At a glance
- Best for
- Beaches, film history, museums, food and sunshine
- Airport
- Los Angeles International (LAX)
- Time needed
- Four to five days
- Best season
- March to June and September to November
- Getting around
- Car or ride-hailing, plus Metro rail for some routes
- Good base for
- Malibu, Disneyland, Joshua Tree and the Pacific Coast Highway
Why go
LA has year-round sunshine, a long coastline of public beaches, and mountains within the city limits. It has world-class museums, many of them free, and arguably the best taco scene north of the border. It is also one of the most diverse cities in the world, with large Mexican, Central American, Korean, Armenian, Filipino, Thai and Ethiopian communities whose neighbourhoods are worth exploring.
Top things to do
Head up to **Griffith Observatory** at sunset for views of the Hollywood Sign, the city grid and, on clear days, the ocean. Walk the **Hollywood Walk of Fame** once, briefly; it is busy and a little faded, but the TCL Chinese Theatre forecourt with its handprints is fun. For film fans, **Universal Studios Hollywood** and the Warner Bros. studio tour show working backlots.
The **Getty Center** sits on a hilltop in Brentwood with gardens, architecture and a strong European art collection; entry is free but parking is charged, so many visitors arrive by bus or ride-hailing. Downtown, **The Broad** shows free contemporary art, and the **Walt Disney Concert Hall** is a landmark of modern architecture. The **Los Angeles County Museum of Art** on Wilshire Boulevard is next to the La Brea Tar Pits, where Ice Age fossils are still being dug up.
On the coast, **Santa Monica Pier** has a small amusement park, and a bike and walking path runs south to **Venice Beach**, with its boardwalk, skate park and canals. Further north, **Malibu** has quieter coves such as El Matador State Beach.
Neighbourhoods
**Silver Lake** and **Los Feliz** have independent cafés and shops. **Downtown LA** has Grand Central Market, the Arts District and historic theatres along Broadway. **Koreatown** is open late with barbecue and karaoke. **Boyle Heights** and **East LA** are centres of Mexican American culture. **Pasadena** has gardens, the Huntington Library and a gentler pace.
Food
Eat tacos from a truck, especially al pastor carved from a spit. Try Korean barbecue in Koreatown, Thai food in Thai Town, and the French dip sandwich at Philippe the Original. Farmers markets run in many neighbourhoods each week, and the Santa Monica market on Wednesday mornings is a favourite of chefs.
Getting around
Los Angeles is built around cars, and traffic is heavy, especially on weekday afternoons. Many visitors use ride-hailing apps. The **Metro** rail system does connect Downtown, Hollywood, Koreatown, Pasadena, Santa Monica and Long Beach, and is useful for some trips; pay with a TAP card or the TAP app. From LAX, the LAX/Metro Transit Center links the airport to the rail network, and the FlyAway bus runs to Union Station.
Where to stay
Santa Monica is the easiest base for beach lovers, with walkable streets and a direct rail link to Downtown. West Hollywood is central for nightlife. Downtown is close to museums and transit but quiet at night in places. Choose one area and plan your days by region, rather than criss-crossing the city.
Practical tips
Keep nothing visible in a parked car, as break-ins are common at beaches and trailheads. Summer days can be very hot inland while the coast is cool and grey in May and June. Wildfire smoke can affect air quality, especially from late summer, so check local alerts. The free trip planner can combine LA with San Francisco and the Grand Canyon.
Questions about Los Angeles
Do I need a car in Los Angeles?
Not always. Ride-hailing and the Metro cover most visitor areas, especially if you base yourself in Santa Monica or Downtown, but trips across the city can take a long time.
How many days should I spend in Los Angeles?
Four to five days covers Hollywood, the museums, the beaches and a few neighbourhoods. Add more for Disneyland or Malibu.
Is it safe to walk around Los Angeles?
Most visitor areas are fine by day. Some parts of Downtown, including Skid Row, have serious homelessness and drug problems, so stay aware and use ride-hailing at night.
Where can I see the Hollywood Sign?
Griffith Observatory and the trails in Griffith Park give the best views. Hiking right up to the sign is not allowed.
Facts checked . Fees, schedules and entry rules change, so always confirm the latest with the official source.
