Going to LA?

Question

Can you tell me whats it like in L. A.? i've never been there, been near there, but briefly i know its pretty expensive but i need places to go and visit while i'm there interesting sites. How is the traffic i'm from Boston and like alot of Bostonians we don't have alot of patience when it comes to driving? should I use a cab to get around?

Answer 1

Cabs are pretty impratical everywhere on the West Coast, especially if you've got the East Coast idea that you can hail one from the street. Out here, you have to call a company and wait - everytime you want to go somewhere. Definitely rent a car. Bring lots of CDs, because you're not going to get out of sitting in traffic. This is the only place in the world where the earth moves and the traffic doesn't.

What to do depends a lot on what you enjoy. Beaches, shopping, restaurants, etc., none of which are going to be terribly unique. Definitely go to Universal Studios and do a back lot tour, since movies are what LA does best. Also think about going to a studio taping of something, though that's harder to do during the summer. The tickets are usually free and studio websites will have information on how to get them. If you're not bringing kids, but still want to do the theme park thing, go to Six Flags in San Dimas. Much better rides without the Disney hype. If you are bringing kids, you're not going to get out of Disneyland, but think about going over to the new California Adventure park and having a glass of wine in wine country.

Answer 2

Taking a cab will put you in debt because everything is spread out. You should rent a car because the bus system isn't the best. You can take the metro if you are staying within the LA proper area, but outside you will need a car!

Traffic is bad during certain times. During a work week the AM traffic hour is 7:am-8:30 am. Then traffic picks up again at 4:45 pm- 6:00 pm. The best station to listen to is AM 980 and there's traffic updates every 10 minutes. Most radio stations also have traffic updates.

Get a pocket map of the freeway. I'm sure you can down load it. You'll need to be familiar with the various freeways and their names. For example: There's the 10, 22, 110, 101,105, 5, 405, 710, 91, 605 freeway, and they are all major freeways. The 110, 105, 405 freeways take you to the airport... but you can connect from the 110 and the 405 via the 710 freeway.

Skip Los Angeles... come to The OC and see Disneyland and the surfers in Huntington Beach!! (laugh). There's less traffic than LA, well, sort of.

But...If you have to stay in LA, there's Universal Studios, and you can even try being in the audience in a TV or Game show by checking "audiences unlimited"..

If you are daring, try getting tickets for the Tonight Show or the Jimmy Kimmel show. You got to get there early but its fun and worth the time.

The Chinese Theater in Hollywood Blvd has the famous hand prints, and if you're in town for a movie premiere, check out the celebrities walking down the red carpet.

LA has historical places to visit and ethnic places like China town and Olvera (little Mexico) Street. You can also go and see the expensive shops on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills or the famous Farmer's Market near the CBS studios.

If you like Comedy you can check out one of the many comedy clubs on the Sunset Strip, check out the Hustler store, and if you are near the Flynt Publications building, sometimes you can see Larry Flynt's limo (you really can't miss the naked woman painted on the limo!).

There's some of the "must see" that I would suggest to someone visiting.

Answer 3

l.a. is such a big traffic city it took me 4 hours 2 get to work downtown and it normally takes me 50 minutes with no traffic going 95 mph it's so big and dirty if u are sensetive to smog cancel ur trip and watch out and be sure not to get anywhere near south central when it gets dark unless u want to get shot i live in santa monica on the beach it's nice i would suggest going there if u have some free time well hope i helped and be careful and try not to get lost and be sure to go at least 85 on the highway unless u want to get run over people drive crazy and will run u over it's crazy la is nothing but highways and cement !

Answer 4

If you have a lot of money, you can ride a cab. But its very impractical. There's always traffic in LA. I suggest you rent a car. It's safer and you can save a lot of money. When are you planning to fly over? How many days are you planning to stay? Are you going to stay in a hotel? I suggest to get a hotel near the airport? There's a flea market and China town in downtown LA. You can find brand name replicas like Louie Vuitton, Coach, Prada and etc. without burning a hole in your pocket.

Answer 5

Stay out of Watts and South Central LA.

Answer 6

you should probably rent a car because then you're in control of where you want to go...it might be a little frustrating to haul your belongings around if you're carrying any....it's a busy place....it's got its good parts and of course its got its bad....but you should try going to Universal Studios, that place never gets old....I think in L.A. no one is REALLY patient you just keep going...and as for food....try a Salvadorian restaurant...or a Guatemalan one...been to both and they're really good

Answer 7

There is a lot of crime in LA go to La {Louisiana} or Arkansas!!!!!!! People are friendlier stuff is cheaper less traffic 2!!!!

Answer 8

cab is very expensive in LA, better to rent