Los Angeles Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 3-5 days

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"Home to Hollywood and Everything Glamorous "

Los Angeles Tourism

Los Angeles is the hub of all activities on the famous West Coast of the United States. It is the second-largest city in the country, and one of the US's prime tourist cities. Home to the world-famous Hollywood entertainment industry, Los Angeles has become a huge tourist destination. It is a great center of sports, performance arts, cultures, adventure and this vibrant atmosphere can be witnessed as you visit this wonderful metropolis.

The city has such a wide array of places of interests, the most diverse tourists and travellers will find things to do for the entire week. Shoppers can go crazy in any of the numerous shopping malls and centres in the city, and foodies will have a ball of a time at the variety of cuisines and especially the historic Farmers Market. For athletes and sports enthusiasts, arenas of some of the biggest sports franchises like the LA Lakers' and LA Clippers' Staples Center and the Dodgers' Dodger Stadium are top places to visit, and don't forget to work up a pump at the muscle beach in Venice!

LA is also home to museums displaying some of the most stunning collections of natural history, like skeletons of dinosaurs and Ice Age animals among several other things. And then, of course, the luxury and sports cars plying around the streets of LA, and the Peterson Museum and the Nethercutt Collection make Los Angeles a city of supreme entertainment for the car enthusiast as well. For those who simply come to LA for a vacation to remember, the southern California beaches are amazing to get a tan on during the day, and the nightlife of the city is one of the best in the entire world! 

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Currency in Los Angeles

The US Dollar is the only currency accepted in Los Angeles. All major visa and MasterCard debit and credit cards are accepted, as well as American Express. ATMs can be found all over the city.

Shopping in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a major global city, and so shopping here can range from the super luxury brands to the local shops. You'll find major international brands in virtually every shopping mall and street, and if you're lucky enough to find a sale you'll get your hands on some amazing merchandise at throwaway prices. Places like Malibu, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Venice, and several others will have you drooling over the stores and the brands and the collections. Several international brands actually have their flagship stores in LA, definitely worth checking out.

Nightlife in Los Angeles

Los Angeles' night life is world famous. It is one of the biggest and the most attractive nightlife centres in all of the US, and even in the world. Parties, nightclubs, classy bars and lounges, you name it. It has everything. Downtown LA, for example, has the most fantastic collection of nightclubs and the famous Los Angeles bars, for the perfect cocktail followed by a night of ecstasy on the dance floor. You literally can't go wrong in LA when you're heading out at night. Clubs open late at night and the party's on till the hours of dawn. The legal age for drinking and clubbing in the US is 21.

History of Los Angeles

Los Angeles was first settled upon by Tongva and Chumash tribes, thousands of years ago. The colonisation began when the Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, while exploring the pacific coastal region, found the settlements, and claimed them for the Kingdom of Spain in 1542. The Mission San Gabriel Arcˆngel in 1771 marked the first mission in the area, and 44 Spanish settlers known as "Los Pobladores" established the pueblo (Spanish community) called El Pueblo de Nuestra Se_ora la Reina de los ngeles del RÍo de Porciìncula where the LA Pueblo Plaza and Olvera Street are today, making them the oldest parts of Los Angeles. LA came under Mexico after attaining independence, and then to the USA after the Mexican - American War in 1847. The city then began it's rapid expansion. It was connected via rail, oil fields were discovered, and soon Hollywood came to LA, bringing all the glitz and glamour along with it. It was of supreme importance to the US during the World War II due to the fact that it was the centre of ship and aircraft production. The city has hosted the only 2 Summer Olympics that have actually reportedly been profitable, in 1932 and 1984. LA was often the centre of racial tensions, seen in the riots 1965 and 1992, the latter being the largest riots in US history. Today, LA is the United States' second biggest city, and a huge cultural centre and tourist attraction.

Language of Los Angeles

English.

