Introduction
Must-see
Neighbourhoods
Seasonal events
Planning toolkit
Once you're there
Things to do

Los Angeles travel guide

The city where dreams come true: Uncover the real magic of Los Angeles

The sprawling nature of this vast city can bemuse visitors when they first arrive – with no discernible city center and a fairly limited public transport system, getting your bearings can be tricky at first. But once you’ve understood that LA is made up of multiple cities within a city, each with their own unique personality, you’ll be able to get to the heart of what makes this creative, sun-drenched urban hub tick. A true melting pot of cultures where over 200 languages are spoken, there’s something for everyone in the City of Angels, from the bright lights of Hollywood and the glamour of Beverly Hills to the boho spirit of Venice and the fast-paced energy of downtown.

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Table of contents

Must-see in Los Angeles

All the not-to-be-missed attractions and experiences in Los Angeles

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Academy Museum

Learn all about the art of movie-making magic at this architectural marvel of a museum, designed by Renzo Piano.

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LACMA

Art lovers won’t be able to get enough of LACMA, the sprawling gallery that’s home to Old Masters and contemporary classics alike.

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Disneyland

It’s not known as the happiest place on earth for nothing – Disneyland is the ultimate treat for kids, but parents will love it too.

4/22

Venice Beach

Wonderfully weird and wacky Venice Beach is always a sight to behold – you never know what you’ll see on an oceanfront stroll here.

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Getty Center

This gallery is as well known for its architectural design as it is for its art – you can happily lose a whole day here exploring both.

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Surfrider Beach

Learn to ride the waves with the best of them at this surfer’s paradise.

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Universal Studios

Fully immerse yourself in movie magic at this unique attraction, which is a theme park and studio tour in one.

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The Broad

Downtown’s most popular art gallery is home to the finest collection of contemporary art in the city, and has the daily queues to prove it.

9/22

Santa Monica Pier

All the fun of the fair with the addition of stellar ocean views, this is a spot that the whole family will enjoy.

10/22

Getty Villa

A Roman-inspired villa in the heart of Malibu, this museum is a delightful place to spend the day exploring its classical treasures and manicured gardens.

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Warner Brothers Studios

Come to see where your favorite films and TV shows were made and feel like a Hollywood star for a day.

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Dodgers Stadium

Watch a ball game in style at the Dodgers Stadium, one of the oldest and most attractive baseball stadiums in America.

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Hollywood Walk of Fame

Follow in the footsteps of Hollywood’s biggest and brightest names on the iconic Walk of Fame.

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Griffith Park

LA’s most expansive and enticing green space, there’s no shortage of outdoor fun to be had at Griffith Park.

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Hollywood Bowl

For a truly out-of-this-world musical experience, it has to be the Hollywood Bowl, where you can listen to the greats under the stars.

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Grauman’s Chinese Theater

Pay a visit to one of the world’s most renowned movie theaters, which you’ll find in the heart of Hollywood.

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Runyon Canyon

Head to this popular outdoor spot to learn what all the fuss is about when it comes to hiking in LA.

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Griffith Observatory

The stars align at this stunning observatory, with attractions and experiences that will keep the whole family entertained for hours.

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Crypto.com Arena

A haven for sports lovers, this is the place to come for nail-biting basketball and ice hockey.

20/22

Huntington Library and Gardens

Explore the numerous themed gardens at this botanical wonder, a tranquil haven in LA.

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The Ace Theater

Get lost in Gothic splendor in this Golden Age-era theater.

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Greystone Mansion & Gardens

Explore a little piece of Hollywood history on the grounds of this elaborate Beverly Hills mansion.

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Los Angeles's neighbourhoods

Explore Los Angeles's best neighborhoods

Beverly Hills
Los Angeles’ Most Glamorous Neighborhood
West Hollywood
Mingle with LA’s Party People
Downtown
LA’s Buzzy Concrete Jungle, Where Soaring Skyscrapers Meet Hollywood History
Los Feliz
Embrace the Hipster Lifestyle in LA’s Quirkily Creative Neighborhood

Seasonal events in Los Angeles

All the exciting LA events for your diary

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Tournament of Roses (January 1)

Start the new year in style with this joyous celebratory parade and college football game.

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Grammy Awards (early February)

Get your groove on at the Grammys, the world’s most prestigious music awards ceremony.

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Frieze LA (mid-February)

From first-class contemporary art and thought-provoking installations to celeb-spotting, Frieze LA has it all.

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Los Angeles Marathon (March)

Be part of one of the most inspiring and rewarding sporting events at the LA Marathon.

