Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Los Angeles (LAX)

About Los Angeles

Discover Los Angeles

Why visit Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is a city of stories, where film studios, palm-lined boulevards, and Pacific beaches come together in one vast urban landscape. You will find creative neighbourhoods, outdoor living, and a mix of cultures that shape everything from architecture to everyday life.

What to expect
The city stretches from the hills of Hollywood and the towers of Downtown to the waterfronts of Santa Monica and Venice. Expect varied districts, each with its own character, from arts districts filled with galleries to beach communities built around cycling paths and boardwalks.

Plan your trip
Los Angeles works well as both a single-city break and a starting point for exploring the wider region. Use it as a base for road trips along the California coast, visits to nearby national parks, or journeys to other cities across the western United States.

Top sights in Los Angeles

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Stroll along Hollywood Boulevard to see the famous stars embedded in the pavement and landmarks such as the TCL Chinese Theatre.

Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park

Head into the hills for panoramic views of the city, trails through one of North America’s largest urban parks, and engaging space exhibits.

Santa Monica Pier

Enjoy classic seaside amusements, an historic pier, and sunset views over the Pacific at the western end of Route 66.

The Getty Center

Explore an impressive art collection set within striking hilltop architecture, landscaped gardens, and wide views of Los Angeles.

Downtown Los Angeles

Discover revitalised streets with contemporary museums, concert halls, and historic theatres alongside modern high-rises.

Venice Beach Boardwalk

Walk or cycle along the lively oceanfront path, lined with street performers, outdoor sports areas, and independent shops.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

Visit one of the city’s leading art museums, known for its diverse collections and the photogenic Urban Light installation.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Combine theme park attractions with glimpses of working film sets at this popular studio-based entertainment destination.

Experience Los Angeles’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Los Angeles is spread out, so combining the Metro rail network, bus services, and ride-hailing is often the most efficient way to move between districts. Along the coast, cycling paths give a scenic alternative, while walking is ideal for exploring compact neighbourhood centres.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Los Angeles revolves around creative industries, outdoor fitness, and neighbourhood communities. You will notice a strong focus on wellness, from yoga in parks to beachfront jogging, alongside a vibrant arts scene that includes galleries, live music venues, and independent cinemas.

Where to unwind
For a break from the city pace, the beaches along the Pacific offer open sands and gentle ocean breezes, especially in the late afternoon. Inland, parks and canyons provide hiking routes with views over the basin that are particularly rewarding around sunrise and sunset.

A taste of Los Angeles

Street food & local specialties
Los Angeles is known for its food trucks, taquerias, and casual eateries, where you can sample everything from tacos to inventive handheld snacks. Neighbourhoods such as Koreatown and East LA are especially popular for informal, flavourful meals.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Across the city, you will find relaxed dining in food halls, lifestyle precincts, and renovated warehouses. These spaces often bring together multiple kitchens, so you can try several dishes in one sitting, from plant-focused menus to international comfort food.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, rooftop restaurants and hilltop venues offer city or ocean views to match seasonal menus. Along the coast, waterfront dining lets you watch the light change over the Pacific while you enjoy fresh, thoughtfully prepared dishes.

Retail therapy in Los Angeles

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres and open-air complexes across Los Angeles combine international brands, local designers, and entertainment. These spaces double as social hubs, with cinemas, dining, and landscaped courtyards for relaxed breaks between browsing.

Markets & local crafts
If you are looking for local character, explore districts such as the Arts District, Silver Lake, and parts of Venice, where independent boutiques and studios showcase fashion, homewares, and design pieces. Smaller markets and pop-up events often highlight makers from across the region.

Evening retail scene
After dark, certain streets and centres take on a different energy, with illuminated storefronts and extended opening hours. Night-time strolls through popular shopping areas pair well with nearby dining, and public transport, rideshares, and taxis make these districts easy to reach.

Best time to visit Los Angeles

Dry summer (peak season)
From June to September, Los Angeles enjoys warm, dry days, with average temperatures around 24°C (75°F). Long daylight hours suit beach visits and outdoor events, and coastal breezes help keep conditions comfortable, especially in the afternoons and evenings.

Mild spring and autumn (shoulder season)
March to May and October to November bring pleasant weather, with averages of 18–21°C (64–70°F). These months are ideal for sightseeing and hiking, with clear skies, softer light, and typically lighter crowds at many attractions across the city.

Cooler winter (low season)
December to February is cooler, with average temperatures near 15°C (59°F) and occasional rain. The atmosphere is still mild compared with many destinations, making it a relaxed time to explore museums, galleries, and neighbourhood cafes, and enjoy clearer views on crisp days.

Frequently Asked Questions