A local writer introduces how to enjoy your trip to LA. He explains recommended sightseeing spots and how to plan your trip.

There are endless ways to enjoy Los Angeles.

California is located on the west coast of the United States. The state has an area slightly larger than the land area of Japan and is made up of 58 counties. One of these is Los Angeles County.

Generally speaking, "Los Angeles" refers to Los Angeles County, which is roughly the same size as Niigata Prefecture. Among the 88 cities in Los Angeles County, the most representative cities are Los Angeles City, Santa Monica City, and Beverly Hills City.

There are too many things about Los Angeles to mention, but the city's bright and cheerful climate, the bright sunlight, the palm trees stretching up into the deep blue sky, and other things are sure to give you energy. The people walking around the city are cheerful and friendly, and will smile back at you when you make eye contact. That's the kind of atmosphere you'll find here.

The appeal of Australia as a travel destination is that it has both laid-back beach towns and stylish, exciting cities. There are endless ways to enjoy Australia, whether you want to travel like a local, visit popular spots, or enjoy fashion, art, sports, gourmet food, or whatever your interests are.

There are plenty of spots dotted around that can be enjoyed by both adults and children, so you're sure to have a great time no matter who you visit with, whether that be with your family, a partner, or friends.

Basic information for traveling to Los Angeles if you're visiting for the first time

What do you need to prepare for your trip to Los Angeles? What's the local climate like? How do you get around? We'll briefly explain the basic information you'll need to know when traveling to Los Angeles, which may be of interest to those visiting the city for the first time.

Basic information you should know: What to bring and preparations for your trip

■ Obtaining ESTA
If you are planning to visit Los Angeles or any other part of the United States, you will need to obtain a travel authorization called ESTA in advance. You can apply online.

■App
It's a convenient app that you can use locally. Registration can be a hassle, so we recommend downloading it while you're in Japan.

・Uber: Ride-hailing service
It's cheaper than a taxi, and they run everywhere, so they'll come right away when you call them. You can pay for the fare and tip through the app, so there's no need to hand over cash.
*If you register your name in alphabetic characters, local drivers will be able to read it, so it is better to be able to confirm each other's names when getting in the car.

・Bird, Lime: Electric scooters
Convenient for local travel. Search for nearby scooters through the app and hop on and off anywhere.

・Yelp: Reviews of local businesses
This is the perfect review app for finding restaurants. Even if you're in a place you've never been to before, you can find a restaurant that's sure to please the locals.

■ What to bring

The air is dry, and even in midsummer it can be cold at night, and even in midwinter it can be hot during the day, so clothes that can be easily put on and taken off are essential. Also, the sun is strong during the day throughout the year, so even men should bring sunglasses and sunscreen!
Also, when using the apps mentioned above, it's convenient to be in an environment where you can connect to Wi-Fi anywhere. There are many cafes and restaurants in the city that offer free Wi-Fi, but it's safer to bring a pocket Wi-Fi to ensure you have a signal.

Basic travel information you should know: Local information

■ Public Safety
According to the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, the security situation is relatively stable. However, it is important to always be aware of basic crime prevention measures, such as keeping an eye on your luggage, not leaving luggage visible in your car, and not walking in deserted areas at night.

■ Means of transportation
Los Angeles is a car-oriented city. Public transportation such as trains and buses is not as developed as in Japanese cities, so we recommend renting a car near the airport or using the ride-hailing service Uber. If you are traveling locally, electric scooters Bird and Lime are also convenient these days. We recommend downloading the apps introduced in the "Preparation" section in advance.

■ What's in your wallet?
Recently, payment by credit card has become mainstream, with some establishments now offering "cash not accepted." However, it is useful to carry small amounts of cash for tipping.

■ About tipping
At hotels, when room service is brought or when your car is retrieved, you can give a few dollars in cash. Even at luxury hotels, about 3 to 5 dollars is sufficient. In restaurants, the standard tip is 15 to 20% of the bill. When paying with a credit card, you can write the tip amount on the signature receipt.

How to get around Los Angeles? How to plan your trip

If you visit Los Angeles, we recommend that you stay there for at least 5 days to a week, rather than just taking a quick trip. This is because Los Angeles is a vast city with many things to see. It is also known for its terrible traffic congestion, and just getting around can take up more time than expected. The key to making an efficient plan is to first understand the relative locations of the spots you want to visit. Here, we will introduce the spots divided into two major areas: the coastal area on the west side of Los Angeles [Beach] and the urban area from the center to the east [City].

The distance from the western [beach] area to the eastern [city] area, for example, from Santa Monica in the west to downtown in the east, is about 25 kilometers in a straight line. The roads are almost straight, and it takes about 30 to 40 minutes by car normally, but if there is traffic congestion, it can take 1 to 2 hours. It is safer to visit both the beach and the city at the same time, rather than making multiple trips back and forth during your stay.

So, we will introduce the major tourist spots that you should check out if it is your first time in Los Angeles, both in the Beach and City areas, as well as hidden spots that locals love. Basically, you will need a car even for short trips in Los Angeles, but here we have carefully selected places that you can get around on foot.

Recommended sightseeing spots in Los Angeles [Beaches]

There are many beach towns along the coast of western Los Angeles. Here we have picked out some that are close to Los Angeles International Airport and are easily accessible. Enjoy the charm of these beach towns in a variety of ways, from taking a walk with a view of the ocean to exploring the town.

Popular with tourists. Santa Monica, the most popular beach town in Los Angeles

Santa Monica is one of the busiest beach towns in Los Angeles, with many hotels and plenty of options for beach, shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Santa Monica Pier, a pier that juts out into the ocean, is home to the landmark Ferris wheel as well as a small amusement park that is free to enter, making it a fun place to visit for anyone, whether you're with your family, a couple, or friends.

