United States

Los Angeles

Sun, sprawl, and screen dreams under endless blue sky.

Local time
UTC-8
Population
3.9M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Expensive
  • Food$$$$$About $98 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $180 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $7.0 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇺🇸 USD =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

LAXLos Angeles International AirportMain gateway, 19 km southwest of the centre.
HowCostTime
Metro C Line + K LineDowntown LA$1.75-3.5060-80 min
Cheapest; shuttle to the C Line first.
LAX FlyAway busUnion Station, Downtown$10-1245-70 min
Comfortable express bus, frequent.
TaxiDowntown LA$50-7030-60 min
Flat-ish airport fares; traffic varies.
Uber / LyftDowntown LA$35-6030-60 min
Pick-up at the LAXit lot; expect surge.
BURHollywood Burbank AirportSmaller airport closer to Hollywood and Downtown, about 20 km north.
HowCostTime
Free shuttle + Metro B LineHollywood$1.7535-50 min
Shuttle to North Hollywood station, then 2 stops.
Metrolink / AmtrakUnion Station, Downtown$5-1530-45 min
Check schedules; infrequent off-peak.
TaxiDowntown LA$35-5025-45 min
Short hop without traffic.
Uber / LyftHollywood$20-3520-40 min
Often cheaper than taxi here.
LGBLong Beach AirportSmall airport in southern LA County, about 30 km south.
HowCostTime
Bus + Metro A LineDowntown LA$1.75-3.5070-90 min
Local bus to the A Line, then rail north.
TaxiDowntown LA$55-7530-50 min
Long ride; traffic on I-710.
Uber / LyftDowntown LA$40-6530-50 min
Usually the easiest option.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Los Angeles

Getting around

Ride apps or a rental car for most trips; Metro rail for downtown, Hollywood and Santa Monica.

  • Metro ★Subway and light rail link Downtown, Hollywood, Santa Monica and Long Beach. Fares about $1.75 per ride.
  • BusMetro buses cover the whole sprawl. Use a TAP card or contactless tap on rail and bus.
  • Taxi / ride apps ★Taxis are metered and costlier than apps. Uber and Lyft operate widely and are the usual choice.
  • Rental carDriving is fastest off-peak, but freeways jam roughly 7–10am and 3–7pm.
  • WalkingPleasant in beach towns and Hollywood. Bikes and e-scooters are common near the coast.
  • FerryNo ferries serve the city centre. Harbour boats run from San Pedro to Catalina Island.
Recommended stay★ 3 nights (4 days)

Three nights lets you see Hollywood and downtown, then slow down at the beach without long drives every day.

Best for
  • CultureMuseums, studios and the movie-star walk of fame.
  • BeachSanta Monica, Venice and Malibu sunsets.
  • FoodTacos, food trucks and Koreatown nights.

Weather by month

19°8°Jan🌧 6d
20°8°Feb🌧 5d
21°9°Mar🌧 8d
24°11°Apr🌧 2d
24°13°May🌧 3d
28°16°Jun🌧 1d
31°18°Jul🌧 1d
32°18°Aug🌧 1d
31°18°Sep🌧 1d
28°15°Oct🌧 2d
24°11°Nov🌧 2d
19°8°Dec🌧 5d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Warm and mostly dry, with mild winters and hot, sunny summers. Coastal areas stay cooler than inland.

  • Best time: April to June and September to OctoberMild to warm days with little rain. Good for both sightseeing and the beach.
  • Hot late summerJuly and August reach about 31–32°C inland. Beaches are cooler; carry water and seek shade.
  • Coastal fogMornings near Santa Monica and Venice can be grey in late spring and early summer; it often clears later.
  • Rain is lightMost rain falls between November and March, usually a few days a month. An umbrella is handy in winter.
  • Cool winter nightsJanuary and December nights drop to about 8°C. Pack a warm layer for evenings.
  • What to packLight layers, sunglasses and sunscreen; a jacket for winter nights and coastal fog.

Landmarks 31

Must-see · 8

  1. 1

    Universal Studios Hollywood

    The world's first Universal park and a must for movie fans, combining a working studio tour with major rides. Buy tickets online in advance and arrive at opening to beat the queues; it is in Universal City, reachable by Metro B Line.

  2. 2

    Hollywood Sign

    The most recognizable symbol of the film industry, best seen from Griffith Park or the Lake Hollywood area. Go early in the morning for clear light and fewer crowds; there is no parking at the sign itself, so hike or view from a distance.

  3. 3

    Griffith Observatory

    A free public observatory with sweeping views over Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. Entry is free but planetarium shows are ticketed; visit at sunset for the best light and check opening days, as it is closed on some weekdays.

