If you’re a first-time visitor to Los Angeles (LA), you can better prepare yourself by reviewing FAQs or frequently asked questions. After all, don’t you already have many questions about what to see and do and how to get around? If that’s the case, you’ve come to the right spot. In fact, by reviewing these FAQs, you’ll not only be better prepared, but you might be able to save money.
Frequently Asked Questions for First-Time Visitors to LA
What Airports Can I Fly Into?
Los Angeles International Airport is the primary airport from which to fly into LA. However, the question depends upon where you plan to stay during your visit. For instance, if you plan to stay in the Burbank area, you’d be better off flying into the Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR). Moreover, you’ll have far fewer crowds at BUR than at LAX. The vehicular traffic at LAX can be overwhelmingly busy, particularly in the mornings and evenings. There are other airports to consider, like Ontario International (ONT) and Long Beach (LGB). Above all, it depends on where you’re staying in LA and whether you can save money.
Should I Rent A Car?
Renting a car might be practical if you plan to see many attractions all over Los Angeles. However, you must know in advance that traffic can be very heavy during rush hours, especially on freeways. What’s more, it is costly in all of Los Angeles. Furthermore, A is among America’s most congested cities for traffic, and many of its freeways rank among the busiest. For example, Highway 405 is particularly busy and hazardous, as it’s Highway 5. That’s not to mention Highways 10 and 101. 110 and 710. If you decide to rent a car, please consider adding insurance to your reservation. While it will cost more, it will save you money in the event of damage to the vehicle or an accident. Whether you take a car or not, transportation is among LA’s most frequently asked questions.
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How Is The Public Transportation?
Although there’s plenty of room for improvement, LA has a perfect public transportation system. Indeed, you can see many attractions if you prefer public transportation instead of renting a car. The most accessible way to get around the Greater Los Angeles area with public transit is the LA Metro Subway. Although less advanced than other major cities like Chicago and New York, LA Metro offers several regional stops. This includes stations at high-density places like downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Pasadena. If you have more questions about the public transportation system, please check the LA Metro link. Next year, LA’s public transportation will be even better when its LAX station opens in late 2024. LA also has an extensive network of public rail stations for Amtrak, MetroLink, and Metro Rail.
What Should I See in Los Angeles?
As America’s second most populous city, there are several major attractions that you can see. For instance, the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the world-famous Chinese Theatre can be seen. Then there are other significant sites like the Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios, Paramount Studios, Griffith Park, and the Santa Monica Pier. That’s not to mention world-class museums like the Getty, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Academy Museum. Other attractions include Rodeo Drive, Sony Pictures Studios, Warner Bros. Studio Tour, and the Huntington Library & Art Museum. In other words, you’ll have plenty of attractions during your Southern California visit. Of course, many first-time visitors will also want to visit Disneyland further south in Orange County. The question is, do you drive down to Anaheim from LA, or do you take public transportation?
For Barbie Fans
Since the Barbie movie is set primarily in Barbieland and Los Angeles, you might want to visit some Barbie-related attractions. At the top of your list is probably Venice Beach, where Barbie and Ken go rollerblading. Then there is the popular interactive attraction World of Barbie, in the nearby Santa Monica. While other filming locations were at the Warner Bros. Studios lot in England, you can see Barbie memorabilia at the Warner Bros Studio Tour in Hollywood. Update: The World of Barbie attraction is now closed.
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Where Should I Stay in LA?
It depends upon your budget and your personal preferences. The question is, where would you like to stay in the LA area? Hollywood is a popular tourist spot, with many nearby motels and hotels. That’s not to mention that the LA Metro Rail has three subway stations in Hollywood. On the other hand, it’s very touristy, and other great neighborhoods where you can find overnight accommodations exist. This includes downtown Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach. Of course, if you prefer luxurious accommodations, Beverly Hills is the top neighborhood in which to stay. In a bit more detail, the Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Wilshire, Waldorf Astoria, Hotel Bel-Air, and The Peninsula are among the city’s finest. That’s nothing of Chateau Marmont, SLS Hotel, Victory L’Ermitage, and InterContinental Los Angeles Century City. Of course, there are vacation rentals you can stay at through sites like Airbnb VRBO and Vacasa.
