Known as the “City of Angels,” Los Angeles is a massive metropolis distinguished for its sunny weather, notable landmarks, and cultural diversity. Wedged between the mountainous terrains and the Pacific Ocean, LA presents an exceptional combination of metropolitan elegance and scenic beauty. Explore Hollywood, the global epicentre of amusement, and you might come across stars you admire. You could also stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Downtown Los Angeles has a flourishing arts culture, with the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Broad Museum, and multiple galleries. Santa Monica and Venice Beach offer the ideal retreat for beach enthusiasts with their pristine shorelines, booming boardwalks, and quirky boutiques. Hikers are welcome to visit Griffith Park, home to the iconic Griffith Observatory and incredible city panoramas.
Decadent culinary delights may be found throughout LA’s different neighbourhoods, such as Little Tokyo, Koreatown, and Olvera Street, representing the city’s history as an intersection of cultures. Sports devotees can watch Dodger games at historic Dodger Stadium or Lakers games at Staples Centre. Whatever your interests—food lovers, adventure seekers, or culture vultures—Los Angeles has plenty to offer everyone.
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Flights To Los Angeles Guide
Los Angeles has several airports, the main one being Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), 18 miles southwest of the city centre. Long Beach Airport (LGB), 20 miles southwest of downtown, and Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), 12 miles to the north, are alternative options. The wide range of domestic and international flights each airport offers simplifies travel.
Direct flights from the UK to Los Angeles are available and usually take off from London Gatwick (LGW) and London Heathrow (LHR), taking 11 to 12 hours on average. From the UK, flights normally depart in the morning or early afternoon and arrive in Los Angeles in the afternoon or evening. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and American Airlines frequently operate this route.
Woking Travel offers transportation from the airports to your hotel to make your journey smoother. Book a transfer through our Transfers page to seamlessly move from the airport to your accommodation.
Choose Woking Travel for your trip to Los Angeles and experience a conveniently smooth journey. From take-off to landing, we’re here to make your trip hassle-free and enjoyable.
Our selection encompasses diverse lodging options and meticulously crafted travel packages, and we are committed to delivering unparalleled hospitality experiences. Visit our Hotels page to look at a range of hotels in your destination, or view our Packages page for information on comprehensive vacation packages.
Here is an assortment of carefully handpicked hotels, based on star ratings, catering to every traveller’s budget and preferences:
- The Beverly Hills Hotel: Known as the “Pink Palace,” this venerable 5-star hotel boasts an esteemed past, luxurious lodging, and impeccable service.
- Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills: This 5-star luxury hotel, located in the heart of Beverly Hills, offers exquisite dining options, opulent accommodations, and incredible city vistas.
- The Peninsula Beverly Hills: The Peninsula, rated 5 stars and recognised for its outstanding hospitality and tasteful elegance, offers lavish lodging, Michelin-starred restaurants, and a tranquil spa.
- Four Seasons Hotel Beverly Hills: This 5-star hotel combines refinement and comfort, offering spacious accommodations, exquisite dining options, and a premium spa retreat in the very heart of Beverly Hills.
- Loews Hollywood Hotel: This chic 4-star hotel sits in the centre of Hollywood and features a rooftop pool with panoramic views, sleek accommodations, and convenient proximity to iconic sites like the Walk of Fame, where the stars beneath your feet tell tales of cinematic legends.
- The LINE Hotel: Situated in Koreatown, this hip 4-star hotel has a contemporary interior design, a varied menu, and exhilarating nightlife events that capture the essence of Los Angeles’ lively culture.
- The Garland: This 4-star retro-chic hotel in North Hollywood offers cosy lodging, beautiful gardens, and a laid-back vibe that makes it feel like a peaceful haven in the middle of the city.
- Hotel Figueroa: This 3-star boutique hotel, an ancient landmark in downtown Los Angeles, offers stylish rooms, a vibrant ambience, and exceptional amenities like a poolside bar with Moroccan influences.
- Hilton Garden Inn LA/Hollywood: Tourists looking for bargains and leisure will find this 3-star hotel superb. It offers convenience and modern amenities, along with spacious rooms, on-site eating options, and close connections to Hollywood attractions.
- Freehand Los Angeles: This trendy 3-star hotel offers private rooms and communal accommodations. Its vibrant social spaces, unique decor, and affordable prices make for a remarkable stay.
