The First-Time Visitor's Guide to LA
So you’re headed to Los Angeles for the very first time. Get excited!! LA is now like a second home to me, but I'll never forget my own first visit.
It was like stepping inside a dazzling dream - filled with all the bright lights, beach boardwalks, and glitter-coated sunshine I'd come to expect from California thanks to 90210.
For first-time visitors, LA can be overwhelming - to say the least. It’s a huge place with so much to see, explore, and experience. How do you know where to begin?
Well, I've got you covered. Keep reading for all the tips you need for a successful first visit to the City of Angels.
Pssst! For a detailed, 4-6 day itinerary incorporating sights, restaurants, bars, and more to explore in Los Angeles, click here.
The must-see sights:
Gazing at the stars on Hollywood Boulevard, cruising past the mansions in Bel-Air, stepping onto the sets at Warner Bros. Studios...there are a lot of sights to see in LA!
That said, here are the top ones you won't want to miss during your visit:
Hollywood sign
Griffith Observatory
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Dolby Theatre / TCL Chinese Theater
Rodeo Drive
Sunset Boulevard
Tour a movie studio (I recommend Warner Bros.!)
The Grove
Santa Monica Pier
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) scenic drive from Santa Monica to Malibu
Disneyland (this is technically in Orange County, but it's definitely doable on an LA vacation!)
When to go:
You can’t really go wrong visiting LA any time of year. That being said, for the most pleasant temperatures and manageable crowds, opt for September-November or April-May.
Where to stay:
LA is massive, and it encompasses a diverse range of neighborhoods. Whether it's great food you're looking for, fashion and shopping, cultural sights, or overall SoCal vibes, there's a part of LA for you.
Check out my recommendations below for which areas are worth considering according to your interests.
For views, vibes, and the beach: Santa Monica / Venice
For culture, museums, and excellent food: Downtown
For shopping, glamour, and nightlife: West Hollywood / Beverly Hills
For LA icons, history, and movie magic: Hollywood / Universal City
The Cuisine:
Hungry? LA's got something to feed anyone's fancy - this is the second largest city in the United States, after all!
You can get classic Californian fare (think salads, green juices, kombucha) as well as Korean BBQ, seafood, sushi, Mediterranean, Thai, Filipino, Italian, and - of course - some of the best Mexican food around. Plus, LA is known for its health-conscious mentality; if you have any kind of dietary restriction, you’ll find restaurants that accommodate it during your visit.
The Nightlife:
Whatever your partying preference, LA delivers.
You can go clubbing to the beats of an A-list DJ, down pitchers at a dive bar, see jazz musicians in an Old Hollywood hotel, or catch a concert ranging all genres. Fancy rooftops more your vibe? Underground raves? Multi-story tiki bar? Maybe a beach party? For all of the above and more, this city's got you covered.
How to get to LA from the airport:
There are multiple airports that serve the greater Los Angeles area: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Ontario International Airport (ONT), Burbank Hollywood Bob Hope Airport (BUR), and John Wayne Airport (SNA) down in Orange County.
Probably the most common airport, however, is LAX, so we'll only cover that one in this guide.
LAX is located on the coast in the city's El Segundo neighborhood. Currently, there is no public transit that connects directly to the airport (although it's in the works!) So your options for getting into the city are either to rent a car (which is recommended if you plan on doing a lot of exploring!) or else catch a ride. You can do the latter through one of the following:
LAXit
In November of 2019, Los Angeles International Airport debuted LAXit, which is the new area for calling taxis andrideshares. You used to be able to have your Lyft or Uber pick you up curbside; now you have to either walk or take a free shuttle from the terminal to a separate lot. Here, you can access specific lanes for each of the ride options offered by both Uber and Lyft. You can also call a cab.
You can get to the lot on the Arrivals level outside baggage claim. Look for green signs that say "LAXit", where the free shuttles stop on a continuous basis.
TIP: Wait until you’re physically in the LAXit lot before calling your rideshare. It can take some time to get to the lot from the terminal, depending on traffic and passenger volume.
FlyAway bus
This offers roundtrip service between all LAX terminals and Hollywood, Long Beach, Downtown LA, or Van Nuys. Fares range from $8.00 to $9.75 one way, depending on where you're going. You can purchase in person using a debit or credit card, or online here. Reservations are not required. You can catch the bus on the Arrivals level; look for the blue "LAX FlyAway" sign.
Super Shuttle
This allows you to book shared or private van services to specific destinations around the city. You can arrange the details and check pricing here. To catch your ride at LAX, head to the Arrivals level and look for the orange "Shared Ride Vans" sign.
How to get around:
This is a car city. Expect to spend most of your time navigating the city on wheels. LA does have a public transportation system, but depending on where you're trying to go, it's inconsistent and time-consuming - and compared to most other major cities, no one really uses it.
It's best to either rent a car during your stay, or take rideshares. This way, you can explore town on your own terms.
Renting a car allows flexibility, and will likely be cheaper in the long run if you plan on doing a lot of driving to explore the city (such as heading down to Orange County for Disneyland, riding up the coast along Malibu, or going for a scenic drive down Mulholland.)
Keep in mind that most hotels and attractions charge outrageous parking fees. If you plan on sticking to one general area of town, rideshares may be cheaper.
Typical Pricing:
LA’s expensive. Expect to spend around $12-17 on breakfast and lunch entrees, and $15–25 for dinner entrees. Cocktails average $12-18, while beer and wine run from $8-15.
Museums are generally around $14-20 for adult entry, though some of the top ones (like the Getty and the Broad) are free.
Budget hotels run about $90-150 a night, while mid-tier properties average $150-250. Higher-end brands charge anywhere from $200-450+. Like most cities, it's cheaper to stay in LA during the week.
Gasoline costs $3-4 a gallon. A rideshare from LAX to West Hollywood averages between $30-65, depending on demand and time of day.
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