image creditAll the tips and info you need before your trip
Overview
LA is a sprawling collection of neighborhoods that feels like many cities in one. You WILL need a car (or lots of Uber money). Distances are deceptive—"20 minutes away" often means 45+ with traffic.
Plan days by area to minimize driving. The weather is reliably perfect, which makes outdoor time the default.
Best Areas to Stay
FIRST TIME: Santa Monica/Venice—beach access, walkable, good food, Westside vibe. West Hollywood (WeHo)—central, nightlife, walkable strips. Hollywood—tourist sights nearby but grittier at night.
CULTURE + FOOD: Silver Lake/Los Feliz—hip, local feel, great restaurants. Downtown (DTLA)—revitalized, arts district, rooftop bars.
BEACH + RELAXED: Manhattan/Hermosa Beach—South Bay, quieter, beach town feel.
Money & Tipping
TIPPING IS ESSENTIAL: 18-22% at restaurants (expected, not optional). $1-2 per drink at bars. 15-20% for Uber/Lyft. Valets, bellhops: $2-5. Cards accepted almost everywhere—cash rarely needed except for some taco trucks and tips.
LA is a sprawling collection of neighborhoods that feels like many cities in one. You WILL need a car (or lots of Uber money). Distances are deceptive—"20 minutes away" often means 45+ with traffic.
Plan days by area to minimize driving. The weather is reliably perfect, which makes outdoor time the default.
FIRST TIME: Santa Monica/Venice—beach access, walkable, good food, Westside vibe. West Hollywood (WeHo)—central, nightlife, walkable strips. Hollywood—tourist sights nearby but grittier at night.
CULTURE + FOOD: Silver Lake/Los Feliz—hip, local feel, great restaurants. Downtown (DTLA)—revitalized, arts district, rooftop bars.
BEACH + RELAXED: Manhattan/Hermosa Beach—South Bay, quieter, beach town feel.
TIPPING IS ESSENTIAL: 18-22% at restaurants (expected, not optional). $1-2 per drink at bars. 15-20% for Uber/Lyft. Valets, bellhops: $2-5. Cards accepted almost everywhere—cash rarely needed except for some taco trucks and tips.