Things To Do
in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a vast, sun-drenched metropolis on the Pacific coast known for its entertainment industry, cultural diversity, and sprawling neighborhoods. The city blends iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and Santa Monica Pier with vibrant street life, world-class museums, and cinematic history. LA's neighborhoods each have distinct characters — from the glitz of Hollywood and Beverly Hills to the creative energy of Silver Lake and the beach culture of Venice.
Expect heavy car traffic but abundant dining options, outdoor activities, and endless photo opportunities year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Your morning begins with a stroll along the Santa Monica Pier boardwalk, enjoying ocean breezes and street performances. You can grab a hearty breakfast at one of the beachfront cafes while watching surfers catch the waves. The soft sand underfoot and iconic Ferris wheel views set the perfect tone for a relaxing start to your trip.
Spend the afternoon wandering Third Street Promenade with its lively shops and street musicians. Pop into boutiques for unique souvenirs and sample local snacks from food trucks stationed nearby. Be sure to rent a bike and pedal along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail for scenic coastal vistas.
As the sun sets, return to the pier for a ride on Pacific Park’s Ferris wheel and indulge in classic carnival treats. Enjoy dinner at a seafood restaurant overlooking the water, savoring fresh fish tacos or clam chowder. Then, take a sunset walk along the beach to end your first night in LA on a magical note.
Begin your day with a moderate hike up to Griffith Observatory, enjoying panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline and the iconic Hollywood sign. Once at the top, explore interactive exhibits on space and gaze through the antique telescopes. The fresh morning air and sweeping vistas make for an inspirational start to your LA adventure.
Descend into Hollywood to stroll along the Walk of Fame and find your favorite stars embedded in the sidewalk. Stop by TCL Chinese Theatre to compare your handprints with those of movie legends. Grab a light lunch at a nearby cafe while people-watching on Hollywood Boulevard.
Head to the Sunset Strip for dinner at a trendy bistro or classic dive bar. Enjoy live music or comedy at one of the many iconic venues, soaking in the vibrant nightlife. Cap off the evening with a drive up Mulholland Drive for glittering city lights below.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-6 |
| 🍕Casual meal for two (mid-range restaurant) | $40-80 |
| 🚕Rideshare short trip | $8-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $120-300 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class cultural institutions, diverse food scene, and abundant outdoor activities
- Mild year-round climate with many sunny days
- Strong multicultural communities offering varied cuisines and neighborhoods
- Endless photo opportunities and entertainment industry access
- Heavy traffic and long driving times without a car
- High cost of accommodations and some services compared with other U.S. cities
- Air quality and smog can be an issue on high-ozone days
- Visible homelessness in certain areas, which can be confronting for some visitors
Places to Visit in Los Angeles
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic views of the Hollywood Sign, city skyline, and sunsets; great for wide panoramas and night shots.
Classic boardwalk shots with the Ferris wheel, surfers, and sunset over the ocean.
Street scenes, quirky murals, skate park action, and fashionable boutiques along Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
Close vantage points for photographing the sign and surrounding hills — hike early to avoid crowds and haze.
Architectural lines, sculpted gardens, and sweeping views of LA and the coastline; excellent for both art and landscape photography.
Colorful street art, industrial backdrops, and creative urban scenes ideal for portraits and editorial-style shots.
Hike with panoramic city views, popular with locals for sunrise and sunset photography.
Food in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Simple, authentic tacos are a must — find them at taquerias and late-night trucks across the city, especially in neighborhoods like Boyle Heights and Koreatown.
Must-Try!
Koreatown is a hub for barbecue and fried chicken joints; sit-down BBQ and late-night eateries are popular and widely available.
Fresh, creative sushi and Hawaiian-inspired poke bowls use local fish and produce — available at casual counters and upscale sushi bars.
A West Coast institution: simple burgers and animal-style options found at locations throughout LA.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic downtown market with a huge range of vendors — Eggslut, tacos, pupusas, and international stalls; great for sampling many dishes in one place.
Outdoor weekend food market with trendy vendors, fusion dishes, and desserts; rotating list of pop-ups and small chefs.
Long-running market with stalls, produce vendors, and prepared foods representing many cuisines; good for casual meals and local specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Casual and friendly but respect personal space; a simple 'please' and 'thank you' go a long way.
