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The chief tourist season in LA is in July and August when the beaches are fairly pleasant though inland areas can get uncomfortably hot and smoggy. Another good time to visit Los Angeles is in winter, which brings less smog, smaller crowds, and plummetting hotel prices.

LA has a moderate climate with low humidity and cool evenings, even in summer. Rain is most likely from January to March. Summers are sunny and pleasant.

Californians dress casually, but LA can be chilly in winter, and even in summer you’ll need a jacket or sweater in the evenings, especially near the coast. Sunglasses and hats are must-haves, and are easily available anywhere in LA.

Los Angeles is huge and offers a wide variety of accomodations. Santa Monica is the most visitor-friendly of the beach towns. Beverly Hills is for the wealthy, while downtown and Pasadena are great places to stay for culture-vultures and architecture fans. Urban types should opt for the hip and happening Hollywood or West Hollywood.

Most US insurance is effective throughout the country, but those with foreign insurance coverage should take out comprehensive travel insurance before arriving in the US. Most insurance plans include luggage theft or loss, but what is most crucial is that they should cover medical emergencies.

Citizens of the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and several other countries – mostly European – need a valid machine-readable passport to visit the US for a period of up to 90 days. If you arrive by air or sea, you must present a round-trip ticket. Nationals of all other countries require a visa. Regulations may change, so check with a US consulate or the US State Department’s websites.

The US has 115-120V current, rather than the 220V current used in other countries. Plugs are of the two-prong variety. Appliances that are not compatible with this electrical system require a transformer and/or an adapter.

Unlike most other nations, the US does not use the metric system. Weight is measured in ounces, pounds, and tons; distances in inches, feet, yards, and miles; and temperature in Fahrenheit. Carry a pocket converter or conversion chart for convenience.

LA is in the Pacific Time Zone, which is eight hours behind GMT – when it’s midnight in LA it’s 3am the next day in New York, 8am in the UK, 9am in Central Europe, and 6pm in Australia and New Zealand.

In restaurants a tip of 15 to 20 percent is standard. An easy way to figure out the amount is by doubling the sales tax shown on your bill. Cab drivers, masseurs, hairdressers, and other service personnel expect about 10 to 15 percent.

The current sales tax in LA is about 8.25 percent. It must be added to all restaurant bills, and non-food items such as clothing, alcohol, and suntan lotion; it is included in gasoline prices, theater tickets, and museum admissions. Services are not taxable. Hotel rooms are subject to an occupancy tax which varies slightly within Los Angeles, from 12 percent in Santa Monica to 14 percent in Beverly Hills.

LA Inc, the city’s visitors bureau, operates two visitor information centers. In addition, cities such as Santa Monica and Beverly Hills have their own offices.

A great source for events listings is the Los Angeles Times daily Calendar section; the LA Weekly , a freebie available across town, also provides good “what’s-on” information.

Foreign and out-of-town newspapers and periodicals may be found at the airport, in bookstores such as Barnes & Noble, as well as at specialty newsstands around LA.

All the major TV networks have studios in Los Angeles, including KNBC (Channel 4) and FOX (Channel 11). WB (Warner Bros, Channel 5) and UPN (Channel 13) are smaller networks, while KCAL (Channel 9) is a local station.

Numerous radio stations crowd the LA air waves – Arrow 93 (93.1FM) features rock oldies, The Wave (94.7FM) offers smooth jazz, KISS (102.7FM) plays Top 40 chart music, and K-Mozart (105.1FM) presents classical sounds. KCRW (89.9F) is LA’s main affiliate of NPR (National Public Radio).

Banks, offices, and some museums are closed on these national holidays – Jan 1, Martin Luther King Jr. Day (3rd Mon in Jan), Presidents’ Day (3rd Mon in Feb), Memorial Day (last Mon in May), Independence Day (Jul 4), Labor Day (1st Mon in Sep), Columbus Day (2nd Mon in Oct), Veterans’ Day (Nov 11), Thanksgiving (4th Thu in Nov), and Christmas Day (Dec 25).

