Los Angeles County Travel Guide

California

Los Angeles County
Catalina Island featuring a coastal town, a sandy beach and tropical scenes
Universal Studios Hollywood® featuring a city and street scenes as well as a large group of people
Universal Studios Hollywood® which includes heritage architecture and street scenes
Malibu showing general coastal views, rocky coastline and a coastal town

Experience glamour and the good life in Los Angeles County, a region frequented by the rich and famous, as well as cinema-lovers, sun-seekers and culture vultures.

Los Angeles County revolves around the vast, sprawling and exhilarating “City of Angels,” with beaches and mountains on either side. Life here means relaxing in chic coastal towns, watching famous sports teams, mingling with celebrities and touring myriad attractions. Embrace its colorful, chaotic spirit and you will be rewarded with non-stop entertainment and unforgettable sights.

Marvel at the remarkably preserved animals of the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum for an insight into the region’s ancient history. Here, prehistoric creatures were sucked into pools of tar, only to be discovered as fossils in the 1870s.

Stroll down the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, searching for the names of your favorite TV and film stars. Costumed actors line Hollywood Boulevard, the home of several famous theaters, including the TCL Chinese Theater, where many prestigious premieres are held, and the Dolby Theater, the home of the Oscars.

Film fans and thrill-seekers will relish the rides in Universal Studios Hollywood®. Take a tram tour through the backlots or ride one of the many high-speed rollercoasters.

Hike through Griffith Park to the Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city and surrounding county. The park is also the home of the Greek Theatre, which is a popular concert venue, and the Los Angeles Zoo.

Catch some sun on the coastline of LA County. Stylish Malibu promises cocktails and partying while trendy Venice Beach is known for its street performers and curio-sellers. Enjoy fairground rides and watersports at Long Beach.

In spite of its huge city, LA County still offers some scenic escapes. In the north, the San Gabriel Mountains offer accessible and picturesque hikes to rivers and peaks. Head south and hop on a boat to reach Santa Catalina Island, a chic coastal destination with scuba diving and walking opportunities.

Los Angeles International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the U.S., making the city easy to access from almost anywhere in the world. Visit Los Angeles County in spring or fall to avoid the restrictive heat of summer.

Popular cities in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles
Los Angeles
Known for Theatres, Entertainment and Live music
Escape to Los Angeles! Enjoy its theatre, live music and art.

Reasons to visit

  • Dodger Stadium
  • Los Angeles Convention Center
  • Crypto.com Arena
Long Beach featuring kite surfing, a beach and general coastal views
Long Beach
Known for Beaches, Excursions and Walking
Take the kids for a swim in the ocean, pet sharks at the aquarium and explore museums and galleries in this laid-back beach city on California’s Pacific Coast.

Reasons to visit

  • Long Beach Cruise Terminal
  • Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center
  • RMS Queen Mary
Santa Monica showing a city, general coastal views and street scenes
Santa Monica
Known for Beaches, Dining and Shopping
An up-market city home to surfers, students, and celebrities, this is where to enjoy one of the famous beaches, a historic pier and great nightlife of the Los Angeles area.

Reasons to visit

  • Santa Monica Beach
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Third Street Promenade
Beverly Hills showing signage
Beverly Hills
Known for Dining, Shopping and Hills
As you walk along Rodeo Drive or explore its stately mansions, it is easy to see why celebrities continue to flock to this glamorous city in southern California.

Reasons to visit

  • Rodeo Drive
  • Wilshire Boulevard
  • Greystone Mansion & Park
West Hollywood
West Hollywood
Known for Dining, Sunsets and Bars
Recognized as a creative and artistic hub, this historic Californian city has many famous areas, including the Sunset Strip.

Reasons to visit

  • Sunset Strip
Pasadena
Pasadena
Known for Dining, Shopping and Sports
With remarkable museums and art galleries, this Californian city is known as one of the cultural centers of the San Gabriel Valley.