The thought of Los Angeles as a tourist can be a daunting one. It’s a huge place and extremely busy, with plenty of opportunities for rookie mistakes like getting stuck in downtown traffic, or falling for daylight robbery in an overpriced hotel. But it doesn’t have to be so scary! There are plenty of tips to help you get the most out of your trip.
Finding the right accommodation can always be a bit of a worry, especially in the current economic climate. LA might seem like the last place to find a decent bargain, but if you know where to look you can get a little bit of luxury without it costing the earth. Check out websites such as cheaphotels.com for some inspiration.
If you’re hoping to blend in and want to avoid the humdrum of tourism, you’ll need to use your intuition and just see where the day takes you. The Watts Towers Art Centre is really worth a visit, and though some tourists do go here, it’s nowhere near as busy as say, Sunset Boulevard.
Anyone thinking about driving should avoid the 405 like the plague. As most locals will tell you, there is near constant gridlock on this road. And time of the day doesn’t make a difference. So be smart and pick a different route. However, a day spent driving around can be a great way to get to know the area. Or maybe take a walk around the place, but make a point of heading down the back streets to see if you can find any hidden gems. Most of the art galleries are free to get into, or you might decide to go out mural spotting around the streets, and really get a flavour of the local style and spirit.
