Los Angeles – what to see in the City of Angels? A Practical Guide

Los Angeles, also known as the City of Angels, is one of the most recognizable cities in the world. A huge agglomeration, bustling with life, where the American dream comes true…. What does the city actually look like, and which places are worth visiting and which are better avoided? We have prepared this comprehensive post to show you the most interesting corners of Los Angeles and provide many valuable practical tips.

Los Angeles was first visited in 2022, during a tour of the American West. It was to LA that we flew from Warsaw and from there we also flew back to Poland, so we spread the sightseeing of the city over two times. Immediately upon arrival, we planned a quiet day to adjust to the different time zone and climate, and scheduled more intensive sightseeing for the end of the trip. We were also here two years later, and by spending a few more days we had the opportunity to visit more places and neighborhoods in the city of Los Angeles that we had previously run out of time for.

And it probably won’t be the best advertisement for the city, you may find that you don’t read this post any further, but the truth is that this is a city we no longer want to return to, although we will probably fly here more than once. We drove to Los Angeles with an image in our heads of a city where the American Dream is supposed to come true, where walking the streets you meet the biggest stars, the streets are full of exclusive stores and restaurants, the Hollywood sign can be seen on the hill in the distance, and it is extremely clean. Well, so beautiful it is not ;)

On one side you pass expensive boutiques, but just turn your eyes the other way and you see an encampment of homeless people, on the famous Avenue of the Stars, not only swarming with celebrities, but with pickpockets, and the streets lack much in the way of cleanliness. Also, the Hollywood sign is not visible from every street ;) It is a city of contrasts, but not necessarily in a positive sense. Of course, there are many interesting places and attractions to visit, but both from our observations and those of many people who have visited LA, the city, instead of awe, inspires more and more fear and anxiety, mainly due to the increasing number of thefts and vandalism. The Los Angeles area is also struggling with the problem of homelessness, which is evident in many parts of the city.

In the following post, we’ve gathered quite a bit of information and advice to help you plan your trip to Los Angeles: from interesting places and attractions to see, to safety on the ground and tips on where to stay overnight. This isn’t a ready-made Los Angeles sightseeing plan, but if you’re looking for one, take a peek at our ready-made California itinerary, which also includes the City of Angels.

Ready-to-use interactive map with more than 700 points in the Western US. You can find it in our store in the category of travel planners »

Because we know that you will decide to fly to Los Angeles anyway ;) Because Los Angeles offers something for everyone – from picturesque beaches to upscale neighborhoods, it is here that modernity intertwines with history and culture with entertainment. Whether you’re a movie buff, an art lover, or just want to feel that famous California vibe, Los Angeles certainly has something special to offer. Anyway, let us add at this point that almost 50 million tourists visit Los Angeles annually! This number is electrifyingly impressive, isn’t it?

Important, at the end of the post we have prepared a map with all the places, described in this article, marked.

>> Also recommended The complete travel guide for California: Attractions, travel and points of interest »

Basic information about Los Angeles

Let’s start with the fact that Los Angeles is a huge metropolitan area, where the boundaries between cities are blurred, and looking at a map you might think that Los Angeles is a huge city. Yes, it’s big, but it’s definitely smaller than it may initially seem. With a population of more than 4 million, it is the largest city in California and the second most populous in the entire United States, behind only New York City. However, considering the entire metropolitan area (the so-called. Greater Los Angeles Area megacity) is the population reaches about 18 million people!

It is a city bustling with life around the clock. After a few days, we were not surprised that at midnight, the multi-lane highway is jammed, in both directions, of course ;) Here everyone is constantly going somewhere, and necessarily by car!

Los Angeles is primarily known for its film industry, amusement parks, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, sprawling sandy beaches and unique museums, but it is also a good base for other destinations in California, as we write about later in this post.

History of the City of Angels

The city’s roots date back to when it was known as El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula. Originally, Los Angeles was a small settlement founded by Spanish missionaries in 1781. This elegant, if somewhat lengthy, name is a reflection of the city’s very Spanish heritage. However, as is the case with many cities in the U.S., it was not settlers from Mexico who first arrived in the area: it had previously been inhabited by the Tongva and Chumash tribes.

The city passed into the hands of Mexico, and was later incorporated into America (in 1846 when the Americans invaded California). A key moment in the city’s development was the famous Gold Rush, and when gold reserves began to dwindle, the city was saved from collapse by the launch of railroad connections (the transcontinental railroad), which significantly improved transportation. Los Angeles’ good fortune continued although another specter emerged: the Great Economic Crisis.