Also, within walking distance of the pier is the shopping mall "Santa Monica Place" with its famous department stores. Furthermore, the street in front of it, "Third Street Promenade", is lined with shops selling standard casual wear brands, making it the perfect place to immerse yourself in shopping. There are also street performances such as music and acrobatics on the street.

Rapidly gaining popularity. Abbot Kinney, the street where LA's latest trends are gathered

Abbot Kinney has become more well-known in recent years and is a popular street attracting tourists from all over the world. Located in the beach town of Venice next to Santa Monica, Abbot Kinney is a street lined with unique boutiques and cafes.

The area is very tasteful, and it is no exaggeration to say that the latest trends in LA fashion, interior design, food, and more are all gathered here. There is also Instagrammable wall art scattered around, so walking around looking for it is also a great way to enjoy the area!

Manhattan Beach & Metrox: A hidden gem where locals gather

If you want to experience local beach life rather than the tourist spots, this is the place to visit.

The surrounding area is an upscale residential area, so the town has a clean and sophisticated atmosphere, and you can also see surfers coming out of the sea and people enjoying tea while walking their dogs.

In the center of the city, there is an outdoor mall called Metlox, as well as a variety of shops, spas, restaurants and cafes. Many of the shops sell resort wear unique to beach towns and home goods with a sea motif, so you're sure to find the perfect souvenir to remember your trip by.

Recommended sightseeing spots in Los Angeles [City Edition]

The inland metropolitan area of Los Angeles offers a more stimulating and edgy experience than the coastal cities. This area is also home to art museums, concert halls, and sports stadiums, so you can enjoy whatever your hobbies are.

Hollywood, the mecca of movies. If you want to see the Hollywood sign, Hollywood & Highland Center is the place to go.

This place is so famous as a mecca for movies. In the center of the city, there is the "Walk of Fame" where plaques with the handprints of Hollywood stars are embedded, and the "TCL Chinese Theatres", a Hollywood landmark, and it is always crowded with tourists.

Also, the Hollywood & Highland Center on the same street is a recommended spot where you can see the Hollywood sign. There are also unique facilities and gift shops in the surrounding area, such as a wax museum and a selfie museum, so it's always lively no matter when you visit.

The Arts District is a popular area with streetscapes that look great on social media.

This corner of downtown was once an industrial area, but it has been gradually developed in recent years and is becoming a popular, fashionable spot.

As the name "Arts District" suggests, it is dotted with galleries, wall art, and public art. The landmark in the center is the gallery Hauser & Wirth, which has restaurants and shops. Surrounding it are trendy select shops and cafes lined up in renovated old brick buildings.

Row DTLA: A hidden gem that's gradually gaining attention

This venue is also located downtown and was built on a renovated historic site that was a market and factory in the early 1900s.

Until a few years ago, it was a hidden spot where up-and-coming LA brands would set up pop-up stores here and there, but now it is packed with high-end shops, cafes, gyms, and more in addition to offices and event spaces. Other events such as workshops and art shows are held regularly, and it is gradually gaining attention. In particular, the event "Smorgasburg", which brings together popular food trucks from all over LA every Sunday, is always crowded with many people.

Places worth visiting if you're just a short trip from Los Angeles

If you go a little way from Los Angeles, you'll find a whole different world. Here are some places you might want to visit on your trip to Los Angeles.

Disney California Adventure Park is a theme park where you can experience the world of Disney.

It is about 40 minutes to an hour by car from the center of Los Angeles. It is a Disney theme park in Anaheim, Orange County. It is next to Disneyland, but the themes and attractions are very different.

The park is divided into areas with different themes, such as Cars Land, which expresses the world of the movie "Cars," and Pixar Pier, which has a wide variety of rides related to Pixar movies such as "Toy Story" and "The Incredibles." There are also bars and lounges where you can enjoy California wine, so it's sure to satisfy not only children but adults as well.

Palm Springs is a resort area where you can enjoy activities such as golf and hiking.

Palm Springs is a desert resort town lined with palm trees, located about a three-hour drive from Los Angeles.

The cityscape is characterized by mainly Spanish-style buildings, and the white walls and orange brick roofs stand out against the blue sky. There are many boutique hotels with stylish interiors, so choosing a place to stay is fun! The city itself is not very large, so you can enjoy it even on a short trip. Activities such as hiking and golf are also popular.

Las Vegas is a well-known casino town that is easily accessible from LA.

Las Vegas is located in Nevada, next to California. It takes about 4-5 hours to get there by car, enjoying a road trip through the vast desert, but it is also easy to travel by plane. Domestic flights depart from Los Angeles International Airport. In addition to casino games that can be played for as little as 25 cents locally, you can enjoy entertainment such as concerts and shows to your heart's content. In Los Angeles, state law prohibits the sale of alcohol after 2am, so bars and nightclubs often close at that time, but Las Vegas is different. With a rich nightlife, it is a city that never sleeps 24 hours a day.

Los Angeles: a city full of diversity

There are cities and countryside. There are seas, mountains, and deserts. Immigrants come from all over the world, and the people who live there are of various races and cultures. Los Angeles is characterized by its diversity. That is why it is a place where "being different from others" is easily accepted and where it is easy to interact beyond language and culture. It is not necessary to be fluent in English, and if you are confused in an unfamiliar place, someone will likely lend you a hand.

In Los Angeles, everyone is welcome to be themselves. You can get that feeling when you travel there. If you're interested in Los Angeles or not sure where to go next, be sure to visit.

Originally posted on October 23, 2017