Serviced Apartments in Los Angeles

Facts about Los Angeles

Overview

• L.A. was founded in 1781 and established as a municipality in 1850. It was settled earlier by the tribes of Tongva and Chumash.
• The city and its MSA became the 2nd most populous city and metropolitan area in the U.S. 
• Los Angeles recorded a whopping 49.5 million visitors in the year 2019. 

People

• The city is home to over 224 diverse languages coming from residents from over 140 countries. 
• L.A has the largest Korean population in the country. 

History

• The city has a rich history of passing through Spanish and Mexican rule before becoming a free democracy. 
• From 1910-21, over 80% of the global film industry shifted to L.A. which made up for the country's economic losses during the Great Depression. 
• The city hosted its 1st Olympics in 1932 and then in 1984. 
• The Internet took birth in L.A. in 1969 from the University of California. 

Economic Power

• The global city has a diversely powerful economy sitting on the 9th position in the Global Economic Power Index. 
• L.A. has the busiest container port in the entire U.S.A and has 7th rank in the GCI (Global Cities Index).
• Ranking 3rd largest city in the world based on its GDP, its metropolitan area produces a GMP of $ 1.0 trillion (2017).

Geography

• The city has a mix of beaches, deserts, and hills.
• The massive city has over 108 geographically and culturally diverse cities within itself. Malibu, Beverly Hills, Long Beach, and Santa Monica are a few of the most popular cities. 
• The city has the biggest urban oil field in the country and due to less rain and more pollution, L.A. is one of the worst-hit cities by smog. 
• Located amid the Pacific Ring of Fire, L.A. witnesses over 10K earthquakes every year. 

Cost of Living in Los Angeles

Even though it is 40% cheaper in Nevada, L.A. than in New York, the city still ranges higher on real estate and living expenses. With the housing and mortgage rates aiming for the sky, investing in properties can be a play of big numbers and a lot of hassle. If a property is surprisingly priced low, it will probably because of its poor location which can cost a bomb in the long run. However, the city is open for all budgets if the living part is sorted.

Tips for Visiting Los Angeles

Traffic

• Lane splitting is legal in L.A. so be careful on roads while driving.
• With busy roads and limited (and expensive) parking, either rent a car or go for taxis. 
• Parking rules in L.A. are slightly complicated. Make sure to read the road signs as parking restrictions vary throughout the day.
• If parking in Downtown, Joe's parking is quite cheap. 
• The roads are heavily trafficked round the clock. Just get used to it. Always check Google Maps for traffic and keep a 2-hour margin before heading anywhere in the city. The street exits are confusing as well so GPS is a necessity. 

Transport

• L.A. has a pretty decent subway system. It is comfortable, cheap, but limited.
• The freeways here have names and numbers.
• Do not opt for buses as a mode of transportation.
• Keep a 3-hour margin at the chaotic LAX (local name for LA international airport).

About Hollywood

• Visiting Hollywood can be very confusing. The North, West, East Hollywood are each very far from the central one. Choose the one with Dolby theatres at the Highland intersection.
• Do not expect to see stars in Hollywood, it is like any other local place. And don't expect too much otherwise as well.
• Attending a shoot or recording can be insanely time taking. Make sure there is enough to spare. 

What all to pack along

• Do keep a wet suit because ocean water here is quite cold all year long.
• Just keep casual clothes and flip-flops for a trip to L.A. Even the poshest areas have the breezy casual vibes.
• Pack a beanie, light jacket, and full bottoms for nights.
• Take a few personal reusable shopping bags.
• A good sunscreen and sunglasses are must in sunny L.A. Considering the dry weather, a moisturizer as well.

Local

• A lot of people refer to 'The Valley' here which is the San Fernando Valley towards the North of L.A. 
• Choose local clubs over extremely expensive concerts in the thriving music industry of L.A. If not, keep an eye on Walt Disney Concert Hall or L.A. Hollywood Bowl which often hosts grand concerts. 
• This might sound rude but do not give anything to the homeless on roads as they are known for their crass behaviors. 