Los Angeles has been saved by the inclusion of a smaller Hollywood along with the entire movie-going tabernacle. The City of Angels has become an international center of entertainment, culture and fashion mainly due to the film studios operating there. This is the birthplace of the film industry, which has revolutionized the way people around the world consume entertainment. The history of Los Angeles is inextricably linked to the history of cinema, and the city continues to play a key role in the industry. What’s more, the Los Angeles movie studios have become one of the region’s biggest tourist attractions!

If you are curious about the history of Los Angeles, you should visit places related to the early days of the film industry, such as former: movie studios, museums dedicated to the history of cinema, theaters, architectural landmarks related to cinema and, of course, famous movie locations. In recent decades, Los Angeles has begun to prioritize technology and innovation, attracting numerous entrepreneurs and start-ups.

Today’s Los Angeles is a city that is constantly evolving, but at the same time cherishes its rich past, which makes it a unique place on the world map.

Weather – when to go?

Warm, sunny weather accompanies Los Angeles residents for almost most of the year, and thermometers rarely show less than 20°C during the day. The ideal time to visit is spring or early autumn, when conditions are most conducive to sightseeing and enjoying the large number of outdoor attractions.

Summers are typically warm and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C, especially in July and August. Although the heat can be intense, the breeze from the Pacific Ocean brings relief and makes temperatures more bearable. During these months, rainfall is rare, making the summer months an ideal time for beachcombing and exploring the charms of the California coast. In Los Angeles, this is the time tourists often choose to travel.

Winters in the region are mild and pleasant, with temperatures hovering around 15-20°C during the day and rarely falling below 10°C at night. This is also the time of year when the city receives most of its precipitation, mostly in the form of short-lived rains. The period from December to March is a time when locals and tourists can enjoy a greener landscape and admire the flowering plants.

The best attractions of Los Angeles – what is worth seeing?

What are the most famous attractions in Los Angeles? Admittedly, it is in vain to look for monuments or old historic buildings here, but there is something for those interested in history, art, culture or those looking for a dose of adrenaline.

Ready-to-use interactive map with more than 700 points in the Western US. You can find it in our store in the category of travel planners »

In the rest of this post, we’ve collected a number of places in the City of Angels that are worth having on your list, although not all of them are actually within the city limits. The truth is that most of them are outside the borders of Los Angeles, but belong to the metropolis. Finally, we have also prepared some suggestions for day trips outside the metropolitan area.

Hollywood – the heart of cinematography and the famous Avenue of the Stars

Hollywood is a place that is synonymous with the film industry and one of the most recognizable places in the world. Strolling down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or Avenue of the Stars, one can admire more than 2,750 stars that commemorate the greatest personalities in the history of entertainment and show business. But it’s not just one street: both Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street , perpendicular to it, have placed stars with the names, surnames or artistic pseudonyms of famous people. The Hollywood Walk of Fame features stars of both actors, directors, musicians, but also fictional characters such as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Shrek.

The number of stars is expanding every year, with a maximum of 30 new stars. And while many people dream of having their star on the famous avenue, not everyone realizes that it involves quite an expense. Well, the embedding of such a star rests with the person who receives it, and such a procedure costs tens of thousands of dollars.

But a visit here should not be limited to looking underfoot and searching for the stars of your idols. It is here that such buildings as the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and the Dolby Theatre, where the annual Academy Awards ceremony is held. As befits a representative place, it is here that the stars are the prettiest and most luminous.

Unfortunately, the further away from them the worse it gets. Many more stars are dirty, dilapidated, neglected, and so is the entire street. The street, which is supposed to be a symbol of the golden era of the film industry, is full of homeless people who roam the avenue in search of something to eat or change, and thieves who are just lurking for opportunities. It was definitely a place where we did not feel safe.

HOLLYWOOD sign – symbol of Los Angeles

They say a visit to Los Angeles would not be complete without seeing the famous HOLLYWOOD(Hollywood Sign). This iconic sign, located in the hills of Hollywood, on the grounds of Griffith Park, is a symbol of the city and dreams of a great career, although it didn’t originally mean that at all.

The Hollywood inscription was created in 1923 as a form of advertising for a new housing development. It originally read “HOLLYWOODLAND,” but over the years it has become an icon of the film industry. Interestingly, in 2010 the large sign was to disappear from the city’s landscape forever. Los Angeles authorities were considering selling the land where the nine famous letters were located. Fortunately, thanks to the support of the stars, who raised $12.5 million, it was possible to buy back the land and keep the Hollywood sign in its place. This event underscores how important this symbol is to locals and movie lovers around the world. Nowadays, we probably can’t imagine the city without this towering sign, and everyone who comes to Los Angeles obligatorily has to take a picture of it.