5/11

Academy Awards (early March)

Enjoy what Tinseltown is all about with the movie industry’s glitziest and most glamorous red carpet event.

6/11

Fiesta Broadway (late April)

Get the party started at this Cinco de Maya extravaganza, a riotous celebration of all things Mexican.

7/11

LA County Fair (May)

All the fun of the fair at this popular LA institution, with some world-class music thrown in for good measure.

8/11

LA Pride (June)

Grab your most colorful outfit and get ready to party ‘til dawn at one of the country’s most vibrant Pride festivals.

9/11

July 4th Fireworks Spectacular (July 4)

Salute the stars and stripes with this spellbinding show at LA’s most magical outdoor venue.

10/11

Halloween Carnaval (October 31)

This spook-filled spectacular in WeHo is a must-visit for Halloween fans and dressing-up enthusiasts.

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Hollywood Christmas Parade (late November or early December)

Start the holiday season right with this heart-warming parade, which will leave you full of festive cheer.

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Planning toolkit for Los Angeles

Everything you should know about visiting Los Angeles

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High seasonMar - May
Average flight price$1,449 from New Zealand
Average hotel price$527/night
Travel restrictionsOpen
All the Possible Ways to Get to Los Angeles
There are plenty of ways to get to this vibrant city, whether you’re arriving by plane, train, cross-country bus, or automobile. Our handy guide will tell you everything you need to know about making your own way to the City of Angels.
Find the top hotels in Los Angeles
From five-star hotels that hark back to Hollywood’s Golden Age to cozy B&Bs by the sea and family-friendly options, there’s no shortage of great places to stay in the City of Angels.

Once you're in Los Angeles

Getting around Los Angeles

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It is possible to get around Los Angeles with or without a car - you just have to know how to master the roads and local public transportation systems like a pro.

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A Vibrant Mishmash of Flavors from the US, Mexico, and Beyond

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A melting pot of cultures – some local, some far-flung – come together to fuel the City of Angels’ ever-changing dining scene. With new eateries, coffee shops, and food trucks opening on a seemingly daily basis, it’s nearly impossible to eat a boring meal here.

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Renting a car and driving in Los Angeles

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To make the most of this sprawling urban metropolis, you need to get a rental car, so you can zip from the golden sand beaches of Santa Monica to the shopping haven of Rodeo Drive and up into the Hollywood Hills with ease.

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Things to do

Fun for the Whole Family: Why Los Angeles Is the Ultimate Kid-Friendly Destination

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From theme parks and oceanfront fun fairs to inspiring museums and gargantuan parks, there’s plenty to keep the younger members of the family occupied in LA, whether they’re toddlers or teens.

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Where to Party in Los Angeles when the Sun Goes Down

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Sunset

The place to go for 70s-inspired boogies on the Sunset Strip.

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No Vacancy

A secret speakeasy in the heart of Hollywood known for its wide variety of live acts.

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E.P. & L.P.

West Hollywood’s hottest rooftop spot with killer cocktails and views to match.

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Grandmaster Recorders

This Vinyl District hot spot taps into LA’s storied musical past.

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Broken Shaker

Get your tiki on at this buzzy Downtown rooftop bar.

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Avalon Hollywood

One of LA’s first super clubs, this all-night spot put the city on the dance music map.

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Cicada Club

It’s all about the Cicada Club retro glitz and glamour at this vintage-inspired Downtown club.

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Whisky a Go Go

Soak up LA’s famed music history at this legendary venue.

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Employees Only

Expertly crafted cocktails from NYC in the heart of West Hollywood.

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Gold Diggers

Groove the night away at this lively East Hollywood dance hall.

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Shopping in LA: From Fabulous Flea Markets to Chic Concept Stores

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Whether you’re in the mood for hitting the designer boutiques on Rodeo Drive or hunting for vintage treasures at one of the city’s many flea markets, LA is the place to come for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

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Hit the Road to Discover the Finest Destinations on Los Angeles’ Doorstep

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From secluded islands and tranquil beaches to rugged mountains and awe-inspiring national parks, there’s so much to see when you venture just out of LA and into the rest of the Golden State.

Santa Barbara
San Diego
Catalina Island
Palm Springs
Joshua Tree National Park
Newport Beach
Big Bear

What to pack for Los Angeles

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Getting your packing list right is one of the main considerations when planning any trip, and this is doubly true for LA, where there are myriad ways you could be spending your days. Read on to find out how to pack for this SoCal city like a pro.

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Los Angeles Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Los Angeles city guide for the best Los Angeles travel tips. To help you organise your Los Angeles trip ideas, this Los Angeles visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.