East Los Angeles is the cultural heart of L.A.’s Eastside—a place where Chicano history, mariachi music, and mural-lined streets tell the story of generations. From the Chicano Moratorium of 1970 to the modern renaissance of Boyle Heights, East L.A. has long shaped the city’s identity through activism, arts, and unforgettable food.

Over seven days, you’ll base yourself on the Eastside and explore nearby neighborhoods and cities—Hollywood’s studios, Downtown’s Arts District, Pasadena’s storied gardens, and the waterfront of Long Beach. Expect taco trucks that set the city’s gold standard, coffee roasters with cult followings, and views from Griffith Park that stretch from the Pacific to the San Gabriels.

Practical notes: LAX and Hollywood Burbank airports are your best gateways. The Metro E and A Lines connect East L.A., Downtown, and Long Beach, while rideshare and car rentals save time when traffic’s heavy. Pack layers; coastal mornings can be cool even in summer, and reservations are wise for popular restaurants.

Los Angeles (Eastside base)

Welcome to a week anchored in East L.A.—Boyle Heights, El Sereno, and the corridor along Cesar Chavez Avenue and Whittier Boulevard—plus quick hops to Hollywood, Griffith Park, Downtown, and Pasadena. This is where you’ll eat life-changing tacos, see working studios, and sip excellent coffee between gallery stops.

• Top sights nearby: Mariachi Plaza, Self Help Graphics & Art, Griffith Observatory, Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Little Tokyo, Arts District, Huntington Library & Gardens (Pasadena).
• What to eat: braised-meat tacos at Guisados, legendary burritos at El Tepeyac Café, crispy shrimp tacos at Mariscos Jalisco, and modern pizza at Brooklyn Ave. Pizza Co.
• Fun fact: The Metro E Line now runs from East L.A.’s Atlantic Station through Downtown all the way to the beach—one of the best ways to dodge traffic.

Where to stay (Eastside & nearby):

• Search apartments and homes on VRBO Los Angeles or hotels on Hotels.com Los Angeles.
• Comfortable Eastside picks: Comfort Inn Monterey Park (value, easy freeway access), DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Los Angeles - Rosemead (free parking, big rooms).
• Classic splurge near Pasadena’s gardens: The Langham Huntington, Pasadena (grand resort feel, leafy neighborhood).

Getting in: Compare flights to LAX, BUR (Burbank), or LGB (Long Beach) on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Typical rideshare from LAX to East L.A. runs ~45–70 minutes depending on traffic; budget $35–$70. Metro fare is $1.75 per ride with free transfers within 2 hours.

Day 1: Arrival, Mariachi Plaza, and Eastside flavors

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off travel with a stroll around Boyle Heights’ Mariachi Plaza, where bands in charro suits tune up for evening gigs. Pop into Primera Taza for an horchata latte or café de olla, then browse murals tucked along 1st Street and nearby side streets.

Evening: Dinner at Guisados (Boyle Heights flagship)—try a sampler of braises like cochinita pibil and steak picado on fresh corn tortillas. Nightcap at Brooklyn Ave. Pizza Co. for a slice with a michelada, or linger back at the plaza to hear mariachis trade songs under the lights.

Day 2: East L.A. culture, murals, and the taco trail

Morning: Coffee and pan dulce at Café Santo or another local panadería, then walk Whittier Boulevard’s historic retail strip. Stop by Self Help Graphics & Art, a pivotal Chicano arts hub, for rotating exhibits and prints (check hours).

Afternoon: Make a pilgrimage to the Mariscos Jalisco truck for their iconic crispy shrimp tacos dorados—hot, crunchy, and topped with avocado. Continue to El Mercado de Los Angeles (El Mercadito) to shop for embroidered blouses, leather goods, and to hear live mariachi upstairs on weekends.

Evening: Feast at El Tepeyac Café, home of the Hollenbeck burrito—shareable, saucy, and very East L.A. Drinks at Xelas (Boyle Heights) bring a neighborhood vibe with craft brews and DJs.

Day 3: Backlots and star views—Warner Bros., Griffith Park, Los Feliz

Morning: Head to Burbank (35–45 minutes by car from the Eastside) for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood. You’ll explore active sets, backlots, and props with a guide—an ideal behind-the-scenes look at film and TV history.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

Afternoon: Late lunch at classic Burbank eateries near the lot, then drive to Griffith Observatory. Walk the terraces for sweeping panoramas of Downtown and the Hollywood Sign; the exhibits and Tesla coil demo are a bonus if time allows.