The best views of the Hollywood sign can be enjoyed from Griffith Observatory, Lake Hollywood Park, and from North Beachwood Drive or Windsor Boulvard. Of these places, Hollywood Park is very popular, which of course means that you have to reckon with the problem of parking your car in its vicinity. There is no large parking lot here, but you can park your car simply on the street. A piece further on, above Hollywood Park is also a threshing floor, from where you can admire the Hollywood sign.

Griffith Observatory – a place with a view of the city and the Hollywood sign

Griffith Observatory is not only an astronomical observatory, but for us it is primarily a fantastic panorama of Los Angeles. It is here, standing on one of several terraces, that one can try to encompass the entire city with one’s eyes, which, however, proves quite difficult. The landscape of Los Angeles is an ocean of sprawling neighborhoods and cities full of low-rise buildings with one island of skyscrapers standing out. So if space and stars don’t interest you, it’s still worth a look here. This is the perfect place to take an evening stroll and enjoy the sunset over the city, especially since you can also see the famous Hollywood sign from here.

It is interesting to note that the observatory, according to the will of Griffith’s founder J. Griffith, is and will always be available for free. There are telescopes that allow you to explore the sky, but also educational exhibitions and a planetarium (although the planetarium is an extra charge).

In addition to the city skyline, Griffith Park itself is worth seeing, located in the north of Los Angeles and an ideal place for hiking, biking and picnicking, as well as relaxing in the greenery.

Beverly Hills – the city of luxury

Discover Los Angeles by exploring luxury cities such as Beverly Hills, although some people treat it simply as one of Los Angeles’ famous neighborhoods.

Beverly Hills is synonymous with luxury and elegance, but the Beverly Hills 90210 series has contributed most to its popularity. There are exclusive boutiques, luxury hotels, beautiful mansions, and the most expensive cars are parked in front of them. Especially walking down Rodeo Drive, you may feel like a movie star as you browse the storefronts of the world’s most expensive stores. This famous three-mile shopping street in Beverly Hills is home to some of the world’s most exclusive brands and is considered the most expensive street in the US. Should I add that it was on Rodeo Drive that scenes for the movie Pretty Woman were shot? ;)

Even if you don’t plan to shop, it’s worth walking down this elegant avenue and experiencing the atmosphere of luxury.

Santa Monica – pier and beach

The City of Santa Monica is one of the most popular destinations, notoriously squeezed into the Los Angeles city limits. It is a waterfront city with a famous pier with a Ferriswheel (Pacific Wheel) and numerous attractions.

The long and wide pier also features a rather run-down roller coaster, a Venetian carousel, stores, restaurants, and you can also watch and listen to local artists. For Forrest Gump fans, a must-see is the Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant and the iconic Forrest Gump bench. Santa Monica Pier is famous for yet another reason: Route 66, known as the “Main Street of America,” ends here. It’s a legendary route that takes you all over the United States: from Chicago to Los Angeles, it offers unforgettable sights, but also challenges, which we had the opportunity to see for ourselves. While at the pier look for the Route 66 – End of the Trail sign.

Santa Monica Beach, which of course can be seen from the pier, offers a wide, sandy coastline, perfect for sunbathing and swimming in the ocean.

Tourists arriving in Los Angeles often it is to Santa Monica that they direct their first steps, and having been here twice each time we had trouble being able to cross the pier in peace. It is a popular place, parking lots in the area are besieged but you only need to drive a little further away to be able to park.

Venice Beach – beach and canals

Venice Beach is a place that is bustling with life and energy. If you have an image in your minds of a California beach, with tall palm trees, with a boardwalk on which sunbathing Californians ride their bikes, boards, rollerblades, scooters, this is Venice Beach.

The beach is about 4.5 kilometers long and along it stretches the Venice Beach Boardwalk, which is bustling 24 hours a day, and it is here that you can also experience the nightlife of Los Angeles. The beach and the area around Venice Beach are full of street artists, colorful murals, and a piece further away from Venice Beach are the famous VeniceCanals (Venice Canals), which were intended to be a Little Venice to enrich and diversify the landscape of Los Angeles.

Muscle Beach is another legendary venue, this time attracting fitness and bodybuilding enthusiasts from around the world. This open-air gym has been around since the 1930s. In the 1970s it became a symbol of healthy living and an icon of California’s fitness culture (it was here that Arnold Schwarzenegger built his form – look for a mural with his image). Visitors can not only admire the impressive displays of strength and agility, but also try their hand at the equipment available here themselves.