Stores in shopping malls and streets are usually open from 10am to 9pm Monday to Saturday, and to 6pm on Sunday. Banks are closed on weekends, but ATMs are accessible 24/7.

International and national flights land at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), while smaller airports in Burbank, Ontario, Irvine, and Long Beach serve only domestic flights.

Travelers arriving in the US are permitted to import one liter of liquor, 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars), and $100 worth of gifts ($400 for US or permanent residents) without incurring customs fees. No meat, seeds, plants, or fresh fruit may be brought in.

Anyone arriving in the US must complete one customs declaration per household and, in the case of non-citizens, immigration form I-94. Strict security checks, involving the taking of photographs and fingerprints, are now in place for those arriving in the US on a visa.

LAX occupies a vast ocean-adjacent plot of land about 5 miles (8 km) south of Santa Monica and 16 miles (25 km) southwest of downtown and Hollywood. The free Shuttle A bus frequently connects each of the eight terminals, including the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

Several shuttle buses stop outside each terminal on the lower level of LAX. Door-to-door van shuttles are usually more economical than taxis but are also more time-consuming. Most airport area hotels operate a free pick-up service.

Taxis must be summoned by a dispatcher waiting outside each terminal on the arrival level. Fares vary but range from $20–35, to Santa Monica, downtown, and Hollywood. Note that an airport surcharge applies to all trips originating from LAX.

Domestic travelers might be able to obtain cheaper fares for flights to regional LA airports, which are also smaller and less busy than LAX. Burbank is close to downtown, Pasadena, and the major movie studios. Airports in Long Beach and Irvine are convenient if you are headed for Disneyland.

Amtrak trains arriving at the historic Union Station in downtown include the Coast Starlight from Seattle, the Southwest Chief from Chicago, and the Sunset Limited from Orlando. The Pacific Surf-liner that travels between San Diego and San Luis Obispo also stops here.

Greyhound operates a vast network of air-conditioned coaches all across the US. Bus travel is cheapest but is much slower and a suitable option only if you’re arriving from nearby cities such as San Francisco or Las Vegas. Buses stop at the main Greyhound terminal in an industrial section of downtown, an area best avoided after dark.

Unlike other major cities, a car is essential to getting around LA quickly because of the great distances involved. Rentals require a credit card and driver’s license.

US insurance policies generally cover rental cars as well, while foreign ones almost never do. Check with your insurer for details. Some credit cards may provide secondary coverage if used to pay for the rental.

Free street parking is available in most neighborhoods, although it pays to study the posted restrictions. Stopping or parking is not allowed at red curbs. Some cities, including Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, have inexpensive city-run parking lots. Valet parking is common at restaurants and the better hotels.

By and large, LA is relatively easy to navigate. Wearing a seatbelt, even in the backseat, is compulsory. Unless posted otherwise, the speed limit is 35 mph (56 km/h) on city streets and 55 mph (89 km/h) on freeways. Turning right on a red light at intersections is legal unless otherwise posted.

Locals swear by the book-sized Thomas Guide, but a general street map should suffice for getting around. You’ll find these at gas stations or convenience stores, although the most current ones are those published by the American Automobile Association (AAA).

Getting around town by taxi can be a pricey proposition unless you’re traveling as a group or are only going a short distance. Taxi drivers usually won’t respond to being hailed but must be ordered in advance.

Getting around LA using public transportation is best reserved for short distances or cross-town travel. The network consists of buses, light rail lines, and a subway line, most of which are operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

The downtown DASH buses and the Big Blue Bus in Santa Monica/ Venice/Westwood offer good service. For a cheap mini tour, take MTA’s express Metro Rapid No. 720 from Santa Monica to downtown along Wilshire Boulevard through Beverly Hills.