Evening: Dine in Los Feliz or Silver Lake: Alcove Cafe & Bakery for patio ambiance or Pine & Crane for Taiwanese small plates (dan dan noodles and 3-cup chicken are standouts). Finish with a scoop at Jeni’s or cocktails at Bar Covell.

Long Beach

Part port city, part beach town, Long Beach blends a walkable waterfront with whale-rich waters just offshore. You’ll hop down for a day on the harbor—boats, sea life, and sunset dining over the marina.

• Highlights: Shoreline Village boardwalk, Aquarium of the Pacific, views of the Queen Mary, and Belmont Shore’s boutiques.
• Getting there: From East L.A., drive 40–60 minutes or take Metro E Line to Pico and transfer to the A Line to Downtown Long Beach (~90 minutes).

Day 4: Harbor day—whales, waterfront strolls, and coastal eats

Morning: Depart East L.A. after breakfast (try Wide Eyes Open Palms if you arrive early) and check in for your Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach. High-speed boats cover more ocean to spot gray or blue whales (season-dependent), plus dolphins and sea lions.

Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach

Afternoon: Lunch on the harbor—seafood at Parker’s Lighthouse or casual plates at Pier 76 Fish Grill. Walk Shoreline Village, peek across to the Queen Mary, and, if you’re into marine life exhibits, consider the Aquarium of the Pacific (plan ~2 hours).

Evening: Golden-hour drinks at Belmont Brewing Company (oceanfront) and dinner at The Attic for SoCal comfort food. Drive or Metro back to the Eastside.

Los Angeles (Hollywood, Universal, DTLA, Pasadena)

From theme-park thrills to serene gardens, the next three days swing between big-screen spectacle and quiet beauty. Keep your camera handy—and your appetite ready for Arts District heavy-hitters.

Day 5: Universal Studios Hollywood—full-day thrills

Spend the day at Universal Studios Hollywood. Hit Super Nintendo World early, then loop through Jurassic World, The Mummy, and the World-Famous Studio Tour. An express ticket is worth it on weekends or peak seasons.

Universal Studios Hollywood General Admission Ticket, California

Tip: Consider upgrading to the Express option for one-time expedited access to attractions if your dates fall on holidays or school breaks.

Day 6: Saddle up, then savor DTLA and the Arts District

Morning: Start with a scenic ride on the Mulholland Trail Horseback Tour in the Hollywood Hills for panoramic views of the city and the Hollywood Sign—an unforgettable way to see L.A. from above.

Mulholland Trail Horseback Tour

Afternoon: Head to Downtown’s Arts District. Grab a red-pepper shakshuka or tuna salad tartine at Bread Lounge, then explore galleries and street art along Traction Ave and 3rd Street. For drinks, Angel City Brewery pours seasonal IPAs in a historic warehouse.

Evening: Dinner at Bavel (modern Middle Eastern—hummus, lamb neck shawarma, blistered okra) or Bestia (house-cured meats, cavatelli in spicy lamb ragù). Both book up; reserve ahead. Nightcap at Everson Royce Bar (ERB)—patio, perfect smashburgers, and a smart whiskey list.

Day 7: Pasadena gardens, Old Town, and departure

Morning: Drive ~25 minutes to San Marino to wander the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Don’t miss the Desert Garden’s towering cacti and the Chinese Garden’s lake pavilions.

Afternoon: Coffee at Copa Vida in Old Pasadena and lunch at Bone Kettle (bone broth noodles, oxtail dumplings) or Maestro (modern Mexican). Stroll Colorado Boulevard’s boutiques and, time permitting, pause at the viewpoint near the Colorado Street Bridge.

Evening (departure): Collect your bags and head for the airport. Rideshare to LAX runs 45–75 minutes; BUR is often faster from Pasadena. Compare last-minute flight options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Optional add-ons

• Swap Day 6 morning for a city overview: Big Bus Los Angeles: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

  

• If seas are calm and you’re keen on islands, take the ferry to Catalina (morning boat from Long Beach) and book an on-island excursion like ziplining or a golf-cart tour for a future trip.

Where to book stays near the beach if you extend in Long Beach: VRBO Long Beach and Hotels.com Long Beach.

This East L.A.–based week delivers the city’s spectrum: neighborhood taquerías, studio secrets, ocean wildlife, and botanical calm. You’ll leave with a camera full of views, a palate tuned to salsa verde and espresso, and a map of Los Angeles that finally makes delicious sense.