Los Angeles: places where art and culture are vibrant

For art lovers, Los Angeles should definitely be on the list of places to visit. A city where culture and art are at your fingertips, home to many excellent museums, galleries and concert halls, attracting artists from all over the world.

Exploring Los Angeles from this perspective should necessarily include visits to renowned museums such as the Getty Center and LACMA.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Los Angeles is famous for one of the largest art museums in the United States – the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). LACMA has an impressive collection of more than 150,000 works of art, representing a variety of cultures and eras. The museum features works of modern and contemporary art, ancient artifacts, as well as extensive collections of Asian, Islamic, European and Latin American art. Especially famous are installations such as “Urban Light” by Chris Burden, which has become one of the symbols of the city (an installation consisting of 202 restored streetlights).

Getty Center

Among the many attractions in the Los Angeles metropolitan area is the Getty Center, which is not only a museum but also an architectural masterpiece. This complex, designed by Richard Meier, offers an impressive art collection and breathtaking views of the city. The Getty Center features works of European art, sculptures, manuscripts and photographs. Highlights include works by such masters as Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Monet. It is worth coming here not only for the art, but also for the beautiful gardens and panoramic views. This place is definitely a top Los Angeles landmark.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

One of the most iconic buildings in Los Angeles is the Walt Disney Concert Hall. This futuristic concert hall, designed by Frank Gehry, catches the eye with its unique architecture. It can be toured with an audio guide that quotes statements from Gehry himself and others, explaining the planning, thought and design of the site.

Petersen Automotive Museum

And now a treat for automotive fans and more. The Petersen Automotive Museum is one of the largest automotive museums in the world, distinguished by its modern architecture and impressive facade of undulating steel panels. The museum offers an extensive collection of cars, from classic models to modern supercars, as well as vehicles known from popular and beloved movie productions.

Warner Bros Studio: Step into the world of cinema

California is, of course, a paradise for movie lovers. While in Los Angeles, it is worth visiting Warner Bros Studio. One of the most famous movie studios in the Hollywood area, it offers tours of movie sets to see behind-the-scenes of film and television productions.

During the tour, you can see how and where some of the most famous films and TV series were made, such as “The World’s Most Famous Movie. Friends, Harry Potter or The Big Bang Theory, and learn more about the filmmaking process.

Anyway, similar tours are also offered by Sony Pictures, but in our opinion, the best showcase for Los Angeles in this topic anyway is Universal Studios (but we write about that a little further).

Los Angeles beaches – time to relax on the beach

Los Angeles is a true paradise for lovers of sun, sand and sea waves. The most popular beaches are the aforementioned Santa Monica and Venice Beach, and while they are not strictly Los Angeles beaches they are easily accessible. These places offer not only beautiful scenery, but also lively entertainment centers where there are many things to do besides beachcombing.

If you’re looking for quieter beaches, consider:

• Malibu – beautiful landscapes and luxury residences.
• El Segundo Beach – the perfect place to relax.
• Hermosa Beach – perfect for active recreation, such as surfing and beach volleyball.
• Manhattan Beach – also great for outdoor activities.

Amusement parks in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a place that surprises at every turn. It is not only a place where the sun shines almost all year round, beautiful beaches and luxurious neighborhoods, but also a true paradise for those who love amusement parks. If you’re looking for a thrill, want to feel the magic of cinema, or just want a fun-filled day, this city has a lot to offer. Here are some parks worth seeing.

Universal Studios: Where the magic of cinema becomes reality

Universal Studios is a place that every cinema goer is sure to associate with. This is one of the most famous places in the Los Angeles area, which combines an amusement park and a movie studio. Located in the heart of Hollywood, it is known for its movie and TV series themed attractions. This is the place where you can see the locations where some of the world’s most famous movies and TV series were filmed.

During a visit to Universal Studios, one of the highlights is a tour of the film sets in special buses(Studio Tour). During the ride you can see props and buildings used for various types of films. You will see, but most importantly experience how special effects are created, and visit locations known from many productions.

Universal Studios is not only a movie studio, but also an amusement park full of exciting rides and shows that transport you into the world of your favorite movies. Here you will find the land of Harry Potter, The Simpsons, but the hit is the latest part all dedicated to Mario and Nintendo World!

If you are a lover of cinema and entertainment, a visit to Universal Studios in Los Angeles should definitely be on your to do list.

