Los Angeles, United States - Travel Guide

Los Angeles is a sprawling Southern California city famed for its entertainment industry, diverse culture, and beautiful beaches. It offers a vibrant mix of Hollywood glamour, artistic expression, and outdoor adventures, making it a dynamic destination for all types of travelers.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay5 days

Budget$100/day

Mid-range$250/day

Luxury$1500/day

Known For

LAL.A.City of AngelsSoCalSouthern CaliforniaHollywoodBeverly HillsSanta MonicaVenice BeachDowntown LAWest HollywoodMalibuAnaheimPasadenaLong BeachSan Fernando ValleyOrange CountyGreater Los Angeles Area

🇺🇸 Country Information: United States

CapitalWashington

CurrencyUnited States dollar ($)

LanguageEnglish , Spanish,Chinese,French,Tagalog,Vietnamese,Korean,German,Arabic,Russian

Phone Code+1

Electricity120V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is customary for services (restaurants, bars, taxis, hair salons, etc
)
Restaurant waitstaff: 15
20% of the bill
Bar staff: $1
2 per drink or 15
20% of the bill
Taxi drivers: 15
20% of the fare
Hotel housekeepers: $2
5 per day

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted
Bringing cash is a personal preference, but credit/debit cards are sufficient for most transactions
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Casual dress is common, but smart casual is appreciated in upscale settings
Politeness and direct communication are generally valued
Punctuality for appointments is expected
Personal space is generally respected
Shaking hands is a common greeting
Eating customs are diverse, but typically involve using forks, knives, and spoons
It is common to make small talk with strangers
"Bless you" is said when someone sneezes

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights vary by state, but federal protections are in place for marriage equality and some anti-discrimination laws. Public opinion is increasingly supportive.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 21
Marijuana laws vary by state (some states allow recreational or medicinal use, others do not)
Federal law prohibits marijuana use
Drug laws are strict, particularly for illicit substances

Special Laws

It is illegal to jaywalk in many areas
Open container laws for alcohol vary by state and city
Driving laws vary by state

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)

YesYes (YES)

HelloHello (huh-LOH)

PleasePlease (PLEEZ)

Excuse meExcuse me (eks-KYOOS mee)

Thank youThank you (THANk yoo)

Climate

Generalized climate for the greater Los Angeles area, primarily Mediterranean with coastal and inland influences.

Climate Zone: Mediterranean

Best Time to Visit

Hot Season: Jul
Sep
Wildfire Season: May
Nov
Earthquake Risk: Year
round

Getting There

Fly directly to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Major bus lines like Greyhound connect to LA
Amtrak trains arrive at Union Station

Getting Around

Metro rail and bus system
Ride
sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are widely available
Taxis are also an option

Health & Vaccinations

No specific vaccines required for entry
Routine vaccinations recommended
No altitude sickness or malaria concerns

Staying Connected

eSIMs are widely available from major US carriers (AT\&T, Verizon, T
Mobile)
Apps like Airalo and Nomad work well

Local Cuisine

Street Tacos street_food

Los Angeles is renowned for its vibrant street food scene, where tacos are a staple, heavily influenced by Mexican cuisine. These can be found at coun

French Dip Sandwich regional_speciality

A classic Los Angeles dish featuring thinly sliced roast beef on a French roll, traditionally served au jus. This sandwich is claimed to have been inv

In-N-Out Burger (Animal Style) must_try

The quintessential West Coast fast-food experience, the Animal Style burger is a regional icon. It features a beef patty cooked with mustard, lettuce,

Korean BBQ regional_speciality

Los Angeles's Koreatown (K-Town) is known for its high concentration of authentic Korean restaurants. All-you-can-eat KBBQ, where patrons grill variou

Pastrami Sandwich regional_speciality

Another traditional Los Angeles deli staple, this sandwich is piled high with smoked and steamed pastrami, typically served on rye bread with Russian

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

High-Demand Dining Reservations Dining

Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

Popular restaurants, especially in areas like West Hollywood, Santa Monica, or Downtown LA, book out quickly, particularly for prime dinner times.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood (VIP or popular times) Attraction

Book 2-4 weeks in advance

Tours, especially the more exclusive or popular early morning slots, have limited capacity and often sell out, particularly during peak travel season.

Accommodation in prime areas (e.g., Santa Monica, Beverly Hills) Accommodation

Book at least 1 month in advance

Booking well in advance secures the best prices and availability for hotels in high-demand neighborhoods, particularly during the peak summer season.

Fun Facts

1. Los Angeles' original name, when translated, is astoundingly long and translates to "The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels of the Porciúncula."
2. The city has a vast network of 91 abandoned underground tunnels, stretching for 17 kilometers beneath the streets, originally used during Prohibition to transport alcohol to speakeasies.
3. Los Angeles is considered the birthplace of the Internet, stemming from a seemingly accidental message sent in 1969 when the primitive system crashed after only transmitting "LO" for "LOGIN."
4. The iconic palm trees lining the streets of L.A. are not native to the area but were imported from locations like the Colorado Desert, Mexico, and the Canary Islands.

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