Los Angeles is a sprawling coastal metropolis known for Hollywood glamour, world-class museums, and miles of Pacific beaches.
Highlights include the Getty Center’s art and architecture, LACMA’s newly reimagined galleries, the Griffith Observatory’s skyline views, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Studio tours at Universal and Warner Bros. let visitors go behind the scenes of the entertainment industry, while Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Malibu showcase Southern California’s laid-back beach culture.
The best time to visit is March through May or September through November, when mild temperatures in the 50s to 80s make outdoor sightseeing comfortable and crowds thin out. Beach season peaks from May to September, and winter brings the smallest crowds and lowest hotel rates. Most travelers plan at least four to five days to cover the city’s spread-out neighborhoods.