Los Angeles, located on the coast of southern California, is the second-largest city in the United States. The sprawling metropolis is best known as the home of the American movie industry, as well as for the city's huge collection of more than 800 art museums and galleries, a host of major sports teams and a world-class food scene. It is one of the most popular travel destinations in the United States, with Disneyland Resort in nearby Anaheim.
This guide to Los Angeles will tell you what you need to know to get the most out of your visit to the "City of Angels". Los Angeles offers plenty, whether you're looking for an exciting weekend or a quiet, relaxing visit.
How to Get Around Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a reputation for being rather difficult to get around. While it's certainly true that the city isn't extremely walkable, there are easy ways to navigate the city without spending a fortune on ride shares or getting stranded at the end of a bus line. Here's what you need to know to get around Los Angeles without a hassle.
Car Rental
Having a vehicle at your disposal is all but essential in Los Angeles. The city is just not very walkable, taxis are expensive and public transportation tends not to go to all the places you're likely to want to visit. The good news is that rental cars are plentiful and relatively affordable. You'll find all the major companies at Los Angeles International Airport and the other regional airports. Make sure to ask for your AAA discount when you make your reservation with Hertz.
Rideshares
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are a good, if somewhat pricey, alternative to renting a car. Drivers are plentiful as Los Angeles is the second largest rideshare market in the United States. Keep in mind that most services charge a surcharge in poor weather or during busy times.
Public transportation
Los Angeles County offers both a bus network and a subway system. Most tourists find the subway faster and easier to navigate. Most lines operate between 5:00 a.m. and midnight with select weekend lines running until 2:00 a.m.
Note that the LA public transportation system is cashless. You'll need to purchase a TAP card at a station or online before entering the bus or subway car. Once you have your card, you can easily add more money to it online. The base metro fare is $1.75, but you'll save money with a one-day or multi-day pass if you plan on taking public transportation more than just a single point-to-point journey. Discounts are available for seniors, children and students.
Walkability
Los Angeles is one of the least walkable cities in the United States. Infamous for its network of highways with heavy traffic, visitors need access to a vehicle unless they intend to stay in a single neighborhood.
Bikeshare
While Los Angeles is more of a driving than a cycling city, there are more than 150 bike rental kiosks in LA, mostly located in downtown, mid-city, the Port of LA and the Westside. Note that riders must be at least 16 years of age.
Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Buses
One of the easiest ways to see the sights in Los Angeles is to take one of the Hop on Hop off sightseeing buses. These buses stop at 40 of the major attractions, such as Griffith Park and TCL Chinese Theater. You decide whether you want to get off at a particular stop and you can stay as long as you want at a stop. You just take the next bus that comes along.
Best Time to Visit Los Angeles
Because of the area's temperate climate, there really is no bad time to visit Los Angeles. January through April has the fewest crowds, which is especially important if you are planning on visiting theme parks, such as Disneyland and Universal Studios. Arguably, the best time to visit Los Angeles is in May and October, and the air quality is best if you avoid the middle of the summer.
There are a myriad of festivals and major annual events in and around Los Angeles. On New Year's Day, the Rose Bowl game and Tournament of Roses Parade draw millions to the streets of Pasadena and the Los Angeles Coliseum. In March, spectators line the streets from downtown LA to Century City for the 26.2-mile LA Marathon. March is also when the Academy Awards Ceremony takes place and intrepid visitors may get a glimpse of their favorite stars outside the Dolby Theater. In October, Hollywood Carnavale draws half a million visitors to the streets of Hollywood, many in elaborate costumes, to listen to free music performances. In December, neighborhoods throughout the region host holiday parades, including the Marina Del Rey boat parade.
Top Things to Do in Los Angeles
There are so many fun and interesting things to see and do in and around Los Angeles, it's difficult to narrow the list to a half dozen top attractions. However, these are (in our opinion) the "must-see" attractions in the "City of Angels". Make sure to also check out our section on day trips for attractions like Disneyland that are located not far outside the city limits.