Disneyland Resort: The Magical World of Disney

Disneyland Los Angeles is a place that needs no special recommendation. It was the world’s first Disneyland that was built in the Los Angeles area. It opened in 1955 and has since become one of the most popular amusement parks in the world. It is worth mentioning here that it was in Los Angeles that Walt Disney lived and died.

It’s a magical place where you can meet characters from your favorite fairy tales, see spectacular parades and fireworks displays. However, now it is no longer just one park, but two: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park with all the facilities: hotels, restaurants, parking lots, etc.

Disneyland Park is the older part, more traditional, divided into different themed lands, such as Adventureland, Fantasyland with its signature castle, Tomorrowland and Frontierland. Each offers unique attractions and rides.

Disney California Adventure Park opened in 2021 with a California theme, including various films set in California. Here, the dominant and most trafficked part is Cars Land or the world we know from the animated film Cars (The Cars).

Six Flags Magic Mountain: A paradise for roller coaster lovers

Six Flags Magic Mountain is an amusement park that is famous for having the largest number of roller coasters in the world. It is located near Los Angeles and is an ideal place for adrenaline lovers. The park offers more than 19 different roller coasters, including such hits as Wonder Women Flight of Courage, West Coast Racers, Apocalypse and Crazanity.

But Six Flags Magic Mountain is not just about roller coasters. The park also offers many other attractions, including quieter rides and slow carousels. It’s a place where you can spend all day having fun, regardless of your age.

Los Angeles – lesser-known places

Los Angeles is much more than just famous Hollywood, exclusive Beverly Hills, impressive museums or crazy amusement parks. It is a city that hides many secrets and undiscovered gems that deserve attention. If you want to discover non-obvious Los Angeles attractions that you won’t find in the guidebooks, we also have some suggestions for you. Some in the form of tidbits to know about, and some worth a trip to the end of the city.

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So what are the lesser-known attractions of Los Angeles?

The oldest McDonald’s in the world

In Downey, near Los Angeles, there is the oldest McDonald’s, which is a real rarity for fast food fans. Although the McDonald’s chain is well-known around the world, this particular location has unique historical significance. It was here, in 1953, that the history of one of the largest restaurant chains in the world began, and the building has retained its original appearance. It’s worth a visit to see what fast food used to look like, and to see a small exhibition about the history of the famous chain.

LAX Plane Spot – the perfect place for aircraft observation

Another Los Angeles attraction is for anyone who is already preparing to fly out, but still has a spare moment. If you want to watch the landing machines at LAX head to this location: Airplane Landing View Point, W 92nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90045. It’s a great spot right next to the airport, where you can admire the biggest planes landing right over our heads, plus there’s an In-N-Out chain restaurant next door, so you can grab a bite to eat before your trip.

So even just before flying out of Los Angeles, it is worth popping over here.

Picnic at the former zoo

In Griffith Park, picnic areas have been prepared in the former bear enclosure! Abandoned in 1966, the zoo is a rarely visited place, and certainly not a choice if one only has a few days in LA to spare. It is quite a special place, where you can take a peek into old cages, walk by the cramped aviaries and get a glimpse of the garden from the animals’ perspective.

Los Angeles, by the way, has a more modern zoo also located in Griffith Park.

Museum of Death – for people with strong nerves

This is a place we have not visited and in the near future, and certainly with children, we do not plan to visit ;) Just reading on the Internet what can be seen inside was enough for us to come to such conclusions, but we leave you here as a curiosity. Or maybe you’ll decide to visit to, as the museum’s founders emphasize, appreciate more and be happy to be alive.

The museum was founded in 1995 in San Diego and moved to the City of Angels in 2000. Exhibits include gruesome artifacts such as tools used by serial killers, authentic crime scene photos, and detailed information about famous criminals and their victims. It is a place that certainly evokes strong emotions and leaves unforgettable impressions.

As you can read, Los Angeles provides a whole range of spending ideas even for more discerning visitors.

Los Angeles with a baby – is it a good idea?

Can a huge metropolitan area, which we increasingly read about as a place full of theft and crime, be a suitable place for a family trip?

This question actually may already contain the answer in itself ;) However, we should not look at L.A. only through this prism. It is a metropolis full of quieter and safer places, and this slice does not apply to the entire region. Simply put, there are neighborhoods in Los Angeles where it’s better not to go. Being in different parts and cities, only a few times we felt less safe, in the others we were really able to enjoy our time together without being constantly watched around. That’s the way it is in any big city, it’s worth being careful, especially in tourist areas, where it’s usually crowded.