Things to Do in Los Angeles

What are the most popular things to do in Los Angeles?

• Visit the Venice Beach whenever in L.A. It is one of the must-visit sites here especially for its hip boardwalk and lovely vibe. 
• Attend the iconic Hollywood Bowl fest from April to October. From Jazz to concerts, candlelit tables to classic musicals, the fest is representative of the LA vibe. 
• Visit the theme parks here, especially Disneyland. The tickets cost a bomb each but it is worth it. 
• Visit the popular Valley for its great vibe and an active nightlife.
• If looking for celebrities, go to Woodland Hills, Studio City, or Calabasas.
• Visit Grand Central for a crazy and delicious food variety.

What are some free things to do in Los Angeles?

• Visit the contemporary Broad Museum
• Visit the colorful Arts District full of massive murals and graffiti.
• The famous Griffith Observatory and park which is a hit among locals and tourists alike. 
• CicLAvia Street fest is a massive free public celebration onto the streets with families enjoying roller skates, food, and bicycles all around. 
• The most-recommended California Science Centre and Walk of Fame are surprisingly free as well. 
• Visit the Original Farmer's Market which is going on strong since 1934 and is known for its delish food stalls and organic supply. The entry is free. 
• Just move around Downtown and observe the magnificent old artistic architecture which goes back to decades. 

Does Los Angeles have many romantic attractions?

• For private beach feels head to Point Dume State Beach and El Matador State Beach.
• While in Santa Monica, enjoy its romantic beach and pier for free. Do ride a bike along The Strand running along the Pacific and the iconic Ferris Wheel with your partner.
• Enjoy a romantic dinner date on Marina Del Rey cruise.
• A majestic boating experience in Gondola Amore.
• A Hollywood-style horse ranch with the backdrop of setting sun.
• Enjoy a private hot spring experience oozing with romance and luxury.
• Visit Cicada Club for full-on retro vibes, choose from several sunset tours, and more for the most romantic memories when in L.A.

What are the most family-friendly things to do in Los Angeles?

• Visit Disneyland: From Marvel and Star Wars to Princesses, the place is a family paradise. Crazy rides, fireworks, stage shows, and everything quirky makes it hard to miss.

Tips: Enter FastPass to escape long queues and choose Monorail from Downtown. Travel light but do carry an extra pair of socks, sunglasses, and power bank. 

• Visit Universal Studios: Its Harry Potter themed section is a definite show-stealer.
• Other places to visit with kids:
• Two Bit Circus
• LA County Museum of Art
• Kidspace Children's Museum
• Tree People
• El Capitan Theatre
• Grand Park
• Cabrillo and Pacific Aquariums

What are the more unusual things to do in Los Angeles?

• OUA Skyspace LA, an open-air observation deck at a height of 1000 feet offers a very unique but unusual slide made of transparent glass (<$40).
• The grim California Institute of Abnormal Arts (CIA) has a whole bunch of unusual performances, magic, and art. 
• The time travel mart is quite interesting but weird. Expect dinosaur eggs and time machine-like phones amid other unusual things.

Especially for Adults

• Jumbo's Clown Room which is half bar, half strip club.
• Visit the Museum of Death and the Museum of Jurassic Technology for gory things. 

Places to Visit in Los Angeles

Iconic Places

• Universal Studios Hollywood
• Hollywood Bowl Museum
• Disneyland Park
• Venice Beach
• The Griffith Observatory
• Santa Monica Beach
• The Getty Center
• Hollywood and Highland 
• Echo Park
• Silver Lake, and many more.

