What You Need to Know Before You Visit LA

Los Angeles. The City of Angels. The City of Stars. Hollywood. 

There’s a reason why this southern California city gets millions of tourists and visitors every year. It’s alluring, it’s all glitz and glam, and it’s the ultimate travel experience you wouldn’t want to miss! Whether it’s for a short weekend or a longer stay, there will always be something to catch your attention and keep you busy on your feet.

Before you book your flight and pack your bags, you should do some research first as to what you can expect to do in the city. From transportation to lodgings, events to tourist hotspots, and even luggage storage in Los Angeles, you’ll have a much better time exploring if you get these details down pat first.

LA is Both County and City

First things first. Hollywood tourist spots you’ve been meaning to see are located in Los Angeles City, which is but one of the several cities located in Los Angeles County.

The distinction is important so that you can find the right location, depending on the activities you want to do. Hollywood tours? LA City. Staples Center? Downtown LA. Santa Monica Pier? Santa Monica City, Los Angeles County. Malibu Beach? Malibu City, Los Angeles County. You get the drift.

The more specific you are about your preferred location, the better your choices will be. And understanding the location you’ll be staying at is crucial because, well, LA as a whole is better explored with a car.

LA is Expansive – Drive a Car!

LA is one of the most notorious cities in the states when it comes to traffic. That’s because there are a lot of cars. There are a lot of cars because, well, there are a lot of people in it. As in four million people, which makes Los Angeles the second biggest city in the entire United States!

While LA (the city) does have subways and buses running around, its network is certainly not as expansive as other major California cities, like San Francisco. Unless you want to be at the mercy of ride-sharing apps and their ridiculous surge prices (especially during rush hours), you might as well bring your car. Otherwise, just rent one.

Don’t Be Fooled by the Sun

Okay, so LA is usually portrayed as this super sunny, carefree, summery city, right? The sun’s shining brightly, after all, and the palm trees make for a picture-perfect view. What you don’t get to feel from these images, however, is the cool breeze that comes with it.

There’s morning fog, usually, but it tapers off as the day wears on. The sun comes into the picture, so you’d want to wear sunscreen first of all before heading out. But then as the sun sets, it WILL get chilly. Especially if you’re anywhere near the ocean.

So, while flip flops, tank tops, and shorts are more than fitting for a day out, don’t leave home without your sunscreen, shades, and a sweatshirt or light jacket.

Don’t Lug Your Luggage Around

You wouldn’t want to go around the city with your personal belongings in tow! Not only is it inconvenient, but it’s also unnecessary. Whether you’re rushing to pack in as much as you can on your trip, or if you’re simply an unstoppable shopping machine, you can find luggage storage in Los Angeles.

Hop on and off tour buses one after the other, line up for crazy hours at that popular brunch spot you’ve been dreaming to go to, or go off and explore other tourist attractions beyond what the city has to offer. The possibilities are endless–and all you have to do to get started is stow your luggage away in a trustworthy luggage service center.

And with that, off you go!