Los Angeles is unrivaled as a vacation spot for those who enjoy the sun, the spotlight, and retail therapy. The City of Angels stands out from the crowd because of its perfect weather, beautiful beaches, and illustrious film history. You may take in the sights of Hollywood and hear fascinating anecdotes about famous people’s life, thrill the attractions at Universal Studios, or take the kids to Disneyland California.
Even if you’re not a shopaholic, you’ll appreciate LA’s shops. Further, get the newest collections from Chanel, Kitson, and Tommy Hilfiger in malls like the Beverly Center or independent boutiques along Robertson Boulevard. If you’re looking for a year-round vacation spot, look no further than Los Angeles.
Here are the five most compelling reasons you should visit Los Angeles.
Hollywood
The entertainment business in Los Angeles often recognized as the city’s most distinctive feature. Experience Hollywood by visiting the Chinese Theater, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Sign, and the Hollywood & Highland shopping district. Furthermore, guided tours of movie stars’ mansions and the studios where they got their starts are also available.
Fun Activities for the Whole Family
Further, Los Angeles isn’t often considered a family vacation spot, but that should change. In Disneyland, kids may meet their favorite characters and enjoy thrilling rides, while at Universal Studios, they can visit themed areas based on hit animated films like Despicable Me and Shrek.
Three, The Weather Alone The average annual temperature in Phoenix and Las Vegas is a pleasant 71 degrees, and they also claim more sunny days than Los Angeles.
Cultural Expressions
Big-budget films and the Mouse House aren’t the only draw to Los Angeles. The city also boasts a number of world-class art museums. Moreover, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art houses some of the world’s finest collections of Impressionist and other Western art, while the Chinese American Museum (425 N Los Angeles St) showcases Asian works, and contemporary art galleries like Perry Rubenstein (1215 Highland Ave) and Marc Selwyn Contemporary Art Gallery present the works of lesser-known artists (9953 S Santa Monica Blvd).
If you’re looking for the greatest Mexican food in the United States, look no further than Food LA; try some tacos from Guisados Tacos (2100 East Cesar E Chavez Avenue) or some chili from Chili John’s (2018 W. Burbank Blvd). You may also find a wide variety of pubs serving food in the Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Italian, Jewish, Greek, American, and British styles.
Things to do in the City of Angels
Hollywood Is the Only Game in Town
The hillside covered in large signs proclaiming “Hollywood,” making it impossible to miss. The Walk of Fame can all find on Hollywood Boulevard, one of the most recognisable streets in the world. Large movie theatres line this section of Hollywood Boulevard, where many blockbuster films have their world premieres, but the city’s history as a major film production hub is sometimes forgotten. See if any well-known faces you recognise are nearby.
The moviemaking insanity at Universal Studios in Hollywood
Universal Studios, a theme park devoted to the magic of motion pictures, provides the best glimpse into Hollywood’s production processes. In addition to amazing rides and spectacular shows, the park also provides glimpses of the actual filming locations’ backlots.
The Getty Center further is a stunning facility for art, research, and conservation that sits atop Los Angeles and is often considered one of the world’s best tourist attractions. Elegant architecture, water features, and landscaping make the buildings and gardens themselves a pleasure to see. Furthermore, several more works of art may be seen inside the museum, including “The Royal End” by Paul Gauguin and “Irises” by Vincent van Gogh.
Views of Iconic Hollywood Landmarks from Griffith Park
The Los Angeles Zoo and the Griffith Observatory may both be found in Griffith Park, which is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. Millions of people have visited this observatory throughout the years to take in the breathtaking views of the Hollywood sign from atop the hill of the same name. The Griffith Planetarium and its accompanying science exhibits add even more variety and entertainment to a visit to Griffith Park.
The 90210 – Beverly Hills
The name Beverly Hills is already synonymous with prestige. Rodeo Drive is a well-known street in the area, frequented by the rich and famous for high-end shopping and star sightings. Beautiful rose gardens and recreational opportunities may be found in adjacent Beverly Gardens Park. Self-guided tours of celebrity mansions may be found on the more residential streets of Beverly Hills.
