Los Angeles, Credit Marco J

Known for its abundant sunshine, palm trees, beaches and myriad celebrities; Los Angeles has become one of the top tourist destinations in the United States.  Los Angeles has plenty to do and see during your stay. Getting acquainted with this vibrant sunny city is important before visiting to make your trip a memorable one avoiding unnecessary encounters.

A brief info about L.A

Located on the coast of Southern California, Los Angeles is the largest city in California and second largest city in the U.S. with its 9.8 million residents. Public transportation is well developed and the city has several airports.  Los Angeles International Airport(LAX) is one of the busiest deserves many flights across the United States and the world. Five other airports are also located outside the city limits of the LA metropolitan area, Long Beach Airport (LGB), Burbank Airport(BUR), John Wayne Airport (SNA), Palmdale Airport and Ontario Airport (ONT). Metrolink offers transportation, while bus service is provided by Greyhound. The Metro Rail also serves L.A. and surrounding Los Angeles metropolitan areas. If you are using the public transportation, buy the day pass for the metro and buses and you would save a lot of money. Additionally, L.A. is served by an extensive network of freeways and Highways such as 101(Harbor Frwy), 405( San Diego Frwy), 1 (the legendary Pacific Costal Highway), 10 ( Santa Monica Frwy) And 105( Century Frwy) in and around the city.

Los Angeles is nicknamed as the City of Angles. And is known for its warm and mild weather  year round. Culturally, the city is culturally very diverse with a large immigrant community, especially Latin America and Asia. It is considered the most diverse of the nation’s largest cities. Politically it is very liberal. Finally, Los Angeles like NYC is quite expensive so budget carefully and accordingly. Do not hesitate to bargain if the price is too high.

Weather in L.A.

The average annual temperature in downtown is 66 °F : 75 °F during the day and 57 °F at night. In the coldest month. In the warmest month (August) the temperature typically ranges from 79 to 90 °F during the day and around 64 °F at night

Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles has seen a stunning renaissance in recent years. It is the home to a number of cultural centers such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Japanese American National Museum, Disney Hall and the Audubon Center at Debs Park. Take a stroll through Chinatown, Olvera Street and Little Tokyo for an unforgettable international experience. Other attractions include the historic Union Station, the Fashion District, the Theater District, the Downtown Art Walk and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Hollywood

The mere name conjures up images of celebrities, movie studios and fame. For all its lore, Hollywood is indeed a tangible, actual neighborhood not far from Downtown L.A. Marked by the iconic HOLLYWOOD sign, visitors to Hollywood will find many landmarks and sites of interest to see. These include the Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, the Wax Museum, Griffith Park and the Griffith Park Observatory, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, the famed Kodak Theater. If you are interested in seeing Hollywood stars homes, there are few tour operators such as Starline tours, La City Tours  and Grayline tours run tours around the L.A area for reasonable prices. If you get there early, you would always be able to negotiate the price. I got a $30 off just by bargaining on one tour.

Couples of blocks from there, The Universal city where you get to visit the universal studios and the universal city walk for an unforgettable experience. The city walk is free of charge. There is a $70 fee to visit the studios. Keep an eye out for celebrities in this district, especially in its many cafes, restaurants and high end shops.

Westside

Most of the entertainment studios, agencies and agents are located here.  This is considered  the wealthiest neighborhood in Los Angeles county, contains mansions and gated communities. It is also home to a number of cultural attractions such as the Museum of Tolerance, the Hammer Museum and the Getty Museum, known worldwide for its vast art collection and the outdoor gradens.

South Central

Despite its bad reputation for gangs and poverty, South Central Los Angeles has quietly been making strides in recent years. This neighborhood plays host to a number of attractions and landmarks including the Watts Towers, the Shrine Auditorium and the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History.

Wilshire

Wilshire is renowned for its many cultural sites and history. This is the home to University of Southern California, founded in 1880. It borders the Westside on the northwest and the L.A. downtown area on the Northeast.  The neighborhood boasts L.A.’s Koreatown as well as the historic Miracle Mile District. It is also home to the L.A. County Museum of Art, the Peterson Automotive Museum, the George C. Page Museum and the CBS Television City.

Venice

Venice is known for its iconic canals- replicas of those located in Venice, Italy- and the eclectic Venice Beach. Venice Beach is home to the famous boardwalk, recreation and sports courts and countless performers, artists and vendors lining its sunny beaches. The famous muscle beach where people come to workout is located in Venice. This is a great place to come and enjoy the day.

Nearby cities

Many iconic cities and landmarks exist nearby Los Angeles but outside its municipal borders. Beverly Hills is renowned for its upscale shops along Rodeo Drive and stunning mansions. Santa Monica is home to the iconic Santa Monica Pier with its many rides and shops.  You would see the end  sign for the legendary Route 66. Long Beach and Pasadena are two historic cities packed with top notch restaurants, shops, galleries and boutiques.

Visit Los Angeles!

Whether you visit L.A. to watch for celebrities, pay a visit to its many landmarks and cultural centers or
just to soak up the sun, there’s always something to do and something to see. From art museums to theaters, movie studios to sun drenched beaches, it’s little wonder why Los Angeles plays host to millions of visitors every year.