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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.

Drinking on the sidewalk, the beach, in a park, or any other public space is prohibited by law, and you will be fined if caught.