- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
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Why Visit Los Angeles
LA's history began in 1781 at El Pueblo Historical Monument, the city's birthplace. This past is visible in its architecture, from Spanish Colonial Revival styles to Downtown's Art Deco landmarks like the Oviatt Building and Victorian homes of Angelino Heights.
When visiting Los Angeles, explore the Santa Monica Mountains' 500+ miles of trails, like the Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak. The coastline offers world-class surfing at Malibu's Surfrider Beach and hidden tide pools at Leo Carrillo State Park.
Wondering what is Los Angeles famous for in food? It's diversity. Find authentic Oaxacan mole in Koreatown, or try the original French Dip sandwich at Philippe's. The Santa Monica Farmers Market showcases California's agricultural bounty weekly.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Springmild, comfortable weather, fewer crowds
- Summerhot, peak tourist season, crowded
- Fallwarm, pleasant, moderate traffic
- Wintercool, occasional rain, fewer tourists
- #LightJacket
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- #PortableCharger
- #PowerAdapterTypeA
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-8 with beaches & day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #HollywoodSign
- #GriffithObservatory
- #SantaMonicaPier
- #TheGettyCenter
- #VeniceBeach
- #WalkOfFame
- #RodeoDrive
- Sunset at Griffith Observatory
- Explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Visit Santa Monica Beach
- Hike to the Hollywood Sign
- Try In-N-Out Burger
- Stroll through The Getty gardens
Recommended Hotels in Los Angeles by Experience
Things to do in Los Angeles
Discover
Exploring Los Angeles reveals diverse sights from the Griffith Observatory's cosmic views to The Getty Center's art collections. Discover natural beauty on hikes in Runyon Canyon or explore iconic film locations and architectural wonders.
Experience
Hike scenic trails in the Santa Monica Mountains or catch a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Experience the city's culinary scene at the Grand Central Market or immerse yourself in diverse cultural festivals and events held throughout the year.
Griffith Observatory
Public observatory with space exhibits and city views.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Sidewalk stars honoring entertainment industry icons.
The Getty Center
Museum with pre-20th-century art and garden vistas.
Santa Monica Pier
Historic pier with an amusement park over the Pacific.
Runyon Canyon Park Hike
Popular urban trail offering sweeping city views.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Oceanfront walk with street performers and a skate park.
TCL Chinese Theatre
Historic movie palace with celebrity handprints.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
How to get to Los Angeles: Fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). For the Los Angeles airport to city center journey, use the LAX FlyAway shuttle bus. A train to Los Angeles arrives at Union Station, a hub for Amtrak and Metrolink.
Getting Around
Public transport in Los Angeles includes the Metro Rail and extensive bus system, best accessed with a reusable TAP card. For greater freedom when you plan a trip to Los Angeles, consider a car rental, but be prepared for traffic.
Local Essentials
Los Angeles travel tips for first-timers: driving in Los Angeles requires patience due to traffic. Always check parking signs to avoid tickets. Use navigation apps for real-time traffic data and alternate routes. Pay attention to HOV lane rules.
Where to Stay in Los Angeles
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Los Angeles from the French Dip to gourmet food trucks. The city's culture blends celebrity chefs with a casual vibe. Locals love to eat fresh and often dine on sunny patios.
Enjoy
Taste the vibe at Musso & Frank Grill, dress smart. Drink at Perch, a romantic rooftop bar, reserve ahead. Grab pastries at the hectic Porto's Bakery & Cafe, expect queues. One of the best bars in Los Angeles.
Spago Beverly Hills
Wolfgang Puck's iconic fine-dining spot. Book ahead.
Musso & Frank Grill
Old Hollywood's favorite steakhouse. Historic vibe.
Philippe the Original
Home of the original French Dip sandwich. Cash lanes.
Pink's Hot Dogs
A legendary hot dog stand since 1939. Expect lines.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Los Angeles's heritage through authentic events. Experience Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, honoring ancestors with altars and Aztec dancers. Or, visit the Nisei Week Japanese Festival in Little Tokyo, a must-see summer tradition.
Enjoy
Discover modern Los Angeles cultural activities. Enjoy the LA Phil's summer season at the Hollywood Bowl, featuring classical and contemporary concerts. The LA Art Show presents a global collection of modern and contemporary art each January.
Día de los Muertos
Day of the Dead celebration with altars and performances.
Nisei Week Japanese Festival
August festival with a grand parade and cultural exhibits.
Hollywood Bowl Summer Season
Diverse concerts from June to September by the LA Phil.
LA Art Show
International contemporary and modern art fair held in winter.
LA County Fair
A tradition since 1922 with rides, concerts, and exhibits.
LA Pride Parade & Festival
June celebration of LGBTQ+ culture in West Hollywood.
LA Times Festival of Books
A major literary event with author panels at USC in April.
So much to see and do
Los Angeles is a city with so many different sides. One minute you're seeing the fancy shops on Rodeo Drive, the next you're in a totally different area. It's huge, so you need a car, but every neighborhood feels like its own world. So much to see.
Perfect coastal escape
The beach scene here is exactly what you picture. We had a great time near the Santa Monica Pier. It's fantastic for people watching and the coastline is just beautiful. A really laid-back way to spend an afternoon.
Felt like being in a movie
Los Angeles has this movie magic feel that's hard to describe. Walking down the Hollywood Walk of Fame gives you a sense of the history. It's busy and a bit chaotic, but that's part of the fun. You can feel the energy of the entertainment world.
Great city hikes
It's cool how much nature is right in the city. The views from the hiking trails at Runyon Canyon are amazing. You get a full panorama of the city below. A great way to get some exercise and see things from a different angle.
Incredible Food Scene
The food is incredible. We found some amazing street tacos, the kind you can only get here. The Al Pastor was perfect. It's not just about fancy restaurants; the little food trucks have some of the best flavors. A food lover's place.
Beautiful Museums and Art
The art offerings are top-notch. We visited The Getty Center and were blown away by the art, architecture, and gardens. The views from up there are spectacular. It's a peaceful and beautiful place to spend a few hours.