Los Angeles offers endless possibilities on your first trip, from beaches and mountains to movie landmarks across the city. Visiting Los Angeles for the first time means focusing on a smart itinerary that helps you see more in less time. Start by grouping attractions by area, choose the right place to stay, and give yourself plenty of time between activities. With this approach, first-time visitors will catch the highlights—Hollywood Sign, Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Observatory, and more—without feeling rushed.
This guide highlights the top travel tips and must-see spots for first-time visitors, and if you want a seamless way to see it all, our Perfect Day in LA Tour combines our two most popular experiences—A Taste of LA and Celebrity Homes Tour—for the ultimate Los Angeles adventure.
Visiting Los Angeles For The First Time: How To Plan an Itinerary
First-time visitors are often surprised by how spread out Los Angeles is. The smartest way to plan is by grouping your days by region instead of trying to see everything on one long checklist. Focus on Hollywood, the Westside, or Downtown LA on separate days to avoid long drives back and forth. You won’t see all of LA in one trip, and that’s fine—choosing a few neighborhoods to explore fully will give you a better experience.
For those who want a detailed daily plan, see our 3 Days in Los Angeles Itinerary Guide which breaks down the perfect three days in the city with tours, stops, and local recommendations.
Best Areas to Stay in Los Angeles
Choosing where to stay is one of the most important decisions for first-time visitors. Your hotel location will shape how you experience the city, since traffic and distance between neighborhoods can affect how much you see in a day. Think about whether you prefer easy access to tours and landmarks, a lively nightlife, or a relaxing beach atmosphere.
Hollywood
Central and walkable to major attractions and other cool things to see like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre. Hotels here are ideal for first-time visitors who want to be close to guided tours.
West Hollywood
Stylish and lively, filled with restaurants, art deco landmarks, and nightlife along Hollywood Blvd and the Sunset Strip. Good for travelers who want energy and dining nearby.
Santa Monica Beach
Relax by the beach and enjoy coastal energy, with easy access to the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach boardwalk. Perfect for families or those who want a slower pace.
Downtown LA
With museums, historic architecture, Central Market, and a growing arts district, downtown LA can be a perfect choice. It feels urban, but culture lovers will appreciate its walkable museums and food scene.
Wherever you choose, try to stay near your planned activities or tour pickup points—it makes everything smoother and helps you spend more time enjoying LA rather than sitting in traffic.
Looking for luxury accommodation in LA? Check out our guide to 5-star hotels in Hollywood and Los Angeles.
Food and Dining in Los Angeles
Food is a big part of the LA experience, and where you eat can add just as much to your trip as the attractions. The city’s diversity shows up on the plate, from taco trucks to rooftop lounges. Exploring by neighborhood makes it easy to find meals that match your plans for the day.
If you’re sightseeing in Hollywood, skip the tourist traps and head to local favorites. Leo’s Taco Truck is famous for late-night al pastor tacos carved straight off the spit. For a sit-down meal, Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles has been an LA institution since the 1970s, and Jitlada serves spicy southern Thai curries that attract food writers from around the world. You’ll also find budget-friendly bites like Hollywood Burger, or donut culture at Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts.
If you’re by the coast, the Farmers Market at The Grove is perfect for a casual lunch, and Santa Monica has rooftop restaurants where you can dine with ocean views. In Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, upscale spots like BOA Steakhouse and Catch LA mix dining with celebrity culture. For cocktails, the Tower Bar at Sunset Tower Hotel and Poza Rooftop Bar in Beverly Hills deliver iconic nightlife settings.
No matter your budget, you’ll find plenty of options—from food trucks and hidden gems in Koreatown to Michelin-level dining rooms with skyline views. Planning your meals around your itinerary saves time and gives you a chance to taste LA’s culture in every bite. For more ideas, see our full guide to cheap eats in Hollywood and our roundup of things to do in Beverly Hills at night.
