Here’s the good news: with something for everyone, you’re bound to have a good time visiting LA – if you plan appropriately, of course!

Because there’s so much to do, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. 

Failure to appropriately organize may leave you scrambling and somewhat stressed – not what you’re looking for in a vacation.

Follow these tips, and get the most out of your time in the City of Angels.

Who’s Going?

Who’s joining you? Is this a family trip that includes the kiddos? Or are you and your fiancé out for a quick getaway? 

No matter who you’re going with, you’ll find something that will leave everyone with stars in their eyes – yes, oftentimes literally. 

From outdoor hikes through hills with sweeping views of the city below, to pristine beaches that stretch for miles. Then there’s all the history, museums, entertainment, architecture, art… I think you get it. Something for everyone.

Take the time to make a list of where you’d like to go, and what you’d like to see.

What Kind of Trip is it?

Are you looking for sheer relaxation, or are you intending to go full-throttle on all the sights? 

Or maybe a little of both?

Many make the mistake of hoping for relaxation while on vacation, and instead filling it to the brim with places to go, things to see and do. They fail to factor in logistics, things like traffic and distance. 

Add the stress of being in a new environment and navigating an unfamiliar and sometimes chaotic city, and they arrive home after their vacation exhausted and depleted. Make sure you’re clear about your expectations.

Where Are You Going?

Have you mapped out where you plan on going in LA? 

Do you know how you’ll get there? 

Renting a car is the easiest way of getting around; many people don’t realize how massive Los Angeles is. They have all these ideas about things they would like to see, but some of the major tourist destinations are pretty far away from each other…and much of what you’ve heard about traffic in LA is true.

Plan for how you’ll get around, and map out the distance to the sites you’d like to see beforehand. 

Plan for the not so fun parts too. For instance, do you know what to do if you get into a car accident? Here’s an excellent article from JT Legal Group that describes how to proceed should you find yourself in that situation. It’s in situations like this – the ones you’re not prepared for – that can end up costing you the most.

Why are you going there?

You obviously know why you’ve chosen to vacation in Los Angeles, but be sure to plan ahead, choose what you’d like to see. Take the time to research. Do you need to get there at a certain time? Make a reservation? Perhaps if you’re planning a hike, the parking lot fills up fast. Good thing you knew that in advance, so you can step out of your hotel, into the warm early morning sun, and get there before everyone else. 

Many people just hit the touristy spots and neglect the thriving culture that exists for those who live there. 

If you’re into comedy for instance, consider seeing a performance at the Groundlings Theater and School. Their improv night, Cooking with Gas is guaranteed to make you laugh until you cry. 

It includes the alum, so who knows. You may get to see an actor you’re familiar with from somewhere else.

If you love music, the Troubadour is a cool venue to catch some hot new live music.

Depending on how much time you have, you may be limited with what you can realistically see and do. 

Don’t put yourself in the position of wasting valuable vacation time planning.

When are you going?

LA is notorious for brutal winters. 

Ok, that’s not true. Weather-wise, it’s mild to hot most of the year. June through August is the peak tourist season, so if that’s when you plan on visiting, be prepared for crowds. If you’re traveling there during the summer, days on the beach can provide respite from the heat. 

If hiking is your jam, make sure you stay hydrated – and if it’s December to March, bring a light raincoat.  

If there’s something you’re particularly interested in, take a peek online before you go. Perhaps there’s a convention, or some festival dedicated to this specific thing going on while you’re there. 

Conclusion:

With so much to offer, it’s not surprising so many people choose LA as their getaway. 

The more proactive you are about delving into the details of what you want to do before your plane lands on the sunbaked tarmac, the more fun you’ll have while visiting.

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