MTA operates three light rail lines – the Blue Line from downtown to Long Beach, the Green Line from Redondo Beach to Norwalk, and the brand-new Gold Line from downtown to Pasadena. MTA’s Red Line, LA’s only subway route, goes from downtown to Universal City through Hollywood.

During these daily walking tours led by knowledgeable guides, you are made to wear special audio-systems to cut out traffic noise. Catch up on Hollywood history, and learn about the grand old days of downtown and its exciting new architecture.

The LA Conservancy conducts wonderful architecture-themed guided walking tours of downtown every Saturday morning.

For an “illuminating” look at LA, join the night tour organized by the Museum of Neon Art, which takes you through neon signs, both historic and contemporary, and sparkling movie marquees.

Fisherman’s Village in Marina del Rey, San Pedro’s Ports O’ Call Village, and Shoreline Village in Long Beach are all departure points for various boat cruises, including spins around the harbors and whale-watching trips.

Sample the pleasures of the canals of Long Beach’s Naples neighborhood aboard an authentic Venetian gondola.

This company offers classic narrated bus tours of LA, including the popular two-hour Movie Stars’ Homes Tour and the 5 1/2-hour Grand Tour of Los Angeles. Tours depart continuously throughout the day.

Exploring LA from the saddle is a great way to see the city while staying fit. The guided and narrated tours focus on specific neighborhoods but rides in the Santa Monica Mountains can also be organized.

This company organizes several land- and sea-based excursions lasting from one to four hours. Options include a glass-bottom boat tour and the excellent Island Tour.

LACMA in midtown (see Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)) offers up to five different gallery talks daily. The Getty (see The Getty Center) also runs daily art, architecture, and garden tours.

Heavy traffic is one of LA’s major drawbacks. To prevent being stuck in a traffic jam, especially on freeways, avoid traveling from 7 to 9am and 4 to 7pm on week days. Traffic is also heavy on Sunday afternoons and at the beginning and end of holiday periods.

Visitors to LA rarely fall victim to attacks on person or property. Most areas are perfectly safe for walking around, especially during the day. Keep your wits about you in east LA and south-central LA, and stay away altogether from these neighborhoods after dark. The streets of Hollywood and Venice, and beaches and parks are also dodgy after sundown.

During the main tourist season in July and August, crowds at major attractions often swell to capacity, especially at big theme parks such as Disneyland and Universal Studios, where two-hour waits for three-minute rides are common. Remember to pack water and plenty of patience.

LA’s ocean waters may not be as pristine as those of Polynesia, but they are clean enough for frolicking in the surf at most times. The major exception is after rainy days when garbage flushes straight from the storm drains into the ocean, dangerously raising pollution levels. Swimming is prohibited for three days after the rains have stopped.

This pesky weather phenomenon arrives almost like clockwork in late spring, cloaking the entire city in a thick layer of fog and clouds that last days and weeks at a time. Visitors drawn to LA by the legendary California sunshine and the laid-back summer lifestyle should avoid the city during this month.

LA novice visitors sometimes make the mistake of packing too much sightseeing into a single day, which can be exhausting. Don’t underestimate the time it takes to travel between attractions or the tiring summer heat. If limited time is a factor, join an organized tour or focus your explorations on a single neighborhood.

Higher costs, packed planes and airports, frayed nerves, and crowded attractions are among the main factors that make travel during major holidays (see General Information) a stressful affair. Avoid scheduling your trip around Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

As if LA’s heavy traffic wasn’t bad enough, many people tend to adopt an unpleasant and aggressive attitude behind the wheel. Sudden lane changes right in front of you, not allowing you to change lanes, or driving right behind you are just some of the antics. Keep your cool and don’t allow the situation to escalate. In case the situation worsens, make sure your car doors are locked.

Compared to most European nations, America is, overall, a rather prudish country. Dropping your bikini top on the beach will not only generate unwelcome stares but quite possibly, a fine as well. Most restaurants, even casual ones located on the beach, require a minimum of shorts, a t-shirt, and shoes.

