
Something worth noting is that most prices displayed in US stores are before taxes. So don’t be surprised when the final bill is higher than expected.
But of course, travelling to the USA doesn’t mean you have to break your bank, especially if you’re a Citi Mastercard member! Check out the Citi travel deals website for some of the exclusive perks and travel deals for flights, accommodations, and activities you can enjoy with your Citi Mastercard.
PSA: Apply now for the Citi PremierMiles Mastercard and earn 2.2 Citi Miles for every S$1 foreign currency spent — and the best part, Citi Miles never expire, so you can use them to offset your next trip!
Tips for planning your first trip to the USA
Tips for a smooth experience through customs
Our experience with customs was fortunately very smooth. We were only questioned about our itinerary, which we could prove immediately with our printed documents and booking confirmations. Within half an hour of disembarking, we were off to explore LA!
Click “Read more” to view tips that may help you go through immigration smoothly:
Read MoreTips for planning a road trip in California
Despite this being our first time driving in the USA, we found it pretty intuitive and manageable after giving ourselves the first two days to get used to the opposite side of the road. We also did our research beforehand on common road rules and road signs to look out for, and made sure to drive at a comfortable pace to scan the surroundings.
Click “Read more” for tips on doing road trips in the USA:
Read MoreTips for a comfortable long-haul flight
We flew into Los Angeles with China Airlines, and our total flight time was ~17 hours with a layover at Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport.
Our journey was smooth and comfortable thanks to the clean and spacious seats, delicious in-flight meals, and great entertainment catalogue featuring the latest movies and music. Pillows and blankets were also provided, which helped us sleep soundly for the majority of the long-haul flight. While we did not use it, WiFi is also available on board.
Transiting at Taoyuan International Airport was seamless and efficient, and we liked how it gave us time to stretch and walk around to explore Chun Shui Tang for bubble tea, Taiwanese eateries, and souvenir stores.
Best part: China Airlines allows each passenger to check in two pieces of luggage, giving us ample space and weight for shopping! And our baggage went straight from SIN to LAX, with no need for re-check-ins at TPE.
Though our tickets were in Economy Class, China Airlines extended us complimentary lounge access at Taoyuan International Airport where we enjoyed freshly made Taiwanese snacks, clean shower rooms, and a quiet environment to recharge before the long haul to Los Angeles.
Lounge access is usually reserved for Business Class travellers, which is worth considering for long haul flights like this.
Know of more places to add to this Los Angeles itinerary? Let us know in the comments below!
This post was brought to you by Citi Singapore and China Airlines.
