I have lived in Los Angeles for over 15 years, and it is the city I call home. In the last 12 months of travel, every time I mention that I’m from LA, the response is always with enthusiastic awe or friendly envy. I realized that the city I took for granted is many others’ number one travel destination. With the help of my friends back home and my own personal experiences, here’s a comprehensive locals’ guide to all your Los Angeles travel needs!
Table of Contents
Things to Know Before Your Visit:
#1. This Los Angeles Travel Guide was compiled personally by myself and my fellow Angelino friends. Los Angeles is HUGE and the options are limitless. So this list only covers a portion of the gems you may find during your visit. But I promise the places I mention has all been tested and approved by my favorite locals!
#2. If you’re traveling within the U.S, you ALREADY KNOW. However, if you’re visiting from another country. Be sure to bring your passport with you if you want to grab a mimosa with your Sunday brunch or go bar hopping. We’re pretty strict with checking IDs.
#3. Despite what stereotypes you may have heard about the ‘fakes and plastics’ of LA. People are generally a warm and helpful bunch. Don’t hesitate to ask locals for help or directions!
READ: 15 Travel Quotes to Inspire Your Wanderlust
Best Time to Visit Los Angeles
This one is easy. Los Angeles’ beautiful all year warm weather is what attracts many tourists and visitors from all over the world. However it does get chilly sometimes, especially close to the ocean. If you don’t want to look like a total tourist, pack layers for your LA trip! I have seen people wearing shorts and dresses on the Santa Monica promenade when it’s really sweater weather.
Use the link below to find the perfect tour(s) for your Los Angeles travel needs. TIP: always read reviews before booking!
>>Find and book Los Angeles tours and activities. Book ahead to save time and money!<<
What to Pack for Los Angeles
Los Angeles is sunny all year around, it can get a bit chilly during a few months(Dec-Feb) of the year but its never peacoat weather. Although any chance I get (anything below 65F), I like to bundle up and throw on my favorite scarf and boots.
Despite what glamorous idealization you may have about LA, we’re quite casual when it comes to dressing on the daily. You’ll see plenty of workout outfits and leggings, lots of layers can help you be flexible throughout the day.
Some essentials:
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”3307988″]
- Super useful microfiber towels that can be triple used as beach, shower, and yoga towel.
- My favorite compact travel/vlogging camera. I’ve been using it for a year and it’s the best.
- You’ll be taking photos and videos all day long, don’t leave without a solid external battery. I’ve used this one for over a year now, still going strong. Gets me at least 4 full charges on my iPhone.
Best Ways to Get Around Los Angeles
Los Angeles is an incredibly huge city sprawled out with different neighborhoods. I would HIGHLY recommend renting a car for the easiest conveniences. However if that’s not for you, utilize the sparse public transportation + ride share apps.
➤ Apps to download:
Transit. << You can input your starting location and end destination. This app will utilize and give you options for all the public transportation available, including uber, bikes, and how long each route will take.
Uber and Lyft. << You can use these two rideshare apps and use the Uber pool or lyft line option for a cheaper ride, you’ll get to share the car with a stranger but I’ve never found that to be an issue.
☛ PRO TIP: I find that Lyft is generally cheaper and the drivers are more friendly. (There are surge times and zones, if a price looks really high try waiting a few minutes, I’ve saved lots of money this way)
Don’t bother with taxis, they aren’t readily available like other major metropolitan cities.(You won’t be able to hail a cab) And they’re way more expensive than the ride share apps I mentioned above.
Find Accommodation in Los Angeles
Traveling to LA is expensive without a doubt. If you’re on a budget, try using Airbnb to book a single room or an entire apartment. Try checking areas like Venice, Culver City, or Fairfax/La Brea. These areas are reasonably affordable and there’s plenty to do in those neighborhoods. Santa Monica might be slightly more expensive but I have to add it to this list because It’s the area I’m most familiar with, and there’s definitely a ton of things to do and food to try.
☛ PRO TIP: I would NOT recommend staying in downtown LA because even though it’s an up and coming neighborhood, there are some sketchy areas in downtown and it’s pretty far from a lot of tourist destinations.
