Are you planning a trip to LA? Los Angeles is a vibrant city that’s exciting, diverse, and full of life, making it an ideal destination for a city break or weekend getaway. There are lots of elements that can make up a perfect and wonderfully memorable trip to LA, from sightseeing and food experiences to enjoying the local scenery, nature, and attractions that are unique to the area. In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about planning your next LA getaway. Read on to find out more.

Getting Around: Key Things to Know

LA is a huge sprawling metropolis that does have a public transport network; however, as the city and its neighbourhoods are so spread out, it’s not considered to be the best way for visitors to get around, especially if you plan on exploring multiple locations in one day. This is why many people choose to rent a car for the duration of their trip. You can easily compare car rental prices before you travel to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Compact and mid-size cars are often the most recommended for getting around LA. This is due to fuel consumption and the fact that many parking spaces in areas like Hollywood and Downtown are particularly tight! If you’re planning to visit areas like Malibu, Big Bear, or Joshua Tree, which are several miles away, then good fuel efficiency is key for those longer drives.

There are lots of different apps available to help you with parking in LA. SpotHero and ParkWhiz let you book spaces ahead of time, while ParkMe shows real-time availability. Street parking in LA can be quite difficult, so you may want to explore options such as garages and paid lots to make things a little less stressful.

Things to See and Do in LA

Hollywood

No trip to LA would be complete without visiting Hollywood. And a trip to Hollywood Boulevard and the famous Walk of Fame is a great way to spend an afternoon – although you may need a little longer if you want to see all 2,700 stars! A visit to the TCL Chinese Theatre is another must for film lovers. Here, you can see hand and footprints of Hollywood legends and even take a tour around the Dolby Theatre, which is home to the Academy Awards. Remember to keep an eye out for some local celebrities!

Extra Tip: If you want to avoid the crowds, then visiting early in the morning is recommended!

Santa Monica & Venice Beach

LA doesn’t just have iconic city sights, its breathtaking coastline is also a must-see and experience. The Santa Monica Pier is a classic Californian landmark with its amazing amusement park, street performers, and Ferris wheel. You might want to take a short bike ride or stroll down to the Venice Beach Boardwalk, where you can find artists, skaters, muscle men, and quirky shops!

Joshua Tree National Park

If your trip doesn’t involve going to theme parks and you want to keep your trip focused on nature and other activities, then a trip to the Joshua Tree National Park is a must. It’s about a 2-hour drive from LA, so your rental car will come in handy here. This desert park is famous for its unique rock formations and the twisted Joshua trees that dot the landscape. It’s perfect for hiking, stargazing, or simply soaking in California’s natural beauty.

Eating in LA

With its incredible variety and diverse collection of neighbourhoods, LA is a culinary melting pot. With so much choice, new foods to try, and new favourites to discover, eating in LA could quickly become the highlight of your trip!

Breakfast and Brunch Recommendations

If it’s something Angelenos know, it’s how to do breakfast. LA is home to creative brunch menus, queues at quirky cafes, and a booming coffee culture. Locations like Silver Lake, Echo Park, and West Hollywood are filled with trendy spots and Instagram-worthy bites. Try a classic breakfast burrito or huevos rancheros for a local start, ricotta or avocado toast for something lighter, and a signature egg sandwich or pancake stack if you’re feeling indulgent.

Lunch and Casual Options

Just wanting to grab something for lunch? LA has got you covered. The taco and street food scene here is legendary. Here you’ll find family-run stands and eateries that have been serving local communities for decades, as well as trendy food trucks popping up all over the city. Remember, the long queues move quickly here, and they’re usually a good sign of great food.

Top Tip: If you fancy trying something new, then how about a trip to Koreatown? A must for Korean BBQ, you can book a table where you can grill at your own spot, share banchan (small side dishes), and try marinated short ribs (galbi) and belly (samgyeopsal). Koreatown is also brilliant for late-night eats, so whatever you get up to during the day, you’re sure to find great food 24/7!

Food Tips Visitors Should Know

• Tipping: Tipping is standard across the US, so LA is no exception. Stanradrd tipping is around 15–20% for table service; cafes and counter service often still appreciate small tips, so make sure you’re factoring this into your budget.
• Sharing Plates: The portion sizes in LA are quite generous, so sharing plates or ordering a few dishes to enjoy together is quite normal and makes for a more intimate dining experience.
• Dietary Needs: Whether you’re allergic to nuts, are vegetarian, plant-based, or even gluten-free, LA is definitely somewhere that can cater to your needs. Just make sure you do some research beforehand.

Final Thoughts

Visiting a metropolis like LA can seem pretty stressful, but with a little planning and research before you travel, you can make the most of your time here. With so much to see and do, creating a flexible itinerary is highly recommended, but always make sure you have room for spontaneity and some unplanned moments!