What Can You Do in LA? Anything, if You Plan Right

LA can be an amazing place to take a vacation. The sun, the sand, Rodeo Drive, all the rest. It can also be a total nightmare if you’re not properly prepared. Fortunately, if you take the time to thoroughly research your trip in advance and plan everything out, you should do just fine.

 

There is a lot more to this magnificent place than just Hollywood. While you may well want to hit the famous sign on the hills, you should also look beyond it if you want to have a full Southern California experience.

Get your transport in order

 

Arguably the most important thing you need to know about LA is that car travel is an absolute MUST. We all know how famous the city’s highways are. Well, there is a reason for this. Some public transportation exists, but it is extremely limited, and much of it nowhere near the major hotels.

 

So do yourself a favor and get an airport transfer. Whether you are in LA, Scandinavia, or looking for a Thai taxi, you will need help getting to and from the airport.

 

What to do and what to skip

 

As far as tourist sites go, you likely want to hit some or all of the major ones: Disneyland, Hollywood Boulevard, Malibu Beach, Rodeo Drive, etc. This is all great, but if your priorities have more to do with having a nice, relaxing vacation, you might want to skip some of the most crowded stuff (particularly in summer).

 

Disneyland is great, but it can potentially have you and the kids waiting in line for hours during high season. And some of the beaches can be so crowded that you will barely find a place on the sand. Consider the following alternatives:

 

  • Instead of Disneyland, there are several great alternatives that you can try :

 

  • Knotts Berry Farm, which offers rides both moderate and extreme, as well as a special historic atmosphere;
  • Six Flags Magic Mountain, which offers more than 100 rides, games, and other kinds of attractions;
  • Adventure City, which is very small but has 17 different rides to choose from.

 

  • Instead of Malibu Beach, there are less crowded but equally as attractive beaches:

 

  • Santa Monica Beach, which has a ferris wheel and roller coaster;
  • Venice Beach, on which you will meet all sorts of street performers and artists, plus have a great selection of food to choose from;
  • Manhattan Beach, where you will witness some of the amazing surfing that the area is famous for.

 

Restaurants and hotels 

 

Other things you might want to think twice about are dining and lodging. While the most famous places might sound irresistible, remember that there are plenty of alternative options that might actually be more enjoyable for you. Keep in mind:

 

  • Not only does LA have some famous high-end Mexican restaurants; it is positively overflowing with amazing Mexican options:

 

  • You might try Guelaguetza, where the specialty is Oaxacan moles;
  • If you are into seafood, Coni’Seafood in Inglewood offers mariscos in Nayarit style;
  • Borreguitas in Pasadena caters to vegans, but is loved by all;
  • Even the fast food chains are incredible–try out King Taco, Benny’s Taco, and Tacos Galivan.

 

  • Your lodging options are vast; you can stay in a big-name hotel, or any one of several quaint, local-style places:

 

  • Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, situated on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and featuring a speakeasy, a bowling alley, and more;
  • Terranea Resort, which offers a full array of both land- and water-based activities;
  • Shutters on the Beach, which is a fully-beachfront resort offering outstanding service.

Get your tickets now!

LA is an amazing area. Regardless of your interests, you will likely find what you are looking for in Southern California. Just be sure to plan everything out in advance, book your tickets, and plan to get an airport transfer from GetTransfer so that you don’t have issues getting to and from the airport. If you take the time to get everything in order, you’ll be sure to have a fabulous trip!