Los Angeles is a sprawling Southern California city and the center of the nation’s film and television industry. Near its iconic Hollywood sign, studios such as Paramount Pictures, Universal and Warner Brothers offer behind-the-scenes tours. On Hollywood Boulevard, TCL Chinese Theatre displays celebrities’ hand- and footprints, the Walk of Fame honors thousands of luminaries and vendors sell maps to stars’ homes. ― Google
Best Months:
March–May and September–November
Mild weather, fewer crowds, and better hotel deals.
Summer (June–August):
Peak season with beach weather, festivals, and family vacations.
Winter (Dec–Feb):
Cooler but still pleasant (~60s°F/15–20°C); great for award-season buzz and fewer crowds.
Major Airports:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Main airport with international and domestic flights.
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR): Smaller, closer to North LA and studios.
Long Beach (LGB) and Ontario (ONT): Regional options.
Getting Around:
Car Rental is ideal — LA is very spread out.
Metro Rail & Buses: Budget-friendly but limited for tourists.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Common and easy.
Bike/Scooter Rentals: Great in beach areas like Venice and Santa Monica.
Hollywood Sign & Griffith Observatory – Iconic hike and panoramic views.
Santa Monica Pier & Beach – Classic boardwalk, ferris wheel, and beach vibe.
Venice Beach & Abbot Kinney Blvd. – Quirky street performers, murals, and trendy boutiques.
Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre – Hollywood’s star-lined sidewalks.
Rodeo Drive – High-end shopping and luxury spotting in Beverly Hills.
The Getty Center – Art, architecture, and gardens with incredible views.
Universal Studios Hollywood – Theme park + working film studio (with Harry Potter World).
LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) – Home of the Urban Light sculpture.
The Broad Museum & Walt Disney Concert Hall – Downtown LA culture hub.
Malibu & Zuma Beach – Surf, scenic drives, and celebrity spotting.
🌄 Hike to the Hollywood Sign – Try the Brush Canyon or Griffith Park route.
🎢 Visit a theme park:
Universal Studios for movie lovers
Disneyland (Anaheim) – ~45 mins south
🚗 Drive Mulholland Drive or Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) – Epic road trip views.
🎬 Studio tours: Warner Bros., Paramount, or Sony offer behind-the-scenes experiences.
🏄 Surf or sunbathe at Venice, Santa Monica, or Malibu beaches.
🎭 See a live show – Comedy clubs, theater in Hollywood, or live music at The Hollywood Bowl or Greek Theatre.
🛍️ Shop & browse – Melrose Avenue, The Grove, or Third Street Promenade.
Luxury:
The Beverly Hills Hotel – Glamorous and historic.
Shutters on the Beach (Santa Monica) – Beachfront and chic.
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills – High-end with rooftop views.
Mid-Range:
The Garland – Stylish in North Hollywood.
Hotel Erwin – Cool hotel steps from Venice Beach.
Mama Shelter – Funky hotel in Hollywood.
Budget-Friendly:
HI Los Angeles – Santa Monica Hostel – Affordable and by the beach.
Freehand Los Angeles – Trendy downtown option with rooftop pool.
PodShare Venice – Unique co-living style stay.
Best Areas to Stay:
Santa Monica: Great for beach, walkability, and relaxation.
West Hollywood (WeHo): Trendy nightlife, close to Hollywood & Beverly Hills.
Downtown LA (DTLA): Urban, artsy, and growing food scene.
Hollywood: Central for sightseeing, but busier/tourist-heavy.
Must-Try LA Eats:
Tacos – Leo’s Tacos, Guisados, Tacos 1986
In-N-Out Burger – California classic.
Korean BBQ – Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong, Quarters KBBQ (Koreatown)
Avocado Toast & Health Food – Sqirl, Great White
Ramen & Sushi – Daikokuya, Sugarfish, Tsujita LA
Vegan Hotspots – Crossroads Kitchen, Gracias Madre
Trendy Restaurants:
Republique – French-Californian in a gorgeous space.
Bestia – High-end Italian in the Arts District.
n/naka – 2-Michelin-star Japanese kaiseki.
Gjusta – Casual deli/bakery in Venice.
The Ivy – Celebrity-favorite in Beverly Hills.
🎥 Entertainment Capital of the World: Film, TV, music, and influencers thrive here.
🎨 Art & Street Culture: From DTLA murals to Getty & LACMA exhibits, creativity is everywhere.
🌎 Diverse & Multicultural: LA’s neighborhoods reflect global cultures — Mexican, Korean, Armenian, Persian, Filipino, and more.
🎶 Live Music & Nightlife: From jazz at The Baked Potato to EDM at Exchange LA to rooftop lounges.
🌿 Wellness Vibes: Yoga, juice bars, outdoor fitness, and spiritual experiences are everywhere.
🌞 Outdoor Lifestyle: Hiking, biking, surfing, rooftop dining — LA is built for sunshine lovers.