Is Los Angeles worth Visiting? (The Pros & Cons)

My personal experience in Los Angeles

During my first visit to Los Angeles I found it difficult to get used to the size of LA. The city is massive – almost 4 million people live in the city of LA and 10 million live in Los Angeles County. It can get pretty overwhelming to navigate, especially, as a first timer.

I also found the traffic insane and it took a long time to get anywhere…. While this was somewhat true the second time around as well, I finally began to ‘get’ LA, and now I like the city. In fact I would love to return and explore some more.

I often hear people saying they don’t like LA, but I think that is because they probably stayed in the wrong places and didn’t get a true feel for Los Angeles.

Hopefully, this post can give you a better insight on what to expect on your first visit.

Pros of visiting Los Angeles

I have highlighted all the reasons why I liked LA, and why I think it is a great place to visit for those looking for an exciting holiday in the US.

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✅ Its Cool!

Let’s face it, even if you only have a few days to spend in LA, the City of Angels is cool place to visit. There are iconic sights everywhere you look, not to mention celebrities, from Hollywood to Beverly Hills, Malibu to Santa Monica – there are so many cool places to go in LA.

Chances are you will spot a TV star or two, or end up in one of the famous celebrity hang-outs. Sample Hailey Bieber’s Skin Smoothie for $19 or catch the next big star performing at Chateau Marmont – there are so many unique things to do in LA that you can’t find anywhere else!

✅ Endless things to do

One thing I really like about Los Angeles is the endless list of things to do, there is something for everyone to enjoy, no matter what your travel style is.

From checking out the beautiful coastline to stumbling across an open-mic night, visiting the vast number of museums or enjoying the celebrity highlights.

✅ Family Friendly

I also like that the city is super family friendly, with famous theme parks such as Disneyland and Universal Studios right on it’s door step. Many families would say Los Angeles is worth visiting for the child friendly attractions alone.

✅ Multicultural City

Los Angeles is one of the most culturally diverse destinations in the world. It is home to people from 140 countries who speak 224 different languages.

This means that on your trip you will not be short of fun and unique things to do, from vibrant festivals and art scenes to trying some tasty bites from around the world.

✅ Beautiful Beaches

Los Angeles is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. From the lively beach resort of Santa Monica and its iconic pier, to the stunning setting of Malibu where you can see how the other half live. There is pretty much a beach for every type of travel style.

✅ Great Weather All Year Round

One of the most appealing things about Los Angeles as a destination is it’s great weather. It receives an average of 263 days of sun a year. Which means you have a pretty high chance of a dry and enjoyable holiday, no matter when you decide to visit.

Cons of Visiting Los Angeles

Next, let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you may not want to visit LA. Personally, I think the pros outweigh the cons but there are some elements you should factor in before deciding if Los Angeles is worth visiting.

❌ There isn’t a City Centre

There isn’t really a main centre like you will find in most cities. In fact, there are 10 main regions in Los Angeles and officially 114 neighbourhoods in Los Angeles County – it’s not the type of city where you can get your bearings after a morning guided tour!  

❌ You Have to Rent a Car (and the traffic is INSANE)

Due to the city not having a main centre, it’s not really possible to walk between the main attractions – they are too spread out. The subway is useful but it doesn’t go to all the highlights, so hiring a car is the most practical solution, unless you want to spend a fortune on UBERs.

❌ Expensive to Visit

Los Angeles, like most big cities in the US is expensive on the ground. You can find more affordable hotel and dining options in Downtown LA, but if you want to stay in the cool spots, (more on this below), be prepared to pay. However, most museums are Free to enter, so that is also worth considering.

Where to Stay in LA to Make Los Angeles Worth Visiting

Another thing that confuses a lot of people before planning a trip to LA is where to stay. Many tend to feel overwhelmed with the endless list of neighbourhoods and areas to choose from. One of my top tips for visiting Los Angeles is: Don’t confuse Hollywood with West Hollywood!

I have put together a mini guide for you, highlighting the best and worst places to book accommodation and the differences between staying in Hollywood vs West Hollywood.

1. Hollywood

Hollywood is the most famous location in LA and where many choose to stay. It is home to Hollywood Boulevard where you will find the Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as countless theatres, restaurants and bars – see more on this below.