  4. 4

    Santa Monica Pier

    A classic seaside pier with an amusement park, aquarium and ocean views at the end of Route 66. It is free to walk on; ride the Ferris wheel at sunset and take the Metro E Line to Downtown Santa Monica.

  5. 5

    Hollywood Walk of Fame

    The famous sidewalk of celebrity stars along Hollywood Boulevard, free to stroll. Come early or on a weekday to avoid crowds, and combine it with the TCL Chinese Theatre next door.

  6. 6

    The Getty Center

    A hilltop art museum with world-class collections, gardens and panoramic city views. Admission is free; pay only for parking, and take the tram up from the garage.

  7. 7

    Venice Beach

    A lively boardwalk with street performers, muscle beach and canals nearby. Rent a bike to ride to Santa Monica; weekends are busiest, so go on a weekday morning.

  8. 8

    TCL Chinese Theatre

    Historic movie palace famous for its forecourt of celebrity handprints and footprints. The forecourt is free to visit; book a movie ticket to see the ornate interior.

1Universal Studios Hollywood2Hollywood Sign3Griffith Observatory4Santa Monica Pier5Hollywood Walk of Fame6The Getty Center7Venice Beach8TCL Chinese Theatre

Cultural

Urban Hub 3

University 3

Market 1

Museum 3

Modern Architecture 2

Harbor 1

Natural

Beach 3

Activities

Theater 3

Amusement Park 5

Painting 2

Filming Location 2

Zoo 1

Football Stadium 1

Bookstore 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from Los Angeles

    San Diego · 2 h 57 by train

    ★★★★★ · Full day · 193 km from Los Angeles

    Best way: The Pacific Surfliner runs direct from Union Station to Santa Fe Depot in about 2h57m, faster than the bus and dropping you near the sights.

    Amtrak Pacific Surfliner runs direct from Union Station to Santa Fe Depot in about 2h45m with no changes.

    • Train ★2 h 57 · from $70-$110
    • Bus3 h 25 · from $21-$35
    • Car2 h 23 · taxi ≈ $540

    What to see

    • Balboa Park
    • USS Midway Museum
    • Gaslamp Quarter
    • La Jolla Cove

    8 landmark quests to check off here

    Good to know

    • Book ahead for weekend trains, which fill up
    • Santa Fe Depot is a short walk from the waterfront and Gaslamp Quarter
    • Best in summer and early fall for beach weather

    Santa Barbara · 2 h 10 by bus

    ★★★★☆ · Full day · 153 km from Los Angeles

    Best way: The direct bus is faster at 2h10m than the 2h43m train and still drops you in the center of town.

    Amtrak Pacific Surfliner or Thruway bus runs direct from Union Station to Santa Barbara in about 2h30m.

    • Train2 h 43 · from $55-$90
    • Bus ★2 h 10 · from $16-$24
    • Car1 h 56 · taxi ≈ $430

    What to see

    • Santa Barbara Mission
    • Stearns Wharf
    • State Street
    • Santa Barbara County Courthouse

    Good to know

    • Trains and buses can sell out on weekends, so reserve ahead
    • The bus stop is close to State Street and the waterfront
    • Spring and fall offer the mildest weather

    Long Beach · 1 h 12 by bus

    ★★★☆☆ · Half day · 40 km from Los Angeles

    Best way: The Metro A Line light rail runs direct from downtown in under an hour, quick and frequent.

    Metro A Line light rail runs direct from downtown LA to Long Beach in under an hour.

    • Bus ★1 h 12 · from $5-$10
    • Car35 min · taxi ≈ $120

    What to see

    • Queen Mary
    • Aquarium of the Pacific
    • Shoreline Village
    • Naples canals

    1 landmark quest to check off here

    Good to know

    • The Aquarium and Queen Mary are near the downtown terminus
    • Weekends are busiest at the waterfront
    • Best on a clear day for harbor views

    Anaheim · 29 min by train

    ★★★☆☆ · Full day · 42 km from Los Angeles

    Best way: Metrolink or the Surfliner reaches Anaheim in about 29 minutes, far quicker than the 1h46m bus.

    Metrolink Orange County Line or Amtrak Pacific Surfliner runs from Union Station to Anaheim in about 45 minutes.