Some of the best things to see and do in Los Angeles don’t cost a cent – bumming around in the beach, strolling down the Venice Boardwalk, hiking up the Santa Monica Mountains, touring the Getty Center, or listening to street musicians on the Third Street Promenade are some fantastic options.

Some of LA’s finest museums, including the Getty Center, the California Science Center, and the California African American Museum, do not charge admission. Many others offer free entry once a week or once a month.

If you’re planning to immerse yourself in Hollywood glamour, City Pass buys admission to five major attractions and tours for a nominal sum. This currently includes Universal Studios, the Autry Museum of Western Heritage, the Hollywood Entertainment Museum, Starline Bus Tours, and Kodak Theatre.

Summer is a great time for free outdoor concerts and events. Venues hosting regular performances include the Santa Monica Pier, the Getty Center, the Skirball Center, and the Water Court near MOCA. Free festivals celebrating LA’s multicultural tapestry take place all year.

Watch your favorite TV stars in action by attending a live taping at a major studio. Free tickets are available through Audiences Unlimited or from studio audience scouts in places such as the Venice Boardwalk or the Farmers Markets.

While hostels are great for gregarious types, chain motels are best for budget travelers in need of privacy. Some motels and hotels offer American Automobile Association members and its affiliates a discount. Bargaining is possible during the slack tourist season. Look for coupon magazines available at gas stations and tourist offices.

Bargains abound in LA, with department stores and boutiques mounting special sales year-round, especially around public holidays. For extra savings, look for coupons in the Sunday Los Angeles Times . Flea markets, vintage stores, and thrift shops offer unique finds at cut-throat prices.

Tanking up for little money is very easy in LA. Fast-food and chain restaurants are ubiquitous, of course, but it’s also possible to eat cheaply at better restaurants. Go for lunch instead of dinner, avoid ordering alcoholic drinks, and take advantage of promotions or “early bird” specials served before the dinner rush.

A fun way to wind down the day, Happy Hours are usually held on weekdays between 5pm and 7pm, though precise hours may vary. Most eateries also offer free snacks or a discounted appetizer menu.

Most banks are open from Monday through Friday, usually from 9am or 10am to 6pm, though a few branches also do business on Saturday until 1pm or 2pm. Branches of Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Washington Mutual can be found all across LA.

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are found at almost all banks and are open 24 hours a day. Most are equipped to handle transactions using bank and credit cards linked to one of the worldwide networks, such as Star, Plus, or Cirrus. A small fee is usually required.

A credit card is a very common form of payment in the US, with nearly universal acceptance of MasterCard and Visa and, to a lesser extent, American Express and JCB. Cash advances from ATMs using credit cards mostly start accruing interest immediately.

Traveler’s checks in US dollars are widely accepted in restaurants, supermarkets, banks, and stores; personal checks on an out-of-state (outside California) or foreign account are not. Practically all banks cash traveler’s checks for a fee; American Express offices encash their company-issued checks for free. Bring a passport or some form of ID.

Public telephones can be found on city streets throughout LA, as well as in gas stations, libraries, shopping malls, beaches, and many other places. Phones only accept coins, which can be a hassle when making long-distance calls. Many pay phones accept incoming calls as well.

Prepaid phone cards eliminate the need for coins at pay phones and may also help save on calls placed from hotels. Available in many supermarkets, gas stations, and electronics stores in amounts starting at $5, they require you to dial a toll-free access number before making your call. Read the small print as some of the less respectable ones come with extra charges on top of the per minute rate.

General post office hours are 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm Saturday, though timings may vary slightly from branch to branch. For specifics and branch locations, call 800-275-8777. Stamps are easily available in supermarkets too.

Postage for letters sent within the US costs 37 cents for the first ounce and 23 cents for each additional ounce; a postcard stamp is 23 cents. One-ounce airmail letters cost 80 cents and postcards 70 cents.

