Visiting Los Angeles for the first time can be both thrilling and utterly overwhelming. The sheer size of the metropolitan area makes it hard to grasp, even if you are from a big city yourself. This can make it hard to decide where to go and what to do. For the best enjoyment of your trip, some forward planning is key and here are some tips to help you.
Travelling there
LAX is the most famous airport in the city but this also means it is the busiest – and it is certainly busy. Traffic is a nightmare and it is quite a distance from the majority of the main destinations in the city and surrounding areas. There are alternatives, you can fly into Burbank Bob Hope Airport, for example. Smaller, it still accommodates most major airline and rental car companies. You can also hop on the Metrolink across the street to get around the city. It is closer to everything from Hollywood to downtown LA and even the L.A. Zoo than LAX.
Getting around the city
Hiring a car is a popular way to get around when you are in Los Angeles, as long as you are prepared for the sheer number of people on the roads. Think hard about the type of vehicle that you want – you might need a sedan or SUV if there are a few of your or a lot of gear.
Also look at the type of rental agreement on offer – does it have a penalty for being late to pick up or drop off? Are there restrictions about who can drive? Don’t forget to consider the insurance in the package as well. The risk for crime, theft and uninsured motorists will vary by zip code so if you find yourself driving through or spending time in a riskier neighborhood, consider this when looking at insurance options.
Where to stay
Again, there are hundreds or possibly thousands of options about where to stay in Los Angeles. Do some research before you book anything – look at the reviews for the place and also read about the neighborhood the hotel is in. Consider how easy it is to get to public transport if you aren’t hiring a car. Or what kind of drive time will you face from the hotel to the spots you want to visit? If it takes you half the day to reach the sites, then choosing a cheaper hotel out of the city will have backfired on you.