However, it is not the best neighbourhood to stay in. After dark it can be seedy and is not the glamorous Hollywood that people expect. 

2. West Hollywood 

West Hollywood or WeHo as locals call it is the best area to stay in. It is between Hollywood and Beverly Hills and is home to the famous Sunset Strip. It is also popular with the LGBTQ community and is considered one of the safer areas to stay in Los Angeles.

The famous Oppenheim Group is located on Sunset Plaza (Selling Sunset fans will know what I mean), and it is possible to take photographs outside, (you must stay 3ft from the window), even when the staff / celebrities are inside. In fact we saw Jason Oppenheim drive away while we were outside! 

West Hollywood is home to famous cafes, restaurants, hotels and vibrant nightlife – although most places close at 2am in LA.

Check out Hotel Ziggy – named after Ziggy Stardust, this is one of the coolest places to stay in LA.

3. Downtown LA

Downtown LA is not one of the main tourist areas. It is home to the Convention Centre and tends to be visited by corporate guests. However, of late, you will find many hipster bars and club openings, as well as good value restaurants and high rise hotels, many with rooftop pools and bars.

It is not one of LA’s safest neighbourhoods, so if staying here, I suggest you don’t wander off the beaten track, you could easily find yourself on Skid Row.

I stayed in the JW Marriott which was excellent, and superbly located if you want to be close to the Convention Centre, although this wouldn’t be one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in LA.

4. Santa Monica

Santa Monica is the most popular beach town in Los Angeles, and is where we stayed during a family road trip in California a few years ago.

As well as a glorious beach, there are some great shops, bars and restaurants here –  you could easily spend a week here, it is almost like a large holiday resort.  

We stayed in the Palihouse which was spacious, luxurious and a great place to stay in Santa Monica with kids.

Read: The Best Places to Stop on the Pacific Coast Highway

15 Things to do in Los Angeles that make Los Angeles worth visiting

Next, let’s take a look at some of the best things to do in Los Angeles. This section will ultimately help you decide if you think LA is worth visiting.

1. Spend an evening in Santa Monica

The Santa Monica Pier is famous for being the end of Route 66 and is a popular tourist attraction in LA – ideally visit at sunset. There is a small amusement park here called Pacific Park. You pay per ride, typically $12- $15 although you can purchase a wristband for unlimited use of all 12 rides for $50 per adult and $30 per child.

The small roller coaster, solar powered Ferris Wheel, and classic carousel dating back to 1922 are the big draws here, but there is also a small aquarium and free concerts and outdoor movies are common during the summer months.

TOP TIP: While many visit Santa Monica for the Pier, don’t miss the 3rd Street Promenade, it’s great for shopping and dining. 

Malibu is about a 20 minutes drive north of Santa Monica, but worth a visit if you want a luxury beach town with less crowds. This is where many celebrities have beach houses and many choose to combine Santa Monica and Malibu into one day trip.

2. Walk Hollywood Boulevard

The 2km Hollywood Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard is a must visit in LA. It is home to 2,765 stars of movie stars, recording artists and sporting heroes. You will also find celebrity autographs and handprints carved in cement on the pavement outside the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. 

This neighbourhood is packed with museums, most notably the Hollywood Museum which has over 10,000 pieces of movie memorabilia including a replica of Hannibal Lecter’s cell.

Madame Tussauds, the Guinness World Records Museum and Ripley’s Believe it or Not are also located here, as is Jimmy Kimmel Live and famous movie theatres. Why not book tickets and be part of a live TV audience, or take in a movie at one of the famous movie theatres located here.

Movie premiers and celebrity sightings are quite common here, Chris Hemsworth was there to promote his new movie during our visit!

3. Hike the Hollywood Sign

This is one of the quintessential things to do in LA. It is one of the world’s most famous landmarks, and despite what you may think, it is relatively easy to get to the viewing points. 

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The sign was originally constructed in 1923 as a temporary advert for a new housing development in the Hollywood Hills called Hollywood Land. When the real estate agent went bust, it became the property of the city, but was uncared for and quickly became run down. 

In the 1970s it was officially made a cultural landmark. Hugh Hefner organised a fundraiser and auctioned off the old letters for $27,700 each in order to erect a new sign. The new sign wasn’t put in place until 1978!

