Over 50 million people visit Los Angeles each year to explore everything that the city has to offer.
If you’re thinking of visiting Los Angeles too then you’re in for a treat! There’s so much to see and do in this vibrant city, from exploring its famous Hollywood landmarks to sampling the world-class restaurants.
However, before you book your flight and start packing your bags, there are some things you need to know. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know before visiting Los Angeles, from tips on how to plan properly to what attractions are worth checking out.
So read on and get ready for an amazing vacation.
How to Plan a Trip to Los Angeles
If you’re visiting Los Angeles from another city in the United States then you don’t need to book your tickets too far in advance. However, with plane tickets as expensive as they currently are right now, it’s a good idea to start looking about a month or two in advance.
The same goes for renting an Airbnb in Los Angeles and finding a great rental car to ensure you’re able to get around the city and surrounding areas comfortably.
Whether you use travel management software or not, here are a few tips on how to take care of the logistical part of planning a vacation to Los Angeles.
Find the Best Flight
Lucky for you, you’ll be able to fly straight into the LAX airport. It’s one of the most visited airports in the country and caters to numerous arriving and departing flights each day. This means that it’ll be easy to find a cheap route from pretty much any other major city.
But, when’s the best time to fly to Los Angeles? According to Skyscanner, you can find the cheapest flights to Los Angeles during January, February, and September. Basically, try to avoid the peak summer months if you can.
Think About Airport Parking
If you’re going to have a friend pick you up from the airport then they should be able to drive by in the pickup lane just outside of the arrivals area. However, note that if you miss them when they drive by, they won’t be able to stop and wait for you.
If you’re late then they might have to park at the airport and wait for you instead. In that case, it pays to familiarize yourself with LAX parking options and prices. Parking at the airport can get expensive, so it might be better to have them circle back around to pick you up.
Rent a Car
If you don’t have a friend who can pick you up and show you around the City of Angels then you’re definitely going to want to rent a car. Despite being a major metropolitan city, the public transportation options in Los Angeles are great for tourists looking to see a lot of the city.
After all, the city is large and spread out, so having your own transportation can make getting around much easier. Renting a car also gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and visit any attractions that interest you.
Keep in mind, however, that parking can be challenging and expensive, so it’s worth considering whether you need a car for your entire stay. If you’re only planning to visit a few specific places, it may be more convenient and cost-effective to use taxis or ride-sharing services.
You’ll also want to ensure that, if you’re going to rent a car, you plan for traffic. Traffic in Los Angeles is notoriously horrible, especially during morning and evening rush hours. Be sure to plan for enough time to see everything you want to see.
Rent an Airbnb
In Los Angeles, renting an Airbnb is often much cheaper than renting a hotel (and it’s a lot nicer!). However, since the city is so spread out and diverse, where should you stay?
Downtown Los Angeles is a great place to start, as it is home to many of the city’s most popular attractions. If you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, consider staying in one of the beach communities, such as Santa Monica or Venice Beach.
For those who want to be close to the action, Hollywood is a great option. There are also many affordable Airbnbs located near the airport. No matter what your budget or preferences are, you can find a neighborhood that suits your tastes for your Los Angeles vacation.
Visit Los Angeles: 7 Can’t-Miss Sights to See
Now that you know how you’ll fly, where you’ll stay, and how you’ll get around the city, it’s time to plan your trip to California in more detail! Here are seven can’t-miss sights to see when visiting Los Angeles.
1. Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is a historic landmark located in Santa Monica, California (which is part of Greater Los Angeles). The pier features several attractions including an amusement park, an aquarium, and a Santa Monica History Museum.
It’s a great idea as a surprise date for your loved one or even as an evening out with friends as you can enjoy several restaurants and shops located on the pier.
The pier is open all year round and offers a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy. Our top tip? Definitely visit just before sunset. The sun sets over the ocean and creates the perfect backdrop for photos.
2. Hollywood
There’s so much to see and do in Hollywood, from visiting the iconic Hollywood Sign to taking a walk down the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Hollywood Boulevard is a great place to start your exploration of the area. You can walk down the street and take in the sights and sounds of Hollywood. Be sure to stop by the TCL Chinese Theatre, where you can see the handprints and footprints of some of your favorite celebrities.
If you’re looking for a great place to eat, try Musso & Frank Grill. This historic restaurant has been serving delicious food since 1919. Or, if you’re in the mood for something sweet, stop by Sprinkles Cupcakes for a tasty treat.
