I was born and raised in LA. Here are 12 things I wish tourists knew before they visited.
I was born and raised in LA, and there are certain things I wish tourists knew before coming.
Don't plan on running into your favorite celebrity, but do schedule time for a hike.
It can be tricky to get around LA, with or without a car, so budget in transportation time each day.
I grew up in Los Angeles, California, so I know the ins and outs of the city.
There are so many things to do and see here that tourists can easily end up wasting time and money, so I put together a list of tips to know before you come.
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Commuter scooters are great for getting around without a car
Time is of the essence when wandering around LA, so commuter scooters are lifesavers.
You can usually find them on any street corner in the city and all you need to ride is a smartphone and a driver's license.
They're an affordable alternative to rideshares or taxis and allow you to stop along your sightseeing route.
I find a lot of the museums overpriced and overrated when there's street art all around
We have some of the most iconic and photo-worthy museums in LA. But some of the best art you can find in the city is on the street.
There are also a few lesser-known free art museums, like The Broad, that I think are more worth checking out.
LA is bigger than you might think, so plan your days accordingly
If you're looking for the booming city center of LA, you won't find it. The city is spread into so many different areas.
Famous attractions, like Griffith Park, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills, aren't centrally located, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to travel around the city. Some of these destinations can be up to an hour apart.
WEHO is the place to go, especially at night
West Hollywood (or WEHO) is famous for being home to a full scene of bars and clubs that are LGBTQ+ friendly.
From drag brunch to karaoke, I always have the best time in this area.
The real beauty is deep in the city
Although popular attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Rodeo Drive are fun, especially when you're from out of town, there's more to LA.
Some of my favorite unique activities are strolling around the Huntington Library, grabbing lunch at Grand Central Market, and having rooftop drinks at Mama Shelter.
Ditch the fast-food chains and opt for a unique local dining experience
If there is one thing that LA does right, it's food.
There are so many amazing and unique cultures fused together in this city, which means delicious meals everywhere you turn.
Food trucks and street vendors are very popular, and they'll make some of the best meals you can find.
Sunscreen is a must almost any time of year
I always recommend visiting the beach in LA, but if you do, don't forget the SPF.
The LA rays are strong even when it's cloudy, and nothing kills a vacation quicker than a bad sunburn.
Be safe and lather up whether you're heading out to the water or just cruising around.
Make sure to really read the street-parking signs
If you have a car in the city, getting it towed could really ruin your vacation.
Los Angeles has very tricky parking signs that can be especially confusing to a non-local. If you end up parking on the street, make sure to really read everything.
To avoid this headache, you can look for parking garages or paid lots.
Be prepared to pay more for drinks
If you're 21 or older and plan on exploring LA's nightlife, make sure you budget accordingly.
There are talented mixologists here that bring in lots of tourists, and most places will charge about $12 to $17 for a cocktail.
You're probably not going to run into your favorite celebrity
Don't expect to bump into Beyoncé on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
But there are other fun things to do and see with plenty of photo ops, like visiting wax museums and watching insane street talent.
Most touristy activities will have a Groupon
Almost every LA activity geared toward tourists has a coupon available.
Groupon, the coupon app, is very useful here. From food and drinks to tours and attractions, it could help you save some money.
This is especially useful if you're traveling with a few friends and want to explore as much as you can on a budget.
Going on a hike is one of the best ways to see a different side of the city
LA is home to some of the most iconic landmarks and views, and the best way to see them is by going on a hike.
There are very popular trails near Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon, and Franklin Canyon.
These can be steep and aren't always beginner-friendly, so research your hike first to be as prepared as possible.
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