Los Angeles trips and vacations

California’s sunny capital of cool is a real-deal melting pot where art, music and the food trends of tomorrow rise to meet you like the breakers at Venice Beach. Vacations to Los Angeles cover lots of ground, from gallery hopping downtown to boutique shopping in Beverly Hills to walking in the footsteps of Hollywood legends. LA’s biggest star, however? The achingly beautiful coastline. 

Los Angeles vacation highlights

Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier

Active relaxation

Los Angeles offers much more than just a place to see and be seen. If you want to stay active during a trip to Los Angeles, there’s no shortage of outdoor fun. Surf in Malibu, hike in the hills (try the Mount Hollywood Trail in Bronson Canyon Park), go horseback riding in Griffith Park and spend a day at Santa Monica Trapeze School. You can even ski at Mountain High, just 90 minutes from the city.

The movie industry

There’s no escaping the fact that Los Angeles is the global heart of the movie industry. Experience it for yourself by taking a behind-the-scenes look at Warner Brothers Studios or a guided tour around famous filming locations across the city. Visit the Hollywood Hall of Fame and check out 100 years of movie memorabilia at the Hollywood Museum. 

Theme park paradise

Though Orlando takes the prize for Theme Park Capital of the World, Los Angeles is surely the runner up. Thrill-seekers book flights and hotels to visit the original Disneyland®, Disneyland California Adventure® Park, Universal Studios Hollywood and Knott’s Berry Farm. Don’t want to wait in line? Book the Genie+ and Lightning Lane passes and get quicker entry to select attractions.

Los Angeles: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-8 (PST) and UTC-7 (PDT)

High season

July – August

Low season

January – February

Find the best time to go to Los Angeles

Weather in Los Angeles

March — May: Los Angeles has pleasant weather year-round, but spring is one of the best seasons for travel. The days are warm, the city’s jacaranda trees explode with purple blooms, and you can spot whales off the coast.

June – August: The sunseekers arrive in summer, so expect attractions and hotels to be busy. On the hottest days, temperatures can climb over 100°F, though things usually stay comfortable near the coast.

September – November :Summer cools to mild fall days in the mid-70s°F. Evenings get crisp, so pack layers.

December – February: Winter can feel a lot like fall — warm and pleasant, with some bouts of rain thrown in. Keep an eye on the forecast and enjoy the palm trees draped in holiday lights.

Events in Los Angeles

Tournament of Roses Parade (January): Every New Year’s Day, a parade of floats decorated in flower petals and other plant material rolls through the streets of Pasadena. You can book grandstand seating or try your luck claiming precious sidewalk space along the route.

Los Angeles Marathon (March): Find a spot on the sidelines to watch thousands of runners from around the world pound through the city streets. Designated cheer zones and entertainment like lion dancers and taiko drummers add to the festivities.

LA Pride (June): This month-long party is one of the premier LGBTQ+ events in the US. March alongside a rollicking Hollywood parade and check out musical performances and block parties. Past celebrity guests have included Christina Aguilera and Ricky Martin.

We scan 100 billion prices, so you don't have to

Compare prices to score a cheap vacation to Los Angeles

Book your vacation to Los Angeles, all in one place

The best neighborhoods in Los Angeles

Pershing Square

Downtown

Wondering where to stay in Los Angeles? From Chinatown and Little Tokyo to the Historic Core, Downtown is home to culturally rich districts. Visit some of the city’s oldest buildings at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, and then eat your way through Grand Central Market. Get lost in a labyrinth of books at The Last Bookstore or enjoy expertly crafted cocktails at The Varnish.

Good for: Restaurants, nightlife, shopping

Third Street Promenade

Santa Monica

Stroll from your hotel to the white sand of Santa Monica Beach, then enjoy the designer boutiques and chic restaurants of Third Street Promenade. Traveling with the kids? With carnival games at the iconic Santa Monica Pier and a fantastic seaside bike path, this is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Los Angeles for families.

Good for: Families, carnival rides, beach

Venice Canals

Venice

There’s nowhere quite like the famous Venice Boardwalk. Witness bodybuilders flex at Muscle Beach, street performers entertain and a lively skateboarding culture at the ocean-view skate park. Check out the colorful graffiti of the Venice Art Walls and shop along Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Don’t miss out on a walk around the lovely bridges and homes of the Venice Canals district.

Good for: Street art, shopping, nightlife

Two Rodeo Drive

Beverly Hills

This iconic neighborhood is known for its famous filming locations, palm-fringed streets and endless sunshine. Join well-heeled locals for a stroll down Rodeo Drive, with its designer stores and cutting-edge architecture. Or dine at ritzy restaurants led by world-renowned chefs. And don’t forget to snap a photo of the Beverly Hills sign.

Good for: Movie locations, fine dining, shopping

Griffith Observatory

Hollywood

Follow in the footsteps of the stars in Hollywood. Whether you take a movie location tour, catch a show at an Art Deco theater or wander along Sunset Boulevard, silver screen history is everywhere here. For a night you’ll never forget, see some live music at the historic Hollywood Bowl amphitheater, perched in the Hollywood Hills.

