In LA the weather is great, the beaches are top-notch and the taco trucks are aplenty.
The city has a thick Hollywood image attracting tourists to stand on the plaque of their favourite celebs on Avenue of the Stars or hop on a bus to tour the homes of the rich and famous.
But scratch the surface of this glitzy veneer and you’ll see Los Angeles harbours a more complex character – LA locals tell Travel Pocket Book.
Nature awaits on the periphery where hiking trails offer sweeping views of the Hollywood skyline. Pelicans and parrots perch by the water’s edge at the Venice Canals which flow beneath charming bungalows built in 1905.
Rollerbladers twirl to the sounds of a boombox in front of pastel lifeguard huts at Venice Beach. Downtown, skyscrapers tower over historic buildings brimming with craft breweries, independent shops, theatres and galleries. And all in all, LA’s museums house some of the most famous masterpieces in the world from van Gogh to Picasso.
See LA like a local with our LA Travel Pocket Book where locals reveal how to really see the city.
Top 10 things to do in LA
1. Get your skates on
Rent roller blades, a skateboard or bicycle from Jay’s Rentals at Venice Beach and drift along the promenade to Santa Monica Pier.
2. The Venice of LA
Perfect to pair with Venice Beach, wander over to LA’s Venice Canal Historic District which is free to visit. The area has pretty footbridges, distinct architecture and vibrant plant life.
3. Malibu Froyo
Thirdly, spend the day sunbathing or surfing at Malibu Beach. Then stop off at Malibu Yoghurt and Ice-cream for, arguably LA’s best froyo with all the toppings.
4. LA’s ‘don’t miss’ trail
Hike the West Observatory Trail to Griffith Observatory for views of the Hollywood sign and LA skyline. The one-hour hike is an easy ascent and the observatory is free to visit, with several exhibitions and a public telescope.
5. A cracking brekky
Gorge on a breakfast burrito from the boot of your car at Bread & Breakfast North Hollywood, a pop-up food stand next to LA’s iconic Circus Liquor Clown sign which features in the TV series Clueless and Californication. Open daily, 8am to 2pm.
6. Be a tourist
Stroll down Hollywood’s Avenue of the Stars in order to take a photo with your favourite celebrities’ plaques from Backstreet Boys to Jacky Chan.
7. An epic day trip loved by LA locals
Spend the day mountain-biking or hiking in Topanga Canyon taking in sweeping views of rocky mountains and desert fauna. Bike and helmet hire available from Topanga Creek Outpost, a 35-minute drive from West Hollywood.
8. Delights of Downtown
Head to Downtown LA for street food at Grand Central Market followed by a shopping trip at Row DTLA. Later, enjoy craft beer at a local brewery. Creature Comforts, Arts District Brewing Company and Boomtown Brewery are among favourites in particular.
9. Culture Quest
Spend the afternoon at Los Angeles County Museum of Art, showcasing famous artists such as Picasso and Cezanne as well as provocative exhibitions. Instead visit the Getty Museum, an architectural marvel housing world class art and photography.
10. Best shopping with brunch
Lastly, just off Melrose Avenue, Melrose Place is chic with an edge. Here, you’ll find everything from minimalist stationary shops and outdoor wear to stylish eateries and haute couture. While Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is renowned, this quiet street has its own claim to fame with a 90s Fox TV show sharing its name. Overall, it’s a local alternative with a more neighbourly feel.
Boutique hotels in LA
- Gold-Diggers hotel. Ten super stylish rooms with a shared lounge, bar and free parking in East Hollywood. Doubles from £170 per night.
- The Prospect Hollywood. Well-located, this boutique hotel has a sun terrace, garden, outdoor fireplace and bar all decorated in its bold, unique style. Doubles from £211 per night.
- Casa del Mar. For an exceptional stay, this stunning Santa Monica oceanfront hotel with 101 rooms has two onsite restaurants, an outdoor pool and hot tub. Doubles from £438 per night.
Eat your heart out
Breakfast: Breakfast burrito at Bread & Breakfast North Hollywood, open daily from 8am to 2pm
Lunch: A Double Double burger from In-N-Out made with fresh ingredients from within 600 miles
Dinner: Korean BBQ at Jeong Yuk Jeom in Korea Town, serving premium beef and wet aged meat
Drinks: Craft beer at one of many breweries in Downtown LA. Instead, for something more glam, choose from a list of rare mezcals and tequilas at Mírate named one of the 50 best bars in North America in 2024
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