Major city · United States
Los Angeles
Pick one base by interest: Hollywood for studios, Santa Monica for beaches. Cross-town traffic is 45–90 min; do not split nights.
Los Angeles is a county-sized city: the city alone runs about 50 miles from the San Fernando Valley to the port, and the metro area spreads over five counties. Sights are far apart and traffic eats the day, so pick one base and one or two clusters per day. Three to four nights covers the headline sights; a car or rideshare budget matters more than a transit pass here.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- avoid Jul–Sep (heat and smog), Oct–Dec (wildfire risk and Santa Ana winds)
- Airport
- LAX
- Nights
- 3–4
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Los Angeles911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Los Angeles, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyMost visits are trouble-free.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportLAX Los Angeles International Airport (About 30–60 min to Hollywood or Downtown by car or rideshare…
- Getting aroundMetro rail covers core corridors but requires a free shuttle bus from the Aviation/LAX station to reach LAX terminals.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$4–7
- Sit-down mealSit-down lunch$18–30
- Street or quick mealTaco truck taco$2.50–4
- BeerBeer in a bar$8–12
- Metro or bus rideMetro ride$1.75
- Museum or sight ticketGetty Center entryFree admission; parking $20
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personUS$45
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomUS$200
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomUS$380
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$110 · Mid US$200 · High US$380
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LAX Los Angeles International Airport (About 30–60 min to Hollywood or Downtown by car or rideshare; Metro rail also serves the airport area (check current connections).)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Feb
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Mar
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Apr
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
May
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jun
not flagged
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jul
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Aug
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Care
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
Care
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Nov
Care
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Dec
Avoid
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Best: Mar–May. Mixed: Sep–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C) low), wettest Jan (6 rain days), driest Jul (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Los Angeles: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
6 rd
Feb
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
6 rd
Mar
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
Apr
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3 rd
May
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2 rd
Jun
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
1 rd
Jul
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
0 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
0 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
1 rd
Oct
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
2 rd
Nov
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3 rd
Dec
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Metro rail covers core corridors but requires a free shuttle bus from the Aviation/LAX station to reach LAX terminals. Traffic peaks 07:00–10:00 and 15:00–19:00; plan two clusters per day.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Universal Studios Hollywood
goDoor to door: About 1 h from Hollywood
Metro B Line to Universal City, then the shuttle; or drive and park
One full day; arrive at opening to beat crowds.
Santa Monica and Venice Beach
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Metro E Line to Downtown Santa Monica, about 50 min from Downtown L.A.
Walk or bike the beach path between the two; coast is cooler than inland.
Malibu
goDoor to door: About 1 h from Santa Monica
Drive via Pacific Coast Highway
Best with a car; beach car parks fill by late morning in summer.
Catalina Island
overnightDoor to door: About 1–1.5 h crossing plus port time
Ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro
A long day trip; better as one night.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Hollywood
Walkable to the Walk of Fame and Metro; central for studio tours and Griffith Park. Noisy at night.
Santa Monica / Venice
Beach base with cooler air; 30–60 min by car to Hollywood or Downtown.
Downtown L.A.
Museums, bars and Metro hub; quieter at night in parts, so check the block.
West Hollywood / Beverly Hills
Mid-city base between Hollywood and the museums; pricier, good for shopping and dining.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $90–150 excl. bed
- Mid
- $150–280 excl. bed
- High
- $280+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 4 nights × US$200 | US$800 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 4 days × US$200 | US$1,600 |
| Rideshare LAX to Hollywood, one way1 × US$45 | US$45 |
| Metro day pass2 × US$5 | US$10 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20 | US$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$250 |
| Trip total≈ US$343 per person per day, bed included | US$2,745 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $4–7 |
| Taco truck taco | $2.50–4 |
| Sit-down lunch | $18–30 |
| Beer in a bar | $8–12 |
| Rideshare, 5 milesSurge pricing after events. | $15–25 |
| Metro ride | $1.75 |
| Getty Center entry | Free admission; parking $20 |
| LACMA entry | $25 |
| Natural History Museum entry | $25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Car break-ins are frequent at Griffith Observatory and beach lots: leave nothing visible in parked cars.
- Rideshare surge pricing after events and on weekend nights.
- Wildfire smoke and Santa Ana winds can change plans in fall: check air quality.
- Some blocks around Downtown and Hollywood have visible street homelessness; keep to lit, busy streets at night.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Los AngelesLos Angeles
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
Most countries have consulates in Los Angeles; check your country's list for the address and hours.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- LAX → Hollywood, rideshare: $40–60, 30–60 min
- Metro ride: $1.75, day pass about $5
- Taxi LAX → Downtown: $60–80
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Excuse me — Excuse me
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the toilet?
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Los Angeles. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Sep–Nov · avoid Jul–Sep (heat and smog), Oct–Dec (wildfire risk and Santa Ana winds) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for LAX: last Metro and rideshare cutoffs, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Hollywood, Downtown, Santa Monica/Venice, the museum mile on Wilshire.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Griffith Observatory, Getty, LACMA, La Brea Tar Pits) and eat pages with last orders.
- Wildfire and heat fixtures so gates A–D can go green.