Los Angeles offers various transportation options, including car rentals, public transit such as metro and subways, ridesharing, bicycles, and more. Here, we have listed a diverse list of transportation options for you to choose what suits you:
- Driving: While renting a car is a popular choice, navigating the often congested traffic, particularly during peak hours, can pose significant challenges.
- Public Transit: The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) runs a vast public transportation network, including the light rail, bus, and subway systems that link the suburbs and neighbourhoods around downtown Los Angeles.
- Ridesharing Services: In Los Angeles, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become incredibly popular because they provide easy and adaptable transportation options for those who would rather not drive or use public transportation.
- Biking/Cycling: Cycling has become increasingly popular, particularly in Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Bike lanes and bike-sharing programs have been expanded to promote healthy and environmentally friendly transportation options.
- Walking: Even though LA has occasionally been linked to the car culture, many neighbourhoods—particularly those near the coast and downtown—are designed with pedestrians in mind. Crosswalks, sidewalks, and other facilities are available for those who would instead explore on foot.
- Ride-Hailing and Taxis: While available, conventional taxi services might not be used as frequently as ride-hailing platforms.
- Shuttles and Tours: A range of shuttle services and guided tours can be booked to accommodate travellers. They provide transportation to popular tourist spots and picturesque locations across the city.
Every place is a landmark in a city as expansive as Los Angeles. But if you’re a first-time visitor, there are certain destinations that should top your L.A. itinerary:
- The Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory: Seek the star-studded trail above the city overlooking breathtaking spectacles.
- Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier: For a day of sea and sun, soak at Venice Beach for eclectic thrills and at Santa Monica Pier for seaside fun.
- Rodeo Drive is where luxury shopping meets people-watching. If you’re lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of a celebrity or two.
- Cultural Mile: A district with cultural hotspots, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the La Brea Tar Pits, and the Petersen Automotive Museum.
- The Getty Centre: A trove of stunning art, architecture, and European gardens.
- Universal Studios and Paramount Pictures: A peeking window into the world of cinema.
- The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles: Home to over 35 million specimens and artefacts, this place is perfect for history enthusiasts.
- Disneyland Resort: The iconic world of joy is ideal for all age groups.
- OLVERA STREET and the Chinese Theatres: Ground zero for L.A. history and cinematic legacy.
- Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens: A perfect family getaway amidst nature.
Flying to Los Angeles is an entry into a world of endless possibilities. But what makes it truly special is that every tourist spot meshes seamlessly with the native community, granting you a slice of life unique to this city.
The top restaurants in Los Angeles that offer delectable cuisines and a pleasant atmosphere are as follows:
- République: République is famous for its French-inspired food served in an exquisitely revamped setting. It provides a unique eating experience focusing on locally harvested ingredients.
- Providence: As a Proud holder of a Michelin star, Providence stands as a beacon of exclusivity in seafood dining. Its innovative tasting menus, flawless service, and sophisticated atmosphere are a testament to its high standards.
- n/naka: Chef Niki Nakayama heads up n/naka, which offers a contemporary kaiseki experience. Through meticulously crafted dishes, the restaurant showcases the artistry of Japanese cuisine.
- Osteria Mozza: Celebrity master chefs Nancy Silverton, Mario Batali, and Joe Bastianich co-own Osteria Mozza, serving exquisite Italian food created in-house. The cuisine includes house-made pasta and wood-fired pizzas.
- Bestia: Bestia is a renowned rustic Italian restaurant with a dynamic environment. Its extensive menu features wood-grilled meals, fresh pasta, and house-cured meats.
- Guelaguetza: Guelaguetza, which honours the flavours of Oaxaca, is a popular restaurant serving original Mexican food, such as mole dishes and classic mezcal cocktails.
- Sushi Zo: Expertly crafted nigiri and sashimi, along with an omakase-only menu selected by Chef Keizo Seki, make Sushi Zo an exclusive and intimate sushi experience.
- Majordomo: Served in a vibrant, communal atmosphere, Chef David Chang’s Majordomo creates a contemporary twist on Asian-inspired cuisine with robust flavours and unusual dishes.
- A.O.C: A.O.C. features Chef Suzanne Goin’s California cuisine based on the seasons and the market. The restaurant emphasises sharing platters, artisanal cheeses, and a wide selection of wines.
- Broken Spanish: Broken Spanish serves creative meals such as mole negro with duck confit and chicharrón-crusted fish, fusing traditional Mexican flavours with contemporary cooking methods.