Griffith Park Observatory
The sprawling Griffith Park Observatory is one of LA's top attractions. It features the LA Zoo, the Gene Autry Museum of the American West and the Hollywood Sign. The Griffith Park Observatory, located in the heart of the park, is a good place to get your bearings. You can view downtown LA from one side, Hollywood from another and the southern California coast from another. The best part: admission to the observatory is free.
The Getty Center
The Getty Center not only has an impressive art collection, but the museum's site, perched atop a hill, offers sweeping views of Downtown LA and the mountains beyond. Opened in 1997, the Getty Museum focuses on pre-20th century European art, by such artists as Van Gogh and Gauguin, as well as 19th and 20th-century American and European photography. Make sure check out the ever-changing gardens while you are there. Admission to the Getty Center is always free.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theater
The Hollywood Walk of Fame features more than 2,700 sets of handprints and autographs of major film, television and music stars. Find your favorite actor or actress before you take in a film at the historic TCL Chinese Theater, home to one of the largest movie screens in the world. You can also take a guided Hollywood Walking Tour for a more in-depth experience.
The Grove and the Original Farmers Market
Located in West Hollywood, the Los Angeles Original Farmers Market has been an LA staple since 1934. The market is open daily, although hours vary. Admission is free, and you can park nearby for up to 90 minutes for free. The market features more than 100 vendors selling produce, ready-to-eat food, ethnic groceries and other edibles. The nearby Grove shopping center features a host of upscale shops plus a large movie complex and an animated fountain. A trolley runs throughout the complex, shuttling shoppers from the shops to the market and the parking lot.
Paramount Pictures Studio
Visitors can tour the 65-acre Paramount Pictures Studio, one of the first movie studios in Los Angeles. The two-hour guided tour takes you under the iconic Paramount arch to sound stages and recognizable sets from movies and television shows and the Paramount commissary, where you might glimpse a movie star or two. Please note, visitors have to be at least 10 years of age to take the tour.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios is a theme park that combines a working movie and television studio with theme park rides and attractions. You can take the tram tour past iconic sets, like the Bates Motel from "Psycho" and meet favorite animated characters like the Minions and Scooby-Do. Of course, there are also thrill rides, such as the Wizarding of Harry Potter and Jurassic World--The Ride.
Where to Stay in Los Angeles
Los Angeles offers a host of accommodations in a host of styles and price ranges. You'll want to pick a hotel near to the attractions you are interested in visiting since traveling around town can eat up a lot of your vacation time and budget. Below are a few of our favorite hotels in LA.
Hotel Bel Air
- Address: 701 Stone Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90077
- AAA Diamond-designation: Five Diamond
- Best For: Great for those looking for a luxurious place to stay and for those looking to glimpse a celebrity or two
Arguably, the most luxurious hotel in LA, the boutique Bel Air has just 103 rooms, 45 of which are suites. Amenities at the hotel include a swimming pool, three restaurants and a spa. Set on 12 acres in the upscale Bel Air neighborhood, the hotel embodies the ambiance of Old Hollywood and is a favorite of A-list celebrities.
Intercontinental Downtown LA
- Address: 900 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017
- AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Best For: Great for business travelers and those wanting a convenient downtown location
Located in the heart of LA's financial district, the Intercontinental Downtown LA is a sleek high-rise hotel with floor-to-ceiling windows offering majestic views of the city and the surrounding area. Amenities include two restaurants, an EV charging station, a swimming pool, a health club and the Sky Lobby bar on the 70th floor with sweeping views of the city and the mountains and ocean beyond.
JW Marriott Downtown LA
- Address: 900 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
- AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Best For: Great for sports fans attending a game at the arena or those attending an event at the convention center
Located near Crypto.com Arena, the Grammy Museum and the Los Angeles Convention Center, the JW Marriott Downtown LA offers comfortable, bright rooms with 42" televisions and wireless internet access, not to mention the view. Amenities include a health club, a rooftop pool and three restaurants.
Andaz West Hollywood
- Address: 8401 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 ·
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Best For: Great for movie fans and those looking for a little Hollywood glamour
Located on Sunset Boulevard, near nightlife, shopping and attractions, the Andaz West Hollywood features cozy rooms adorned with local art and baths with Calcutta mosaics. Many rooms and suites have views of the action on Sunset Boulevard or the Hollywood Hills. Amenities include an outdoor, heated swimming pool; an exercise room; a restaurant, bar and valet parking.
