Los Angeles
Ever wondered where you can surf, snowboard, and catch a desert sunset all in the same vacation? Welcome to Los Angeles! Beyond the glitz of Hollywood, LA is a chameleon of experiences. Did you know it houses the largest urban national park in the U.S.? Griffith Park is five times the size of New York's Central Park and home to mountain lions that somehow coexist with the city's 4 million residents. For the culinary adventurers, Los Angeles has the most three Michelin-starred restaurants in the United States. If you're into museums, how about one dedicated entirely to automobiles or another showcasing an interactive art playground for all-ages created by Mr. Brainwash? And here's a mind-bender: parts of LA are actually a desert in disguise, with the oldest living things on Earth – 4,000-year-old bristlecone pines – just a short drive away. In LA, you can literally travel through time, from the Ice Age fossils at La Brea Tar Pits to the futuristic Endeavour space shuttle, all without leaving city limits. It's a city where reality often outshines the movies it's famous for producing.
Must Do Moments
Where to stay
Where to Eat
Packing List
Getting There
There are a few airports you can fly into for a trip to Los Angeles. The main international airport is LAX. There is a smaller regional airport in Burbank and another called John Wayne Airport in Orange Country - a great choice if you are visiting Disney World or Legoland.
Must Know Before You Go
Official Language: English
Local Currency: U.S. Dollar
Outlets: U.S. Plugs (will need adaptor for any other plugs)
Road Rules: Traffic drives on the right side of the road (same as the rest of the United States). You need a valid driver's license to drive in Los Angeles and it's important to know the pedestrian has the right of way.
Passport & Visa requirements: No Passport is required for U.S. citizens
Time Zone: Pacific time
Hurricane Season: Does not apply here. Points to know: June is nicknamed June Gloom so don't expect a warm and sunny visit. September is one of the hottest months of the year. December-February is rainy season, and Los Angeles has been seeing more and more rain during these months over the last few years.