Downtown Los Angeles skyline at sunset
Los Angeles, or simply LA, is a sprawling metropolis located in Southern California, USA. With a population of over 3.8 million people, it is the second-most populous city in the United States.
LA is known for its diverse culture, vibrant arts scene, and famous landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame, and the Sunset Strip. The city is also surrounded by mountains and beaches, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and sunbathing. Los Angeles is also famous for its film and television industry, with many of the major movie studios located in the area.
We suggest staying in Los Angeles for at least 3-4 days to experience some of the city’s highlights.
However, if you want to explore other neighborhoods and attractions like Beverly Hills, Downtown LA, the Getty Villa, then a week would be ideal.
The summer months from June to August are the peak tourist season, with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. This is a great time to hit the beaches and enjoy outdoor activities, but it can also be crowded and expensive.
We suggest to visit during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) as the weather is still mild and pleasant, and the crowds are smaller than in summer.
How to best experience Los Angeles?
Discover tickets, tours, and activities for Los Angeles through these providers:
Most popular city pass for visiting Los Angeles
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Top things to do & see in Los Angeles
Select the following sights and activities to discover best tickets and tours available in Los Angeles.
The city of Los Angeles
| Country | USA |
| Region | California |
| Time in Los Angeles | PST (Pacific Standard Time) – GMT-8 |
| Language spoken | English |
| Currency | U.S. dollar ($) |
| Religion | Catholicism (65%) |
| Airports | Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) (22 mi, 35 km) Ontario International Airport (ONT) Van Nuys general aviation airport (VNY) Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA) Long Beach Airport (LGB) Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) San Diego International Airport (SAN) |
Los Angeles was first settled by Native American tribes for thousands of years before the arrival of Spanish explorers in the late 18th century. In 1781, a group of Spanish settlers established a small settlement named El Pueblo de la Reina de Los Angeles (The Town of the Queen of Angels). The city grew slowly over the next few decades, with agriculture as the main industry.
In 1848, California became part of the United States after the Mexican-American War, and Los Angeles became a booming center of trade and commerce. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century led to even greater growth and prosperity. Hollywood also emerged as the center of the American film industry in the early 1900s.
After World War II, the city continued to grow rapidly, and became a cultural and economic hub of the United States. In the 1960s and 1970s, the city faced social and economic challenges, including racial tensions and urban decay, but it bounced back in the 1980s and 1990s with a revitalized downtown area and a thriving entertainment industry.
Where is Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is located in Southern California, on the west coast of the United States. It is situated in Los Angeles County, and covers an area of approximately 502.7 square miles (1,302 square kilometers). The city is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, and is surrounded by mountains and valleys on the other sides. Los Angeles is approximately 120 miles (193.6 kilometers) north of San Diego, and about 380 miles (614.5 kilometers) south of San Francisco.
Distances:
| Route | Distance by car | Time by car |
| Los Angeles from San Diego | 193.6 Km | 1 hr, 56 min |
| Los Angeles from San Francisco | 614.5 Km | 5 hr, 57 min |
| Los Angeles to Las Vegas | 434.6 Km | 3 hr, 55 min |
Climate
Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The average temperature during the summer months (June to September) ranges from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (around 24 to 28 degrees Celsius), with occasional heatwaves pushing temperatures into the 90s Fahrenheit (around 32 degrees Celsius) or higher. In the winter months (December to March), the average temperature ranges from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (around 15 to 22 degrees Celsius), with occasional colder spells.
Rainfall is relatively low in Los Angeles, with most precipitation occurring during the winter months. The city receives an average of 14 inches (355 mm) of rainfall per year, with the majority falling between November and March.
The climate in Los Angeles is generally pleasant and mild, making it a popular destination year-round. However, visitors should be prepared for occasional heatwaves in the summer and cooler temperatures in the winter, and should check the weather forecast before planning outdoor activities.
