When you are planning a trip, you need to think about ways to get around. There is nothing more frustrating than missing out on the things that you want to see or do most because you didn’t think about transportation. Los Angeles is a big city, and transportation is a key aspect of planning any trip in this city. It can be easy to assume that LA is walkable, but most areas of the city are not that accessible if you don’t have access to transportation of some kind.
Rent a car in LA if you want to be able to see everything that the city has to offer without struggling to get from place to place. Saving money on taxis or ridesharing apps is a key perk associated with having your own rental car, but there are lots of other reasons that your rental will pay you back over and over as you travel around the city. This guide will let you know what you should do when you arrive in LA so that you will have a great time on your trip.
Things to Do When You Get to LA
1. Mobile Data
One of the first things worth sorting when you land is your mobile data. Setting up an eSIM for USA through Roambit before your flight means you can skip the roaming charges and have a working connection the moment you touch down in LA.
2. Rent a Car
As mentioned above, your entire experience of spending time in LA will be improved by renting a car. Having the ability to readily travel from place to place without putting a strain on your budget or having to figure out where to find transportation can make every day of your trip less stressful. There is a lot of ground to cover when trying to see all the sights in LA, and a rental car will make it much more likely that you will get to everything that you want to do the most.
While there are some places within the greater LA area that are walkable, most of the places that you will want to see cannot be accessed readily on foot when you are not staying nearby. A rental car is an affordable way to maximize your time in LA.
3. Visit the Santa Monica Pier
If you have never been to a boardwalk shopping and entertainment street, you need to head to the pier in Santa Monica during your trip to LA. The pier juts straight out into the Pacific Ocean and gives you access to beautiful views, shopping, dining, and fun fair rides. This is a part of the greater LA area that anyone can enjoy, no matter how old or how young.
Ride the Ferris Wheel and check out the coastline and the surrounding suburbs, or check out the vendors while snacking on popcorn or a corn dog. This is a great way to enjoy the fantastic weather and get a really up close and personal feel for the coolest aspects of the Los Angeles area.
4. Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame
There are few things as iconic in California as the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The most famous actors, singers, and authors all have a star on this iconic street and you can take pictures with all of your favorites. There are always new people being added, and you can check out the map of the stars on the Walk of Fame website if you want to be sure that your favorite people are accounted for before your visit.
5. Visit Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive is a world-famous shopping area, and you can check out every single designer brand that matters on this shopping street. Gucci, Dior, Prada, Tiffany & Co., and so many other brands are represented here. If you have ever wanted to actually get to see one of these designer stores in person, Rodeo Drive is an excellent place to have this experience.
6. Check Out the Hollywood Sign
You can still hike up to the Hollywood Sign if you want to see this landmark up close and in person. There is a lot of lovely natural beauty along the way to the sign itself, and taking a picture with this landmark is a must if you are interested in the history of the city and how it came to be such an iconic place.
7. Visit Venice Beach
Probably one of the most notable beaches anywhere in California, Venice Beach is famous for its street performers, people watching, and the beautiful sun and sand. The skaters at Venice Skatepark are worth checking out all by themselves, and you can see people working out at the famous Muscle Beach area. There are various art installations as you walk the boardwalk, and vendors dot the shoreline selling their wares.
This is one of the most quintessentially Californian places in the entire state, and it’s well worth your time to visit.
8. Check Out the Museums
There are lots of amazing museums in LA. From The Getty to the California Science Center, there are museums of all shapes and sizes in the City of Angels. Cultural awareness and exposure are a big part of the identity of this city. You can learn all about the history and influences behind the rise of Los Angeles to the city it is today when you visit various museums scattered across the city.
If science or kid-centric experiences are more your thing, Kidspace or the Natural History Museum are great selections for your museum-focused days.
Los Angeles Offers Something for Everyone
There are so many reasons that you might want to plan a trip to LA. From cultural experiences to fun in the sun, there is a lot to love about this huge, sprawling city. Be sure to rent a car so that you aren’t annoyed trying to get from place to place all day. You will want to avoid having to give up on some of your travel plans, simply because you can’t find a rideshare or a taxi to get you to the places you want to see the most.
When planning a vacation, be sure that you are not forgetting about transportation as you make a list of all the things that you want to do and see.