Los Angeles blends film industry glamour, coastal scenery, and year-round sunshine. You can explore creative neighbourhoods, legendary studios, and relaxed beaches in a single trip.
Discover Los Angeles
Discover Los Angeles
Why visit Los Angeles?
What to expect
Expect a sprawling city of distinct districts, from Hollywood and Downtown to Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Life moves at a laid-back pace, but the arts, tech, and entertainment scenes stay busy day and night.
Plan your trip
Los Angeles is a convenient base for exploring Southern California, from national parks to coastal drives. Give yourself time for the city itself, with extra days for nearby deserts, wine regions, or theme parks.
Top sights in Los Angeles
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Stroll along Hollywood Boulevard to spot the stars on the pavement, visit the TCL Chinese Theatre, and soak in the area that helped define global film culture.
Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park
Head up to Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline and the Hollywood Sign, then explore the surrounding trails in one of the largest urban parks in the United States.
Santa Monica Pier and Beach
Spend a relaxed day by the ocean at Santa Monica, enjoying the pier`s amusement rides, street performers, and the wide sandy beach that stretches along the Pacific coast.
The Getty Center
Ride the hillside tram up to the Getty Center for impressive art collections, striking modern architecture, and manicured gardens overlooking the city and ocean.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Combine a working film studio tour with theme park rides and immersive sets inspired by major movies and television series.
Downtown LA and The Broad
Explore the revitalised Downtown area, visiting The Broad museum, Grand Central Market, and the striking Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Walk or cycle along the lively boardwalk, watching street artists, skaters, and surfers, then detour into the Venice Canals for a quieter, scenic side of the neighbourhood.
Experience Los Angeles`s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Combine the Metro rail and bus network for key routes, then use ride-hailing or taxis to cover longer gaps in this widely spread city. For a scenic perspective, drive or join a tour along Pacific Coast Highway, and use walking or e-scooters for the last mile in compact districts.
Local life & culture
You will find a vibrant creative culture, with street art in the Arts District, live music across Echo Park and Silver Lake, and indie cinemas throughout the city. Diverse communities shape neighbourhood identities, each with its own galleries, venues, and cultural festivals.
Where to unwind
Relax on the wide beaches of Santa Monica or Manhattan Beach in the late afternoon, when the light softens and the crowds thin. For quieter green spaces, head to Runyon Canyon or Griffith Park at sunrise or sunset for cooler temperatures and wide city views.
A taste of Los Angeles
Street food & local specialties
Try tacos from food trucks, inventive burgers, and fresh seafood along the coast, especially in neighbourhoods like Koreatown, Boyle Heights, and Highland Park where you can sample bold flavours in casual settings.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Head to food halls and mixed-use complexes such as Grand Central Market or The Original Farmers Market for global flavours under one roof. Shared plates and moderate portions make it easy to sample several dishes with friends.
Signature & scenic dining
Book a table at rooftop restaurants and bars in Downtown or West Hollywood for skyline views, or choose coastal venues in Malibu and Santa Monica where you can dine while watching the sun set over the Pacific.
Retail therapy in Los Angeles
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Browse major malls such as The Grove, Westfield Century City, and Beverly Center for international brands, local designers, cinemas, and open-air promenades that double as social spaces.
Markets & local crafts
Discover independent boutiques and vintage finds along Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, arts and crafts in Silver Lake, and curated shops across the Arts District for unique Los Angeles-made pieces.
Evening retail scene
In the evening, stroll illuminated shopping streets like Rodeo Drive, Third Street Promenade, and parts of Melrose Avenue, where stores, cafes, and bars stay open late. Buses, the Metro, and ride-hailing services make these areas easy to reach after dark.
Best time to visit Los Angeles
Spring (March to May, shoulder season): Mild and pleasant with average temperatures around 15–24°C (59–75°F), fewer crowds, and clear skies ideal for outdoor sightseeing. Summer (June to August, peak season): Warm to hot with averages of 18–29°C (64–84°F), especially inland, drawing many visitors to the beaches and attractions. Autumn and winter (September to February, low season): Generally mild at 10–22°C (50–72°F), with cooler evenings and occasional rain, offering quieter attractions and softer coastal light.