Exploring Los Angeles can interest adults, but also the youngest. Undoubtedly, there are plenty of places waiting for you that will provide entertainment and education for the whole family. After all, Los Angeles is famous for its amusement parks, beaches and museums, and it’s worth planning a few days if you have a little traveler on board.

What you need to know before traveling with your child

What can be done to make visiting Los Angeles a pleasure for everyone?

Above all, remember to be safe in Los Angeles. Although the city is generally safe, as in any large city, caution should be exercised, and if traveling with children, they should also be sensitized to have eyes around their heads.

When planning a trip, it is worth considering how you want to get around the city. Los Angeles is huge, and using public transportation can be a challenge, especially with young children. Renting a car may be the best option, but be sure to include car seats for children. A supply of water and snacks will also come in handy, as distances between attractions can be considerable, and time on the road is further extended by traffic jams.

As for getting around with a stroller, it’s unlikely to be a problem, especially in downtown Los Angeles. Places are mostly adjusted, only in crowded places it can be cramped, and the comfort of squeezing through with a stroller will be quite questionable.

It’s also a good idea to check the weather forecast before you leave to prepare accordingly. Los Angeles enjoys a warm climate most of the year, but it’s a good idea to bring sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water to protect yourself and your child from the sun.

When planning a trip, it’s also worth looking for playgrounds in advance and writing them down on a map – every parent knows that a playground is often a salvation ;) Of course, Los Angeles beaches also come to the rescue – quite wide, with good infrastructure (toilets are free) and playgrounds.

Los Angeles’ best attractions for families with children

Los Angeles offers a number of attractions that are ideal for families with children (we’ve already described some before, but we’ve also added a few that are typically kid-friendly):

• California Science Center – a fantastic, interactive science center not only about space, but also about nature or the human body. One section is currently being rebuilt, where the Endeavour shuttle will eventually be on view.
• Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County – a museum with displays of dinosaurs, fossils, and animal models that will delight little explorers.
• Venice Beach – It’s not just the beach, Venice Beach is home to colorful murals, street artists and souvenir stores at every turn. Children can play on the sand, in the playground, and parents can enjoy relaxing and observing the local culture. Venice Beach attracts big and small like a magnet.
• Santa Monica Pier – This location near Los Angeles offers many Pacific Park attractions, such as a Ferris wheel and rollercoaster.
• Los Angeles Zoo – located in Griffith Park, the zoo features animals from around the world and interactive exhibits that educate and entertain at the same time.
• Universal Studios Hollywood – Children can meet their favorite movie and cartoon characters and enjoy exciting rides and shows. This is a place that is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
• Disneyland Resort – a fairy-tale Disney world full of themed rides, shows, famous characters and family fun.
• Discovery Cube – is an example of a museum for children, where they learn about the world around them through experiments and play. Discovery Cube is an example of such a place, there are more such museums in the metropolitan area!
• Six Flags Magic Mountain – an amusement park with extreme roller coasters, ideal for older children and teens.

These are just a few examples of places, and you will find many more in Los Angeles, depending on your interests, needs and abilities. Exploring Los Angeles with children is a great opportunity to visit places that we, as adults, probably wouldn’t have looked at ourselves ;)

What to see in the LA area – ideas for day trips

Los Angeles is a vibrant place with plenty of activities. But that’s not all! It is also an ideal starting point for exploring the charms of the surrounding area. Probably most of you will take a car or an RV, leave the Los Angeles area and head east to explore the beautiful landscapes of Utah and Arizona, but if, however, you decide to stay longer in LA then below we have prepared some ideas for day trips to experience the diversity of California. Even if you are already bored with the California climate and the beaches of Los Angeles, it is worth having ideas in your head just for such trips, because in addition to the city, it is worth seeing at least a nearby national park!

Santa Barbara: A charming town on the California Coast

Santa Barbara, known for its white buildings covered with red roofs, is a charming town on the California coast. It is only a 1.5-hour drive from Los Angeles and offers beautiful beaches, scenic landscapes and interesting history. Walking down State Street, visiting the Santa Barbara Mission and relaxing on the beach are just some of the activities that await in this charming city. Santa Barbara is a great place for a day trip if you want a break from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.

San Diego: A city on the border with Mexico

San Diego, located on the border with Mexico, is a city known for one of the best zoos in the world and the SeaWorld theme park. About a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, San Diego offers many attractions for the whole family. A stroll through Balboa Park, a visit to the historic Gaslamp Quarter and relaxing on La Jolla beach are just some of the options. San Diego is the perfect place for a day trip if you want to feel the vibe of Southern California.