Appointments and reservations generally expect punctuality; for social gatherings it's more relaxed but still common to arrive on time.
LA is a patchwork of neighborhoods with different norms — be mindful of local vibes (quiet residential areas vs. noisy nightlife districts).
Recycling and water conservation are encouraged; expect separate bins and eco-friendly practices in many businesses.
Safety
Tipping in Los Angeles
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is expected in the U.S.; leave around 15–20% of the pre-tax bill at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 for cafe counter service if helpful, and 10–20% for taxi/rideshare drivers (or round up). Tip hotel staff, bellhops, and housekeeping modestly per service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Cash is useful for small vendors and tips. ATMs are plentiful but watch fees; notify your bank for international cards. Some small street vendors may be cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry inland with temperatures often 80–95°F (27–35°C); coastal areas are cooler with frequent morning marine layer (coastal fog) that burns off by midday. Expect busy beaches and crowded popular attractions; plan visits early or late in the day to avoid heat and crowds.
Warm, pleasant weather and clearer skies make fall one of the best times to visit; fewer tourists than summer but still lots of outdoor activity and festivals.
Mild winters with daytime temperatures often 55–70°F (13–21°C) and cooler nights; most rain falls between December and February but storms are intermittent. Snow is rare in the city but possible in nearby mountains — good season for museum visits and off-season hotel deals.
Comfortable temperatures, wildflower blooms in surrounding hills, and gradually increasing beach and outdoor activity; a great time for hikes and outdoor dining before summer crowds pick up.
Los Angeles at Night
Hiking in Los Angeles
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular urban hike with great city and Hollywood Sign views; dog-friendly and often busy, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Extensive trail network offering panoramic views, the Griffith Observatory, and varied trail difficulty levels.
Trails that offer closer views of the Hollywood Sign and sweeping vistas of Los Angeles; moderate hikes with photo opportunities.
Coastal canyon trails in the Santa Monica Mountains with ocean views and fewer crowds than beachside trails.
A scenic waterfall hike best after winter rains; trails through coastal canyon landscapes with seasonal waterfalls.
Family-friendly trail with a waterfall at the end; popular on weekends and accessible from the San Gabriel Valley.
Airports
How to reach Los Angeles by plane.
Primary international gateway located in Westchester; major airlines and many domestic/international routes. Allow extra time for traffic to/from central LA; access via rideshare, shuttle, or Metro (Crenshaw/LAX line connections).
Smaller airport north of Hollywood serving domestic flights and convenient for the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood areas.
Smaller, easy-to-navigate airport with limited domestic flights; convenient for southern LA County and beaches.
Located in Orange County (Irvine), about 40–60 minutes from central LA depending on traffic; convenient for Orange County destinations and some southern LA beaches.
Serves the Inland Empire and eastern LA region; often less crowded and an option for travelers coming from the east.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large and diverse Latino population with strong cultural influence visible in food, festivals, and neighborhoods such as Boyle Heights, East LA, and MacArthur Park.
Significant populations from Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Japanese, Vietnamese, and other Asian backgrounds concentrated in areas like Koreatown, Chinatown, Monterey Park, and the San Gabriel Valley.
A large cohort of actors, filmmakers, musicians, and creative industry workers who shape local culture and nightlife.
Growing tech and startup presence across LA and Silicon Beach (Santa Monica, Venice) adding to the city's economic diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Home to the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers; basketball culture is strong with games at Crypto.com Arena (LA Live) drawing large crowds.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have a passionate fan base; Dodger Stadium offers an iconic ballpark experience with great city views.
The Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers play in the area, with NFL games and tailgating common on game days.
LAFC and LA Galaxy attract dedicated soccer fans; matches are lively and showcase the city's multicultural support for the sport.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Los Angeles.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
LA is very vegetarian- and vegan-friendly; many restaurants offer plant-based menus and dedicated vegan eateries (e.g., vegan tacos, bowls, and bakeries).
Expect abundant vegan options from fast-casual to upscale; labels and menu notes are common, and plant-based versions of local favorites are widely available.
Most restaurants can accommodate gluten-free diets; many bakeries and eateries also offer dedicated gluten-free items — always confirm cross-contamination practices if needed.
Halal and kosher options can be found in concentrated neighborhoods; Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and some fast-casual spots cater to religious dietary rules.