Los Angeles
Vacation Guide
Beaches, theme parks, and endless sunshine — Los Angeles is one of the world's great sprawling cities — where beaches, mountains, and world-class culture exist in the same metropolitan area.
Why visit Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is one of the world's great sprawling cities — where beaches, mountains, and world-class culture exist in the same metropolitan area. Disneyland is 45 minutes south in Anaheim. Universal Studios is in Hollywood. The Getty Center is free. The beaches from Santa Monica to Malibu are reliably beautiful. And the food scene is among the most diverse on earth.
- Disneyland Resort in Anaheim — the original Disney park, 45 minutes south
- Universal Studios Hollywood with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Year-round sunny weather and beautiful Pacific beaches
- Getty Center offers world-class art and architecture with free admission
- Extraordinary food diversity: Korean BBQ, Mexican, Japanese, Ethiopian, and more
Best areas to stay in Los Angeles
Santa Monica
The iconic beach city with the famous pier, Third Street Promenade, and easy bike access to Venice Beach.Anaheim (near Disneyland)
If Disneyland is a priority, staying nearby saves 90 minutes of daily driving.Hollywood / Universal City
Convenient for Universal Studios with access to the Walk of Fame and Griffith Observatory.Beverly Hills / West Hollywood
Upscale central location with easy access to the Getty, Rodeo Drive, and the LA restaurant scene.Top attractions in Los Angeles
Disneyland Resort
The original Disney park in Anaheim with Disneyland and Disney California Adventure — plan 2–3 days for families with young children.Universal Studios Hollywood
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Studio Tour, and a full day of rides and immersive experiences.Venice Beach & Boardwalk
LA's most colorful beach — street performers, Muscle Beach, murals, and the famous Abbot Kinney Blvd.The Getty Center
Free admission for world-class art and spectacular canyon and city views from Brentwood.Griffith Observatory
Free entry with planetarium shows, telescopes, and panoramic city views from the Hollywood Hills.More ideas for Los Angeles
La Brea Tar Pits & Museum
Active fossil excavation in the heart of LA — an extraordinary sight that children genuinely find fascinating.Natural History Museum of LA
Enormous dinosaur hall, live animal exhibits, and a beautiful gem and mineral collection.Santa Monica Pier
The iconic end-of-Route-66 pier with an amusement park, aquarium, and sweeping Pacific views.Malibu Beach
Drive PCH north from Santa Monica for calmer, less crowded beaches and coastal scenery.How long to spend in Los Angeles
Recommended trip length: 5–7 days. Day 1: Arrive, check in Santa Monica, Venice Beach walk, pier dinner. Day 2: Disneyland Resort (book tickets in advance). Day 3: Universal Studios Hollywood. Day 4: Getty Center, Griffith Observatory at sunset. Day 5: La Brea Tar Pits, Natural History Museum, Beverly Hills dining. Day 6: Malibu drive, beach day. Day 7: Final morning, depart.
Getting around Los Angeles
Fly into Los Angeles International (LAX), Burbank (BUR), or John Wayne/Orange County (SNA) for Disneyland access. A rental car is essentially required for exploring LA — the city is too spread out without one. Uber and Lyft are widely available in central areas.
Best time to visit Los Angeles
LA's weather is reliably excellent April through October. May and June can bring 'June Gloom' — overcast mornings that clear by noon. Shoulder season in April–May and September–October offers ideal conditions with lower tourism.
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