What Are Famous Foods in Los Angeles?
With over 30,000 restaurants, it’s safe to say you will not grow hungry in Los Angeles. This includes budget-friendly restaurants and 25 Michelin Star restaurants. As for famous foods in which to try, many are worth your time. This consists of the chili dog at Pinks, burgers at the Apple Pan, French Dip at Phillipe the Original, and pastrami sandwiches at Cantor’s or Langer’s. That’s not to mention sushi in Japantown, donuts at Randy’s, Korean BBQ in Koreatown, and chicken and waffles at Roscoe’s. Don’t forget our options in Chinatown, either. In addition, you may wish to visit other famous restaurants, like Musso & Frank Grill, Dan Tana’s, Cole’s Restaurant, and Tam O’Shanter. Equally important are the many food options at places like the Original Farmers Market, Grand Central Market, and Olvera Street. You have an endless supply of food options during your Los Angeles stay. However, it would be best to avoid large chain fast food restaurants since you can visit those anywhere else in the United States.
Is Tipping Customary in Los Angeles?
Yes, tipping is generally expected in restaurants and bars. While you are free to tip whatever you feel appropriate, the usual tip is 15-20 percent of your bill. Tipping is also customary for valet parking at hotels and parking attendants at restaurants and entertainment venues. In this case, the tip is usually between $2 and $5 or whatever is within your budget.
Where Should I Go For Live Music?
If you had just one live music venue to visit, then it might have to be the Hollywood Bowl. Besides, it’s among the oldest and undoubtedly the most famous. Yet, other essential spots host major recording acts. If you want suggestions, visit sites like the Greek Theatre and Walt Disney Concert Hall. Crypto.com Ar na and Peacock Theater, formerly the Nokia Theater. However, it’s essential to realize that there are many smaller venues, like the Troubadour, Whiskey A GoGo, The Wiltern, and The Roxy. Of course, you can also see significant concerts at places like the Rose Bowl and SoFi Stadium, which currently host Taylor Swift. If you still have questions about where to see live music, visit the Discover Los Angeles website.
Related: Historic Music Venues in Los Angeles
What Should I Wear/Bring?
This is a relatively easy question to answer. The Greater Los Angeles Area and most of the Southern California region have excellent weather nearly year-round. While summer is undoubtedly the hottest, you can expect mild temperatures during the spring and fall months, often in winter. In this case, you should check the weather forecast for your stay and decide what to bring. The daytime weather in LA is around 85 degrees, with cooler temperatures along the coast. However, the Fernando Valley can be much hotter during the summer, with temperatures ranging from 85 to 99 degrees. With that in mind, shorts and hats, as are dresses/skirts and polo shirts, are pretty practical. However, you should also bring at least one light jacket since most places have air conditioning.
Are There Discounts I Can Purchase For Sightseeing?
Yes, there are many sightseeing options where you can save money. For example, o City offers passes that help you save up to 50 percent on LA attractions. The GRAMMY Museum, Warner Bros. Studios Tour, and Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park are among your options with a Go City pass. In addition, there are other very popular sightseeing passes like the Southern California CityPASS, with discounts for Disneyland, Universal Studios, and more. At the same time, there are even more options like hop-on and hop-off tours, such as Groupon and Viator.
Bonus Frequently Asked Question: Other Attractions?
While you may already have an itinerary with these helpful, frequently asked questions, other sightseeing recommendations exist. It would be best to visit top museums like the Getty and others that are less busy. For example, the Petersen Automobile Museum, The Broad, MOCA, Skirball Cultural Center, California Science Center, and Valley Relics Museum. Another auto museum worth your time is the Nethercutt Collection in Sylmar. Then there are hidden gem attractions, like Angels Flight Railway, Venice Canals Walkway, and the famous gravesites at Hollywood Forever Cemetery and Pierce Brothers Westwood Memorial Park. In the latter attractions, you can visit the gravesites of famous people like Judy Garland, Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys, and Marilyn Monroe. If you have further questions about what to see and do in LA, contact me!
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About the Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 stories still appear in syndication across over 20 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a M dia Fellowship from Stanford University in 2012.
