Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the United States and the home of the film and TV industry: a sprawling, sunny metropolis between the Pacific Ocean and the San Gabriel Mountains. Visitors come for Hollywood and the studio tours, the Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign, art at the Getty, LACMA and The Broad, and beaches from Santa Monica and Venice to Malibu. Distances are big and traffic is famous, so plan your days by area and use the Metro where it helps. The weather is mild all year, with dry, warm summers and a short rainy season in winter.
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Los Angeles at a glance
- Best for: movie and TV history, studio tours, beaches, big museums with free entry, food from every corner of the Pacific Rim and sunset views.
- How long: 3 days for Hollywood, the Getty and the beach; 5–7 days to add a theme park, Malibu and more neighborhoods.
- Best time: any time of year. Spring and fall are the most pleasant; downtown averages a high of 84 °F (29 °C) in August and 68 °F (20 °C) in January.
- Getting there: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), plus smaller airports in Burbank and Long Beach, and Amtrak trains into Union Station.
- Getting around: a car gives the most freedom; the Metro rail and buses cost $1.75 a ride, capped at $5 a day and $18 a week when you tap, as of October 2026.
- Before you go: entry rules and ESTA, money, tipping and driving are in our United States travel guide.
Los Angeles neighborhoods: where things are
“LA” can mean the City of Los Angeles or the whole county of 88 cities; Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Pasadena and Anaheim are separate cities with their own rules and taxes. Think of the region as a cluster of districts, and allow 30–60 minutes for most cross-town drives.
Hollywood and Los Feliz
The Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre (home of the Oscars) are on Hollywood Boulevard, on the Metro B Line. It is busy, touristy and a bit gritty, but central. Next door, leafy Los Feliz is the gateway to Griffith Park and the Observatory.
Downtown and the Arts District
Downtown has The Broad, Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, Grand Central Market, Little Tokyo, historic Olvera Street and Union Station, the hub for Metro rail, Amtrak and the FlyAway airport bus. The Arts District to the east has breweries, murals and restaurants in old warehouses. Some blocks feel empty at night; stick to busy streets after dark.
West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Mid-Wilshire
The Sunset Strip’s music clubs, Rodeo Drive’s luxury shops and, along Wilshire Boulevard’s “Miracle Mile,” LACMA, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and the La Brea Tar Pits, where Ice Age mammoths were trapped in asphalt. A good, central base if you are driving.
Santa Monica, Venice and the Westside
Santa Monica, with its pier, Third Street Promenade and beach path, and bohemian Venice, with its boardwalk, skatepark and quiet canals. Further north, Malibu stretches along Pacific Coast Highway. The Metro E Line runs from Downtown to Santa Monica. Hotels here are among the priciest in the region.
The Valley, Pasadena and the South Bay
Over the hills, the San Fernando Valley has Universal Studios Hollywood and the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank. Pasadena has the Rose Bowl, the Norton Simon Museum and, next door in San Marino, the Huntington Library and Gardens. Near LAX, Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo beaches are relaxed places to stay; Long Beach has the Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Top things to see in Los Angeles
Prices and hours below were checked on the official sites in October 2026, unless we say otherwise; check again before you go. Several of the best museums are free but need a timed reservation.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign
More than 2,700 stars line Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, and the forecourt of the TCL Chinese Theatre holds the handprints of film stars since the 1920s. The walk is free and open around the clock. Costumed characters expect a tip for photos.
The Hollywood Sign on Mount Lee is fenced off: you cannot walk up to the letters. The Hollywood Sign Trust names two easy viewpoints: the Ovation complex at Hollywood and Highland, by the Walk of Fame, and Griffith Observatory, with the classic photo across the hills. For a closer view, authorized trails in Griffith Park climb above the Observatory; streets below the Sign have parking restrictions. See our hiking guide.
