Where is Los Angeles?
The city of Los Angeles, often referred to as the city of Angels or simply L.A., is the largest city in the state of California by population. It is located in southern California in the Los Angeles Basin not far from the Pacific Ocean.
It is known as an entertainment capital and is home to Hollywood. The second most populous city in the United States, it is home to almost four million people with over 13 million in the surrounding metropolitan area.
How to get to Los Angeles?
Because Los Angeles is such a large city, there are a few options to reach it. One of the most popular is the primary airport, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). There are several nearby airports in Orange County, Long Beach, Burbank, and Ontario.
The Port of Los Angeles is not far from downtown and is a cruise ship center where visitors arrive from domestic and international locations. There are several smaller harbors along the coastline and a passenger ferry.
Several major highways and freeways reach Los Angeles, including Interstate 5 which runs south to Mexico and north to Portland, Seattle, and beyond to Canada. Interstate 10 is an east-west highway that crosses the country and goes all the way to Florida.
When is the best time to visit Los Angeles?
The best time of year to visit Los Angeles is in early spring or fall. Anytime between March and May or September to November is ideal when it comes to weather as temperatures are usually in the mid-70s during this time.
Summer temperatures can often be quite high, and the city also experiences a lot of smog during this time. Winter can be quite rainy although temperatures in the high-60s make it more pleasant should you decide to travel during the colder months.
What to do in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is the center of the entertainment industry with an emphasis on film and television. Many sights are connected to Hollywood, including the famous Hollywood Sign and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A drive through Beverly Hills or down Rodeo Drive is a great way to see many iconic locations which will be familiar from movies and TV shows.
Many beautiful beaches are located not far from the city center and provide outdoor recreation opportunities and an escape from the bustle of downtown. There is even a national park, Joshua Tree, located about three hours outside the city for those who want to take a detour to explore nature.
One little known fact about Los Angeles is that it is home to more museums per capita than any other city. With over 800 museums and galleries, there are endless opportunities to explore, learn, and be thrilled by the exhibits and programs.
Is Los Angeles family-friendly?
Although Los Angeles is most known for the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, including a vibrant nightlife, there is plenty for families to enjoy as well. Along the entertainment industry comes plenty of things that kids will be thrilled to experience.
You can easily spend an entire day full of fun at Universal Studios Hollywood with rides that can be enjoyed by all ages. There is also plenty of entertainment that will be familiar to children from their favorite movies. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a favorite of many.
If you still haven’t had enough fun, you can head to Six Flags Magic Mountain Theme Park to ride the roller coasters and enjoy the thrills of the second tallest drop tower. Knott’s Berry Farm is another theme park which has rides for kids of all ages and a water park.
A trip to Disneyland Park allows kids to experience the magic of Disney through rides, attractions, and holiday-themed experiences. To continue the theme, stop at the Walt Disney Concert Hall for a concert or to catch a performance of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
For outdoor adventures, head to Griffith Park where you can hike up to the Hollywood Sign or check out the Griffith Observatory. The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens are nearby, and the park also has pony and train rides.
Head to Kidspace Children’s Museum which has 3.5 acres of exhibits which includes a greenhouse, climbing towers, and playgrounds. Another great museum is the California Science Center where you can see the space shuttle Endeavor or watch a movie in the IMAX theater.
If you need a quieter activity, go indoors to Children’s Book World, a store full of books and toys as well as author events and stories on Saturday mornings. The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is also worth a visit because kids can see fossils and educational exhibits.
What are the best events for kids in Los Angeles?
No Events