Museums

• The Broad
• Battleship Iowa Museum
• Petersen Automotive Museum
• County Museum of Art
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Natural History Museum

In Downtown

• Union Station
• Grammy Wall of Fame and Museum
• L.A. Live district
• Arts District

Other Beaches

• Hermosa Beach
• Redondo Beach (Romantic)
• Manhattan Beach
• Long Beach (Popular)
• Huntington Beach 
• Malibu (Quieter and great seafood)
• Orange County (Great vibe)

Others

• Palm Springs for a desert experience
• Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park for scary rides
• Iconic Dolby Theatre
• Watts Towers
• Olvera Street

Places to Eat in Los Angeles

Being a melting pot of innumerable ethnicities (dominated by Mexican ancestry) some cultural hotspots include:

• Chinatown (Great variety)
• Little Tokyo (Great for shopping too)
• Koreatown (Must-try Guelaguetza and Soot Bull Jeep)
• Thai Town (Must-try Jitlada) 
• Historic Filipinotown
• Little Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and more. 

Restaurants

• In n out (Most-loved)
• Fuddruckers in Burbank (a local favorite)
• Fat Burger
• Tommies

For Seafood

• Pokinometry
• Sugarfish
• The Carbon Beach Club (Luxury)

In Downtown

• Bestia
• The secret terrace restaurant at Freehand hotel
• Smorgasburg (for food on weekends)
• Sweet Green (newly built) 
• Philippe the Original (since 1908) (for free parking and original French dip sandwich)
• The Smell (for Music)
• Grand Central Market (for cheap eats)

Tip: Don't roam around in Downtown after 10 pm.

Desserts

• Pie Hole
• Porto's Cafe (for Cuban sandwiches, bread, and pastries)
• Randy's Donuts (World-famous since 1952)
• Sloan's (fancy ice cream parlor, must-visit with kids)
• Bob's Coffee and Doughnuts 
• Fugetsu-do (For Japanese comfort desserts)
• Natas Pastries

Street food in Los Angeles

For Mexican Food

• King Taco (Affordable)
• Antojitos (Since 1962)
• Guisados Tacos
• Tito's Tacos
• Guerrilla Tacos (Keeps changing locations)
• El Chato (Food truck)

Popular Among Locals

• Pink's Hot Dogs (Must-try Chili dogs)
• Cielito Lindo (Since 1934) (Famous for taquitos)
• Panda Express
• Bruxie (Chicken waffles with a twist)
• Sari Sari (For delicious fried rice)

Shopping in Los Angeles

High-end

• Robertson Boulevard
• Rodeo Drive
• 3rd Street Promenade

Affordable

• The Santee Alley (Fashion District, flea market)
• Olvera Street (Street shopping)
• Outlet at Orange (Great discounts)

For variety

• South Coast Plaza (250+ stores)
• Abbot Kinney Boulevard (Vintage)
• Atwater Village (Home stores and vintage)

Other

• Topanga canyon and Larsen's shopping center
• Whole Foods Market in Downtown (Food shopping)
• West Third street

Malls

• The Coast Plaza (Biggest mall in L.A.)
• Santa Monica Place
• The Grove

Tip: Must buy fragrances and perfumes from L.A.

Transportation in Los Angeles

The city offers metros and buses for public transportation. The subway system is quite extensive, much to the surprise of most. It is most convenient in and around the Downtown area, and quite efficient otherwise too. The metro stations are quite clean and very nicely decorated and work on a rechargeable TAP card.

Download the LA transit app for bus routes and timings. Scooter and bike-sharing is a very convenient, fun, and popular mode of transportation around Venice beach and Santa Monica. The cost of transportation is quite cheap and comes with discounts for senior citizens and disabled people. The buses are generally less liked by tourists and might get slightly uncomfortable.

Tip: There are almost no bathrooms on the subway/metro stations. 

Weather in Los Angeles

With a Mediterranean climate, the days are fairly sunny. The ideal temperature ranges between 17 °C to 20 °C all year long, and the nights remain way colder in comparison.

The outer coastal areas of Los Angeles can be colder than inner areas (like Downtown). The temperature difference can be surprising at times. 

Tip: Pay close attention tonight temperatures while packing for L.A. as it gets fairly colder at night.

The Ideal Time to Visit

The best time to visit L.A is from March to May for a great crowd and from September to November for the best weather conditions.