    • Train ★29 min · from $13-$21
    • Bus1 h 46 · from $1-$28
    • Car34 min · taxi ≈ $120

    What to see

    • Disneyland Resort
    • Downtown Disney
    • Anaheim Packing District

    3 landmark quests to check off here

    Good to know

    • Trains are less frequent on weekends, so check times
    • The station is a short ride from Disneyland
    • Book theme-park tickets ahead in peak season

    Palm Springs · 2 h 03 by road

    ★★★☆☆ · Full day · 172 km from Los Angeles

    Best way: Only a Thruway bus serves it, taking about 3h29m with a connection at Fullerton and a last-mile gap into town.

    Amtrak Thruway bus connects from Fullerton or Union Station to Palm Springs in roughly 2h30m to 3h.

    • Bus3 h 29
    • Car2 h 03 · taxi ≈ $490

    What to see

    • Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
    • Palm Canyon Drive
    • Moorten Botanical Garden

    Good to know

    • The bus connects via Fullerton, so allow transfer time
    • Avoid summer heat; go in spring or fall
    • The aerial tramway is a highlight, book ahead

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    Los Angeles rewards visitors who pick a few neighbourhoods and slow down between them. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    3 nights · Culture ★ Recommended length

    First-timers who want studios, museums and movie history, grouped by area to cut driving.

    Stay: Hollywood. Walk to the Walk of Fame and the studios; easy subway rides downtown.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ USD 173
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ USD 473
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Hotel
    USD 420–960
    3 nights · Hollywood
    Day 1

    Hollywood icons on foot

    Tickets ≈ USD 12 pp · taxis ≈ USD 249
    12345
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 432 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ USD 15
    2. 1

      09:00–09:45 · Free

      Hollywood Walk of Fame Landmark quest

      Come early, the pavement gets crowded by midday.

      Open Always open · Source

    3. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ USD 15
    4. 2

      09:50–10:20 · Free to see forecourt · tours ≈ $20–30

      TCL Chinese Theatre Landmark quest

      Two minutes along the boulevard. Look at the handprints in the forecourt.

      Open Forecourt open daily · tour times vary · Source

    5. 3

      10:30–11:00 · Free to see exterior · tours ≈ $20–30

      Dolby Theatre Landmark quest

      Next door. Tour times vary, so check on the day.

      Open Tours daily, times vary · check on the day · Source

    6. Taxi · 35 km · ≈ 1 h 41 min · ≈ USD 102
    7. 4

      12:00–12:30 · ≈ $10–15 per combo

      Panda Express Landmark quest

      Quick lunch. Branches and hours vary.

      Open Varies by branch · many open 10:00–22:00 · Source

    8. Taxi · 34 km · ≈ 1 h 37 min · ≈ USD 98
    9. 5

      13:30–14:15 · Free to view

      Hollywood Sign Landmark quest

      Best views from Griffith Park viewpoints. Morning or late afternoon light is clearest.

      Open Viewpoints open daylight hours

    10. Taxi back to your hotel · 5 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ USD 18
    Day 2

    Griffith and the Bowl

    Tickets ≈ USD 52 pp · taxis ≈ USD 97
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ USD 15
    2. 1

      08:00–09:30 · Free

      Runyon Canyon hike

      Early start beats the heat. Bring water.

      Open Dawn to dusk

    3. Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ USD 21
    4. 2

      11:00–13:00 · Free entry · planetarium show ≈ $10–15

      Griffith Observatory Landmark quest

      Closed Monday. Planetarium shows cost extra.

      Open Tue–Sun roughly 10:00–22:00 · closed Monday · check on the day · Source

    5. Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ USD 18
    6. 3

      14:00–17:00 · ≈ $20–25 adult; check on the day

      Los Angeles Zoo Landmark quest

      Next to Griffith Park. Usually closes around 17:00, check on the day.

      Open Daily roughly 10:00–17:00 · check on the day · Source

    7. Taxi · 9 km · ≈ 28 min · ≈ USD 27
    8. 4

      19:30–22:30 · ≈ $20–100+ depending on show and seat

      Hollywood Bowl Landmark quest

      Summer season only. Book tickets ahead and bring a jacket.

      Open Show nights, usually summer season · Source

    9. Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ USD 15
    Day 3

    Studios, then Westside art

    Tickets ≈ USD 109 pp · taxis ≈ USD 128
    12
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 6 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ USD 21
    2. 1

      09:00–17:00 · ≈ $109–149 one-day ticket; check date pricing online

      Universal Studios Hollywood Landmark quest

      Full day. Go on a weekday and avoid summer weekends. Buy tickets online.

      Open Usually 09:00–20:00, varies by season · check on the day · Source

    3. Taxi · 17 km · ≈ 53 min · ≈ USD 52
    4. 2

      17:30–19:00 · Free entry · parking ≈ $20–25

      The Getty Center Landmark quest

      Closed Monday. Free entry, parking costs. Check closing time on the day.