Find the Symbol at the Griffith Observatory
The Los Angeles Zoo and the Griffith Observatory may both be found in Griffith Park, which is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. Millions of people have visited this observatory to take in the breathtaking vistas of the Hollywood sign from its perch atop Hollywood Hill. Visiting Griffith Park is a lot of fun since it has so much to offer.
Venice Beach, California: Weird and Wonderful
Known for its unique eateries and relaxed boutiques, this neighborhood lives up to its name. At every bend—and in every canal—lie new discoveries. The neighborhood gets its moniker from these man-made rivers, which also make for pleasant strolls on the route to the beach. Between Venice and Santa Monica, there’s a sandy bike lane that cyclists may take to get there.
Dining Options in Los Angeles
Chefs from around the world have settled in Los Angeles, creating a vibrant dining scene. Thai restaurants Jitlada (5233 Sunset Boulevard) and Ruen Pair (4949 Wilshire Boulevard) are excellent (5257 Hollywood Blvd). Crown of India (6755) on Santa Monica Boulevard has great Indian food, Sushi Komasa (351) on East Second Street has great Japanese food, and Angelini Osteria has great Italian food (6301 Santa Monica Boulevard). Three nearby restaurants (7313 Beverly Blvd).
Nickel Diner (524 S Main St) is the place to go for a classic American diner experience, while the Halal Guys provide affordable Middle Eastern food that tastes gourmet (3432 Wilshire Blvd). Grand Central Market (317 S Broadway) also features restaurants, pubs, and a farmer’s market, so foodies should check it out.
Departure for Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a beautiful, sunny climate, but some tourists may find the midsummer heat unbearable. Throughout the months of March and May, temperatures are mild enough for enjoyable strolls between attractions. Temperatures in the fall are just as comfortable, averaging around 70 degrees and seldom dropping below 60. Traveling in December or January might save you a lot of money on lodging. Grand Central and Pasadena both feature festive markets worth checking out while the weather is still nice (though rain is always a possibility).
Tips for Getting on a Jet to Los Angeles
There are five commercial airports in close proximity to Los Angeles, but Los Angeles International Airport serves as the city’s primary gateway (LAX). The LAX FlyAway bus link is the most convenient and inexpensive route to reach the heart of the city from the airport, with service to Hollywood, Union Station, and Santa Monica.
From neighboring Aviation Boulevard, you may easily access the Los Angeles Metro. Get off at Willow Brook on the Green Line, transfer to the Blue Line, and get off at 7th Street/Metro Center. Outside of peak hour, a cab ride will set you back around $75 and take about 45 minutes.
The best way to get to Los Angeles after landing at Burbank, Bob Hope Airport, LA/Ontario, or Long Beach Airport is to hire a taxi or pick up a rental vehicle there. Union Station in Los Angeles, California (located at 800 N. Alameda St.) is an Amtrak station with several connections to other major U.S. cities. The Coast Starlight (which travels to Seattle and San Francisco) the Southwest Chief (which travels to Kansas City and Chicago), and the Sunset Limited (which travels south) all make stops at Union Station (to San Antonio and New Orleans). Commuter trains run by MetroLink connect the city to places like San Bernardino and Oceanside.
Car
The city of Los Angeles is well-known for its freeways, and visitors may easily reach the city by car. Use I-10 if you’re coming from the east, or take I-5 to get to San Francisco or San Diego from Los Angeles. Interstate 15 connects it to Las Vegas, while State Road 101 follows the coast of California.
Bus
You may get a Greyhound bus to the Los Angeles station at 1716 East 7th Street. Though convenient, it’s probably best to utilize one of Greyhound’s other bus terminals in the city rather than this one due to its proximity to Skid Row, a notoriously hazardous area. North Hollywood (11239 Magnolia Boulevard) and El Monte (3501 North Santa Anita Ave) are two more stops that will get you to your accommodation in the downtown area. There are several more bus services, such as Union Station is served by Bolt Bus, which provides service between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Bairstow, Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose.
You may get from Los Angeles to Phoenix and El Paso on the El Paso – Los Angeles Limousine Express, which makes a stop at 260 E 6th St. Buses from Las Vegas, Oakland, San Jose, and San Francisco stop at Union Station to connect with trains to the rest of the United States.
