Essential Los Angeles Travel Guide for First-Time Tourists

by William Jones / ⠀Travel / February 14, 2025

Los Angeles is a premier cultural and entertainment epicenter. Whether tourists like gorgeous beaches, celebrity homes, historic landmarks, or other attractions, LA has something for them. This guide contains a wealth of information to make a trip to the City of Angels memorable.

Ways to Get Around

The whole city offers several modes of transportation for its visitors. That’s good news, considering LA spans 500 square miles and boasts 500 neighborhoods. The most popular options include rental cars, rideshares, and public transit. Visitors can enjoy sightseeing tours ranging from touring celebrity homes to visiting theme parks. The cost of these outings depends on the company and tour type. On the low end, a city tour can cost $89 per child or $99 per adult.

Parking Options

Of course, some out-of-towners prefer to drive around LA. However, parking isn’t cheap. The average parking space costs between $12 and $15 per hour or at a flat rate. Street parking is free, but it’s hard to come by. Additionally, pulling into a space at night isn’t the safest idea. Another option is to opt for validated parking at malls, museums, and local eateries.

Key Spots to Check Out

Now it’s time for a rundown of the must-see attractions. These are the top places to go:

Downtown LA: The heartbeat of LA has well-known spots like the Museum of Contemporary Art, Crypto.com Arena, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and The Broad Museum. Then there’s the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame, and Griffith Park.
Santa Monica: Ready for a perfect family outing? If so, the Santa Monica Pier must be on the bucket list. It’s known for its amusement park rides, beaches, laid-back swag, and cozy sunsets.
Beverly Hills: Welcome to 90210, one of the wealthiest zip codes in the United States. Why not visit Rodeo Drive, which has high-end luxury shops? Another popular attraction is the Beverly Hills Hotel (“The Pink Palace”).

Pubs, Clubs, and More

LA has a variety of after-hours attractions. Music and dance lovers can party at live music venues showcasing genres from jazz and hip-hop to electronic and indie rock. Sports fans can wind down (or get hyped) at sports bars featuring multiple HDTV screens, classic comfort foods, cocktails, and lively crowds. Then there are comedy clubs, like the Laugh Factory or The Comedy Store, for a heavy dose of side-splitting stand-up routines.

Cross-Cultural Food

LA is a foodie’s dream come true. Vacationers can chow down on everything from Japanese noodles and Korean BBQ to sushi and American faves such as hot dogs and burgers. The city also has its fair share of food trucks for every type of mouth-watering street food.

Tropical Weather

The city’s Mediterranean climate and nearly 300 sunny days per year are ideal for wearing T-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops. However, it’s not unusual for 70-degree days to turn into bone-chilling nights. It doesn’t hurt to bring a jacket and long-sleeved shirts as a backup. Wildfires are common, so staying tuned to weather updates is a good idea.

Lodgings for Every Price Tier

There are many places to stay in LA, from hotels to Airbnb lodgings. The best budget-friendly options include hotels in West Hollywood and downtown LA. Santa Monica is the go-to spot for an affordable stay near sandy beaches. The Royal Pagoda Motel also has modest prices. Have extra cash to splurge? A hotel near LAX is a convenient alternative. If out-of-towners prefer lodgings popular among A-list celebs, they can book a room at the Chateau Marmont or The Beverly Hills Hotel.

Discover the Magic of Los Angeles

Come to Los Angeles to eat, drink, and play. Whether a tourist stays for a few days or weeks, the city’s attractions, neighborhoods, and cuisine will keep them joyfully occupied from sunup to sundown.