Los Angeles travel guide | Travel Keyring

Basics

CountryUnited States

Time zoneAmerica/Los_Angeles

CurrencyUSD

Official language(s)English

Using flights for intercity travel is efficient, and local tourist passes can provide affordable access to multiple attractions.

Places to visit

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

One of the largest art museums in the western United States, with a collection spanning antiquity to contemporary art. Its outdoor installations and the Urban Light landmark are also iconic.

Location5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA

Nearest stationWilshire/Western Station

HoursDaily 11:00–17:00

AdmissionAdmission fee applies

Travel tipCheck special exhibitions and any free-admission hours before visiting. The outdoor works are especially photogenic after dark.

The Broad

A popular contemporary art museum featuring works from artists such as Jeff Koons and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Its distinctive architecture is also a major draw.

Location221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA

Nearest stationCivic Center/Grand Park Station

HoursCheck current hours

AdmissionFree or reservation required

Travel tipTimed-entry reservations are often required, so check in advance. It is also worth looking for any free-admission options.

Petersen Automotive Museum

A popular museum showcasing automotive design and culture. Exhibits range from classic cars to vehicles seen in films.

Location6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA

Nearest stationWilshire/La Brea Station

HoursDaily 10:00–17:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipBe sure to check out the special exhibitions and rooftop display areas.

Pacific Asia Museum

A museum focusing on the history and culture of Asia and the Pacific.

HoursDaily 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission$12

Travel tipFree admission every Saturday, reservation required.

Universal Studios Hollywood

A popular theme park with numerous attractions and shows based on movies.

HoursDaily 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Admission$109

Travel tipCheck for discounts online before purchasing tickets.

Hollywood Sign

An iconic landmark of Hollywood, representing the city and the film industry.

HoursDaily 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

AdmissionFree

Travel tipEnjoy the best views by hiking close to the sign.

Griffith Park

The largest park in LA, offering various recreational activities including hiking and picnicking.

HoursDaily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

AdmissionFree

Travel tipOffers stunning views, making for a great photo backdrop.

Food to try

Smorgasburg Los Angeles

A large food market where you can try many food trucks and street foods in one place. It is great for sampling trendy dishes.

Location777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021, USA

Nearest stationPico Station

HoursSundays 10:00–16:00

AdmissionFree entry, food extra

Travel tipPopular items can sell out early, so arriving sooner is helpful.

Eggslut

A casual favorite known for brunch and sandwiches. It is a good pick for travelers looking for a simple but satisfying meal.

Location317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA

Nearest stationPershing Square Station

HoursDaily 08:00–17:00

AdmissionAbout $10–$18 per item

Travel tipMorning lines can be long, so allow extra time.

Guisados

A local favorite known for authentic Mexican tacos. Soft corn tortillas and rich fillings are the highlights.

Location541 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA

Nearest stationPershing Square Station

HoursDaily 10:00–21:00

AdmissionAbout $3–$6 per item

Travel tipOrder a few different tacos to share and sample.

In-N-Out Burger

A famous fast-food chain in LA known for its fresh ingredients.

HoursOpen 24 hours daily

Admission$10

Travel tipWith a simple menu, it's easy to order.

The Cheesecake Factory

A popular dessert chain known for its wide variety of cheesecakes.

HoursDaily 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Admission$15

Travel tipWith a diverse menu, be sure to try several options.

Events

Hollywood Christmas Parade

A signature year-end parade with floats and performances along the streets of Hollywood. It is especially popular with families.

WhenAround December each year

LocationHollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Nearest stationHollywood/Highland Station

HoursHeld on the event day

AdmissionFree viewing or paid seating

Travel tipViewing areas can get crowded, so arriving early to secure a spot is recommended.

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

Although not in Los Angeles proper, it is a signature California music and arts festival that many LA travelers plan for. It is also known for major stages, art installations, and fashion culture.

WhenAround April each year

LocationIndio, CA, USA

HoursOperates during the festival period

AdmissionPaid tickets

Travel tipIf traveling from LA, plan transportation and lodging well in advance.

Los Angeles Film Festival

A major film event featuring screenings, director and cast Q&As, and a mix of independent films and new releases. It is popular with film fans.

WhenAround October each year

LocationLos Angeles, CA, USA

HoursOperates during the festival period

AdmissionVaries by ticket

Travel tipScreenings can sell out quickly, so booking early is a good idea once the schedule is announced.

LA Opera Season

Los Angeles’s major opera season at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. It offers a broad mix of classical operas and contemporary works.

WhenFall to spring (generally September to May)

Location135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA

Nearest stationCivic Center/Grand Park Station

HoursAccording to performance schedule

AdmissionTickets paid

Travel tipBook early for major productions before seat choices narrow.

Hollywood Bowl Concerts

An outdoor music event to enjoy performances on summer nights.

WhenSummer (June-August)

Admission$50

Travel tipMake reservations in advance for good seats.

Subway lines

Metro A Line: Pomona North → Downtown Long BeachMetro B Line: Union Station → North HollywoodMetro C Line: LAX/Metro Transit Center → NorwalkMetro D Line: Wilshire/La Cienega → Union StationMetro E Line: Atlantic → Downtown Santa MonicaMetro K Line: Expo/Crenshaw → Redondo Beach

Basic travel phrases (English)

Hello

Hello · Greeting

Thank you

Thank you · Thanks

Nice to meet you

Nice to meet you · Nice to meet you

Have a great day

Have a great day · Wishing a good day

Welcome

Welcome · Welcome