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Guide to Los Angeles

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An Insider's Guide to All Things Los Angeles

Are you planning a trip to Los Angeles? Will you be relocating to Los Angeles in the near future? Are you a new Los Angeles resident and looking for help? You'll find everything you need to enjoy your time in L.A. right here.

Want more in-depth, insider information on Los Angeles? Visit our website LA4Beginners.com, the no-frills guide to enjoying L.A. for visitors and new residents.

Best Places to Stay in L.A.

Finding a hotel in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is spread out, and therefore, so are the hotels. Plus, with so many hotels in the area, it can be difficult to choose. To save on gas, first consider where you'll be spending most of your time and then look for a hotel nearby.

When all else fails, try one of these popular Los Angeles hotels, known for their excellent service and comfortable accommodations. Visit LA4Beginners.com for even more Los Angeles hotels.

Top 10 Things to Do

Don't miss these activities and sights on your trip to L.A.

Los Angeles has so much to offer -- entertainment, arts, the outdoors -- that sometimes it can be difficult for visitors to plan their trip. Here are the Top 10 must-do activities and must-see attractions for any L.A. first-timer.

For more ideas on things to do or see while you're in Los Angeles, visit LA4Beginners.com.
  • The Getty Center: The art is great, but the tram ride up the mountain and the beautiful gardens are the things you'll remember.
  • Grauman's Chinese Theatre: The Walk of Fame and theatre tour are neat, but the hand and footprints of Hollywood's greatest stars in the cement in front of Grauman's is a window into big-screen history.
  • Malibu: Driving north of Santa Monica on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) will put you in one of the most interesting and upscale beach town's in the U.S. Stop for some fresh fish on the way and take in a great view of the edge of the continent.
  • Downtown Walking Tours: Downtown Los Angeles may not be NYC or Chicago, but you'll find great architecture and some truly fascinating history on these informative tours, run by the LA Conservancy.
  • L.A. Farmer's Market: Located in the Miracle Mile area, this permanent structure has been offering up some of the best food in Los Angeles for decades, plus it's right next door to the new outdoor Grove mall, where you can shop, listen to live music and catch a movie.
  • Petersen Automotive Museum: If you're an auto enthusiast, you'll be in heaven at the Petersen, where you can feast your eyes on classic rides and concept cars.
  • Hollywood Forever Cemetery: For historical film buffs, this cemetery is an essential stop on your trip to Los Angeles. Pay your respects at the graves of your favorite old Hollywood stars including Cecil B. DeMille, Jayne Mansfield, Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks and more.
  • Paley Center for Media: TV fans will have a ball at the former Museum of Television and Radio, where you can watch nearly any episode of your favorite show(s).
  • Melrose Avenue: Featuring high-end furniture stores and the Pacific Design Center at the west end, and trendy clothing, music and gift stores further east, Melrose has something unique to offer nearly everyone.
  • The Derby: Fans of the movie Swingers will remember this longtime Los Angeles dining and dancing establishment. Make reservations early to book one of the booths to get the best view of L.A.'s top swing dancers while dining.

L.A. Nightlife Reviews from Yelp

Clubs, bars, live music and more.

Looking for something to do when the sun goes down? There's plenty to do, from standup comedy to dance halls to bars of all types.

Here some of the after-dark spots that Los Angeles residents love. For more information on the best bars and hottest clubs in Los Angeles, visit LA4Beginners.com.

Here's what Yelpers have to say about Night Life in 90046

Grand Performances (Los Angeles)  
"I love the Grand Performances @ the water court! I fell in love with Afro Pop because of the Africa Fete series they used to have back in the early days. I..." more
Tuesday Night Café Project (Los Angeles)  
"A really great experience, all the artist are really good. Can get a bit chilly at night so bring a jacket! Overall a really great project going on." more
Le Pour Haus (Los Angeles)  
"what a great little addition to DTLA. I love this little neighborhood, Industrial street which also houses Church and Street Restaurant. The wine is great..." more
Ford Theatres: Ford Amphitheatre & INSIDE the Ford (Los Angeles)  
"100 days of summer brought me to this place. I loved every part of this theatre. Great view of Hollywood and easy access to the venue from the freeway...." more
Walt Disney Concert Hall (Los Angeles)  
"Amazing sound from any location. The staff is great. Convenient parking." more
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Los Angeles Neighborhoods

Unlike many cities, Los Angeles is a sprawing metropolis with tons of unique neighborhoods. Each has its own personality and reasons to visit. Some of L.A.'s neighborhoods are actually cities in their own rights, with police departments and school districts, while others are part of the "unincorporated" areas of Los Angeles city.

Some of the best known L.A. neighborhoods include Beverly Hills, Malibu, Santa Monica and Hollywood. But if you'll be making your first trip to Los Angeles, why not venture outside the "usual" destinations and pop in on some of L.A.'s other neighborhoods like Silverlake, Los Feliz, Venice, West Hollywood or Studio City?

To find out more about the various Los Angeles neighborhoods and what they offer, visit LA4Beginners.com.

Books for Tourists

Must-read guides to all of L.A.'s top attractions

Want more information on visiting Los Angeles? Make sure to visit LA4Beginners.com for the lowdown on popular sights, attractions, activities and more.
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Traveling to L.A.

Find a flight to Los Angeles

No matter where you're coming from, there's no shortage of flights to Los Angeles. Don't forget to visit LA4Beginners.com for tips and advice on finding the best Los Angeles travel deals.

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Los Angeles News

The local stories Angelenos are talking about

Keep up on the latest local news affecting Los Angeles and southern California in general.
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The Angeleno Poll

Taking the pulse of Los Angeles

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Los Angeles Weather

Today's Temps

Weather in Los Angeles is very mild, with warm weather a staple for most of the year. Around the middle of the summer, L.A. often experiences weeks of cloudy weather (though rarely any rain) known by residents as "June Gloom". Regardless of the time of year you'll be visiting Los Angeles, it's a good idea to check the weather first before packing.

Shirts and Mugs from CafePress

When you've just had enough of your commute

If you've spent more than an afternoon in Los Angeles, you know that the L.A. freeways are the bane of everyone's existence. Show your disdain for the 405, 101 or 10 freeway with one of our nifty shirts or mugs! For a wider selection, visit the LA4Beginners CafePress store!
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L.A. Feedback

Share your thoughts

What do you think of this lens and Los Angeles in general? Have a tip for visitors? Let us know!

  • SanDiegoGeorge Aug 12, 2008 @ 5:15 pm | delete
    I gave you a 5* and a favorite. I love your site. The Getty is my favorite spot. Check out San Diego Vacation Rentals
  • Jul 31, 2008 @ 1:11 pm | delete
    Lovely Lens 5* and a favourite and welcome to Travelmania Group
    Tapir Travel
  • KimGiancaterino Jul 28, 2008 @ 1:32 pm | delete
    Very nice! I love Shutters on the Beach and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Welcome to All Things Travel.
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LA4Beginners

Danielle is a longtime Los Angeles resident and editor of LA4Beginners.com, an insider's guide to visiting or moving to Los Angeles. more »

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