Griffith Observatory
The 1935 Art Deco observatory on the slope of Mount Hollywood is the best free attraction in Los Angeles: city views from Downtown to the ocean, the Hollywood Sign, telescopes, exhibits on the planets and a Tesla coil. Entry to the building, grounds and public telescopes is always free. As of October 2026 the building opens Tuesday to Friday noon–10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.–10 p.m., and is closed on Mondays; the grounds are open 5 a.m.–10:30 p.m. daily, like the rest of Griffith Park. Shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium cost $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 55+ and students, and $8 for children aged 5–12, sold only at the Observatory for that day’s shows. Children under 5 are only admitted to the first show of the day.
Parking near the building is limited and paid (credit cards only) during opening hours, and the road often closes when it fills up, especially at sunset and on weekends. Take the DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus from the Metro B Line’s Vermont/Sunset station: every 20–25 minutes, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. daily, for 50 cents, or 35 cents with a TAP card (exact change in cash).
The Getty Center and the Getty Villa
On a hilltop in Brentwood, Richard Meier’s white Getty Center holds European paintings (including Van Gogh’s Irises), photographs and decorative arts, with gardens and views to the sea; a free tram climbs from the parking. Admission is free with a timed-entry reservation. As of October 2026 it opens Tuesday–Friday and Sunday 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m., closed Mondays. Parking costs $25 per car, $15 after 3 p.m. and $10 after 6 p.m., free on Saturdays after 6 p.m. (cards only). Some galleries are closed for renovation.
The Getty Villa, a re-created Roman country house above the ocean near Malibu, holds Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities. It closed during the January 2025 Palisades Fire and reopened on June 27, 2025. As of October 2026 it opens 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily except Tuesdays, with the same free reservation and $25 parking.
LACMA and the new David Geffen Galleries
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the western United States. In April 2026 it opened the David Geffen Galleries, a curving concrete-and-glass building by Peter Zumthor that spans Wilshire Boulevard and houses the permanent collection. Out front, Chris Burden’s Urban Light, rows of old street lamps, is free to see. As of October 2026 admission for visitors from outside L.A. County is $30 for adults, $26 for seniors 65+ and students, and $15 for ages 3–17; under-3s are free, county residents pay less, and Metro riders with a TAP card get $2 off. Book timed tickets ahead, since slots sell out. LACMA opens Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.–8 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m.–7 p.m., closed Wednesdays.
The Broad
Downtown’s honeycomb-clad museum of contemporary art shows Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Jean-Michel Basquiat. General admission is free; a timed reservation is recommended and walk-ups are available daily. Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room needs a reservation in advance. As of October 2026 it opens Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m.–8 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m.–6 p.m., closed Mondays. The nearest station is Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill (A and E lines).
Universal Studios Hollywood
Part working studio, part theme park, Universal is known for its tram Studio Tour through real backlots, plus Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World and Jurassic World rides. Tickets are dated: the park’s promotions list 1-day admission from about $109 online on the cheapest days, with peak days and Express passes much higher, as of October 2026. Buying online in advance is cheaper than at the gate. The Metro B Line stops at Universal City/Studio City, a short walk or free shuttle from the entrance.
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
For a more real look at filmmaking, the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank runs guided cart tours through backlots and soundstages where filming may be under way, followed by self-guided exhibits. As of October 2026 its site lists the Studio Tour from $79, Studio Tour Plus from $160 and the Deluxe Tour from $330. Tours take about three hours and depart roughly 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Children under 5 are not allowed.
Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach
The Santa Monica Pier, where historic Route 66 ends, has a Ferris wheel and a small amusement park; the pier is free and you pay per ride. A paved beach path runs south about 3 miles (5 km) to the Venice Boardwalk, with street performers, Muscle Beach and the skatepark. Rent a bike near the pier; see our cycling and beaches guides.