      Open Tue–Sun 10:00–17:30 · closed Monday · check on the day · Source

    5. Taxi back to your hotel · 18 km · ≈ 55 min · ≈ USD 55

    Swap in instead

    • Add a day for the Getty Center or the Getty Villa; both are free or low cost, check parking fees.
    • Swap a beach afternoon for a studio tour in Burbank or Hollywood; book ahead.
    • Take a harbour boat from San Pedro to Catalina Island if you have a full extra day.

    Getting around

    • Metro Rail subway and light rail link Downtown, Hollywood, Santa Monica and Long Beach; fares about $1.75 per ride.
    • Metro buses cover the whole sprawl; a TAP card or contactless tap works on rail and bus.
    • Taxis are metered and costlier than apps; Uber and Lyft operate widely and are the usual choice.
    • Driving is fastest off-peak but freeways jam from roughly 7-10am and 3-7pm.
    • Walking is pleasant in beach towns and Hollywood; bikes and e-scooters are common near the coast.
    • No ferries serve the city centre; harbour boats run from San Pedro to Catalina Island.

    Where to stay

    • Downtown · ≈ USD 150–350 a night
      Central for Metro rail, museums and food halls; good value on weekends.
    • Hollywood · ≈ USD 140–320 a night
      Walk to the Walk of Fame and the studios; easy subway rides downtown.
    • Santa Monica · ≈ USD 220–550 a night
      Beach and pier on the doorstep; light rail to downtown LA.
    • West Hollywood · ≈ USD 200–480 a night
      Nightlife, restaurants and walkable streets between Hollywood and the beaches.

    Food & drink

    • Try tacos and burritos at taquerias and food trucks; a meal often costs $10–15.
    • Koreatown is great for late-night Korean BBQ and noodles; expect $25–40 a person.
    • Grand Central Market downtown has many stalls under one roof; budget $10–20.
    • Book popular dinner spots ahead, especially on weekends in West Hollywood.
    • Beach towns have casual seafood and burger shacks; check hours, some close early.

    Tips

    1. A car is practically essential — public transit is limited outside downtown.
    2. Traffic on the 405 and 101 freeways is brutal during rush hours (7–10am, 4–7pm).
    3. In-N-Out Burger is a local institution — order 'animal style' for the full experience.
    4. Many popular beaches (Venice, Santa Monica, Malibu) are free; arrive early for parking.
    5. Smog is real — air quality apps are useful before outdoor activity days.
    Sources for prices and hours

    Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

    Tours & activities

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Universal Studios Hollywood
    • General admission to the park and rides
    • Studio Tour and themed lands
    • 10,006 reviews · 4.6 rating
    Entry includedFull day

    Universal Studios Hollywood: General Admission Tickets

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.6 (10,006)

    $100View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

    Hollywood Walk of Fame
    Beverly Hills
    Rodeo Drive
    • Drive past celebrity homes and the Sunset Strip
    • See the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Beverly Hills
    • 2,908 reviews · 4.5 rating
    Open-air busCelebrity homes

    Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Homes Open-Air Bus Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.5 (2,908)

    $44View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 4 landmark quests

    Hollywood Walk of Fame
    Beverly Hills
    Santa Monica Pier
    Venice Beach
    • City tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills
    • Afternoon at Santa Monica and Venice beaches
    • 1,438 reviews · 4.8 rating
    Full dayBeaches included

    LA: Full-Day City Tour of Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Beaches

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (1,438)

    $109View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

    Griffith Observatory
    Hollywood Walk of Fame
    • Hollywood at night with city views
    • Stop at Griffith Observatory
    • 752 reviews · 4.2 rating
    Evening tourCity lights

    Hollywood Night Tour with Griffith Observatory

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.2 (752)

    $49View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Hollywood Sign
    • Hike to viewpoints of the Hollywood Sign
    • Access from both sides of the hills
    • 516 reviews · 4.7 rating
    Guided hikeFront and back views

    Hollywood Sign Hike with Front & Back Access

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (516)

    $34View tour

    Souvenirs

    Hollywood movie merchandise

    USD 10–601 prop · estimate

    Film-themed souvenirs tied to the movies made in Hollywood. They reflect the city's long history as the center of the American film industry.

    Where: Hollywood Blvd shops, studio shops
    Studio shops usually have official items, so check for a licensed label before you buy.

    Flights

    Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

    Search flights · Trip.com

    Hotels

    Search all Los Angeles hotelsHotels.com

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