3. Griffith Observatory
A visit to the Griffith Observatory is a must for any tourist in Los Angeles. Located on the south slope of Mount Hollywood, the Observatory, which was built in 1933, offers a stunning view of the city below.
The Observatory also has a wide variety of exhibits, including a planetarium show and an interactive program about the night sky. The best part about visiting the Observatory is that admission is free.
So whether you’re an experienced astronomer or just someone who wants to enjoy a beautiful view, the Griffith Observatory is definitely worth a visit.
4. Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is a movie studio and theme park in Los Angeles that’s fun and engaging regardless of your age.
The theme park features rides, shows, and attractions based on Universal Studios movies and television shows. Fun rides include Jurassic Park, Revenge of the Mummy, Transformers, and the famous backlot studio tour.
We suggest visiting Universal Studios Hollywood only if you have a full day to devote yourself to exploring the park.
5. Los Angeles County Museum of Art
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is one of the largest museums in the United States. It has a collection of over 150,000 objects, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and film.
The museum is located on Wilshire Boulevard, making it the perfect stop as part of exploring other areas in the neighborhood.
Not a fan of art? No problem. The museum’s exterior light post installment is famous among Instagrammers and photographers. Stop by for a quick photo to commemorate your trip to Los Angeles.
6. Downtown LA
Visiting downtown Los Angeles is a great way to experience the city. There are many things to see and do, and it is a great place to people watch. It’s also a fantastic spot for foodies.
There are also many great places to eat, and you can find food from all over the world. From high-end restaurants to casual bars, there is something to suit every taste.
Located in the historic Grand Central Market, Horse Thief BBQ serves up delicious Texas-style barbecue. The meats are cooked low and slow over an oak wood fire, resulting in tender, juicy servings that are packed with flavor.
Barrel & Ashes is another excellent choice for dinner, offering wood-fired cuisine with a Southern twist. The menu includes all of your favorite comfort foods, from fried chicken to ribs and macaroni and cheese.
7. Mulholland Drive
Mulholland Drive is one of the most popular scenic routes in Los Angeles. And it’s no wonder why – the views from Mulholland Drive are simply breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction.
And at night, the views are even more spectacular. The city lights twinkle like stars, and you can even see the Hollywood Sign lit up in the distance. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the views from Mulholland Drive are definitely worth a visit.
Visiting Los Angeles as Part of a California Vacation
Interested in expanding your California vacation beyond the city limits of Los Angeles? There are a few day trips you can easily make if you’re renting a car or are staying with friends who have one.
Los Angeles to Malibu
If you’re looking for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, a day trip to Malibu is the perfect solution. Just a short drive from the city, Malibu offers stunning beaches, hiking trails, and plenty of opportunities to relax and rejuvenate.
Depending on where you’re staying in Los Angeles, you can get from the city to Malibu via the Pacific Coast Highway in less than an hour. Honestly, the drive out there is part of the thrill so plan for stops and enjoy taking photos along the scenic coastline wherever you can.
Los Angeles to Disneyland
No visit to Southern California is complete without a trip to Disneyland! The park is located just a short drive from downtown LA, making it easy to get to. Once you arrive at the park, you’ll find plenty of things to do.
There are rides for all ages, shows to see, and food options to enjoy. You can also explore the different themed areas of the park, such as Mickey’s Toontown and Main Street USA.
With so much to see and do, a day trip from Los Angeles to Disneyland is sure to be a day you’ll never forget. However, it’s definitely worth planning a trip to Disneyland when you have time for at least a full day or two. If you’re visiting with little ones, we suggest planning for at least two days. To get the most out of your time there, book an Airbnb in Anaheim close to the park.
Los Angeles to San Diego
Just a short drive down the coast from Los Angeles, San Diego makes for the perfect day trip destination. With its sunny weather and miles of sandy beaches, San Diego is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
The city also boasts a thriving culinary scene, with award-winning restaurants serving up everything from fresh seafood to wood-fired pizza. Plus, with its attractions like the San Diego Zoo and Sea World, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
Plan Your Travel
Whether you’re visiting Los Angeles or are interested in planning a trip to another destination, we want to help you stay up to date on everything you need to know about travel. As your source for high-quality information, we’ve sourced some of the best travel articles to browse through to help you plan your trip to Los Angeles and more.