Malibu and the coast
Pacific Coast Highway (PCH, State Route 1) follows the ocean from Santa Monica to Malibu’s beaches: Surfrider Beach by Malibu Pier, a classic surf break, El Matador State Beach with its sea stacks, and Point Dume. The January 2025 Palisades Fire burned much of Pacific Palisades and parts of the Malibu coast. According to Caltrans, PCH between Santa Monica and Malibu reopened on May 23, 2025, after five months closed, and remained an active work zone. Rebuilding continues, so expect lane closures and respect closed areas and private property. See our surfing guide.
Other things to do in Los Angeles
Eat your way across the city
LA’s food is one of its great draws, and much of the best is cheap: tacos from a street stand, Korean barbecue in Koreatown, dim sum in the San Gabriel Valley and Thai food in Thai Town. Grand Central Market and the Original Farmers Market gather dozens of counters under one roof.
Hiking, beaches and the outdoors
Locals hike early: Griffith Park’s trails to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon and the Santa Monica Mountains all start within the city; carry water and avoid midday heat. Santa Monica and the South Bay beaches are good for summer swimming (the water stays cool), Malibu for surfing, and Marina del Rey and Long Beach for whale-watching and boat trips. Summer brings concerts at the Hollywood Bowl. See our city sightseeing guide.
Day trips from Los Angeles
Disneyland Resort: in Anaheim, about 26 miles (42 km) southeast of Downtown, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure sell dated, tiered tickets; in 2026, 1-day, 1-park tickets ranged from about $104 on the quietest days to $224 on the busiest. Check Disney’s official site for your dates and leave early to beat the traffic. Catalina Island: ferries from Long Beach and San Pedro reach Avalon in about an hour, for snorkeling and hiking. Further afield: Santa Barbara is about 95 miles (153 km) up the coast, Joshua Tree National Park about two and a half hours east, and San Diego about 120 miles (193 km) south by car or the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner; see our San Diego and Las Vegas travel guides.
Nearby destinations
- Anaheim41 km
- Santa Barbara141 km
- Palm Springs160 km
- San Diego179 km
- Joshua Tree National Park226 km
- Sequoia National Park283 km
- Death Valley National Park295 km
Getting there and getting around
From LAX airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about 17 miles (27 km) southwest of Downtown. It is in the middle of a long modernization, so allow extra time.
- Metro rail: a free, frequent shuttle bus links all terminals with the LAX/Metro Transit Center, served by the Metro C and K lines and several bus routes. From there a regular $1.75 fare takes you across the network, with free transfers within two hours, according to LA Metro.
- LAX FlyAway bus: nonstop buses run from the terminals to Union Station in Downtown and to Van Nuys in the Valley. The airport lists the Union Station fare at $12.75 one way.
- Taxis and rideshare: Uber, Lyft and taxis pick up at LAX-it, a lot next to Terminal 1; walk there or take the free green LAX-it shuttle from the arrivals level. Expect this to add 15–30 minutes at busy times.
- Automated People Mover: the airport’s new 2.25-mile (3.6 km) driverless train, which will link the terminals with the Metro station and the rental-car center, was still not open to passengers in October 2026. After repeated delays, local news reported in late September 2026 that passenger service was expected in early January 2027, with no guarantee of that date. Until then, use the shuttle buses.
Hollywood Burbank (BUR) suits Hollywood and the Valley, and Long Beach (LGB) the South Bay. Amtrak trains use Union Station.
Metro rail and buses
Useful Metro lines for visitors: the B Line subway from Union Station to Hollywood and Universal City, the E Line from Downtown to Santa Monica, and the A Line to Pasadena and Long Beach. As of October 2026 the fare is $1.75 a ride, with free transfers for two hours. Tap a contactless card, phone or TAP card: the daily cap is $5 and the 7-day cap $18. Seniors 62+ never pay more than $2.50 a day or $5 a week, and children under 6 ride free with a paying adult. Cash works on buses only, with exact fare and no caps. At night, many visitors prefer rideshare.
