Los Angeles travel guide

Guide to Los Angeles: visit the City of Angels

Have you read a lot of books about California but still can’t get enough? This Los Angeles travel guide will show you the best things to do in the City of Angels.

It’s safe to say that no city in the world has more fun things to do than Los Angeles. The diverse range of attractions, world-class museums, and innovative forms of entertainment make L.A. unforgettable. For this reason, locals and tourists can experience a different adventure every day.

Los Angeles travel guide | Facts & information

How to get around Los Angeles without a car

Los Angeles Car Rental

6 super simple money-saving tips

Los Angeles travel guide | Facts & information
  • Airports – Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) operates the city’s two airports: Los Angeles International (LAX) and Van Nuys (VNY). Specifically, LAX Airport offers direct flights from over 100 U.S. cities and 40 countries. Besides, it is the fourth busiest commercial airport in the world and has more than 60 restaurants and stores inside.
  • Time Zone – C.A., USA (GMT-7).
  • Currency – L.A.’s local currency is the U.S. dollar ($), divided into 100 cents.
  • Climate – Los Angeles has a subtropical climate with mild, low rainfall winters and warm, sunny summers. Many compare the climate of this area of California to the Mediterranean. However, it is an even more favorable climate. This makes the city perfect all year round.
  • Population – Los Angeles has a population of nearly 4 million.
  • Transportation – The best way to get around Los Angeles is by car, as the public transportation system has limited routes compared to those in other major cities. The subway and buses also serve the airport.
  • Visitor information – There are several visitor information centers in the city operated by L.A. Tourism. All have multilingual staff.
How to get around Los Angeles without a car

Los Angeles tour: public buses

Even if taking public transportation in Los Angeles seems like a mission impossible (given the size of the city), you can get around the various neighborhoods by bus and subway with a bit of patience.

Besides, learning how to use the city’s public transportation can also give you great satisfaction. For example, it can let you see sights and places you would have never seen if you had rented a car.

Getting around Los Angeles by public transportation also lets you know the city more thoroughly and feel more connected to it.

Two other points in favor of public transportation are affordability and the ability to experience life in the city like a local.

The system

The public transportation system consists of Metro buses, DASH buses, and Metro trains.

To travel on these vehicles, you should purchase a reusable TAP card. You can find them at TAP machines located inside bus or metro stations. You can then use the MTA’s Trip Planner to plan your travel routes and get an estimated travel time.

Since it will be a long trip, find the nearest luggage storage place before getting on a bus.

Los Angeles Car Rental

If you’re convinced you don’t want to use a greener way to explore the City of Angels, then below, you’ll find a list of all the companies that rent cars in L.A.

Los Angeles travel guide | 6 super simple money-saving tips

California is home to some of the wealthiest people and companies in the world, so there’s no way it’s a cheap state. Anyway, despite its prices, California is visitable without a problem because it has solutions for all budgets!

Below are six top tips for saving money without sacrificing fun.

1. Consider renting a car or using public transportation

los angeles: transport system

To make your trip to Los Angeles even lighter for your wallet or bank account, we suggest you rent a car or use public transport that, as we have already mentioned, is inexpensive.

The public transport system also covers the LAX Airport making it easy to reach the various areas of the city.

Using buses, trains, and the subway will make your journeys slower. So, if you are running late or need to be on time for a meeting, renting a vehicle is the best option.

2. Stay in the most affordable neighborhoods

Venice Beach: Los Angeles

Another way to spend less while visiting L.A. is to choose neighborhoods with the most affordable prices. Of course, we’re not talking about Beverly Hills or mega-hotels from which you can see the Hollywood sign.

You can choose a less popular area and still easily go to Hollywood Highland, Hollywood Walk of Fame, or the amazing Universal Studios.

One of the most recommended places to experience real California life and save money is Venice Beach.

Here you will find a lot of accommodations that will make you spend on average only $40-50.

Other cheap places
  • Los Feliz
  • Santa Monica
  • Baldwin Park
  • La Puente
3. Make a list of free museums and attractions

If you don’t feel like making a list of your own, you can copy ours! Here you’ll find 15 super cool places you can visit for free.

  1. The Getty Center – one of the United States’ most impressive architectural achievements.
  2. Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park – a place to enjoy a beautiful view of the city and visit an incredible planetarium.
  3. Santa Monica Pier and Beach – One of the most famous beaches in the world!
  4. Sunset Boulevard – A true legend among the famous streets in the States.
  5. Hollywood Walk of Fame – The perfect place for all movie lovers and those who want special photos for their social channels.
  6. The Broad – Admission to this museum is free, although some special exhibits may charge a fee.
  7. Runyon Canyon Park – An urban park that offers great views.
  8. Free walking guided tours – Visit Los Angeles with a local guide to discover less popular areas and special places.
  9. Muscle Beach – A really nice beach where you’ll meet a lot of bodybuilders and cool people.
  10. The Original Farmers Market and The Grove – Discover and find fresh, mouthwatering produce.
  11. Walt Disney Concert Hall – An impressive building designed by Frank Gehry.
  12. California Science Center – Ideal museum for children and curious adults.
  13. Greystone Mansion and Park – This large mansion located in Beverly Hills is an important landmark for American cinema.
  14. Grand Central Market – Situated in downtown LA, it is a foodie’s paradise according to its visitors.
  15. Rodeo Drive –  A luxury shopping street in Beverly Hills where you can meet many celebrities.
4. Find your own beach in Malibu

Malibu Beach: beautiful views

Malibu is a 27-mile long public beach located right on the outskirts of L.A. It stretches from Topanga State Beach in the south to County Line Beach in the north.

So, given its size, it’s perfect if you love to find a private space to relax in the sun or surf.

Before you delve into Malibu, we recommend reading the government guide for a safe day out in Malibu.

Some Malibu beaches are also perfect if you’re vacationing with the whole family. Keep in mind that not all beaches allow pets.

5. Eat at Mexican restaurants

Maybe it’s the proximity or maybe it’s the presence of a large Mexican community in the city, but Mexican food in Los Angeles is a real treat! And given the history, it’s kind of like real local cuisine.

Yes, we’re talking about tacos, but also other delights of Mexican cuisine, such as ceviche tostadas or pork tamales.

According to the most authoritative and clicked city guides, eating Mexican will also help save some money.

Here is the complete guide to all the best Mexican restaurants in the city.

6. Carry a water flask with you

In recent years, the world has realized that it is critical to reducing plastic consumption in order to save the planet.

So while you’re visiting L.A., bring a water bottle with you and fill it up at the public fountains as soon as you can.

The city’s water is safe to drink, so you’ll be able to refill it without a problem and avoid spending money buying a new bottle.

According to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the city’s tap water is so clean and it’s bottled water quality.

In L.A., tap water comes from 3 primary sources: the Owens River, Northern California and Colorado River, and groundwater.

If you’re traveling alone and want to find out what the best options are for a solo trip to Los Angeles, we’ve put together a handy guide for you.

Los Angeles

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