The US Postal Service (USPS) offers overnight service within the US, and global two- to three-day delivery. FedEx and UPS are the dominant private courier services.

Dial 911 for any kind of emergency (ambulance, police, fire, etc). A toll-free number, it will be answered by an operator who will send out the respective emergency response service.

In a serious emergency, medical assistance is available 24 hours a day in hospital emergency rooms. Cheaper alternatives are urgent care clinics, which accept patients on a walk-in basis. Call your insurance company for a referral to a local doctor or check the Yellow Pages in case of non-emergencies.

If traveling without insurance, you can keep medical costs low by visiting a subsidized clinic.

Major drugstore chains such as Sav-on, Longs Drugs, and Rite Aid contain full-service pharmacies, most of which keep late hours (many remain open 24 hours a day). If you take prescription drugs, it’s best to bring along your own supply.

Most US policies are effective throughout the country, but those with foreign insurance coverage should take out medical insurance before arriving in the US, where healthcare costs tend to be astronomical.

Lathering up with sunscreen is essential in the fierce California sunshine unless you want to walk around with the complexion of a boiled lobster. Remember that UVA and UVB rays can do their damage even in cloudy weather.

LA tap water is heavily chlorinated and not particularly tasty despite being perfectly drinkable. Most people prefer bottled water, which is widely available. Free water served in restaurants is always tap water. The water quality in Santa Monica Bay has improved significantly in the last decade, making swimming in the ocean safe in most places, except after rainstorms when pollution levels rise temporarily (see Public Drinking).

Lighting up is illegal in most public places, including airports, post offices, stores, theaters, as well as in all restaurants and cafés, though some allow smoking at outdoor tables. Some bars and nightclubs have separate outdoor patios and lounges for smoking.

Despite a reputation to the contrary, Los Angeles is a fairly safe city, especially in neighborhoods with the greatest appeal for tourists. Of course, common sense applies – be aware of your surroundings when using the ATM, watch your purse or wallet in crowded areas, and remember to lock your hotel room before leaving (see Crime-prone Areas).

Los Angeles is a relatively accessible town for those with visual, mobility, or hearing impairments. Most public buildings, museums, and restaurants have ramps and special bathrooms for the wheelchair-bound. Curbs are cut to facilitate movement, hotels have rooms with extra wide doors, and car rental agencies offer special hand-controlled cars.

Nearly all buses and railway cars operated by MTA, LA’s main public transportation agency, are accessible to people in wheelchairs. Buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and all Metro Rail stations have walkways, ramps, or elevators. Access Services Incorporated also provides transportation for disabled people.

Almost all museums and attractions in Los Angeles offer discounted admission to senior citizens, though age limits at which these kick in range from 50 to 65. Airlines, Amtrak trains, and Greyhound buses may also offer reduced rates. Members of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) qualify for certain additional benefits.

LA is a cosmopolitan city, and women travelers should not have any special problems. Gaining admission to trendy nightclubs is much easier for women than for men.

LA has a large gay and lesbian community, which is centered in West Hollywood; Santa Monica Boulevard, especially, is packed with happening bars, restaurants, and fitness clubs.

The LA Gay and Lesbian Center is the main local advocacy group, which also offers counseling and confidential AIDS tests. Free magazines are available in bars, eateries, and bookshops.

LA doesn’t really have a dedicated “Latin Quarter,” though Westwood Village, next to UCLA, probably comes closest. Most of the beach towns have serious party scenes, especially Venice and Hermosa Beach. STA Travel, a student-oriented travel agency, has several branches in town.

Always carry your student ID to qualify for a wide range of discounts, from transportation to movie tickets. Foreign students should carry an International Student Identity Card (ISIC).

Shopping malls, public restrooms, restaurants, and departmental stores have diaper-changing stations. Most restaurants have highchairs.