Visit Los Angeles
Famous landmarks and attractions
Los Angeles is home to a variety of famous landmarks and attractions that draw tourists from all over the world. Hollywood is perhaps the most well-known, with its famous sign, Walk of Fame, and TCL Chinese Theatre. Universal Studios Hollywood offers visitors an immersive experience in the world of film and television. The Santa Monica Pier, located in the coastal city of Santa Monica, is a popular destination with its amusement park, aquarium, and restaurants. Beverly Hills is known for its luxurious homes, high-end shopping, and celebrity sightings. The Griffith Observatory sits atop Griffith Park and offers stunning views of the city and the stars. The Getty Center is a world-renowned art museum featuring works from many different time periods and cultures. These landmarks and attractions are just a few examples of the many things to see and do in Los Angeles.
Museums and cultural institutions
There are several museums that are definitely worth a visit. Here are some suggestions:
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The Getty Center: This world-renowned museum features a vast collection of art from many different cultures and time periods, housed in a stunning modernist complex.
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Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA): The largest art museum in the western United States, featuring a wide range of art from around the world, including contemporary and modern art.
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The Broad: This contemporary art museum features a collection of postwar and contemporary art, including works by Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and other notable artists.
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Natural History Museum: This museum offers a fascinating look at the natural world, including dinosaur fossils, gems, and minerals.
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Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA): This museum is dedicated to showcasing the work of contemporary artists from around the world.
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California Science Center: This interactive science museum features a range of exhibits and displays, including the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
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Petersen Automotive Museum: This museum offers a fascinating look at the history and culture of the automobile, featuring a collection of classic and exotic cars.
Entertainment and nightlife
A tourist should definitely enjoy the entertainment and nightlife in Los Angeles because it offers a vibrant and diverse range of experiences that are not available anywhere else. From live music and comedy to theaters and nightclubs, there is always something happening in the city, making it a fun and exciting destination for visitors.
Additionally, Los Angeles is home to many famous celebrities, so you never know who you might run into while exploring the nightlife scene.
Outdoor activities
The city of Los Angeles offers an incredible range of natural landscapes, from beaches and mountains to parks and gardens. The warm climate and sunny weather also make it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, cycling, and swimming. Additionally, outdoor activities in Los Angeles offer the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get in touch with nature, making it a refreshing and rejuvenating experience for visitors.
Dining and cuisine
Los Angeles is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, offering a wide range of cuisines, from Mexican and Korean to Italian and French. While walking in the streets of LA, you’ll find a variety of street food vendors, with many food trucks serving up tasty and affordable meals. Trying the local cuisine in Los Angeles is a great way to experience the city’s culture and history.
Cultural diversity
Cultural diversity is one of the defining features of Los Angeles. The city is home to people from all over the world, creating a vibrant and diverse cultural landscape. Los Angeles has a long history of immigration, with waves of people from different countries and backgrounds contributing to the city’s culture and society. As a result, Los Angeles offers a rich variety of food, art, music, and festivals from many different cultures, making it a truly unique and fascinating destination for visitors.
FAQ
Is Los Angeles safe?
Los Angeles is a safe city for tourists, but like any major urban area, there are areas that are considered to be more dangerous than others. The city has a high rate of property crime, such as theft and burglary, in some areas. Visitors should take common-sense precautions to protect themselves and their belongings, such as keeping valuables out of sight and avoiding deserted areas at night. It is also recommended to stay in well-lit, populated areas and to be aware of your surroundings. Overall, with proper precautions and awareness, Los Angeles can be a safe and enjoyable destination for tourists.
Neighborhoods that visitors should excercise some caution in are:
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Skid Row: This area in downtown Los Angeles is known for its high poverty and crime rates, including drug use and homelessness.
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South Central: This area has a history of gang violence and is known for its high crime rates.
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East LA: While there are many great cultural institutions and restaurants in East LA, some parts of the neighborhood can be dangerous, especially at night.
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Compton: This city is located in South LA and has a reputation for gang activity and violent crime.