Hotel Figueroa
- Address: 939 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Best For: Great for couples and those looking for a glimpse of Old Hollywood glamour
This boutique hotel, located in the city center, combines old-world Spanish charm with modern amenities. The hotel's 286 guest rooms are all unique and feature artwork on loan from local artists, as well as hardwood floors, decorative ceramic tiles and free WiFi. Amenities at the Hotel Figueroa include a restaurant and a 24-hour fitness center.
Where to Eat in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is home to hundreds of restaurants, of all types and flavors. Whether you want an elegant, fine-dining experience or a casual ethnic eatery, the city has something for you. Below are a few of our favorites:
Providence
- Address: 5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90038
- AAA Diamond-designation: Five Diamond
- Type of Cuisine: Seafood, Contemporary American, Californian
This AAA Five Diamond seafood restaurant serves seafood and contemporary American cuisine in a sleek, elegant dining room. The menu at Providence features fresh seafood from both coasts, as well as a chef's tasting menu. Providence is open for dinner only, from Tuesday through Saturday.
Tam O'Shanter
- Address: 2980 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90039
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Type of Cuisine: Scottish, American, Steak, Continental
If you're looking for something more casual, the AAA Three Diamond Tam O'Shanter is sure to please. Serving Scottish and classic American fare since 1922, this eatery is a LA landmark. Menu highlights include corned beef, shepherd's pie, beef brisket and fish and chips. Tam O'Shanter is open daily for lunch and dinner. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday.
Mel's Drive-In
- Address: 1660 N Highland Ave, Hollywood, CA, 90028
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Type of Cuisine: American
Located in the heart of Hollywood, near Highland and Hollywood Boulevard, the AAA Three Diamond Mel's Drive-In serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Billed as "America's diner," this iconic eatery has a traditional lunch counter, comfortable booths and plenty of nostalgia. There are jukeboxes at every table and even live music on the weekend.
Arroyo Chop House
- Address: 536 South Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena, CA, 91105
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Type of Cuisine: Steak, Steakhouse, American, Seafood
The AAA Three Diamond Arroyo Chop House, in nearby Pasadena, specializes in steaks with a smattering of classic seafood entrées. The club-like ambiance is cozy without feeling stuffy and there's a private dining room for an intimate dinner for two. Arroyo prides itself on serving the best quality beef available. Arroyo serves dinner daily, from 5:00 p.m.
La Boheme
- Address: 8400 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA, 90069
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Type of Cuisine: American, French / Japanese, Global, International
La Boheme, a AAA Three Diamond French and Continental restaurant in West Hollywood, has a chic, eclectic dining room, with high ceilings, crystal chandeliers and deep jewel-toned walls. The menu here features things like lamb papparelle, roasted local halibut and filet mignon. The signature cocktails are a must-try. La Boheme serves dinner daily and brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
Los Angeles Photo Spots
Any trip to Los Angeles needs a few souvenir photos with which to remember the trip, not to mention post on your Instagram page. Below are a few of our favorite places to take that memorable LA photo.
The Hollywood Sign
The iconic 45' Hollywood Sign has become the place for photos in the Los Angeles area. Set in the Santa Monica Hills, overlooking the city, the sign is accessible via Griffith Park and Observatory and the Hollywood/Highland Center. You can't get too close to the sign, but you can still have it as the backdrop to your photos.
The Griffith Observatory
With its location atop a hill overlooking downtown LA, the Griffith Observatory is tailor-made for photo ops. Day or night, the skyline view is spectacular.
Santa Monica Pier
If you want the ocean in the background of your photos, with a touch of whimsy in the foreground, then head to the Santa Monica Pier, located due west of downtown LA. The iconic Ferris wheel on the pier with a sunset over the water is sure to make a memorable image.
Venice Beach Canals
The many canals that weave through Venice also make good photo stops. The reflection of the palm trees on the water makes for unique images.
Elysian Park
Elysian Park, located north of downtown LA, offers a similar skyline view to Griffith Park, but with fewer crowds. The park closes at 9:00 p.m., so make sure to get your photos early in the evening or during the day.
