Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a city that's hard to pin down. It's a sprawling, chaotic, and beautiful collection of distinct cities pretending to be one. From the moment you arrive, you'll feel this energy—a mix of relentless ambition and laid-back beach culture. LA isn't just a place; it's a character, and getting to know it is an adventure in itself.

The magic of LA lies in its incredible diversity. In a single day, you can hike through canyons that feel miles from civilization, get some of the best street tacos imaginable, and then watch a world-class movie premiere. The creative energy here is palpable; this is where global entertainment is born. The food scene is a huge draw, with authentic anything you can imagine, from Korean BBQ to classic French dip sandwiches. Plus, the landscape is stunning—where else do you get epic mountains, iconic beaches, and a sprawling urban jungle all in one place?

The people in LA are a true melting pot. You've got the aspiring actors and artists, the tech entrepreneurs, families who have lived here for generations, and communities from all over the world. English and Spanish are the main languages you'll hear. People are generally friendly but often busy and in their own bubble (usually their car). There's a "hustle" culture for sure, but also a deep appreciation for wellness and the outdoors that balances it out.

The food in LA is undeniably one of the best reasons to visit. It's a city of culinary innovation and incredible authenticity. You absolutely have to try the tacos—from street-side stands to gourmet spots, they are a city staple. Other essential tries include a classic French Dip sandwich, which was invented here, and the amazing variety of Korean BBQ in Koreatown. You can get a fantastic cheap meal from a food truck for around $10-15 or have a world-class dining experience for hundreds. Don't miss the farmers' markets for incredible local produce.

Let's be honest: navigating LA can be a challenge. The city was built around the automobile, and its freeway system is both an engineering marvel and the source of its infamous traffic. While the Metro system is expanding and can be useful for hitting major hubs like Downtown, Hollywood, and Santa Monica, a car is almost a necessity to explore freely. Internet is fast and reliable in most places, and power is stable, but you should be aware of the natural disaster risks, namely earthquakes and seasonal wildfires that can affect air quality.

Most international visitors fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). It's a massive, often chaotic airport currently undergoing major renovations. To get from LAX to the city, your best bets are the LAX FlyAway bus, which offers direct, affordable service to hubs like Union Station and Hollywood for $9.75 per person, or a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft, which have a designated pickup area called LAX-it. Expect ride-hailing services to Hollywood or Santa Monica to cost roughly $30-60, depending heavily on traffic and surge pricing. A taxi is also an option, costing approximately $35-60 to Hollywood or Santa Monica, but it will be more expensive than FlyAway.

Getting around LA is a strategic challenge. Renting a car gives you the most freedom but be prepared for traffic and parking costs. The Metro system is cleaner and more efficient than people give it credit for, connecting many key tourist areas via rail and bus lines. To use it, you'll need a TAP card, which costs $2 and can be loaded with money or a pass. A one-way fare is $1.75 and includes two hours of free transfers, with a daily cap of $5 and a weekly cap of $18. In neighborhoods like Santa Monica or Downtown, it's quite walkable, and bike-sharing is a great option for short distances. Ride-hailing is everywhere and makes a good choice for shorter trips or late at night.

LA is a massive city with safe and unsafe areas, just like any other. The main tourist spots like Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood are generally very safe, especially during the day. However, you need to be street-smart. Homelessness is a significant and visible issue, particularly in areas like Skid Row in Downtown and parts of Hollywood and Venice. It's best to avoid these specific areas, especially at night. The biggest daily risk for anyone here is probably a traffic accident, so be cautious whether you're driving or walking.

Visitors should be aware of the risks associated with violent crime and gun violence, though such incidents are generally more concentrated in specific areas. Recent data indicates a positive trend, with violent crime declining in Los Angeles County. In the first half of 2024, homicides were down 17%, shooting victims down 19%, and robberies down 16% compared to the previous year.

Despite these overall declines, certain areas within Los Angeles County carry higher risks. Tourists are advised to exercise caution or avoid areas known for elevated violent crime and gang activity, such as South Central Los Angeles, Compton, and parts of East Los Angeles. Downtown Los Angeles, particularly around Skid Row, also has areas with higher crime rates. While major tourist attractions and affluent neighborhoods generally maintain a safer environment, it's prudent to remain vigilant, especially after dark, and be mindful of surroundings in less familiar or crowded areas. Although gang violence typically targets rivals, accidental involvement can occur in high-risk zones.