Los Angeles, a city that effortlessly blends the allure of Hollywood glamour with the laid-back vibes of Southern California, has always held a special place in my heart. From my first visit as a wide-eyed 17-year-old to countless trips thereafter, each experience has unveiled a new layer of this dynamic metropolis. For years, I’ve explored its diverse neighborhoods, savored its culinary scene, and soaked in its unique atmosphere. Now, after a brief hiatus, I returned to LA with fresh eyes, accompanying first-time visitors and rediscovering the magic of this iconic destination. Thinking about crafting the perfect Los Angeles travel guide can feel overwhelming – there’s simply so much to see and do! Instead of trying to cover everything, I want to share my curated list of top recommendations for experiencing the very best of Los Angeles.
Palm trees and blue sky in Los Angeles, California
Essential Tips for Exploring Los Angeles Travel Places
Before diving into specific destinations, let’s cover some crucial aspects to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Los Angeles.
Navigating Covid & Safety in LA
It’s worth noting that Los Angeles has adopted a more relaxed approach to Covid-19 precautions. While mask mandates may be in place, adherence varies, and enforcement is minimal. Similarly, while proof of vaccination may be technically required for indoor dining, it’s not consistently requested. Being aware of this relaxed environment is key to managing your own comfort and safety levels while exploring Los Angeles Travel Places.
Getting To and Around LA: Airports and Transportation
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary gateway to the city, offering the most flight options. However, Burbank Airport (Bob Hope Airport) presents a potentially less chaotic alternative. If the price difference isn’t substantial, Burbank can be a worthwhile choice to bypass the often-overwhelming experience of LAX, which has been undergoing seemingly perpetual construction and can be quite disorganized.
Once you arrive, getting around Los Angeles requires careful consideration. While ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber are readily available, be prepared for potentially longer wait times than you might expect, especially during peak hours. Public transportation exists, but Los Angeles is famously car-centric. Driving yourself can be challenging due to notorious traffic congestion and parking difficulties, which range from scarce to exorbitantly priced. For general exploration of Los Angeles travel places, relying on ride-sharing is often the most convenient option.
However, there are exceptions. If you have specific sightseeing in mind, such as visiting filming locations or exploring distinct neighborhoods at your own pace, renting a car can be advantageous. This allows for spontaneous detours and venturing further afield, like a scenic drive to Malibu. Just be prepared for the realities of LA traffic and parking.
Packing for Your Los Angeles Adventure
Los Angeles exudes a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere. The dress code leans towards casual chic – think jeans and fashionable tops. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring various Los Angeles travel places, with flats being a practical choice. Combine trendy pieces with comfortable staples to achieve that quintessential California cool aesthetic.
Regarding climate, Los Angeles weather can be surprisingly varied. While known for sunshine, the heat is dry and less intense than humid climates. Evenings can cool down significantly, with temperatures potentially dropping into the high 40s Fahrenheit (around 4-9 degrees Celsius), even when daytime temperatures reach a pleasant 70°F (around 21°C). It’s crucial to check the weather forecast before your trip, as a warm vacation in Los Angeles isn’t always guaranteed year-round. Layering is always a smart approach to be prepared for temperature fluctuations throughout the day.
Where to Stay: Choosing Your LA Neighborhood
Los Angeles, unfortunately, faces a growing homelessness issue, impacting certain areas in terms of safety and comfort. Downtown LA is generally advised to avoid for accommodation. Venice has also been mentioned as potentially problematic, although my recent experience there was limited.
For a comfortable and well-located base, consider the areas bordering Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. Beverly Hills offers an upscale and refined experience, while West Hollywood pulsates with a younger, hipper energy and boasts excellent walkability.
During my recent trip, I stayed at the Montrose Beverly Hills hotel, which offered a blend of both worlds. Situated in a peaceful residential neighborhood, it provided access to beautiful tree-lined streets for leisurely walks, while also being within easy reach of the vibrant West Hollywood scene, including iconic spots like The Abbey and Pump. The hotel itself, while perhaps due for some room updates, had a charming décor and excellent amenities, including a rooftop pool and lounge, an on-site restaurant, and a convenient lobby store. Spacious rooms with fireplaces added a cozy touch. While I might explore other options in the future, the Montrose Beverly Hills served as a well-priced and strategically located choice for my itinerary.