Getting Around Los Angeles
Transportation is often the biggest surprise for first-time visitors. Unlike New York or San Francisco, Los Angeles is not fully walkable, and distances between neighborhoods can be large. Deciding how you’ll get around, and whether you want to get a car, is one of the most important parts of planning your trip, since it affects how much you can realistically see each day.
Here are the main options available to visitors going to LA:
- Rideshare – Uber and Lyft are reliable and save parking stress.
- Public transit – The Metro is improving and is useful between Hollywood, Downtown LA, and areas like Little Tokyo.
- Tours – Guided tours cover more ground without the hassle of traffic or parking. The Celebrity Homes Tour is a favorite for first-time visitors.
- Rent a car – Good for day trips to Malibu, the Pacific Coast Highway, or the Getty Villa. Car rentals also help reach the Santa Monica Mountains or hidden beaches.
- Bikes and scooters – In Santa Monica and Venice, renting a bike or scooter along the beach path is one of the best ways to enjoy the ocean views.
Most travelers will mix these options depending on the day. Use rideshare for evenings out or quick connections, plan a car rental for day trips, and consider a guided tour for maximum coverage without the stress of driving. Choosing the right combination helps you spend less time in traffic and more time experiencing LA.
Top Attractions for First Time Visitors in LA
Every trip to LA should include a mix of classic landmarks and experiences that showcase the city’s unique character. These highlights give first-time visitors a well-rounded view of what makes Los Angeles special, from cultural icons to coastal towns you’ll want to visit. Want even more ideas? Don’t miss our list of the top 40 Fun Things To Do In Hollywood!
Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is one of LA’s most recognizable landmarks. Located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, it offers panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline, the Pacific Ocean on clear days, and a perfect vantage point to see the Hollywood Sign. Inside, you’ll find exhibits on astronomy and space science, making it both an educational and scenic stop. Sunset is one of the best times to visit for dramatic city views.
Santa Monica and Venice
Santa Monica and Venice embody LA’s coastal lifestyle. Walk the Santa Monica Pier, complete with its historic carousel and amusement park rides, or relax on the wide sandy beach. A short ride south takes you to Venice Beach, where the boardwalk is filled with performers, street vendors, and murals. Abbot Kinney Boulevard adds a more upscale feel, with boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants that reflect the neighborhood’s creative spirit.
Hollywood Walk of Fame and Chinese Theatre
Hollywood Boulevard is home to some of the most famous attractions in the city. The Hollywood Walk of Fame stretches for 15 blocks with over 2,700 brass stars embedded in the sidewalk. Right in the heart of it is the TCL Chinese Theatre, known for its iconic architecture and celebrity handprints in the forecourt. Both are must-sees for travelers who want a true taste of Hollywood’s entertainment legacy.
Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills represents glamour and luxury. Rodeo Drive is lined with high-end boutiques where window-shopping is almost as fun as stepping inside. Beyond shopping, the Beverly Hills Sign in Beverly Gardens Park makes for a classic photo stop, and nearby tree-lined streets showcase some of the city’s most elegant homes. Driving through the area gives a sense of the polished image of LA seen in countless films.
Universal Studios
Universal Studios Hollywood combines a theme park with behind-the-scenes access to movie-making. Visitors can take the famous Studio Tour to see real sets and soundstages or enjoy rides based on blockbuster franchises like Jurassic World and Harry Potter. The mix of entertainment, thrills, and film history makes it a perfect attraction for families and film lovers alike.
Best Day Trips Around Los Angeles
With beaches, mountains, and theme parks only a short drive away, day trips give first-time visitors an extra layer of the Southern California experience.
Malibu
Malibu is famous for its beaches, oceanfront homes, and relaxed vibe. Spend a few hours on Zuma Beach, one of the widest stretches of sand in LA County, or head into the nearby canyons for hikes with sweeping Pacific Ocean views. Malibu also has small seafood shacks and high-end restaurants, making it a good spot for lunch with a view.