Driving and parking
Los Angeles is built around the car, and a rental is the easiest way to combine beaches, hills and day trips. Weekday rush hours (roughly 6–10 a.m. and 3–7 p.m.) are slow everywhere. Read parking signs carefully and expect to pay for parking at hotels, museums and beaches. Driving rules are in our United States travel guide.
When to go and how long to stay
Los Angeles is sunny most of the year. The table uses NOAA’s 1991–2020 climate normals for the Downtown Los Angeles (USC) station: average daily highs and lows, and days with at least 0.1 inch (2.5 mm) of rain. The coast is cooler in summer; the Valley much hotter.
| Season | Average high / low | Wet days per month | What it’s like | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 67–68 °F (20 °C) / 48–50 °F (9–10 °C) | 3.5–5 | Mild and mostly sunny; the rainy season, with occasional storms | Museums, clear-day views, whale-watching |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 70–74 °F (21–23 °C) / 52–58 °F (11–14 °C) | 0.5–3.5 | Pleasant; gray mornings near the coast from May | Hiking, gardens, sightseeing |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 77–84 °F (25–29 °C) / 61–65 °F (16–18 °C) | 0 | Dry and warm; “June gloom” on the coast early in summer, hot inland | Beaches, outdoor concerts, theme parks |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 83 °F falling to 73 °F (28–23 °C) / 64 °F falling to 53 °F (18–12 °C) | 0–2 | Often the warmest weather, with occasional heat waves and dry Santa Ana winds | Beaches, hiking early in the day |
Downtown gets only about 14 inches (362 mm) of rain a year, almost all from November to March. Dry, windy fall days raise the wildfire risk; follow official alerts if you hike.
Events worth planning around
- January 1: the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl game in Pasadena.
- Late winter to early spring: awards season, ending with the Oscars in Hollywood; streets around the Dolby Theatre close for days.
- Summer: concerts at the Hollywood Bowl and the Greek Theatre, and Dodgers baseball.
- Late October: Halloween in West Hollywood; early November, Día de los Muertos celebrations around the city.
- 2028: Los Angeles hosts the LA28 Olympic Games from July 14 to 30, 2028, and the Paralympic Games from August 15 to 27, 2028. Expect high hotel prices and busy transport in those weeks.
How long to stay: 3, 5 and 7 days
3 days: Hollywood Boulevard, then Griffith Observatory at sunset; the Getty Center, then Santa Monica and Venice; Downtown (The Broad, Grand Central Market) and LACMA. 5 days: add Universal Studios or the Warner Bros. tour and a drive to Malibu. 7 days: add Disneyland and Pasadena or Catalina Island.
Where to stay in Los Angeles and the hotel taxes
- Hollywood: central, on the Metro B Line, good value; busy and noisy on the Boulevard.
- West Hollywood and Beverly Hills: stylish hotels, nightlife and shopping; best with a car.
- Santa Monica and Venice: the beach life, walkable and on the E Line; the most expensive area.
- Downtown: business hotels, the best transit links and lower weekend rates.
- Near LAX and the South Bay: handy for early flights and the beach; far from Hollywood.
Room rates are usually quoted before tax. According to the city’s Office of Finance, hotels in the City of Los Angeles add a 14% transient occupancy tax to the room rate, as of October 2026. Hotels with 50 rooms or more also add the Los Angeles Tourism Marketing District assessment of 2% of the room rate, so a bill at a large city hotel typically carries about 16% in taxes and assessments. In June 2026, city voters rejected a proposal (Measure TT) to raise the hotel tax to 16%, but approved Measure TC, which applies the tax to the full amount booking sites charge. Neighboring cities such as Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Anaheim set their own rates. Many hotels also add nightly “resort,” “destination” or “urban” fees and charge for parking, so compare the total price.
Practical tips for Los Angeles
- Sales tax: prices in shops and on menus exclude sales tax, which is added at the register; according to the state tax agency, the rate in the City of Los Angeles rose to 10.25% on October 1, 2026, and some neighboring cities charge more.