Although called a hike, it is more like an easy walk – it is just 2.2 miles to the best viewing point. You can’t go right up to the sign, and if you try, police will call you on on loud speakers and give you a $3,000 fine!

Although an easy trip to make, it is best to take a guided walk. At times you leave the national park and walk alongside private homes – I’m not sure it would be easy to find the best viewing points alone. A guided tour will also give you valuable insights into the history of the sign. It takes just 90 minutes including plenty of time for photos, and costs $17.

5. Stroll Rodeo Drive

Rodeo Drive is home to 100 of the world’s top designer stores and although quite short, you simply have to walk along it to see how the other half live!

See the famous Beverly Wilshire Hotel made famous from Pretty Woman, and take a photo at the iconic steps, or at the Beverly Hills sign at nearby Beverly Gardens.

Top Tip: Valet parking is available for $12 an hour at Rodeo Collection.

6. Spend an afternoon at Venice

Venice Beach is less than 5km from Santa Monica and is also a must visit in Los Angeles. You can cycle between the two in 15 minutes, it is part of the 35km Marvin Braude Bike Trail.

Like LA in general, Venice has many different sides to it. There is an overall Boho vibe as it is a popular spot with artists and hippies, but it is also full of street performers, skateboarders and bodybuilders. 

While the boardwalk area may be busy with all of the above, as well as homeless encampments, Abbot Kinney Boulevard and the Venice Canals have a different vibe. 

Abbot Kinney was a tobacco mogul whose dream in 1905 was to turn this area into the Venice of America. 16 miles of canals were dug out but subsequently paved over in 1929 when the area fell into decline. However, like many poor areas, Venice became gentrified. Abbot Kinney Boulevard is one of these areas, where you will find upmarket boutiques, galleries and trendy eateries – it is often called the ‘coolest block in America’.

Six canals remain today. Lined with mansions and historic houses, with plenty of pretty bridges to cross, it is a lovely area to escape the hustle and bustle of LA.

Venice is like marmite, you will either love it or hate it, but it is quintessential LA and should be seen if visiting Los Angeles. Why not combine Venice with Santa Monica on this small group electric bike tour?

7. Explore Grand Central Market & Angels Flight

Grand Central Market has been the main market in LA since 1917. It is home to 50 food stalls with everything from Tacos to Sushi, and is a great place to grab a bite to eat and socialise. 

I found a great bar at the back of the market with an outdoor terrace that is a great place for people to watch on a sunny day. This is an edgy but authentic part of the city and I really enjoyed it. 

Across the road from the Grand Central Market you will find Angels Flight – the world’s shortest railway that has been here since 1901. Its more like a funicular and only travels up one block, but it is a practical way to avoid walking up a steep incline, and it is worth the $1 fare each way.

A ride on Angels Flight is not one of the top things to do in Los Angeles but it is worthwhile if visiting Grand Central Market, and a unique thing to do in LA.

8. Visit at least one of Los Angeles Museums

There are 841 museums and art galleries in Los Angeles – it has more museums per capita than any other city in the world. Most are free to enter but do require advance booking – check individual websites for more details. 

The John Paul Getty Museum is a must visit if you are interested in art and architecture. You will find Van Gogh, Monet and Degas paintings, modern photography exhibitions, as well as beautiful gardens and panoramic views of the city.

The California Science Centre is home to 100 state-of-the-art displays. Relics from the Apollo command module are here as well as a Wright brother’s glider and a spy plane. It used to house the Space Shuttle Endeavour but that is being moved to a new exhibition space and the date is not confirmed for its reopening.

The California Science Centre is one of the best places to visit in Los Angeles with kids. There are numerous interactive exhibits for them to enjoy including flight simulators, Sea Life exhibits and an IMAX Theatre. The California Science Centre is also free to enter but timed tickets are required for the IMAX Theatre and special exhibits. 

Read: 12 things to do with kids in California

9. Visit the Griffith Observatory at night

The Griffith Observatory is an iconic building in Los Angeles and a must visit for space and architecture lovers, as well as those looking for the best views of LA skyline and the Hollywood Sign. 

The Griffith Observatory’s 12-inch Zeiss Telescope is one of the main draws and is free to the public when open. A guide will help you to look through the telescope and on clear nights additional telescopes are wheeled out.