Your first time using Airbnb? Click here to get 40$ off your first booking!
OR
What to Do in Los Angeles
➤ APPS to download:
Yelp << The locals love utilizing this app for nearly EVERYTHING. (The tourists are mostly the ones writing on TripAdvisor when it comes to LA)You can get a great idea for the cost, atmosphere, business hours, and parking information on nearly every establishment in town. Including hiking trails and other activities.
>>Find and book the best kid friendly activities in Los Angeles<<
Huntington Library
If beautiful libraries, interesting art collections, and Asian inspired botanic gardens are up your alley, you can’t miss this spot located in San Marino. There’s also a tea room, couple of cafés and restaurants on the grounds.
Admission: 13-29$ | Hours: 10am-5pm daily, closed on Tuesdays.
Lake Shrine
“Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine is a Temple, a Shrine, and a Meditation Garden offering people from around the world a quiet oasis for meditation, prayer, and receiving the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. All are welcome.” When I lived in LA, this was the spot for me to come escape the chaos and daily life and find some peace and tranquility. It also doesn’t hurt that Lake Shrine is located on the way to Malibu, in Pacific Palisades. Make a quick stop here before heading to Malibu!
Admission: FREE | Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 9am – 4:30pm Sunday: 12pm – 4:30pm
Hollywood Sign/Griffith Park Observatory
The best way to see the Hollywood sign would not be up close, you can opt to hike up to the Griffith Park Observatory, grab some photos of the infamous sign and make a visit to the planetarium. I would recommend going around sunset time, so you can get the view of Los Angeles in both daylight and in its nighttime glory. Here’s an article on the various hikes you can take to see the Hollywood sign.
Admission: FREE | Hours for the Griffith Park Observatory: Tuesday-Friday: 12pm-10pm Saturday & Sunday: 10am-10pm Closed on Mondays
Malibu Beach/ Farmer’s Market
What better way to live a day like a Malibu local by visiting their Sunday’s farmers market on your way to the beach. Make a pit stop for all the fresh and local goods, pack a picnic and spend a blissful day in Malibu. Make sure to check out Point Dume beach, one of my personal favorites.
Admission: FREE | Hours: Every Sunday: 10am-3pm
Getty Villa
This magnificent museum/garden in Pacific Palisades is another great stop on your way to Malibu. The second museum opened by the oil tycoon J.Paul Getty, The collection here includes Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities dating from 6,500 BC to 400 AD.
Admission: FREE However there’s a parking fee of 15$ or 10$ after 3pm | Hours: 10am-5pm daily. Closed on Tuesdays.
The Last Book Store
If you’re exploring Downtown LA, be sure to check out this place! If you’re a fan of books, film, and music, you can easily spend half a day here just browsing through their collection. There are also some quirky book decors inside that will make an awesome backdrop for all your Instagram photos.
Admission: FREE | Hours: Sun-Thur 10am-10pm Fri-Sat 10am-11pm
Grand Central Market
Another not to miss spot in Downtown LA, the Grand Central Market is a bustling market filled with food and coffee vendors. You can find a variety of delicious foods here, burgers, pasta, Thai, ramen, Mexican..etc, make sure you come here on an empty stomach so you an try a bit of everything!
Admission: FREE | Hours: Monday-Sunday: 8am-10pm
The Getty Center
The first museum opened by J. Paul Getty, this place is located in Brentwood, and features pre-20th-century European paintings, drawings, illuminated manuscripts, sculpture, and decorative arts; and photographs from the 1830s through present day from all over the world. Among the artworks on display is the Vincent Van Gogh painting Irises.(wiki) My favorite part though, has to be the outdoor gardens and the delicious garlic fries served in the Garden Terrace Cafe, one of the few food options in the Getty Center.
Admission: FREE Parking: 15$ or 10$ after 3pm | Hours: Tues, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sun: 10am–5:30pm Saturday 10am–9pm Closed on Mondays
LACMA
You’ve probably seen the infamous outdoor light installations featured in many Instagrammer and blogger’s photos. This museum features some great modern art galleries and installations.
