Los Angeles is an exciting destination for a holiday vacation. With its year-round sunny weather, diverse neighborhoods, world-class museums, theme parks, beaches, hiking trails, and endless entertainment options, surely there’s something for everyone to enjoy in LA. Here’s a complete guide to planning your LA holiday getaway.
Choose the Right Area to Stay
Downtown LA is close to major attractions such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Broad, and the LA Live entertainment complex. Shopaholics will love staying near Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Check out the best escape rooms in LA, the Sunset Strip, comedy clubs, and music venues in West Hollywood. Stay in hipster haven Silver Lake to be near indie shops and eateries. Santa Monica and Venice put you by the beach boardwalks and Santa Monica Pier. Consider staying in artsy Echo Park, Los Feliz, or Culver City near museums and studios.
Book Accommodations
With so many options, you can find LA lodging to match your style and budget. Luxury hotels like The Peninsula Beverly Hills provide five-star pampering. For budget stays, look at hostels like PodShare. Rent a Hollywood Hills mansion on Airbnb for a glamorous experience. Santa Monica and Venice have beachside boutique hotels like Hotel Erwin and The Kinney. Quaint inns and B&Bs also provide cozy stays throughout LA.
Hit the Top Attractions
No LA trip is complete without visiting major attractions. Spend a day at Universal Studios Hollywood riding the Studio Tour, mazes, and rides like Jurassic World. Tour the historic Paramount Pictures studios. Spend a day getting your thrills at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Check out animals at the LA Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Visit The Getty Center and Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) for fantastic art pieces. Remember to bring your sunglasses for a tour of the Walk of Fame.
Explore the Outdoors
Los Angeles offers a lot of activities to enjoy the sunny weather and scenic landscapes. Hike in Topanga State Park, Runyon Canyon, or other LA trails. Bike or skate along LA’s beach paths. Surf or swim at Santa Monica, Zuma, or Leo Carrillo Beaches. Picnic among the super bloom wildflowers at Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve come springtime.
Experience the Food Scene
As an international city, LA boasts exceptional dining. Splurge on a Michelin-starred meal at Providence, Melisse, or Vespertine. You grab tacos at Guisados, dive into ramen in Little Tokyo, or sample food stalls at Grand Central Market for cheaper eats. Visit and explore LA Original Farmers Market. Graze your way through The Grove or visit Eataly’s Italian market. And make sure to check out LA’s classic fast food like In-N-Out Burgers, Fatburger, and Pink’s Hot Dogs.
Discover the Arts and Culture
LA is filled with arts and culture, from museums and concert halls to studios and street art. Tour the Walt Disney Concert Hall and see the LA Philharmonic perform. Browse contemporary art at The Broad Museum. Wander the La Brea Tar Pits and LACMA. Make sure to visit the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. See where TV shows and movies are made at Warner Brothers Studio. Check out murals in the LA Arts District downtown. Catch an improv comedy at The Groundlings or Upright Citizens Brigade.
Go Shopping
LA is packed with prime shopping spots. Find high-end designers along Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills or Abbott Kinney Boulevard in Venice. Browse The Grove outdoor mall or Beverly Center indoor shopping. Discover unique boutiques, vintage stores, and craft vendors at LA’s Melrose Trading Post Fairfax Market or Rose Bowl Flea Market. Pick up discounted styles at outlet malls like Citadel Outlets.
Try the Nightlife and Music
When the sun goes down, LA heats up. Go glam at swanky bars like The Roger Room and Perch. Sip craft cocktails in artsy Koreatown spots like Thirsty Crow. Check out live music venues like the Troubadour, Whisky a Go Go, Hotel Cafe, and more to see local bands and big acts—dance at Hollywood’s legendary music clubs like Avalon and Academy LA. Catch stand-up comedy at The Comedy Store or Improv.
With endless neighborhoods to explore, activities, sights, and flavors – Los Angeles offers something special for every traveler. Make sure to be a responsible traveler and always respect the environment and culture of Los Angeles. Use these tips to plan your perfect LA getaway and make the most of your holiday time in this sunny Southern California city.
