Where to base yourself
Hollywood. Central for the Walk of Fame, Griffith Park and both studios, with a Metro station. Lively and a little rough at the edges after dark.
West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Smarter, with good restaurants and nightlife, between Hollywood and the Westside. No rail; you will drive or use taxis.
Santa Monica. The choice for a beach stay: walkable, relaxed and linked to Downtown by Metro. Further from the studios.
Downtown (DTLA). Best public transport and good value at weekends, near The Broad, Walt Disney Concert Hall and Grand Central Market. Some blocks, notably Skid Row, should be avoided.
Food & drink
Los Angeles eats across every culture. Look for tacos from trucks and stands, Korean barbecue in Koreatown, Thai food in East Hollywood, Japanese food in Little Tokyo and Sawtelle, and farmers’ markets everywhere — the Original Farmers Market at Third and Fairfax and Downtown’s Grand Central Market are easy places to graze. Southern California’s own contributions include the French dip sandwich and a strong burger tradition.
Money-saving and safety tips
- Go City and similar Los Angeles attraction passes can save money if you plan several paid attractions; check which studio or park tickets are included and add up the prices first.
- Many of the best things are free: the Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, The Broad (reservation advised) and the beaches.
- Plan each day in one part of the city. Crossing from Santa Monica to Hollywood at 5 pm can take well over an hour.
- Do not leave anything visible in a parked car, and read parking signs carefully — restrictions are complicated and fines are high.
- The ocean stays cool year-round and has rip currents; swim near a staffed lifeguard tower.
Sample plans
One day
- Morning on Hollywood Boulevard and a Hollywood Sign viewpoint
- Afternoon in Santa Monica and Venice
- Sunset at Griffith Observatory
Two days
- Day one as above
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour in the morning
- Afternoon at the Getty Center, evening in West Hollywood
Three days
- Days one and two as above
- A full day at Universal Studios Hollywood
- Or Downtown: The Broad, Grand Central Market and Union Station
Where to stay in Los Angeles
Choose Hollywood for sightseeing and the studios, Santa Monica for a beach holiday, or Downtown for public transport and weekend value. Wherever you stay, check the nightly parking charge.