Admission: 21-25$ | Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu: 11am–5pm Friday: 11am–8pm Saturday, Sunday: 10am–7pm Closed on Wednesdays.
Santa Monica Pier/Promenade
This is one of the most visited spots in Los Angeles. Looking to do a little shopping? The promenade is a great outdoor area for a wide range of brands. If you get hungry, there are also plenty of food options along the walk. If you’re planning to visit the famous Santa Monica Pier, I’d suggest heading there early in the day to avoid crowds. Also parking on the weekends can be a nightmare, use Uber/Lyft or take a public transportation to avoid the headache and hassle.
Admission: FREE | Hours: Open daily, shop hours vary.
>>Save 38% on Grand Canyon West Rim and Hoover Dam Tour from Las Vegas<<
The Standard Rooftop Bar
Rooftop restaurant+bar+pool right in the heart of Downtown LA sounds like your cup of tea? Then The Standard is somewhere you should check out! They also host special events from time to time, check out this article for more information. || Hours: 12pm- 2am Price: $$$
The Perch
“A French inspired rooftop bistro that offers unobstructed views of Downtown Los Angeles that makes it feel as though you are floating at the skyline. PERCH offers two outdoor fireplaces, various fire pits, lounge and table seating both indoors and out.” Another gem located in Downtown LA. It’s definitely a hip place to be if you want to have a fun night out with some quality cuisine and drinks. After 9pm, no guests under the age of 21 is allowed, so better leave the kids at home! || Hours: Vary, check here for details Price: $$$
Rhythm Room LA
A casual/trendy bar that plays Jazz and Blues music. This spot has a chill ambience, great drinks and also board games. || Hours: 5pm-2am daily Closed on Sundays Price: $$
La Descarga
Hands down, my favorite bar/lounge in Los Angeles. This place has the most fun entrance leading you inside to a friendly atmosphere filled with live salsa music, burlesque dance shows, a cigar room, and an amazing array of drinks at their rum bar. They do have a strict dress code and it does get quite busy on nights, so make a reservation ahead of time! If you want to dance to some salsa music with equally enthusiastic people looking to enjoy a night out, this is the place to be. TIP: I remember eating some pretty delicious tacos at the spot right next door. || Hours: 8pm -2am daily, closed on Sundays+Mondays. Price: $$
Barkowski
I guess you can call Barkowski my neighborhood bar. Located in Santa Monica/West LA, this bar has super laid back vibes and friendly bartenders/owners. And if you’re a fan of Mr. Bukowski, you’ll find a ton of tribute and quotes from the infamous grumpy author. There’s also a dart board and a mini pool table inside, along with some great beer selections. || Hours: 5pm-2am daily Price: $
The Wellesbourne
This elegant bar located in West LA is definitely on top of their mixology game. If you’re looking to have an intimate drink and chat, this place has a relaxing atmosphere with beautiful old-timey bookshelf decors. Weekends can get a bit busy, so if you’re looking for a more lively vibe, head to this bar on a late Friday or Saturday night. || Hours: 5pm-2am Closed on Sundays Price: $$
Adults Only
This speakeasy bar located on Sunset Blvd includes decors such as a shelf of adult film titles, movie playing on projection screen, and warm atmosphere. It could get busy on some nights and weekends, so come early to avoid the crowd. || Hours: 7pm-2am daily Price: $$
Lock n Key
With delicious drinks and uniquely fun decor, this cocktail lounge located in Koreatown is a must visit spot! You can find live music on certain nights, and a good range of bar food. After a fun night out at Lock n Key, be sure to go grab some yummy Korean food at some 24hour places such as the famous BCD Tofu House. || Hours: Tue-Sat 7pm-2am Sun 5pm-midnight Closed on Mondays Price: $$
