If you are going to visit Los Angeles any time soon, then there are many things you should consider before you travel to one of the biggest cities in the US.
Areas To Visit In LA
With over ten million people living in Los Angeles, you better be prepared on knowing what areas you want to visit and stay in. Generally speaking, during summer time you definitely want to stay on the West side. These areas include Santa Monica, Culver City, Venice, and Marina Del Rey. In this neck of the woods you will enjoy great beaches, lots of yoga studios, amazing restaurants, cute shops, modern spas, and some very quaint bars (not many nightclubs though with only one called Zanzibar).
If you are looking for more nightlife and nightclubs, your best bet is to stay in Hollywood or downtown, as these areas are better suited for those looking to stay out past midnight.
Hollywood is known for a plethora of hot spots, restaurants, and modern hotels with plenty of beautiful people to see as this is where many of the aspiring actors and models hang out. Just walking down Sunset Blvd and you would think everyone in LA is gorgeous (they’re not!).
As of late, Downtown Los Angeles has been picking up with many new places to check out shows including the Nokia Theatre and Staples Center. There are also landmarks such as the Edison Bar and ExchangeLA. You can get a full list of nightlife and nightclub spots here.
So if you want more nightlife, then stay in Hollywood or Downtown. But if you want more beach life and a cozier vibe, the West side is where you want to stay. And if you plan on staying a while in LA, you can also visit Ojai that is only an hours driving distance. As well as Santa Barbara or San Diego that is only a two hours driving distance.
Arriving At LAX Airport
The airport in Los Angeles can feel a bit overwhelming and clustered. There is a lot happening with incoming and outgoing flights and lots of options when it comes to getting to your hotel.
Ideally you want to rent a car, as LA is not very easy to get around without one. Your rental company should provide a shuttle.
But if for any reason you do not need a car, then you still have some options that include Super Shuttle, The Flyaway, or a cab. I highly recommend you use the FlyAway and then take a cab from their central location to where you are staying as it is affordable and easier. With the Super Shuttle, you have to stay in the van while everyone else gets dropped off which can be a drag. And I do not recommend a cab as they are VERY expensive!
Food & Restaurants
Personally speaking, I find the food in LA to be absolutely fantastic. I lived in NYC for three years as well as traveled to San Francisco and Chicago and can say without a doubt that LA has the best food in town.
You can find any type of food imaginable from Sushi, Italian, Indian, Thai, Chinese, French, Persian, Peruvian, Argentinean, Cali cuisine, healthy, vegan, vegetarian, raw, and all sorts of fusion. Because food is a personal thing, your best bet is to use Yelp.
Sights To See In LA
If you like to go sightseeing or visit some of the great places that LA has to offer, here is a top ten list:
- Griffith Observatory
- LACMA
- Lake Shrine
- Venice Boardwalk
- Hollywood Walk Of Fame
- Getty Center
- Disneyland
- LA Fashion District
- Hollywood Sign
- Pershing Square
If the weather is nice you can also take a boat ride to Catalina that is gorgeous! You will probably see some dolphins on the way and if you like scuba diving or snorkeling you can do that once you get to the island.
Shows Worth Seeing
If you visit LA during the summer and fall season, you definitely want to check out some shows at the Hollywood Bowl or Ford Theatre. Both are outside amphitheatres and are truly amazing just to be at. The Hollywood Bowl allows you to bring your own picnic basket (including wine!) and is where many of the top acts perform including Coldplay, The Philharmonic, Zero7, and many others.
Other places you should look into for shows include:
- LA Live
- Nokia Theatre
- Pantages Theatre
- Staples Center
- Saban Theatre
Final Note
LA is a great city. But it’s huge and overwhelming. You need to have a good game plan before you visit!
