15 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Los Angeles
15 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Los Angeles
Visiting Los Angeles can be an exciting adventure, but it’s easy to make common mistakes that can affect your experience. Whether it’s spending too much time in crowded tourist spots like Hollywood, underestimating the chilly waters of Venice Beach, or not planning for the city’s infamous traffic, these pitfalls can hinder your enjoyment of this vibrant city. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve outlined 15 mistakes to avoid, ensuring your visit to Los Angeles is as enjoyable and fulfilling as possible.
1. Spending Too Much Time in Hollywood
Many visitors think Hollywood is the heart of Los Angeles, but spending too much time there is a mistake. It’s crowded and often doesn’t meet expectations. Instead, explore diverse areas and attractions beyond the Walk of Fame to get a real taste of what LA has to offer, from its stunning beaches to its vibrant arts scene.
2. Hoping to Go Swimming in Venice Beach
Venice Beach is famous for its bohemian spirit and boardwalk, but the beach can be windy and the water quite cold, making swimming less enjoyable than expected. It’s better to enjoy the unique shops, street performances, and skate parks along the beach for a memorable experience.
3. Underestimating Traffic and Not Planning Travel Times Accordingly
LA is notorious for its traffic jams. Underestimating travel times can lead to frustration and missed opportunities. Always add extra time for travel and consider using navigation apps to find the best routes and avoid peak traffic hours.
4. Skipping the Lesser-Known Attractions in Favor of Only Visiting Tourist Hotspots
Los Angeles is full of hidden gems that many tourists overlook. From small art galleries in Silver Lake to quaint cafes in Venice, these lesser-known attractions offer a more authentic and often less crowded experience of the city.
5. Not Bringing Enough Layers for the Evening When It Gets Cooler
The sunny stereotype of LA can mislead visitors into packing only for warm weather. However, evenings can get surprisingly cool, especially near the beach. Always bring layers to stay comfortable when the temperature drops.
6. Staying Only in One Area and Not Exploring Diverse Neighborhoods
Los Angeles is a vast and diverse city, with each neighborhood offering a unique vibe and attractions. Limiting yourself to just one area means missing out on the rich cultural tapestry of LA. Venture out to explore neighborhoods like Echo Park, Culver City, and Koreatown.
7. Assuming You Can Easily Walk Between Major Attractions
LA’s attractions are spread out, making it difficult to walk between them. Relying on walking as your primary mode of transportation can lead to exhaustion and wasted time. Utilize public transit, ride-sharing, or a rental car to navigate the city more efficiently.
8. Not Doing Local Things Like Hiking to the Hollywood Sign
One common mistake is overlooking the activities locals enjoy, such as hiking to the Hollywood Sign. This hike offers stunning city views and a closer look at the iconic sign, providing a memorable LA experience away from the urban hustle.
9. Skipping The Grove and Its Farmers’ Market
The Grove and its adjacent Farmers’ Market are must-visits for a taste of local life in LA. With a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment, this area offers something for everyone and shouldn’t be missed.
10. Not Expecting Higher Cost Hotels
Los Angeles can be expensive, especially when it comes to accommodation. Not budgeting for higher hotel costs can catch visitors off guard. Look for deals and consider staying a bit outside of major tourist areas for better prices.
11. Not Exploring Santa Monica
Skipping Santa Monica is a mistake many visitors regret. With its beautiful beaches, iconic pier, and vibrant Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica offers a quintessential Southern California experience.
12. Not Exploring the Hills
The hills around Los Angeles, including the Hollywood Hills, offer breathtaking views and unique attractions like the Griffith Observatory. Not taking the time to explore these areas means missing out on some of the best vistas in the city.
13. Expecting to See Celebrities in Every Corner
While LA is home to many celebrities, expecting to see them around every corner is unrealistic. Focus on enjoying the city itself rather than celebrity spotting for a more fulfilling visit.
14. Planning to Visit the City in Just a Few Hours
Trying to experience Los Angeles in just a few hours is impossible due to its size and the variety of attractions. Allocate several days to truly explore and appreciate what the city has to offer.
15. Not Renting a Car – If Going to Explore on Your Own
Public transportation in LA isn’t as comprehensive as in other major cities, making a rental car almost a necessity for those wanting to explore widely on their own. Not renting a car can limit your ability to see all that LA has to offer.
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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.