Los Angeles is an urban oasis that stretches for miles in Southern California. The city is a great vacation spot with great weather, plenty of attractions, and warm, welcoming locals. But before you head to Los Angeles, you should prepare for your trip by knowing how to avoid traffic jams, find hotel and dining deals, and which attractions are best for not wasting your time.
Know the weather
While you might assume that the weather in Los Angeles is always sunny and perfect, the weather varies depending on the season. Summer weather in Los Angeles can be quite hot, but it almost always cools down on the beach in the late evenings. Winters are rainy, and you might not expect to see the “June dark clouds” marine layer that hides the sun for weeks at a time.
Be smart and check the weather forecast for the right location. Temperatures can vary within just a few miles. When it’s 72°F in Santa Monica, it could be 80°F downtown and even hotter in Pasadena or Anaheim. Weather apps are the best option to know what temperatures to expect in different parts of the city.
Use it wisely
You can save money in Los Angeles in unexpected ways. You don’t have to spend a fortune to eat great food. Many great restaurants offer lunchtime specials on their most popular dishes. Want an excursion that doesn’t cost anything at all? Visitors can get free tickets to attractions like TV tapings, museums, and cultural events. Our guide to saving money in Los Angeles includes little-known facts, like how airfare comparison websites typically exclude Southwest Airlines flights.
Avoiding 405
This highway seems to be constantly congested, especially between US 101 and Long Beach. You could get stuck in traffic at any time: rush hour, late Tuesday night, or Sunday midday. The GPS that comes with your rental car can be a great help in planning the best route when getting around the city of Los Angeles. Depending on where you are and where you’re going, consider using the Metro Rail instead of driving.
Choose the best hotel for your trip
LA is a huge city and the best place to stay will depend on what you’re doing – Santa Monica is great for beach lovers and Downtown LA is a good choice for those who prefer a more urban feel. West Hollywood is very central, but Hollywood is the hub for many tourist attractions.
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Understanding Geography
The Los Angeles metropolitan area spans six counties. Driving across from north to south takes almost a day. There are two ways to tackle it: 1) Figure out what you want to do during your stay. Mark the places on a map and visit them with a group. 2) Narrow your focus: Pick an area to stay in, like Hollywood or the Beach Cities, and visit the attractions in that area. If you try to travel between two far-flung locations, you’ll end up spending a lot of time stuck in the notorious Los Angeles traffic.
Please select an airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the best-known, busiest, and most popular airport in the area. It’s also the one most prone to delays, so consider flying into a nearby airport like Burbank (BUR), Orange County’s John Wayne Airport (SNA), or Long Beach (LGB) instead.
Know what to expect in Hollywood and Beverly Hills
Hollywood has museums displaying memorabilia from Hollywood’s past, the Walk of Fame, and the famous footprint of the old Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. But no movie stars live in Hollywood or Beverly Hills, and most of the studios moved away years ago. Avoid the pricey movie star home tours and don’t buy the maps sold on the street. If you really want to see a star or two, your best bet is to get tickets to the auditorium at the Los Angeles studios.
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go to the sea
Although the water is a little too cold for all but the toughest swimmers and surfers in wetsuits, people still flock to the sand. Stroll along the beachside sidewalks and join the locals for a game of beach volleyball. Join rollerbladers, bikers and runners in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach. Visit Venice Beach for a unique experience, or go surfing and building sandcastles in Orange County’s Newport Beach and Huntington Beach.
Save on admission fees
If you plan to visit multiple attractions that have admission fees, consider purchasing a discounted multi-attraction pack. There are many activities available with the Go Los Angeles pass, so make sure you use it enough to see if you’re getting value for your money before you buy.
Using the app
Apps are a convenient way to make your trip easier, more fun, and make you feel like a local instead of a tourist. To get around the city like a pro, download the LA Travel app that helps you find the best dining, transportation, parking, entertainment, and local weather tips.