Accommodation options in Los Angeles
Downtown For those in the LA area: Downtown is where you want to be if you’re looking for cultural events, as it is home to such landmarks as the Museum of Contemporary Art, Disney Concert Hall, and Japanese-American Museum. Not only that but Chinatown is located there as well. The marketplace further is a must-see, and visitors are encouraged to haggle with vendors. Furthermore, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels and the Bradbury Building, a late-19th-century office building with some of the most beautiful wrought iron stairways in the world, are two more must-sees in Los Angeles.
The Most In-Demand Neighborhoods
Hollywood, with its walk of fame and other famous streets, is a mecca for movie buffs from all over the world. To get a feel for Hollywood, check out the Academy Awards ceremony location, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, hike up to the Hollywood Sign, and see a show at the Hollywood Bowl. Jane’s House (6541 Hollywood Boulevard) is one of the few remaining buildings from before Hollywood became the global movie capital, and a visit there is like taking a step back in time.
Westside is one of the wealthiest regions in Los Angeles, and it is also a very family-friendly and secure area. Bel Air is a part of it, as are the renowned beaches of Venice, Santa Monica, and Playa del Rey. Santa Monica has a variety of tourist traps, such as the amusement park on the pier and the promenade that stretches along the bay, known as the Strand.
Choosing a Hotel in a Good Los Angeles Neighborhood
Public Transportation in Los Angeles: A Guide
Using public transportation to get around Los Angeles is doable, but not as convenient as it could be. Buses provide decent coverage, but may only visit certain stops once every half an hour, while the Metro doesn’t reach every part of the central city. Further, get a Metro Pass ($7 for a day, $25 for a week) or a reloadable TAP Card ($5 for the first use, $10 for each additional use) if you intend to use public transportation (only applies to rail and subway connections). The DASH and FlyAway airport buses, however, are not covered by Metro passes and require their own separate tickets.
Taxis
Taking a taxi is the best option for getting around Los Angeles. You can figure on spending $2.85 for the meter drop, $2.70 per mile, and $0.30 per 37 seconds of waiting time. All trips that include an airport incur a $4 surcharge. Try Uber if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative. If you’re looking to save money, their cheapest cars (with no base fare and $0.15 per minute after that) may be a good option.
Car
Most visitors to Los Angeles would be better off renting a car rather than relying on taxis. At LAX and other LA airports, you can rent a car from a major company like Avis, Enterprise, or Budget for as little as $20 per day. Gas costs around $3 per gallon in Los Angeles, so factor this into your budget as well.
If you do choose to drive, remember that seat belts are mandatory under California law, right turns on red lights are allowed unless signs indicate the contrary, but pedestrians have right of way at all intersections. Parking in central LA costs around $7 per hour, but it’s cheaper near out of town Metro stations, which may be a better place to leave your vehicle.
The Cost of Living in Los Angeles \Shopping Streets
Moreover, Los Angeles tends to be cheaper than most large American cities. You’ll probably pay around $20-30 for a medium-range meal, $4.00 for a cappuccino coffee, or around $50 for a pair of jeans. There are also plenty of great places to shop for souvenirs and bargains. Beverly Boulevard is packed with boutique clothing, fragrance, and furniture stores, with big fashion names like Stella McCartney and Erica Courtney.
For works of art and crafts, visit La Brea Avenue. The ornaments at Mortise and Tenon will excite interior design fans, and La Brea Bakery is a wonderful spot to break up your shopping with a snack. Celebrities love to hit the stores on Robertson Boulevard where you’ll find boutiques like Lisa Kline and Kitson. But for the height of LA fashion, head to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, where fans of high-end labels like Missoni, Dolce and Gabbana, and Louis Vuitton hang out.
Groceries and Other
Further, Los Angeles has plenty of department stores like J.C. Penney, Macy’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue as well as supermarkets like Ralph’s, Walmart, Albertson’s, and Safeway. There are also 7-Eleven convenience stores on every street, so finding places to shop for groceries shouldn’t be hard.