Los Angeles: Latest 2025 Travel Guide
🌟 Los Angeles Travel Guide
📍 Must-see attractions
1. Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Features : More than 2,700 celebrities' names are engraved on the star-shaped floor tiles, making it a pilgrimage site for movie fans.
- Editor's Tip : Keep an eye out for the celebrity handprints and footprints in front of the TCL Chinese Theatre, where long lines line up to check them out!
2. Griffith Observatory
- Features : Free admission, super beautiful night view, you can see the big sign on Hollywood Hill in the distance.
- Editor’s Tip : We recommend going at dusk, watching the sunset first and then waiting for the night view, so you can capture two romantic moments at once.
3. Union Square + Downtown LA
- Highlights : The Broad Museum of Modern Art , Walt Disney Concert Hall , and Little Tokyo nearby.
- Editor’s tip : Art fans should set aside time to explore.
4. Santa Monica Beach & Pier
- Features : A classic beach, a pier with a Ferris wheel and an amusement park, and the terminus of Route 66.
- Editor’s Tip : Cycle along the waterfront to Venice Beach to experience the street art and skateboarding culture.
5. Universal Studios Hollywood
- Features : A paradise for movie fans, the Harry Potter area and Studio Tour are both very popular.
- Editor’s Tip : Buying an Express Pass will save you a lot of time queuing!
6. Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive
- Features : A luxurious shopping street full of famous brands, where you can also gossip about celebrities' mansions.
7. Arts District
- Features : A cultural and artistic district that has emerged in recent years, filled with murals and cafes.
🍴 Must-eat food in Los Angeles
LA is a melting pot of immigrants, with a diverse food scene, including Mexican, Korean, and Japanese cuisine.
- Tacos : Street stalls are the most authentic, and Al Pastor (roast pork) is a must-try.
- Korean BBQ (K-BBQ) : The famous Koreatown, a paradise for meat lovers.
- In-N-Out Burger : The ultimate California burger, be sure to try the "Animal Style" hidden menu.
- Sushi & Ramen : There are many authentic Japanese restaurants in Little Tokyo.
- American Steak & BBQ : Large and generous portions.
- Desserts : The Original Farmers Market has a specialty dessert shop.
👉 Editor's recommendation: After your trip to Santa Monica Beach, grab some Mexican tacos and some ice cream at a dessert shop—the perfect summer combo!
🚗 Los Angeles Transportation Guide
City transportation
- Driving (most convenient) : LA is large and crowded, and tourist attractions are scattered, so renting a car is basically necessary.
- Metro Rail : The Red Line goes to Hollywood, and the Expo Line goes directly to Santa Monica, suitable for tourists who don't want to drive.
- Metro Bus : Wide coverage, but severe traffic jams and difficult to control travel time.
- Ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft) : A good option for night trips or short trips.
Airport Transportation
- LAX Airport → Downtown: You can take FlyAway Bus, Uber/Lyft, or rent a car.
👉 Editor's tip: If you're not used to driving in the US, consider staying in downtown or Hollywood and relying on the subway and Uber to explore major attractions.
🎯 Editor's Summary
Los Angeles is a city where "dreams and sunshine coexist" :
- Must-see for movie fans → Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios 🎬
- Nature lovers → Griffith Observatory + Santa Monica Beach 🌅
- Literary Soul → Downtown LA Art Gallery + Arts District 🎨
- Foodie → Tacos, Korean BBQ, In-N-Out Burger 🍔🌮
🗓️4 -day Los Angeles itinerary
📍 Day 1: Hollywood Classic Tour
-
morning
- After arriving, go to the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Visit the TCL Chinese Theatre and see the handprints and footprints of celebrities
-
noon
- Lunch Recommendation: In-N-Out Burger (Must Try the "Animal Style")
-
afternoon
- A must-see for movie fans: Madame Tussauds Hollywood
- Or go to the Hollywood Museum
-
night
- Climb to the Griffith Observatory and watch the sunset + night view
- Dinner Recommendation: Mexican Restaurants in Hollywood (Tacos 🌮)
📍 Day 2: Cinema Fun Day
-
Morning to afternoon
- A full day at Universal Studios Hollywood
- Must-see attractions: Studio Tour, Harry Potter Land, Transformers 3D, Jurassic World
-
noon
- Free food at restaurants within the park (snacks recommended)
-
night
- After leaving the park, you can go to CityWalk shopping street , which has restaurants and shops.
- Dinner Recommendation: Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (Shrimp dishes with a strong American atmosphere)
📍 Day 3: Beach & Hipster Experience
-
morning
- Heading to Santa Monica Beach & Pier 🎡
- Cycle or stroll to Venice Beach to experience street art and skateboarding culture
-
noon
- Lunch Recommendation: Blue Plate Taco near Santa Monica (Super Popular Tacos)
-
afternoon
- Return to the city center and visit The Broad Museum of Modern Art (free but reservation required)
- Take photos along the way → Walt Disney Concert Hall
-
night
- Dinner recommendation: Little Tokyo Japanese cuisine 🍣
- If you still have the energy, you can go to the Arts District to check out the cafes and murals.
📍 Day 4: Luxury & Shopping Day
-
morning
- Go to Beverly Hills and take a photo of the classic landmark
- Stroll along Rodeo Drive , where famous brands gather 👜
-
noon
- Lunch Recommendation: The Ivy (Celebrity Favorite, You Might Spot Someone!)
-
afternoon
- Go to The Original Farmers Market + The Grove Shopping Center
- Enjoy desserts while shopping🍩🍦
-
night
- Enjoy a relaxing dinner on the last night → Korean BBQ in Koreatown 🍖
- Editor’s recommendation: Kang Ho-dong Baekjeong , extremely popular!
🚗 Transportation Tips
- Renting a car and driving : The most convenient, especially in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Downtown and other places.
- Subway : The Red Line goes to Hollywood, and the Expo Line goes directly to Santa Monica.
- Uber/Lyft : Good for nighttime or short trips.
🎯 Editor's Summary
The 4-day Los Angeles itinerary was just perfect:
- Day 1 → Hollywood + Starry Night View 🌌
- Day 2 → Universal Studios 🎢
- Day 3 → Beach + Art 🎨
- Day 4 → Luxury Shopping + Korean BBQ 🍖