Los Angeles

The sprawling entertainment capital known for Hollywood, beaches, and diverse neighborhoods. Home to major attractions like Griffith Observatory, Getty Center, and countless cultural venues.

Things to do

• Griffith Observatory — Visit this iconic hilltop observatory for panoramic city views, free telescope viewing at night, and the famous copper dome visible across Los Angeles.
• Getty Center — Explore this world-class art museum featuring European paintings, sculptures, and photographs in a stunning modern architectural setting with sweeping city views.
• Santa Monica Pier — Walk this historic 1909 pier featuring Pacific Park amusement park, arcade games, street performers, and direct beach access.
• Hollywood Walk of Fame — Stroll down Hollywood Boulevard to see over 2,700 bronze stars embedded in the sidewalk honoring entertainment industry legends.
• Venice Beach Boardwalk — Experience the eclectic mix of muscle beach, street performers, vendors, and bohemian culture on this famous oceanfront promenade.
• The Broad — Visit this contemporary art museum downtown showcasing modern and contemporary pieces in a striking honeycomb-patterned building.
• Mulholland Drive — Drive this scenic mountain road winding through the Hollywood Hills for stunning overlook views of the city lights and urban sprawl.

Food to try

• Los Angeles-Style Fish Tacos — Crispy battered white fish or mahi-mahi topped with cabbage slaw, crema, and salsa served on corn tortillas, a quintessential Southern California street food.
• In-N-Out Burger — California's iconic fast-casual burger chain serving fresh, simple double-doubles and animal-style fries that locals queue for across the city.
• Korean BBQ — Grill-at-your-table Korean beef, pork, and seafood in the Koreatown neighborhood, accompanied by banchan side dishes and soju, reflecting LA's vibrant Korean community.
• Danger Dog — A street food wrapped hot dog with grilled peppers and onions found on nearly every corner, particularly around Hollywood and downtown venues.
• Carne Asada Fries — Loaded french fries topped with grilled marinated beef, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole, showcasing the city's Mexican-American culinary heritage.
• Farmstand Bowl — Fresh grain bowls with locally sourced seasonal vegetables, proteins, and California-inspired ingredients reflecting the area's health-conscious dining culture.

Local customs & good to know

• Expect Heavy Traffic and Plan Ahead — Los Angeles is car-dependent with notorious congestion, so budget extra time for travel, use navigation apps like Waze, and consider using rideshare during peak hours.
• Casual Dress Code — LA has a notably laid-back dress culture; even upscale restaurants often welcome smart-casual attire, and beachwear-to-casual transitions throughout the day are normal.
• Neighborhood Diversity — Los Angeles comprises distinct neighborhoods with different characters and demographics—from the trendy West Hollywood to bohemian Echo Park—so explore beyond tourist zones to experience authentic local culture.
• Sun Protection Essential — Southern California's year-round sunshine is intense, so always wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats even on cloudy days to avoid burns and premature skin damage.