Palm Springs: an oasis of luxury

Palm Springs is a vacation resort near Los Angeles, known for its rustic stores and the nearby Coachella festival. Located just a little more than 1.5 hours’ drive from Los Angeles, Palm Springs is the perfect place for a day trip if you want to experience the vibe of a desert resort and enjoy peace and luxury. However, we have to admit that Palm Springs can be a bit of a hassle: being in the area, on more than one occasion we had trouble getting to Palm Springs itself due to the strong winds and the sand that was blowing on the road. Signs that you ride at your own risk did not add courage at all ;)

Joshua Tree National Park: A Wonder of Nature

Joshua Tree National Park is a national park in California, known for its unique rock formations and Joshua trees. Located about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, the park offers incredible scenery that attracts nature and photography enthusiasts. Hiking on trails, rock climbing and stargazing are just some of the activities that await in Joshua Tree National Park.

Calico and Barstow: Treasures of History

Calico and Barstow are two interesting places to visit on a day trip from Los Angeles. Calico is a historic mining town that takes visitors back to the days of the gold rush. Walking through the streets of Calico, you can see restored buildings, mines and stores that tell the story of the place. Barstow, located near Calico is home to Route 66 sites including the Mother Road Museum and the Western America Railroad Museum. These are great places for a day trip if you want to explore California’s history and culture.

Practical information

Los Angeles, is a place you should definitely see for yourself and see if this is the climate for you. But before you set off, we recommend you keep reading this post, because we’ve put together some practical tips, from safety issues to costs to communication – here are some key tips.

Security in Los Angeles

Safety in Los Angeles is an issue to keep in mind when planning a trip. The city is struggling with a large number of thieves who, taking advantage of the current law, barge into stores and take whatever they can find, but are also eager to rob tourists. It is advisable to exercise caution, especially in crowded tourist areas, and always keep an eye on your personal belongings. Especially remember not to leave anything on top of the car. In Los Angeles, it is mandatory that you have eyes around your head!

The problem of homelessness also affects the sense of security in some parts of the city. Homeless people often stay near tourist attractions, which can be uncomfortable for some visitors.

Los Angeles – prices

Los Angeles is known for its high cost of living, which of course affects prices for tourists. Accommodations, food and attractions can be quite expensive, often higher than in other parts of the U.S., so it’s a good idea to plan an adequate budget in advance. The average price for hotel accommodation is around $150-300, but there are cheaper options if you don’t care completely about the standard, although we found that a low price is followed by really inferior conditions and sometimes it’s worth paying more after all. The cost of a meal at a restaurant can range from $15 to $50 per person, depending on the location. Also keep in mind additional costs, such as entrance fees to tourist attractions, which can be over $100 (especially for amusement parks).

In Los Angeles, it’s a good idea to book accommodations and a car in advance, especially during high season. Also pay attention to whether there are any big events going on at the time of your stay that make accommodation prices skyrocket.

Los Angeles – how to get there? Airports, roads, highways

Los Angeles is well connected to the rest of the world thanks to LAX International Airport, which is one of the largest airports in the US. Los Angeles Airport offers many international and domestic connections, making it a major entry point to the city. Downtown Los Angeles can be reached from the airport by various means of transportation, including cabs, Uber, Lyft, buses and a rental car.

Los Angeles is also well connected by roads and highways and provides an easy and reasonably efficient commute. Major roads and highways connect the city to other major cities in California and the rest of the United States:

• Interstate 5 (I-5): This highway runs along the west coast of the United States, connecting Los Angeles with northern California (San Francisco, Sacramento) and on to the Canadian border to the north and San Diego and the Mexican border to the south.
• Interstate 10 (I-10): Stretches from east to west, connecting Los Angeles to Phoenix, Arizona, and then to other states to the east, ending in Florida.
• U.S. Route 101 (US 101): Runs parallel to the Pacific coast, linking Los Angeles with San Francisco and northern California, continuing through Oregon and into northern Washington
• Interstate 15 (I-15): Connects Los Angeles with Las Vegas, Nevada, and continues north to the Canadian border, passing through states such as Utah, Idaho and Montana.

How to move around locally? Parking lots, subways

First of all, when it comes to getting around this sprawling metropolitan area, the car is a staple. Although the city is struggling with repair problems and traffic jams, the car offers the greatest freedom.

Using a car, of course, there are additional costs. The cost of renting a car itself can be large, and for longer rentals can even reach more than PLN 10,000 (e.g., for 3-4 weeks). Therefore, it’s worth looking and comparing prices at different rental companies, because it may turn out that with a rental a little farther from the airport you can save even a few thousand zlotys.