There are numerous space exhibitions as well as a planetarium, which has one of the world’s most advanced star projectors. Movie buffs will also recall the scene from La La Land when Ryan Gosling waltzes Emma Stone around the Planetarium.

10. Have lunch at The Grove

The Grove is one of LA’s prettiest outdoor shopping malls. You will find a selection of designer and high street stores, including an impressive Apple shop and American brands such as Sephora, Nike and Coach. While prices are certainly on the high side – even for LA, it is a pleasure to explore. 

There is a large fountain in the centre, with plenty of outdoor dining options, including affordable cafés and La Piazza restaurant which serves up tasty pizzas.

There is a large double decker Trolley if you don’t fancy walking, although the area is not that big. This will take you to the back of The Grove where you will find the Original Farmers Market with food stands and fast food pop ups.

11. Take a Hollywood and Celebrity Homes Tour

While this tour may not be for everyone, it is one of the top things to do in Los Angeles and is also a handy way to see Hollywood’s top attractions easily. 

In two hours you can see get photo opportunities of the Hollywood Sign, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills, the Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive as well as seeing some celebrity homes and popular hang out spots.

Travelling by open bus will allow you to cover more ground quickly too, so if you are short on time, this is a handy way to see the top Hollywood sights. 

Los Angeles Theme Parks

12. Spend the day at Universal Studios Hollywood

If I had to choose just one theme park to visit in Los Angeles, it would have to be Universal Studios. It is because of its iconic Studio Tour that ALL Universal Studios theme parks are here today.

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The original Studio Tour opened in 1915, when guests paid 25 cents to learn about how movies were made. It wasn’t until 1964 that the first set of trams were introduced. The tour became so popular that Universal decided to add things to do while guests waited for their tour. Stunt shows and attractions followed as did other Universal Parks, notably Universal Orlando Resort in 1990.

The Studio Tour will bring you alongside real live sets, where movies and TV shows are being filmed. It gives you a great insight into how shows are made and you can see famous sets from Psycho, Desperate Housewives and War of the Worlds. 

The Studio Tour will bring you alongside real live sets, where movies and TV shows are being filmed. It gives you a great insight into how shows are made and you can see famous sets from Psycho, Desperate Housewives and War of the Worlds. 

For serious move buffs, consider the VIP Studio Tour where you can get off the trolly and walk through the sets, as well as visiting the Prop Room and seeing a working studio up close. You will also have a dedicated VIP lunch, premium seating at shows and Fast Track access to all the rides until the park closes.

As well as the iconic Studio Tour, you will find the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, Waterworld Stunt Show and many other top rides and attractions. 

Note: There are no outdoor coasters in Universal Studios Hollywood, although a Fast & The Furious coaster is due in 2025.

Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the oldest operating movie studios in the world, you simply can’t visit LA without seeing it. 

13. Visit Disneyland California with Kids

Disneyland Resort has two parks in Anaheim, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. There is something for adults and kids of all ages here, including dedicated Star Wars and Marvel lands, roller coasters, family-friendly rides, and of course Disney’s famous fireworks, and parades around Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.

14. Spend the morning at Warner Bros Studios

The Warner Bros tour in Los Angeles will bring you behind the scenes of your favourite TV shows and movie sets. From FRIENDS to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you can sit on the actual Friends couch, check out the Batmobile, or virtually ride a broomstick above Hogwarts.

You will also learn how movies are made and see a working Hollywood studio where filming continues today. Studio tours are 3 hours long and  include a 2 hour guided tour as well as self guided section.

15. Visit even more theme parks…

Adrenaline junkies can also visit Six Flags Magic Mountain, which is home to 19 world-class roller coasters.

Legoland California and SeaWorld San Diego are also family theme parks near Los Angeles, located about 90 minutes away.

Conclusion: Is LA Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Los Angeles is worth visiting! As far as US cities go, Los Angeles has something fun and unique to offer its visitors, from the iconic sets of the blockbuster films we have come to love to the white sandy beaches that line the coast.

Yes, there are some cons to visiting LA, but isn’t there in every city? If you stay in the right location, and take my top tips for visiting LA on board, you will find a captivating city with a host of amazing attractions.