Uber or Lyft
At LAX you don't board at the curb: take the free shuttle or walk to the dedicated pickup lot (LAX-it). Pickup locations may change with airport construction, so check official LAX information. Fares show in the app beforehand.
Korean MOFA travel advisory: Level 1 (exercise caution) — whole country
checked 2026-10-01 · Details ↗ This is the Korean government’s advisory — also check your own government’s travel advice.
Los Angeles Travel Guide
Hollywood, beaches and theme parks in one sprawling West Coast city. LA is spread out and car-centric, so grouping your days by area makes all the difference.
Plan your Los Angeles trip
We never take payment — compare, then book on the official partner site.
Lowest fare: Seoul (ICN) → Los Angeles
Based on recent searches — the price may change when you book.
See round-trip flights for these dates →Lowest saved nonstop round-trip fare per person for a 4-day trip.
See on MyRealTrip ↗No recent round-trip prices for a 4-day trip yet.
Check prices →Seoul Incheon → Los Angeles flights →
At a glance
- Currency
- USD ($)
- Power & plugs
- 120V · Type A/B
- Driving side
- Right
- Tipping
- Expected (usually 15–20%)
- Local language
- English
- How long to stay
- 5 to 7 days (more with theme parks)
Emergency numbers
When to go
The weather is mild most of the year, but March-May and September-November are the most pleasant. Coastal areas are often overcast in May and June, July-September is hot and dry, and wildfires can occur from late summer into autumn, so check local conditions before you go. Winter brings occasional rain.
Airport to the city
FlyAway bus
Airport express buses to Union Station downtown and other stops. Cheap for solo travelers; check routes and schedules on the official site before you go.
Taxi
Taxis also board at the LAX-it lot. Metered fare plus a tip is normal.
Metro Rail (C and K Lines)
Take the free shuttle from the terminals to LAX/Metro Transit Center station, then ride the Metro C or K Line. Transfers depend on your destination, so check Metro's official trip info.
Getting around
Rental car
LA is huge and car-centric, so a rental is the easiest way to cover several areas. Budget for hotel and attraction parking fees.
Uber and Lyft
The go-to if you're not driving. Freeways jam at rush hour, so allow plenty of time.
Metro Rail and buses (TAP)
Key routes such as Hollywood-Downtown and Downtown-Santa Monica are served by rail. Pay with a TAP card or the mobile app.
Theme park shuttles and tours
Hotel shuttles or tour packages to Disneyland and Universal Studios take the stress out of driving.
Walking
Great within areas like Santa Monica or central Hollywood; you'll need wheels to get between them.
Where to stay
Hollywood
Good for: First visit, sightseeing
Close to the Walk of Fame and theaters with Metro stations nearby, so it's easy without a car. Busy streets that can feel a bit rough at night.
Santa Monica
Good for: Beach, relaxed pace
Beach, promenade and shopping streets within walking distance. Hotels are pricey.
Koreatown
Good for: Food, central location
Packed with Korean restaurants and markets, conveniently between Hollywood and Downtown, with reasonably priced hotels.
Downtown
Good for: Arts, transit
Museums, concert halls and rail lines meet here. Blocks vary a lot, so check the exact hotel location and reviews.
Beverly Hills / West Hollywood
Good for: Shopping, calmer feel
Upscale shopping and dining in a relatively quiet setting, at the highest hotel prices.
Map of stays in Los Angeles
Compare prices from many booking sites on the map
Search stays in Los Angeles in the appMap & prices: Stay22 — you book on each site
Top sights
Griffith Observatory
Free viewpoint over the Hollywood Sign and the city. Sunset is best, and parking fills up, so arrive early.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Stars set in the sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard. Costumed characters may ask for money after photos; just decline if you don't want one.
Santa Monica Pier
A seaside amusement park and beach promenade, especially lovely at sunset.
Venice Beach
An eclectic boardwalk and a small canal neighborhood, reachable on foot or by bike from Santa Monica.
Getty Center
A hilltop museum with striking architecture, gardens and views. Admission is free; parking is paid.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Studio tour plus rides. Lines are long in peak season, so buy tickets ahead and arrive at opening.
Disneyland (Anaheim)
Southeast of LA in Anaheim, about an hour by car depending on traffic. Plan a full day.
The Broad
A downtown contemporary art museum with free general admission, though timed reservations may be required. Check the official site.
What to eat
Tacos and Mexican food
LA is famous for its Mexican food. Tacos from trucks and small shops run about $3-6 each.
Burgers
West Coast burger chains and craft burger joints are everywhere. About $10-20 for a meal.
Koreatown
Korean barbecue, soft tofu stew and more, all in one neighborhood.
Grand Central Market
A historic downtown food hall with cuisines from around the world under one roof.
Brunch
California-style brunch cafés with avocado toast and eggs Benedict. Expect waits on weekend mornings.
Daily budget (per person)
Budgetabout $130-170 per day: hostel, tacos, public transit
Mid-rangeabout $300-400 per day: mid-range hotel, restaurants, rideshare (rental car and parking extra)
Comfortabout $700+ per day: luxury hotel, theme park fast passes
Amounts are rough figures in local currency. Check exchange rates before you go.
Sample itinerary
- Day 1
Arrive and eat in Koreatown, Hollywood Walk of Fame in the afternoon, then Griffith Observatory at sunset.
- Day 2
Full day at Universal Studios Hollywood (arrive at opening), then an evening stroll.
- Day 3
Getty Center in the morning, Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach in the afternoon, sunset on the beach.
- Day 4
Full day at Disneyland (early start), or downtown museums and Grand Central Market.
Local tips
- Tipping of usually 15-20% of the pre-tax bill is standard at restaurants; check whether a service charge is already included. Listed prices usually exclude sales tax.
- Never leave bags visible in a parked car, even briefly; lock them in the trunk or take them with you.
- Late at night, take a rideshare rather than walking through quiet streets or empty stations.
- Read parking signs carefully (day and time limits); tickets and towing are expensive.
- The sun is strong and the air dry, so carry sunscreen and water, and follow local news during wildfire season.
- US entry requirements such as ESTA can change, so check official US government sources before you travel.
- Griffith Observatory (the building), the Getty Center and The Broad are closed on Mondays, so check the day when planning.
Related articles
Comparison · United StatesFirst Trip to the US West Coast: Los Angeles vs San FranciscoHeading to the US West Coast for the first time — is Los Angeles or San Francisco right…
Tips · United StatesGetting Around Oahu on Your First Trip to HawaiiFirst time on Oahu? How to get from HNL to Waikiki, and when to use the bus, Skyline,…
TipsPlanning a year-end or winter-break trip — where to go and what to do firstDecember to February is peak season for year-end and school-break travel, so earlier…
ComparisonWhere to travel in November — cities with good weather and places to think twice aboutNovember mixes crisp autumn cities with the start of the dry season on some Southeast…Prices and times are approximate as of 2026-09 and may change. Always re-check visa and entry rules with official sources before you travel.