Beyond the familiar tourist spots, Los Angeles is a trove of unique experiences that define its character and soul. Some of these include:
- Participate in a Griffith Observatory Night Hike: A magical experience with the stars above and the city lights below.
- Catch a Performance at The Walt Disney Concert Hall: A marvel of architecture that resonates with the city’s musical heritage.
- Savour Tacos from a Boulevard Roadside Stand: A quintessential L.A. experience for true authenticity.
- Immerse in the Venice Beach Skate Culture: From Muscle Beach to the walls of colour at the skatepark, it’s an artistic and athletic spectacle combined.
- Join a Silent Disco at the Santa Monica Pier: A fun and unconventional way to enjoy the oceanfront atmosphere.
- Explore L.A.’s Street Art Scene: In a city known for its movie culture, there’s also a vibrant street art movement to discover.
- Watch the Sunset at the Griffith Observatory: A must-do activity for all visitors, with breathtaking views of the city and beyond.
- Taste Authentic Korean BBQ in Koreatown: With over 300 restaurants, this neighbourhood is a foodie’s paradise.
- Stroll Through the Hollywood Walk of Fame: A stroll down this iconic sidewalk is a must for any film buff or pop culture enthusiast.
- Hike to the Hollywood Sign: An iconic symbol of Los Angeles, hiking up to the sign offers stunning views and a sense of accomplishment.
Los Angeles is a city that rewards the curious spirit. It opens upon further inquisitiveness, showcasing depth beyond the surface.
Due to its Mediterranean climate, Los Angeles offers a year-round range of experiences and activities, with each season bringing unique opportunities and allure.
- Spring (March-May): In springtime in Los Angeles, temperatures range from a comfortable 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C), making it ideal for outdoor pursuits like hiking in Griffith Park or touring the botanical gardens. You can also participate in cultural events, including food festivals and outdoor concerts.
- Summer (June-August): Summertime is the perfect time to visit beaches like Santa Monica or Venice Beach because of the warm temperatures, ranging from 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C). In addition, you could enjoy water sports like paddleboarding, surfing, and sunbathing. In LA, summertime brings an exciting nightlife accompanied by outdoor pursuits and music.
- Fall (September-November): Fall temperatures vary from 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C). Fall weather is ideal for enjoying natural treasures like Malibu’s hiking trails and amusement parks like Disneyland. This time of the year is filled with festivals and cultural events that provide an opportunity to get acquainted with the local arts landscape.
- Winter (December-February): The typical winter temperature in Los Angeles is between 50°F and 65°F (10°C and 18°C). Even if it’s not the typical ski weather, you can embark on hikes in the nearby highlands and explore engaging outdoor activities like displays of light and holiday markets.
Compared to the summer and holiday seasons, flights throughout the winter and fall are typically cheaper, making them the low seasons for visiting Los Angeles tourists. However, Los Angeles has plenty to offer everyone every season, from artistic endeavours to outdoor activities.
- GMT: Los Angeles is 8 hours behind GMT.
- BST: Los Angeles is 7 hours behind BST.
Currency:
- The United States Dollar (USD) is the currency used locally in Los Angeles. Many businesses, including restaurant chains, retail stores, and taxis, accept cash. However, most companies also accept card payments, and debit and credit card transactions are widely used.
Language:
- In Los Angeles and the United States, English is the primary and most common language spoken. It is the main language used to interact in most circumstances, even though several different communities in Los Angeles speak other tongues.
Local Customs:
Since LA has a laid-back feel, most occasions call for casual clothing. In Los Angeles, tipping is standard and usually ranges from 15% to 20%. Moreover, given the diversity of Los Angeles, it’s critical to show respect to those with different cultural origins and lifestyles. Also, driving is integral to life in Los Angeles, so plan and prepare for traffic jams. In addition, Los Angeles is renowned for emphasising health and well-being, with many of its citizens practising yoga, hiking, and eating organic food.
Laws:
- UK Government’s Travel Advice: USA travel advice – GOV.UK
- Los Angeles Official Website for Visitors:Tips for Visitors
Ready to traverse the landscapes of Los Angeles? Ensure your voyage is comfortable and convenient by choosing Woking Travel. Our expertise in flights to Los Angeles and meticulous planning will orchestrate an adventure you won’t soon forget. The City of Angels beckons—will you answer the call?
Book your flights to Los Angeles with Woking Travel now and unlock the treasure trove of experiences that await you. The West Coast is calling.