Southern California has been rewriting the American daydream for a century—where movie studios meet beach sunsets, and citrus groves gave way to a pair of theme parks that reinvented fun. Walt Disney opened Disneyland in 1955, a blueprint for immersive storytelling that still sets the standard. Today, the region fuses classic Hollywood landmarks, buzzing neighborhoods, and a deep food culture spanning taco trucks to white-tablecloth icons.

This 7-day itinerary blends two culture-rich days in Los Angeles with a long weekend dedicated to Disneyland Resort (September 19–22, 2025). You’ll ride star attractions like Rise of the Resistance, walk historic boulevards, and linger over coffee in creative neighborhoods. Smart timing and insider strategy—Genie+, mobile order, and well-placed breaks—maximize fun while keeping stress low.

Practical notes: Book Disneyland dated tickets with park reservations (still required as of 2025). Consider Park Hopper if you love flexibility. Expect 70s–80s°F in September; carry sunscreen, a light layer for evenings, and a portable charger. For flights, compare Los Angeles International (LAX) and John Wayne Orange County (SNA)—SNA is closest to Disneyland.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a mosaic: hillside observatories, Art Deco theaters, oceanfront bike paths, and a food scene that rewards curiosity. In two days you’ll sample iconic viewpoints and neighborhood flavor—then hop south to Anaheim for Disney days.

• Top sights: Griffith Observatory views and trails; The Broad’s contemporary collection; the Arts District’s murals; Santa Monica Beach and Pier; the Historic Core’s theaters and The Last Bookstore.
• Why it’s great pre-Disney: LA offers walkable “bite-sized” experiences to ease into the time zone and sunshine—perfect before rope-dropping the parks.

Where to stay (2 nights): Base in Santa Monica, West Hollywood, or Downtown for easy sightseeing. Browse deals and apartments on VRBO Los Angeles or hotel options on Hotels.com Los Angeles.

How to arrive: Fly into LAX (broadest options) or SNA (easier). Compare fares on Trip.com flights and Kiwi.com flights. Typical domestic roundtrips run ~$150–$350 from major US hubs in September.

Anaheim (Disneyland Resort)

Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure sit steps apart in the heart of Anaheim. You’ll time your visit for Friday through Monday (Sept 19–22, 2025), catching weekend entertainment and Monday’s lighter crowds.

• Headliners: Rise of the Resistance; Tiana’s Bayou Adventure; Indiana Jones Adventure; Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway; Space Mountain; Radiator Springs Racers; Guardians of the Galaxy—Mission: BREAKOUT!; Incredicoaster; WEB SLINGERS.
• Food highlights: Blue Bayou’s Monte Cristo; Plaza Inn’s famous fried chicken; Bengal Barbecue skewers; Jolly Holiday Bakery’s Matterhorn macaroon; Lamplight Lounge’s lobster nachos; Pym Test Kitchen’s playful portions; Carthay Circle’s craft cocktails.
• Pro tips: Buy Genie+ (most days $25–$35) for Lightning Lane access; consider Individual Lightning Lane purchases for Rise of the Resistance and Radiator Springs Racers on busy days. Keep battery life for the Disneyland app and mobile ordering.

Where to stay (4 nights): Walkable Harbor Blvd hotels or on-site resorts for Early Entry. Search VRBO Anaheim for family condos, or compare hotels on Hotels.com Anaheim. On-site perks include 30-minute Early Entry on select attractions.

Getting there from LA (morning of Day 3): Drive I‑5 (45–90 minutes), or take Amtrak Pacific Surfliner/Metrolink from Union Station to Anaheim ARTIC (~45 minutes, ~$12–$20) and rideshare to your hotel (~10 minutes). No flight needed.

Day 1 (Tue): Arrive in LA, Sunset by the Pacific

Afternoon: Land and check in. Shake off the flight with a Santa Monica stroll: walk the Pier to watch surfers, then amble the beach path. Coffee at Menotti’s (espresso purists) or Go Get Em Tiger on Ocean Ave.

Evening: Dinner near the coast—try Cassia (Southeast Asian–inflected brasserie; grilled satays and kaya toast) or Tar & Roses (wood-fired plates; crispy pig tails and market veg). Nightcap at The Roof at The Proper for skyline-and-sea views, or grab soft-serve at Jeni’s on the Promenade.

Day 2 (Wed): Hills, Art, and Downtown Flavors

Morning: Breakfast at République (croissants, shakshuka, cavernous former Charlie Chaplin building) or Clark Street Diner (classic American done right). Head to Griffith Observatory for exhibits and panoramic city views; short trail options if you want a stretch.

Afternoon: Downtown for The Broad (free timed tickets; Yayoi Kusama installations rotate) and Walt Disney Concert Hall’s exterior. Lunch at Grand Central Market—Villa Moreliana for melt-in-your-mouth carnitas, Sarita’s for pupusas, or Sticky Rice for Thai comfort. Browse The Last Bookstore’s whimsical stacks.

Evening: Arts District dinner: Bestia (rustic Italian, famed bone marrow), Bavel (Middle Eastern feasts, house-baked pita), or Girl & the Goat LA (bold shareables). If you prefer casual, Guerrilla Tacos serves seasonal tacos with chef-y twists. Optional show at the Hollywood Bowl if the schedule aligns; otherwise, rooftop drinks at Perch with DTLA lights.