Indulging in LA’s Culinary Scene: Top Restaurants and Drinks
Exploring the diverse food scene is undoubtedly one of my favorite aspects of visiting any city, and Los Angeles is a true culinary paradise. Having explored countless restaurants over numerous trips, here are some standout recommendations for your Los Angeles travel places culinary adventure:
Gjelina: For me, no trip to LA is complete without a meal at Gjelina. I genuinely crave their food between visits, especially their raclette pizza with caramelized onions – it’s simply phenomenal. While a recent visit had a few minor appetizer disappointments and slightly undercooked pasta, the pizzas remained as incredible as ever. Gjelina, located on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, is a must-visit. Reservations are highly recommended, but takeout from their sister establishment, GTA (Gjelina Take Away), is also a fantastic option.
Gjelina restaurant exterior in Venice, Los Angeles
Elephante: Elephante is a strong contender for my new top restaurant in LA. Located in Santa Monica, it boasts arguably the most stunning sunset views I’ve encountered in the area. The key is to reserve a table in the sunset room about an hour before sunset to fully appreciate the panoramic vistas. The restaurant’s elevated position provides unobstructed views of the beach and palm trees, creating a truly magical ambiance. The décor is also impeccably stylish. Their menu features delicious pizzas and drinks, and they are renowned for their whipped eggplant dip served with a puffed pita. While I regrettably didn’t have room to try the dip on my last visit, it’s definitely on my list for next time!
Outdoor seating at Elephante restaurant in Santa Monica, Los Angeles
Color Burst Cappuccino at The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker in West Hollywood
The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker: This charming breakfast and brunch spot in West Hollywood is both delicious and conveniently located on Sunset Boulevard. They are famous for their visually striking “color-burst” cappuccinos, which are truly Instagram-worthy (though at $15 each, I opted for my regular coffee!). The food is delightful, and the décor is perfectly aligned with my taste. Reservations are highly recommended, as even on a weekday morning, we faced a considerable wait. A fun bonus: it’s situated across from The Oppenheim Group office, featured in the Netflix show “Selling Sunset” – though it appeared deserted during our visit, leaving the actual presence of the show’s personalities in question.
Pastries and food display at The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker
Fatburger vegetarian burger and fries
Fatburger: For a classic burger experience with vegetarian options, Fatburger is an excellent alternative to the ubiquitous In-N-Out. I first learned about it from “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and finally tried it on this trip. As a non-meat eater, I appreciated their diverse vegetarian choices, and everyone in my group thoroughly enjoyed their meals.
Unforgettable Activities: What to Do in Los Angeles
Los Angeles offers an overwhelming array of activities and attractions. Narrowing it down can be tough, but here are some of my top recommendations for must-experience Los Angeles travel places and activities:
Griffith Observatory: The panoramic view from Griffith Observatory is simply breathtaking, encompassing the entire Los Angeles basin. Sunset views are particularly spectacular. However, the crowds can be intense, potentially diminishing the experience. My advice is to arrive relatively early (around 3 hours before sunset) and explore the observatory itself. It’s a fascinating (and free!) space and science center with engaging exhibits and interactive displays. (Do check opening hours, as it was weekend-only during my visit). Afterward, secure your spot outside to witness the sunset. Bring a blanket and some snacks for a truly memorable evening.
Late Night Comedy Show: Experiencing a live comedy show in LA is a personal highlight. You never know when a famous comedian might drop in for a surprise set – I’ve heard stories of Dave Chapelle making unannounced appearances! Celebrities often test out new material at local clubs, offering an insider’s glimpse into the comedy world. While The Comedy Store is a reliable option for last-minute tickets, we opted for The Laugh Factory this time and attended their “Chocolate Sundaes” show, which was hilarious and highly recommended.
Explore Santa Monica: I have a particular fondness for Santa Monica. It combines the appeal of a beach town with the vibrant energy of Los Angeles, boasting fantastic restaurants and shops. Given the current state of the Venice boardwalk (less than pristine), Santa Monica offers a more appealing and relaxed alternative for a seaside stroll. Bike rentals are readily available, or simply explore on foot. The Santa Monica Pier is a classic tourist attraction, especially enjoyable for families. For a fun and casual Sunday vibe, Bungalow (a bar/restaurant with a house-party atmosphere) is a great option.
Walk of Fame: Yes, it’s touristy and crowded – think of it as LA’s version of Times Square – but the Hollywood Walk of Fame is an undeniable LA landmark. Get dropped off at the TCL Chinese Theatre and wander along Hollywood Boulevard. I always make a point of finding Britney Spears’ star, but there are countless others to discover. A quick 10-minute stop is sufficient to soak in the atmosphere and tick it off your Los Angeles travel places list.
This recent trip to Los Angeles, while different from my previous visits, was incredibly special. Sharing my favorite spots with first-time visitors and rediscovering the city’s charm through their eyes made it a truly memorable experience. In fact, I’m already planning another visit soon! I can’t wait to return to the West Coast and explore even more of what Los Angeles has to offer.
