Los Angeles travel guide: sights, food and transport

Choose between Griffith, Hollywood and Santa Monica for your Los Angeles itinerary, grouping sights by day to allow for the city’s distances.

Seasons are distinct; check temperature, rain and wind before travelling and pack in layers.

Griffith Observatory

Enjoy city views and check exhibition and planetarium admission separately.

See the sign from permitted viewpoints and walking trails.

Explore the stars and historic cinema façades around Hollywood Boulevard.

Explore art, architecture and gardens, checking transport and entry reservations.

Explore the pier, amusement area and surrounding beachfront path.

Explore the beachfront promenade and respect separate cycling and walking lanes.

See the outdoor installation made from historic street lamps.

Plan around exhibitions exploring filmmaking and cinema history.

Allow a separate day for the theme park and studio experience, checking ticket coverage.

Book a timed studio tour in Burbank and plan transport separately.

Explore contemporary art downtown and check special-exhibition conditions.

See Frank Gehry’s curving building and compare concert and tour options.

Compare menus at the food market’s varied downtown stalls.

Walk among galleries, murals and cafés in the former industrial district.

Explore shopping streets and surrounding public spaces on foot.

Explore music venues and the historic entertainment stretch in West Hollywood.

Plan transport to the beaches outside the city and check coastal access and weather.

Explore Ice Age fossils and exhibits around the active research site.

Explore automotive design and history, checking special-tour coverage separately.

Allow separate visiting time for gardens and art collections in San Marino.

Metro Rail and buses link major corridors; the city’s scale may still require a car or rideshare on some days.