Los Angeles isn’t just a city – it’s a full-blown movie set with beaches, palm trees, and celebs in sunglasses pretending not to see you. It’s fun, fab, and full of food!
Getting There:
Fly straight into LAX – Los Angeles International Airport. Loads of airlines go there from the UK. Once you land, you’re about 30-45 mins away from the main touristy spots like Hollywood or Santa Monica (if the traffic behaves… no promises). Grab an Uber, shuttle, or even rent a car if you’re brave enough to drive in LA. Europcar Car Rental. If not, consider booking a private transfer in advance for the cheaper option. Los Angeles to or From LAX Airport on Viator
Where To Stay:
Great prices, simple booking, and ATOL protection? On the Beach keeps it stress-free – you just pack the sunnies.
Los Angeles Holidays, OnTheBeach
Top Hotels:
Hollywood Roosevelt, OnTheBeach – Retro, iconic and right on Hollywood Blvd. Poolside cocktails? Yes, please.
Hotel Erwin, OnTheBeach – Steps from the beach with insane rooftop views. Super cool vibe.
Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica, OnTheBeach – Stylish, modern, and minutes from the beach. Fab rooftop vibes, super comfy beds, and a brilliant location for sunset selfies.
The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, OnTheBeach – Beachfront beauty with palm trees, ocean views, and fire pits. Feels like a movie set, but with better snacks and no script.
Beverly Hilton, OnTheBeach – Glitzy and glam, just like you’d expect. Fancy a celeb sighting? This is your spot.
Top Attractions to Check Out
You can’t go to LA without doing at least some of the touristy stuff. Here’s where to start:
Hollywood Walk of Fame – See stars on the pavement. Some you’ll know, some you’ll Google later.
Santa Monica Pier – Classic beach vibes, fairground rides and unreal sunset views.
Venice Beach – Roller skaters, bodybuilders, weird art. A whole vibe.
Griffith Observatory – Views of the city + a great place to spot the Hollywood sign without hiking too far. Griffith Observatory Insider Tour, GetYourGuide
The Getty Centre – Super cool art and even cooler views. And it’s free! If you really want the knowledge, check out a guided tour. Getty Center Guided Tour, GetYourGuide
Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive – Pretend to shop or spend a fortune. Definitely people-watch.
Universal Studios Hollywood – A theme park and a working movie studio. Yes please. Universal Studios Hollywood General Admission Ticket on Viator
The Grove & Farmers Market – Great for celeb-spotting and eating everything in sight.
Must-Do Tours
Hollywood Hills Hiking Tour – Walk your way to that famous sign. Epic views, good exercise, and you might even pass a celeb’s front gate. Hollywood Sign Walking Tour, GetYourGuide
Warner Bros. Studio Tour – Sit on the actual “Friends” couch, see Batmobiles, and learn all the movie magic. Proper behind-the-scenes fun. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood on Viator
Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Tour – Cycle the coast, see the Muscle Beach madness, and feel like you’re in a summer movie montage. Electric Bike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice on Viator
Celebrity Homes Tour – A bit cringe? Yes. But fun? Absolutely. See where the stars live – or at least where they park. Hollywood Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes Tour on Viator
Private Tour Guide – Get a private tour guide to customise your trip and take you to see the top sights of LA! Private Tour Guide, GoWithGuide
See It All in a Day – From the Hollywood sign to the sunny beaches of Santa Monica, this is a must-do for first-timers. Venice Beach, Griffith Park, the Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills – it’s all covered. Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA on Viator
Fly Like a Star – Take to the skies in your own private helicopter! It flies over Venice Beach, the Getty, Beverly Hills, and of course, the Hollywood Sign. Bucket list stuff, right? Private Sunset and Night Helicopter Tour on Viator
Epic Road Trip (7 Days) – Feeling adventurous? This jam-packed 7-day national park tour hits Vegas, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Yosemite National Park, the Grand Canyon and more. Total road trip dreams. San Francisco, Yosemite, Vegas, Grand Canyon & More on Viator
Horseback in the Hills – Giddy up through Griffith Park and get those views of the LA skyline, Hollywood Sign, and Griffith Observatory – all on horseback! Mulholland Trail Horseback Riding Tour, GetYourGuide
Surf Venice Beach – Whether you’re a first-timer or want to level up, this Venice Beach surf lesson has your name on it. Surfing Lesson in Venice Beach, GetYourGuide
Wine on the Water –Chill out with wine and snacks on a boat cruise around Marina del Rey. Look out for sea lions and enjoy the sunset like a local. Luxury Cruise with Wine, Cheese & Sea Lions, GetYourGuide
LA All-Inclusive Pass – Want to do everything? The Go City LA Pass gives you access to over 40 top attractions including Universal Studios, Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Madame Tussauds, and loads more – all for one price. All-Inclusive Pass, GetYourGuide
Practical Tips
Currency: US Dollars – bring a card too, most places are cashless.
Tipping: Yep – usually 15-20% in restaurants, and for taxis too.
Adapters: It’s a two-flat-pin plug – take a few with you!
Language: English (but you’ll hear every language under the sun).
Weather: Pack layers – sunny in the day, cooler at night.
Traffic: It’s real. Leave early for everything.
Walkability: LA’s huge – rent a car or use Uber/Lyft. Or jump on the hop-on hop-off bus to see all the major sights LA has to offer! Big Bus Los Angeles on Viator
LA City Pass: Grab an LA City Pass which give you access to over 40 top attractions for a cheaper price. All-Inclusive Pass, GetYourGuide
Los Angeles is like five holidays rolled into one. Beach days, celeb spotting, and tacos at 2am? Yes. Book it. And don’t forget your camera – this city’s made for it.
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