Day Trips from Los Angeles
While there are certainly enough things to see and do in Los Angeles to keep you busy for a week or more, there are also a variety of fun and exciting things to do just outside the city. Below are some of our favorites.
Disneyland
- Distance from LA: Roughly 45 minutes
The original Disney park, Disneyland still draws more than 25 million visitors annually. The compact park, located in Anaheim, is notable for its iconic Cinderella's castle and its themed areas, including Main Street USA, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland and Tomorrowland. While the admission price is rather steep, getting an opportunity to meet Mickey Mouse and have your photo taken in front of Cinderella's Castle is priceless.
Santa Monica
- Distance from LA: About one hour
Santa Monica, located on the Pacific Ocean due west of Los Angeles, is a popular resort town and one of the nearest beaches to Los Angeles. Visitors can stroll the quirky downtown shopping streets, dine on fresh seafood or local produce overlooking the ocean, or explore the iconic Santa Monica Pier, with its Ferris wheel, carousel, concessions and pubs. Despite the traffic, the Pier is also a popular local fishing spot.
Laguna Beach
- Distance from LA: About one hour
This peaceful, oceanfront town is quintessential southern California. You can spend the day at the beach, have a leisurely lunch at one of the many casual waterfront eateries, or stroll around the downtown shopping district and browse the many craft and art galleries. If you happen to visit during the holiday season, be sure to check out the Sawdust Art Festival, which turns downtown into a Christmas Market every weekend (albeit without the snow) between Thanksgiving and Christmas, with artist workshops and plenty of unique items to buy.
Joshua Tree National Park
- Distance from LA: Just over two hours
Joshua Tree National Park is located due east of Los Angeles. Named for its unique, gnarly trees, the park encompasses more nearly 800,000 acres, making the park slightly larger than the State of Rhode Island. The topography is varied and includes both a low and high desert, as well as the San Bernadino Mountains. Visitors can hike the more than 300 miles of trails, some of which overlook the San Andreas Fault and the City of Palm Springs; climb some of the park's challenging rock formations; watch birds and wildlife in their national habitat or simply enjoy the peaceful, remote locale.
Palm Springs
- Distance from LA: Roughly two hours
The desert enclave of Palm Springs is well-known for its celebrity residents, luxury resorts and championship golf courses. This is where Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack came to play in the 1960s. Check out Cheeky's for brunch before taking the aerial tram for an overview of the city. The Palm Springs Art Museum has a surprisingly good collection of modern art, and Indian Canyons offers miles of scenic hiking trails.
Visiting Los Angeles on a Budget
Although Los Angeles and southern California can be a little expensive, there are ways to keep the cost of a trip to Los Angeles under control. Below are a few of our favorite tips.
1. Buy a Go Los Angeles Card. This discount card, which is available via Trip Canvas, gives you admission to more than 40 museums and attractions in the greater Los Angeles area, as well as some sightseeing tours. There are one-day, two-day and three-day passes.
2.: Visit during free museum days. Admission to museums can add up, especially if you want to visit several of the city's top galleries. Fortunately, many LA museums offer free days or evenings. However, there is no charge Monday through Friday after 3:00 p.m. Admission to the Getty Center is always free.
3. Take advantage of AAA member discounts. Being a member of AAA comes with a myriad of perks. Among these are car rental discounts, discounts on admission tickets and hotel discounts. Make sure to ask your AAA travel agent about these valuable membership perks.
4. Use a TAP pass for public transportation. As we discussed above, if you're going to be taking buses and/or the subway to get around the city, a prepaid TAP pass is the way to go. TAP passes may be purchased online and downloaded to your phone or purchased at any of the major transportation stations in LA.
5. Take a free walking tour. Several companies offer interesting, guided walking tours, in and around Los Angeles. Current offerings include Downtown LA, Old Hollywood and Hidden Gems of LA. Just make sure to tip your guide.
Plan Your Los Angeles Vacation with AAA
Traveling to Los Angeles doesn't have to be confusing or stressful. After you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Los Angeles trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or à la carte options.