Santa Monica Mountains
For travelers who enjoy the outdoors, the Santa Monica Mountains offer trails, lookouts, and picnic areas perfect for a half-day escape. Popular hikes include Solstice Canyon with its ruins and waterfall, or Sandstone Peak for panoramic views of the coastline. This area feels worlds away from the city even though it’s close by.
Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)
Driving the Pacific Coast Highway is a classic California experience. Starting from Santa Monica, head north past Malibu to discover hidden coves, rocky cliffs, and state parks. Stop at Point Dume or Leo Carrillo State Park for short walks and photo opportunities. The PCH is a must if you want to see coastal scenery that defines California.
Disney California Adventure
For families, Disney California Adventure in Anaheim is one of the most popular day trips from LA. It’s packed with rides, shows, and immersive lands like Cars Land and Pixar Pier. Pair it with a visit to Disneyland next door if you have more time. Expect a full day of entertainment that appeals to both kids and adults.
Whether you want ocean views, mountain air, or theme park thrills, day trips from LA expand your visit and show the variety of Southern California beyond the city itself.
Cultural Spots and Hidden Gems
Beyond touristy attractions, Los Angeles is home to unique neighborhoods. Explore Los Feliz for vintage shops, the Arts District for murals, or Little Tokyo for authentic food and culture. The Los Angeles Conservancy offers tours of historic Art Deco theaters, while the Getty and Getty Villa blend art with architecture. Each gives first-time visitors a chance to see LA’s hidden side.
Check out our complete self-guided Los Angeles Architecture Tour and guide to free indoor activities and museums for more great finds!
Local Travel Tips for First Timers
- Check parking signs carefully; restrictions change block to block.
- Book ahead for studio tours, Disney California Adventure, and the Getty Center.
- Popular restaurants expect reservations, even casual ones.
- For hidden gems, ask locals in Los Feliz, East Hollywood, or West LA rather than relying only on reviews.
- Festivals like Dia de los Muertos or events at the Los Angeles Forum add unique cultural experiences if your trip lines up.
- Give yourself plenty of time to get from LAX to your hotel—traffic can make a 30-minute drive take an hour.
FAQs Visiting Los Angeles for the First Time
Is Los Angeles Safe?
Yes, Los Angeles is generally safe for travelers, especially around attractions popular with visitors to LA. As in any big city, stay aware in crowded places, avoid leaving valuables in cars, and use hotel safes. Stick to well-trafficked areas at night and you’ll be fine. Locals are friendly and helpful if you need directions or travel tips. Most visitors who plan their days around well-known neighborhoods such as Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Downtown LA have smooth, safe experiences.
What Should I Pack for Los Angeles?
Weather shifts by neighborhood. Pack layers for cool mornings and evenings, especially near the Pacific. Comfortable shoes are essential, as you will walk more than expected, whether exploring Griffith Park or the Santa Monica Mountains. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light jacket to cover beach days and city nights. If you plan a studio tour or day trip to Disneyland, be prepared for long hours outdoors.
What are some family-friendly places to see in LA?
Universal Studios, Griffith Park, and Santa Monica Beach are popular for families. Our Los Angeles with Kids guide shares more attractions for children, including museums and outdoor spaces. The LA Zoo and Natural History Museum are also great options.
When is the best time to visit Los Angeles?
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Summer is busy but ideal for the beach, while winter brings cooler evenings but clear skies. No matter the season, plan to visit with layers and sun protection.
How do you get from LAX to Hollywood?
Rideshare services are the easiest, though traffic can add time. Shuttle buses, public transit, and private transfers are available, but expect at least 45 minutes. If you want a stress-free start, consider staying near Hollywood Blvd or Santa Monica depending on your itinerary.
Final Thoughts for First Time Visitors to LA
Every visitor should remember that Los Angeles is best enjoyed with flexibility. Pick a few top things, plan to visit places that interest you most, and give yourself plenty of time to get around in LA. Guided tours like our A Taste of LA Tour or Celebrity Homes Tour make it easy to see the best places without stress.
With the right mix of planning and curiosity, your first-time experience in LA will be unforgettable.