Good for: Historic theaters, iconic streets, city views

Sunset Boulevard

West Hollywood

Los Angeles’ LGBTQ+ hub is a vibrant mishmash of art, culture and entertainment. By day, shop at luxury stores on Melrose Avenue, grab brunch at a vegan cafe or admire international works at the Pacific Design Center. By night, pick from upscale restaurants, kitschy diners and star-studded cocktail bars, then enjoy the world-famous nightlife on Sunset Boulevard.

Good for: LGBTQ+ culture, nightlife, shopping

Things to do in Los Angeles

Getty Center
Getty Center

Shopping

This is a city of dreams for fashion designers as well as those in show business, making shopping in Los Angeles an exclusive experience. For high-end luxury shopping, head to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. If you’re after a more eclectic shopping trip, Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood is the place to be. Here you’ll find quirky vintage stores and funky boutiques.

Take in the culture

Los Angeles is home to some of the most impressive cultural institutions and museums. Art enthusiasts will love the Getty Center for its famed collection of European art, themed gardens and standout architecture. There are also plenty of museums in Los Angeles to suit all tastes, such as Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn (open on the third Sunday of the month).

Nightlife

Turn up the heat after dark and experience the vibrant nightlife in Los Angeles. Get red carpet ready and do some star spotting at Beauty & Essex, a classy lounge bar and restaurant. Prefer a casual night out? Check out The Arts District Brewing Company in Downtown. Los Angeles also has many iconic live music venues, such as the Troubadour and the Roxy Theatre.

Places to eat

Los Angeles boasts a trendsetting and globally inspired food scene. Some of the best restaurants in Los Angeles include La Cabana in Venice Beach, Connie and Ted’s seafood restaurant in West Hollywood and Gjelina in Venice, known for its soulful Californian fare. For a meal that captures the city’s glitz, visit The Polo Lounge. There are plenty of vegan options too, such as Crossroads Kitchen.

Free things to do

There’s no need to spend lots of cash to explore the City of Angels. If you’re looking for free things to do in Los Angeles, start with a hike in Runyon Canyon Park – you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Los Angeles skyline. Exploring Venice Beach is also cheap and cheerful, with its lively atmosphere, street performers and independent boutiques.

Beaches

The beaches in Los Angeles are famous for good reason. Santa Monica Beach is hugely popular for its iconic Ferris wheel, volleyball courts and legendary pier. For a quieter, more secluded beach, visit the El Matador State Beach in Malibu. The cliffs and natural rock arches here make for great photos, especially at sunset.

Plan your trip to Los Angeles

Budget

For a cheap trip to Los Angeles, aim to travel in winter or fall. Temperatures are usually still pleasant, but the tourist crowds have thinned. An inexpensive meal will cost about 25 US dollars ($). You can order a local beer for about $9 and a cappuccino for under $6. A short cab ride clocks in at less than $15.

Day trips from Los Angeles

Just an hour’s boat ride from LA, Catalina Island is a former Hollywood hangout with a charming beachfront town. Don’t miss seeing the small herd of bison abandoned from a long-ago film shoot. A popular day trip up the coast, Santa Barbara is beloved for its elegant Spanish architecture and perfect beaches. You can usually get there in under two hours — depending on traffic.

Getting around Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a sprawling city. It’s best to plan your itinerary with the idea of spending the least amount of time in traffic as possible. The metro system is easy to use and connects LA’s main points of interest. To access more remote areas, you’ll want to rent a car. But always check your mapping app for traffic congestion before you travel.

FAQs about Los Angeles vacations

The United States dollar (USD) is what you'll be using for day-to-day purchases and outings during your trip to Los Angeles.
You’ll want to spend at least five days in Los Angeles to get the most out of your itinerary. If you can find good deals on flights and hotels to Los Angeles for two weeks, you’ll have time to mix city sightseeing with a little more beach time.
February brings the coolest conditions for a Los Angeles vacation. Plan your trip then and you'll find lows of 43ºF.
Your city break in Los Angeles can differ in price based on anything from your trip length to travel dates. To land the best deals on Los Angeles flights and hotels, stay flexible with your departure plans and look out for early bird offers and promotions.
With around 2.9 inches of rainfall, December is the wettest month. If you're taking your Los Angeles vacation then, you might want to have a few indoor activities lined up. Grab a bite at one of the city's best restaurants, head to an art gallery, or shop till you drop at the local stores.
English is the language you'll come across most while on your city break in Los Angeles.
Whether you're interested in art, history, or anything else, there are plenty of things to do in Los Angeles. Griffith Observatory and The Broad are just a taste of what awaits in this vacation-worthy destination.
August is the warmest month in Los Angeles, with temperatures peaking at 90ºF.
Los Angeles is generally considered to be a safe place to visit. As with all cities, there are some areas you’re better off avoiding, but you’re unlikely to visit them as a tourist. Follow all the precautions you would in any city and your trip to Los Angeles should run without a hitch.
Stretch your travel budget further when you lock in your Los Angeles flights and hotels in May. This is one of the cheapest months to visit Los Angeles and when airfares are at their most affordable.
Whatever time of year you book your trip to Los Angeles, the city rarely gets cold. So leave your heavy winter coats at home and bring a selection of light clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a pair of comfortable shoes for sightseeing.

More vacation inspiration

Do I need a visa travelling from Canada?

Do I need a visa travelling from Canada?

How to book a multi-day layover to see another city

How to book a multi-day layover to see another city

The shortest international flights from Canada

The shortest international flights from Canada