Flights from Zurich (ZRH) to Los Angeles (LAX)

About Los Angeles

Discover Los Angeles

Why visit Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is a sprawling coastal city where film studios, palm-lined boulevards, and Pacific beaches meet vibrant neighbourhoods. You can explore iconic sights, creative districts, and relaxed seaside communities all in one trip.

What to expect
From Hollywood and Downtown to Santa Monica and Venice, each area has a distinct character. Expect sunny days, a car-friendly layout, and a mix of skyline views, hillside neighbourhoods, and long stretches of sand that define the city’s look and feel.

Plan your trip
Los Angeles works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for exploring Southern California. With easy links to coastal towns, desert landscapes, and national parks, you can combine urban experiences with road trips into the wider region.

Top sights in Los Angeles

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Stroll along Hollywood Boulevard to spot the famous stars embedded in the pavement and see classic theatres that celebrate the film industry.

Griffith Observatory & Griffith Park

Head up to Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city and the hills, then explore the surrounding trails of Griffith Park.

Santa Monica Pier

Visit this historic pier for ocean views, a small amusement park, and easy access to Santa Monica’s beachfront paths.

The Getty Center

Discover an impressive art collection, striking hilltop architecture, and landscaped gardens with sweeping views over Los Angeles.

Venice Beach Boardwalk

Walk or cycle along the lively boardwalk, where street performers, skate parks, and wide sandy beaches create a classic LA scene.

Downtown Los Angeles

Explore a growing cultural core with museums, striking contemporary architecture, and historic districts side by side.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Combine theme park rides with behind-the-scenes glimpses of movie-making on a working studio lot in the Hollywood Hills.

Malibu coastline

Drive the coastal highway for cliffside views, quieter beaches, and a sense of Southern California’s relaxed seaside lifestyle.

Experience Los Angeles’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Los Angeles is spread out, so you will likely combine the Metro rail and bus network with ride-hailing or taxis for flexibility. For scenic views, consider driving or joining a tour along the Pacific Coast Highway, and use walking paths along the beaches for shorter local trips.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Los Angeles revolves around creative industries, outdoor fitness, and neighbourhood-focused communities. You will notice a strong arts scene, from independent galleries to performance venues, and a laid-back dress code that reflects the city’s coastal climate and casual lifestyle.

Where to unwind
You can relax on broad city beaches, in hillside parks, or at compact urban green spaces dotted throughout the city. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for walking, jogging, or simply sitting with a view, especially when the light softens over the ocean or the skyline.

A taste of Los Angeles

Street food & local specialties
Los Angeles is known for casual street-side eats that blend influences from across the world, including generous tacos and fresh coastal fare. Food trucks and small neighbourhood spots are common, especially around popular nightlife and beach areas.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find relaxed restaurants and cafes throughout the city, with notable clusters in Downtown, Santa Monica, and the Arts District. Menus often encourage sharing and sampling several dishes, so you can try a range of flavours in a single meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose restaurants with hilltop, rooftop, or waterfront views that showcase the city lights or the Pacific. Many venues focus on seasonal ingredients and a calm atmosphere, turning dinner into a highlight of your time in Los Angeles.

Retail therapy in Los Angeles

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres across Los Angeles offer international brands, local designers, and dining in one place, often designed as social spaces to linger. These hubs make it easy to combine shopping with a relaxed lunch or a cinema visit.

Markets & local crafts
Neighbourhood shopping streets and markets are ideal for finding smaller labels, vintage clothing, and design-led gifts. Areas such as Downtown, Silver Lake, and parts of the Westside showcase independent boutiques and creative studios.

Evening retail scene
Some districts stay lively into the evening, with illuminated storefronts, late-opening shops, and nearby dining. It is easy to reach popular retail areas by combining public transport with short taxi or ride-hail journeys at night.

Best time to visit Los Angeles

Mild winter (December to February, low season)
Winter in Los Angeles is generally mild, with average temperatures around 14–18°C (57–64°F). You may see some rain, but many days remain bright, making it a comfortable time for city sightseeing and quieter beaches.

Sunny spring and autumn (March to May, and September to November, shoulder season)
Spring and autumn bring pleasant temperatures of roughly 18–24°C (64–75°F). These periods are ideal for walking in hillside parks, exploring neighbourhoods, and enjoying long afternoons by the ocean with fewer extremes of heat.

Warm coastal summer (June to August, peak season)
Summer is warm and dry, with average temperatures around 22–28°C (72–82°F), higher in inland areas. Coastal breezes help keep beaches inviting, and extended daylight hours give you more time to enjoy outdoor activities and evening walks.

Frequently Asked Questions