Where to Eat in Los Angeles
Price Breakdown:
$ >> Under 10
$$ >> 11-30
$$$ >> 31-60
$$$$ >> Above 61
– Delicious Asian Cuisines –
Simpang Asia (Indonesian/Malaysian) || Location: West LA Price: $$
Fengmao Lamb Kebab (Korean/Chinese) || Location: 2 locations in Koreatown Price:$$
Alibi Room (Korean/Asian Fusion) || Location: West LA Price: $$
Tsujita (Ramen) || Location: Sawtelle Price: $$
Tatsu (Ramen) || Location: Sawtelle, Melrose Price: $$
Hae Jong Chon (Korean BBQ) || Location: Koreatown Price: $$
Sun Nong Dan (Korean) || Location: Koreatown Price: $$
Sugarfish (Sushi) || Location: Fairfax, Hollywood, Downtown, Beverly Hills, Studio City, Brentwood, Marina del Rey, Santa Monica Price: $$$
Hide Sushi Japanese Restaurant(Sushi) || Location: Sawtelle Price: $$
Furaibo (Japanese Tapa) || Location: Sawtelle Price: $$
– Can’t Miss Mexican Food –
Sky’s Gourmet Tacos || Location: Mid-Wilshire Price: $
Tacos Por Favor || Location: Santa Monica, Sawtelle Price: $
Benny’s Taco & Chicken Rotisserie || Location: Culver City Price: $
Leo’s Tacos Truck || Location: Mid-city Price: $
– Hip + Trendy Spots –
The Backhouse (Japanese Tapa) || Location: West LA, Koreatown Price: $$
Bestia (Italian/Fusion) || Location: Downtown LA Price: $$$
République (French, Breakfast+Lunch) || Location: Hancock Park Price: $$
Beer Belly (Gastropub/American) || Location: Koreatown Price: $$
The Little Door (French/Modern European) || Location: Beverly Grove Price: $$$
The Misfit Restaurant + Bar (American Fusion/Bar) || Location: Santa Monica Price: $$
Mama lion (Lounge/Tapas) || Location: Koreatown Price:$$
– Healthy or Hearty Breakfast –
Bondi Harvest (Breakfast/Brunch, Cafe) || Location: Santa Monica Price: $$
Rae’s Restaurant (Diner, Breakfast/Brunch) || Location: Santa Monica Price: $
Bacari PDR (American, Wine bar, Breakfast/Brunch) || Location: Playa del Rey Price: $$
– Fancy Food With a Fancier View –
Beachside Restaurant and Bar (American, Seafood) || Location: Marina del Rey Price: $$
Maestro’s Ocean Club (Seafood, Steakhouse) || Location: Malibu Price: $$$$
Geoffrey’s Malibu (American, Sea food) || Location: Malibu/PCH Price: $$$
Nobu Malibu (Japanese, Asian Fusion) || Location: Malibu Price: $$$$
– Quick and Yummy –
Bay City (Italian, Deli) || Location: Santa Monica Price: $
In and Out (Famous West coast fast food) || Location: Multiple Price: $
Hinano Café (Dive bar, burgers) || Location: Venice Price: $
– Vegan Daily –
Crossroads (Vegan, Tapas, Mediterranean) || Location: Beverly Grove Price: $$$
True Food Kitchen (Vegetarian, Vegan) || Location: Santa Monica Price: $$
Gracias Madre (Mexican, Vegan options) || Location: West Hollywood Price: $$
Cafe Gratitude (Vegan, Breakfast/Brunch) || Location: Multiple Price: $$
Thai Vegan (Vegan, Thai) || Location: Santa Monica Price: $
Doomies (Vegan/Vegetarian friendly, American) || Location: Hollywood Price: $$
– More Desserts Please-
Salt and Straw (Ice cream, Frozen Yogurt) || Location: Multiple Price: $$
Erin Mckenna (Vegan, bakery) || Location: Larchmont Price: $$
Cocobella Creamery (Dessert, Ice Cream, Vegan friendly) || Location: Hollywood Price: $
That’s all for now, let us know some of your favorite Los Angeles travel stories in the comments below!
📌Pin it for later:
Here With Dia is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Note: Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that we get a small commission each time you purchase something through them. (At NO EXTRA COST for you) I only recommend products and services that I trust. Thank you for supporting Here With Dia by using these links for your online purchases.
This is such a great guide Dia! I can’t believe I haven’t been to LA before. It’s definitely high on my list though. I’m keeping this bookmarked for when I go someday.
aww thanks for reading it! This is my longest post to date haha