Day 3 (Thu): Transfer to Anaheim + Easy Eats

Morning: Depart LA after breakfast—intelligentsia in Silver Lake for coffee and a pastry. Drive or train to Anaheim (45–90 minutes by car; ~45 minutes by rail). Check into your hotel near the Disneyland gates.

Afternoon: Keep it light before park marathons. Explore the Anaheim Packing House food hall: Georgia’s for Southern fried chicken, Orange Tei for ramen, or Black Sheep for grilled cheese. If you crave caffeine, Hidden House Coffee nearby pours excellent single-origin espresso.

Evening: Downtown Disney warm-up: Split a shake at Black Tap, sample scoops at Salt & Straw, browse World of Disney for souvenirs. Early bedtime—tomorrow you rope drop.

Day 4 (Fri, Sept 19): Disneyland Park – Classic Magic and New Heroes

Morning: Be at security 45–60 minutes before official opening. If you have Early Entry (on-site hotel), hit Fantasyland classics (Peter Pan’s Flight, Alice, Mr. Toad). Otherwise, at rope drop go straight to Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Space Mountain. Buy Genie+ and immediately reserve Lightning Lane for Indiana Jones or Matterhorn; mobile order breakfast from Jolly Holiday (parm-crusted breakfast sandwich, Matterhorn macaroon).

Afternoon: Tackle Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—target an Individual Lightning Lane for Rise of the Resistance (often $20–$30) and standby for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Lunch at Plaza Inn (legendary fried chicken) or Bengal Barbecue (fresh, protein-forward skewers). Use Genie+ windows for Haunted Mansion Holiday (seasonal overlay), Pirates of the Caribbean, and Big Thunder Mountain.

Evening: Dine at Blue Bayou inside Pirates—book early; the Monte Cristo and candlelit “bayou” ambience are quintessential Disney. Stake out a fireworks spot on Main Street, U.S.A. (weekend shows typically run; check schedule). Post-show, lines drop—loop Fantasyland or ride Buzz Lightyear with minimal waits.

Day 5 (Sat, Sept 20): Disney California Adventure – Pixar, Marvel, and Neon Nights

Morning: Rope drop Radiator Springs Racers or buy an Individual Lightning Lane (often $12–$20) and instead start with WEB SLINGERS, Incredicoaster, and Toy Story Midway Mania using Genie+. Grab a Pym Test Kitchen breakfast (Cinna-Pym “quantum” bun) or a quick cappuccino at Cappuccino Cart near Pacific Wharf.

Afternoon: Lunch at Lamplight Lounge (make a reservation; lobster nachos, bao buns, waterfront views). Use Genie+ for Guardians of the Galaxy—Mission: BREAKOUT! and Soarin’ Around the World. Wander San Fransokyo Square (Big Hero 6–inspired) for snacks like yaki udon and Baymax-shaped treats.

Evening: Craft cocktails and small plates at Carthay Circle Lounge (great old-Hollywood vibe). Watch World of Color from a reserved viewing area (consider a dining package or virtual queue if offered). Late-night churro at Cozy Cone under Cars Land’s glowing neon.

Day 6 (Sun, Sept 21): Park Hopper Day – Favorites, Characters, and Downtime

Morning: Character breakfast at Storytellers Cafe (Grand Californian) or rope drop Fantasyland to repeat favorites. Stack Genie+ selections for mid-day headliners while you enjoy low waits early.

Afternoon: Park hop as desired: repeat Space Mountain or Runaway Railway, then cross to DCA for a second spin on Radiator Springs or Guardians. Midday recharge by the pools if your hotel has them, or sip a cold brew at Red Rose Taverne. Shop along Main Street and Buena Vista Street for retro merch and art prints.

Evening: Oga’s Cantina reservation for Star Wars–themed sips (Bespin Fizz) or an alfresco dinner at Naples Ristorante e Bar in Downtown Disney (Neapolitan pies, big patio). Catch DCA’s evening ambiance or Disneyland’s nighttime projections if offered—Sundays can be pleasantly mellow late.

Day 7 (Mon, Sept 22): One Last Ride + Fly Home

Morning: Sleep in a touch or squeeze in a final lap: mobile order Jolly Holiday pastries, then ride a couple of can’t-miss attractions using remaining Genie+ windows. Pick up any last souvenirs.

Afternoon: Head to the airport. SNA (John Wayne) is ~25–30 minutes from Disneyland; LAX can be 60–120 minutes with traffic. Compare departure options on Trip.com flights and Kiwi.com flights. If you rented a car, return it with time to spare; otherwise, rideshare is straightforward from Harbor Blvd hotels.

Optional Upgrades and Local Gems

• On-site Disney hotels: Disneyland Hotel (retro-modern monorail nostalgia), Disney’s Grand Californian (Craftsman elegance, direct DCA access), Pixar Place Hotel (playful, reimagined). Early Entry can be worth it.
• Beyond the parks: If you add a half-day, hit Old Towne Orange for mid-century antique shops and Cuban sandwiches at Felix Continental Cafe, or a local brew at Radiant Beer Co. in Anaheim.
• Strategy recap: Reserve dated tickets and park reservations; arrive early; buy Genie+; stack Lightning Lanes for peak hours; mobile order meals; take an afternoon break; return for nighttime shows.

Where to book stays again (quick links): VRBO Los Angeles | Hotels.com Los Angeles | VRBO Anaheim | Hotels.com Anaheim

In one week you’ll taste LA’s creative energy and spend four glorious days inside Walt’s original park. From neon-soaked Cars Land to Main Street fireworks, this plan balances headliners with downtime so the trip feels effortless—and unforgettable.