In downtown Los Angeles and at popular attractions, parking is at a premium and can be a significant cost. We recommend in the first place to park in public parking lots or simply designated places on the street where there are parking meters – there are not many such places, but when you manage to find one, even close to, for example. You can park on the Avenue of the Stars for $1 or $2 (beware, these are often old-style parking meters, where you can only pay with coins). Also, don’t be surprised that even at museums you have to pay for parking.

Public transportation, while available, is not always the most efficient, is not as extensive as in other major cities, and using services such as Uber or Lyft can be quite expensive, especially for longer routes. Visiting Los Angeles attractions, even the most famous ones, will not be so easy using only public transportation.

In some places, it’s a good idea to rent a bicycle instead of a car, such as in coastal areas like the Venice Beach area and Santa Monica.

Where to stay overnight in Los Angeles?

Choosing a place to stay in Los Angeles depends on your preferences and budget. For those seeking luxury and proximity to upscale boutiques and restaurants, the city of Beverly Hills offers elegant hotels and apartments. Santa Monica and the Venice Beach area is a great option for beach lovers, offering a wide selection of hotels and guesthouses near the ocean. If you want to be close to the city’s main cultural and business attractions, Downtown LA is a good place to stay. On the other hand, keep in mind that in the US, roads are really well developed and the suburbs of Los Angeles would be an equally good choice, so you can find cheaper accommodation options.

Ready-to-use interactive map with more than 700 points in the Western US. You can find it in our store in the category of travel planners »

We each time had a rental car in Los Angeles and stayed overnight in more remote locations. In fact, we entered Los Angeles city center itself very rarely.

The number of accommodations can make you dizzy (the prices, too, by the way), but below we have some suggestions on where to stay at accommodations with very good reviews in the Los Angeles area:

• Coastal Comfort Retreat in Santa Monica
  Address: 1457 Stanford Street, Santa Monica, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, CA 90404-2724
  Prices: from $165 for a double room
  Link: https://r4b.link/booking-santa-monica
• Bayside Hotel
  Address: 2001 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, CA 90405
  Prices: from $379 for a double room
  Link: https://r4b.link/booking-la-bayside
• Hilton Los Angeles Airport
  Address: 5711 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045
  Prices: from $177 for a double room
  Link: https://r4b.link/booking-lax-hilton
• Ocean Park Hotel
  Address: 2680 32nd Street, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, CA 90405
  Prices: from $113 for a double room
  Link: https://r4b.link/booking-la-ocean-park

Where to eat in Los Angeles?

Exploring Los Angeles also means discovering different flavors and how cuisines from different parts of the world intermingle! Tasting local delicacies Los Angeles is a true foodie’s paradise, offering a wide variety of restaurants, from luxury establishments to popular fast food chains. One place worth visiting is In-N-Out, a popular fast food chain in California known for its good and cheap burgers. It’s the perfect place for a quick and tasty meal.

There is, of course, more to try in Los Angeles. The city also offers a number of restaurants serving dishes from various cuisines around the world, from Mexican to Japanese. Try local specialties and visit food markets, such as the historic Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles, an ideal spot for lunch or dinner, where you can sample dishes from all corners of the world. Another interesting place is the Farmers Market where you can not only shop, but spend time at a table in one of the many restaurants.

Map of attractions in Los Angeles

Below we have prepared a free map of attractions in Los Angeles, or more precisely in the entire metropolitan area. If you are interested in a map across the West , we have also prepared one with more than 700 places! »

Our opinion – is it worth going to Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is a challenging city that not everyone will like. In our opinion, it is far from the place we had in our imaginations and is not a city you want to go back to and return to. Of course, there are many places to see, but we both agree that it is not in our TOP 10 cities to see ;)

Nonetheless, we will probably return here if only because it is a good base for the most interesting tours in the US and you can easily and reasonably cheaply fly here from Poland or Germany.

The city is especially recommended for those who want to see the film industry, places from various productions, learn about the film history of the agglomeration or at least see the famous Hollywood sign. If you like theme parks and amusement parks, you’ll also find plenty of attractions just right for you! Anyway, if you are more interested in museums then you will not be disappointed either, as Los Angeles provides many opportunities to experience art.

Many people believe that when visiting the West Coast, Los Angeles is a must-see as one of the stops on the tour. Do you agree with this?

Have you been to Los Angeles yet? How are your impressions?

Los Angeles photo gallery

And finally, a gallery of our photos from the City of Angels.