Los Angeles Customs

Los Angeles has a very mixed and global culture. There are no real restraints and norms on what you wear and how you behave, much like most of the big cities in the US. Simple and courteous behaviour is all you need to comfortably get through your trip in LA. LA is also very welcoming of the LGBT community. Tipping is customary in Los Angeles. Though it isn't compulsory, tips will be received very gratefully. Around 15% of the total meal cost at restaurants should be enough as a tip, and USD 2 or 3 should be enough if the porters have helped you carry your bags in the hotels.

Religion of Los Angeles

Christianity, Jewish

Daily Budget for Los Angeles

Travelling to Los Angeles isn't a cheap affair by any means. Prices in general in the city are fairly high, and there is no shortage of expensive shopping, restaurants or activities. The only way to have a very affordable LA trip is staying in hostels and avoiding the expensive attractions like the theme parks and the expensive museums. A low end budget will start around USD 50 - 100, a mid range budget around USD 150 - 200, and a luxury trip to LA can cost from USD 300 and upwards per person.

Exchanging Money in Los Angeles

There are tons of currency exchange booths in LA, with many of them being found in the commercial areas, and also at the airport. Many large banks have these services as well and rates may different from place to place. ATM withdrawals are usually the best and the most convenient way to exchange cash, however clear up any international transaction costs with your bank first.

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FAQs on Los Angeles

What is the best time to visit Los angeles?

The best time to visit Los Angeles is from March through May and then again between September and November. These months offer pleasant temperatures and better air quality, along with much lesser crowds. The clear skies are perfect for sightseeing activities and visiting all outdoor attractions. The sweltering temperatures of summer coupled with thick smog tend to drive away visitors during this season. Surprisingly, Los Angeles receives the maximum tourists during the summer. The winter months of December and February experience frequent rainfall and the period from January to April is the least busy for this Southern California city.
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What are the places near Los angeles?

The top places near to Los angeles are San diego which is 179 km from Los angeles, Las vegas which is located 367 km from Los angeles, San francisco which is located 559 km from Los angeles, New york city which is located 3936 km from Los angeles, Miami which is located 3759 km from Los angeles

What are the things to do in Los angeles?

The top things to do in Los angeles are Getty Center, Universal Studios Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, Nethercutt Collection, Griffith Park, Los Angeles County Museum of Art. You can see all the places to visit in Los angeles here

What are the top hotels in Los angeles?

There are 1134 in Los angeles which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Los angeles are The Villa Sophia Guest House, Hollywood Hills Sanctuary, Dwell At The Beach, Santa Monica Pier Townhouse, Hollywood Hills Home, Pool, Views, Lake, Romantic Melrose Retreat - Relax in the Sunshine. You can see all the hotels in Los angeles here

How much does a package cost for Los angeles?

The packages for Los angeles start at INR 79450 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

What is the local food in Los angeles?

In Los Angeles you will find food from literally every single cuisine in the world. Some of the world's best chefs have their restaurants here, and all the major fast food joints of the world have various outlets in the city. There are numerous local joints serving classic American food like steaks and sandwiches, and loads of other things. Some of these joints have a long history, and usually involve a secret family recipe! You will come across many food trucks and the yummy hot dog stands. Or you could just grab a quick bagel or burrito as you go on with your journey. There are just way too many things to try here in Los Angeles, and suggesting one over the other would be unfair! Discover your tastes, look around, because variety of food is something LA will definitely not disappoint you in.
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Craig Baker

on Girard Reservoir 3 years ago
The photo shown here is not the reservoir, which is only the size of a swimming pool. The reservoir is not a place to visit, and it never was. It is not open to the public, and never will be. It was (Read More)not converted to a park. Here is a brief history: The town of Girard was a 1920's subdivision in the southwest corner of the Valley. To lure prospects, Victor Girard built stables and a riding club, and opened the Girard Country Club golf course. He planted 120,000 shade trees, including eucalyptus, pine, and pepper trees, which later gave Woodland Hills its name. But the Girard subdivision did not work out. Land was reportedly sold over and over in a bait-and-switch scheme. After the 1929 stock market crash, many who could escape Girard did so, and by 1932 there were only 75 families left. Today, DWP is saving the old Girard Reservoir site for a future water tank if needed.
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