The climate in southern California makes Los Angeles a perfect place to vacation year round.  There are so many things to see and do in the area that I wondered how we could possibly fit everything in.  Los Angeles offers everything from white sandy beaches, the Pacific Coast Highway, Hollywood, Studio Tours, Museums, Concert Halls, and world class shopping and dining.  Within an hour's drive from LA you can visit Channel Islands National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, San Diego, and Disneyland!  

Model Itinerary

Day 1:
There are five airports serving the Los Angeles area.  The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest airports in the world.  If you can't find your flight to LAX you can also fly into nearby Ontario International Airport, John Wayne Airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport, or Long Beach Airport.  During our stay we booked rooms at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Day 2:
Fuel up for the day with breakfast at the Blu Jam Cafe on Melrose Avenue.  Then head to Hollywood Boulevard to visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  From Hollywood Blvd. you can find plenty of operators offering bus tours of the city.  We choose to go in an open air van because we were able to visit neighborhoods like Bel Air (see Beyonce and Jay-Z house on the right).  After dinner, don't miss the chance to see a movie at the historic Mann's Chinese Theater.  
Day 3:
Start with breakfast at the Red Maple Cafe in Burbank.  Advanced reservations are recommended for the 3 hour Warner Brothers Studio Tour.  Stops on the tour vary depending on the stuido schedule.  We were able to visit the set of The Big Bang Theory, Friends, ...
After an early dinner, plan to spend the rest of the evening at the Griffith Observatory.  Don't miss a live show in the state-of-the-art Planetarium.  Shows run every hour throughout the day.  We saw one of their most popular programs called "Centered in the Universe."  You can spend several hours in the museum or walking the grounds.  The Observatory closes at 10:00 so plan to stay to see the sunset and the lights of downtown Los Angeles.  
Day 4:
Start your day with a visit to the Getty Center Art Museum.  Don't miss the Old Masters exhibit which features paintings from Monet, Van Gogh, Manet and many others.  Head to the Third Street Promenade to find something to eat for an early dinner or late lunch.  There are several bike rental shops near the Promenade.  From the Promenade bike down to the Santa Monica Pier and along the beach bike path to Venice Beach and the Venice Canals Walkway.  
Day 5:
Take a day trip out to see Channel Islands National Park.  Boat trips to the islands are offered daily through Island Packers in Ventura California (805-642-1393).  We took a 1 hour boat trip to Santa Cruz Island.  On the boat ride we saw dolphins, seals, and several species of whales including the Blue Whale, the largest animal to ever live.  We landed at Scorpion on the eastern side of the island.  Take your own food and water because there are no concessions on the island.  We hiked past the camp ground and up Potato Harbor Road to the overlook pictured on the right.  Then hike North Bluff Trail to Cavern Point Loop.  This moderate hike is about 5 miles round trip.  There is sea kayaking available on the island if you make advanced reservations.  After a nice day out on the water we headed to nearby Brofy Bros. Seafood Restaurant and Clam Bar to watch the sunset.  
Day 6:
There are several options for spending your last day in Los Angeles.  You can rest on one of the many sandy beaches, shop in Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive, see a show at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown, hike in Runyon Canyon, or visit one of the many other museums.  Before you leave town stop for breakfast at Randy's Donuts near LAX.  
Day 7:
Extend your trip by visiting Disneyland, San Diego, or Palm Springs before returning home.  Our 10 day trip included 4 days in Los Angeles, 2 days in Disneyland, 2 days in San Diego, and 2 days in Palm Springs.