- Tipping: 18–22% is usual at sit-down restaurants; more in our United States travel guide.
- Reserve the free museums: the Getty Center, the Getty Villa and The Broad are free but work on timed reservations; LACMA’s slots also sell out.
- Closing days: Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center and The Broad close on Mondays, LACMA on Wednesdays and the Getty Villa on Tuesdays.
- Car break-ins: never leave bags or anything visible in a parked car, especially at trailheads, beaches and viewpoints.
- Safety: most visitor areas are safe by day; parts of Downtown, including Skid Row, have many homeless encampments, so stay aware and use rideshare late at night.
- Emergencies: call 911; for city services, 311.
What to pack for Los Angeles
Pack for sunshine and cool evenings: nights by the ocean can drop to around 60 °F (16 °C) even in summer, so bring a light jacket and dress in layers. Sunglasses, a hat and high-SPF sunscreen are essential all year, plus a refillable water bottle for hikes and theme parks. Bring comfortable walking shoes, swimwear and sandals, and a warmer layer and small umbrella from December to March.
Los Angeles travel FAQ
Is Griffith Observatory free?
Yes. The building, grounds and public telescopes are free. Planetarium shows cost $12 for adults, and parking near the building is paid. The DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus from the Vermont/Sunset Metro station costs 50 cents.
Can you hike to the Hollywood Sign?
You can hike to viewpoints above and behind it on authorized Griffith Park trails, but the letters themselves are fenced off and you cannot touch them. The easiest views are from Griffith Observatory and Hollywood and Highland.
Is the Getty Center free?
Entry is free with a timed reservation, but parking costs $25 per car ($15 after 3 p.m. and $10 after 6 p.m.) as of October 2026. It is closed on Mondays.
Is LACMA’s David Geffen Galleries building open?
Yes. The Peter Zumthor-designed galleries opened in April 2026 and hold LACMA’s permanent collection. Adults from outside L.A. County pay $30; book a timed ticket in advance. LACMA closes on Wednesdays.
How much is the Metro in Los Angeles?
$1.75 a ride as of October 2026, with free transfers within two hours. Tap a contactless card, phone or TAP card and you never pay more than $5 a day or $18 in seven days.
What is the cheapest way from LAX to Downtown or Hollywood?
The free shuttle to the LAX/Metro Transit Center, then Metro rail for $1.75. The FlyAway bus to Union Station costs $12.75 and is simpler with luggage. The airport’s people mover train was not yet open in October 2026.
What taxes are added to Los Angeles hotel bills?
In the City of Los Angeles, a 14% transient occupancy tax, plus a 2% tourism assessment at hotels with 50 or more rooms: about 16% in total. Some hotels add resort or destination fees and parking charges.
Is Pacific Coast Highway open to Malibu after the fires?
Yes. Caltrans reopened PCH between Santa Monica and Malibu in May 2025, but rebuilding after the Palisades Fire continues, so expect work zones and lane closures.
How many days do I need in Los Angeles?
Three full days covers Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, the Getty and the beaches of Santa Monica and Venice. Five to seven days adds a studio tour or theme park, Malibu and a day trip.
Sources and last review
Researched and last reviewed on 4 October 2026. Griffith Observatory and DASH: Griffith Observatory (City of Los Angeles); Hollywood Sign viewpoints: the Hollywood Sign Trust; the Getty, LACMA, The Broad and Warner Bros. Studio Tour: their official sites; Metro fares: LA Metro; LAX transport: Los Angeles World Airports and LA Metro; PCH: Caltrans; hotel tax: City of Los Angeles Office of Finance; sales tax: California Department of Tax and Fee Administration; LA28 dates: LA28; climate: NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals. Universal Studios and Disneyland prices, the people mover’s opening date and the June 2026 ballot results come from secondary or summarized sources and are flagged for checking. Prices change, so check before you go. For entry rules, ESTA, tipping and driving, see our United States travel guide.
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