Los Angeles is a city of film, beaches, and bright neighbourhoods, where palm-lined boulevards meet a sweeping Pacific coastline. You find iconic sights, diverse communities, and creative energy in every direction.
Discover Los Angeles
Discover Los Angeles
Why visit Los Angeles?
What to expect
You can explore star-studded Hollywood, the relaxed beaches of Santa Monica and Venice, and the cultural districts of Downtown and the Arts District. Expect a laid-back yet fast-moving city built around sunshine, cars, and open space.
Plan your trip
Los Angeles is a major gateway to the United States West Coast, the Pacific, and the deserts and national parks of California. Plan extra days so you can combine city experiences with easy escapes to nearby coastal towns and mountain trails.
Top sights in Los Angeles
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Stroll along Hollywood Boulevard to spot famous stars on the pavement, visit the TCL Chinese Theatre, and feel the buzz of the film industry around you.
Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park
Head up to Griffith Observatory for sweeping city and Hollywood Sign views, then explore the network of hiking trails in one of North America’s largest urban parks.
Santa Monica Pier and Beach
Spend time at Santa Monica’s wide sandy beach, then walk the historic pier with its amusement rides, ocean views, and relaxed coastal atmosphere.
The Getty Center
Ride the hilltop tram to the Getty Center to see world-class art, striking architecture, and gardens, all overlooking the Los Angeles skyline.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Enjoy film-themed rides, backlot tours, and immersive lands that bring blockbuster movies and series to life for visitors of all ages.
Downtown Los Angeles and The Broad
Explore revitalised Downtown with its modern skyline, historic theatres, and The Broad museum, known for contemporary art and bold design.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Walk or cycle along Venice Beach, where street performers, skate parks, and open-air art give the oceanfront a distinctive, bohemian feel.
Experience Los Angeles everyday rhythm
Getting around
The easiest way to move around Los Angeles is by a mix of ride-hailing or car rental with the Metro rail and bus network for key corridors. For a scenic perspective, follow the Pacific Coast Highway or drive Mulholland Drive, then use local buses or shared bikes for the last mile.
Local life & culture
Life in Los Angeles revolves around neighbourhoods, from creative hubs like Silver Lake and Echo Park to the historic core of Olvera Street and the modern energy of Downtown. You experience a blend of film, music, street art, and outdoor living that reflects the city’s many communities.
Unwind on the beaches of Malibu and Santa Monica, or find shade in green spaces such as Griffith Park and Echo Park Lake, especially in the late afternoon when the light softens. For a quieter escape, visit the botanical gardens and hilltop viewpoints scattered across the wider region.
A taste of Los Angeles
Street food & local specialties
Los Angeles is known for food trucks, Mexican-inspired tacos, and Korean and Japanese flavours, often found in areas like Koreatown, East LA, and along food truck routes. You can sample everything from breakfast burritos to late-night snacks on a single visit.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Discover easy dining in spots such as Grand Central Market, The Grove, and modern food halls across Downtown and the Westside, where you can mix small plates, plant-based dishes, and international flavours. Portions are often generous, so sharing lets you try more varieties.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, book restaurants with rooftop terraces in Downtown or hillside views above the city, or choose oceanfront venues in Malibu and Santa Monica. Dining at sunset adds a warm glow to the skyline and the Pacific.
Retail therapy in Los Angeles
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Browse major malls and open-air centres such as The Grove, Westfield Century City, and Beverly Center, where international brands sit alongside local labels, cinemas, and lively dining. These hubs work well for combining shopping with a relaxed day out.
Markets & local crafts
For independent designers and crafts, explore neighbourhood streets in Silver Lake, Highland Park, and Venice, where boutiques, vintage shops, and weekend markets showcase local creativity. You can pick up art, apparel, and unique souvenirs in walkable pockets.
Evening retail scene
In the evening, areas like Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica and parts of Hollywood stay active with illuminated stores, street performers, and late-opening cafés. Public transport and ride-hailing make these districts straightforward to reach after dark.
Best time to visit Los Angeles
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild weather around 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F), with clear days ideal for sightseeing and hiking. Summer (June to September, peak season) is warm and dry, averaging 18°C to 29°C (64°F to 84°F), especially along the coast. Autumn and winter (October to February, low season) are cooler at roughly 10°C to 21°C (50°F to 70°F), with some rain but fewer crowds and softer light for exploring the city.