Independent travel guide to Los Angeles and its surroundings. New guides, itineraries and field reports on Hollywood and the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, Downtown Los Angeles and the museums (the Getty, LACMA, The Broad), Beverly Hills and the film studios, plus Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Malibu and the Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, Disneyland Resort and Orange County, Catalina Island, Santa Barbara and Solvang, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree and Death Valley, Big Bear Lake, and the longer trips to San Diego, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.https://www.losangeles-trip.com/en-ushttps://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/a-family-beach-day-without-the-theme-parks/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/a-family-beach-day-without-the-theme-parks/How I plan a theme-park-free family beach day in LA using the Metro, with realistic expectations for weather and water temperature.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTLos Angelesbeachesfamily travelSanta Monica2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/best-time-to-visit-los-angeles-by-zone/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/best-time-to-visit-los-angeles-by-zone/Coast, city or desert: Los Angeles splits into three climates. I plan my trip around the zone I actually care about, not one all-purpose month.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTLos AngelesWeatherSeasonalPlanning2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/catalina-island-day-trip-from-los-angeles/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/catalina-island-day-trip-from-los-angeles/How I planned a Catalina Island day trip from Los Angeles, from choosing a departure port to timing the ferry and moving around Avalon without a car.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTCatalina Islandday tripsferryAvalonLos Angeles2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/christmas-crowds-at-the-los-angeles-theme-parks/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/christmas-crowds-at-the-los-angeles-theme-parks/What the holiday season really looks like at Disneyland, Universal Studios and Knott's Berry Farm, and why I'd book early if I were you.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTLos AngelesChristmastheme parksDisneyland2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/disneyland-vs-universal-studios-hollywood/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/disneyland-vs-universal-studios-hollywood/I compare Disneyland Anaheim and Universal Studios Hollywood so you can pick the right park for your family, your age group and your schedule.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTDisneylandUniversal Studios HollywoodLos Angelestheme parks2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/do-you-need-to-rent-a-car-in-los-angeles/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/do-you-need-to-rent-a-car-in-los-angeles/Whether you need to rent a car in Los Angeles depends on your itinerary. Here's how I decide, region by region.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTLos Angelescar rentalLA Metropractical tips2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/does-the-la-metro-cover-enough-of-the-city/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/does-the-la-metro-cover-enough-of-the-city/What LA Metro rail actually reaches in Los Angeles, what it misses, and when to switch to a car or rideshare.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTLos AngelesLA Metropublic transportpractical2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/downtown-la-vs-hollywood-where-to-stay/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/downtown-la-vs-hollywood-where-to-stay/I compare Downtown LA and Hollywood as a home base, with honest notes on Metro coverage, drive times and who each one actually suits.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTdowntown lahollywoodwhere to staylos angeles2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/driving-and-parking-in-los-angeles/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/driving-and-parking-in-los-angeles/What driving and parking in LA actually feels like day to day, from rush-hour surprises to reading a curb sign before you walk away.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTdrivingparkingrental carpractical tips2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/free-and-low-cost-things-to-do-in-los-angeles/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/free-and-low-cost-things-to-do-in-los-angeles/A personal list of free and cheap ways to spend a day in Los Angeles, from Griffith Park views to beach walks and city strolls.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTBudgetLos AngelesFree Activities2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/how-many-days-in-los-angeles/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/how-many-days-in-los-angeles/There's no single right number of days for LA. Here's how I size a trip around the regions worth covering, not a countdown.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTlos angelestrip planningitinerary2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/how-to-see-the-hollywood-sign/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/how-to-see-the-hollywood-sign/You can't walk up to the Hollywood Sign. Here's where I've actually gone to see it, and what each viewpoint really gives you.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMThollywood signgriffith observatorygriffith parklos angeles2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/jet-lag-and-your-first-day-in-los-angeles/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/jet-lag-and-your-first-day-in-los-angeles/How to plan a realistic first day in LA after a long-haul flight, without wasting it on a theme park or a big excursion.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTjet lagfirst daylos angelestrip planning2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/las-vegas-from-los-angeles-car-or-plane/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/las-vegas-from-los-angeles-car-or-plane/Driving or flying from Los Angeles to Las Vegas: real trade-offs on time, cost per person and flexibility, from someone who has done both.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTLas VegasLos Angelesroad trip2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/los-angeles-on-a-tight-budget/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/los-angeles-on-a-tight-budget/How I actually keep a Los Angeles trip affordable, without pretending it can be free or that I know the exact final bill.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTLos Angelesbudget travel2026planninghttps://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/los-angeles-vs-san-diego/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/los-angeles-vs-san-diego/Los Angeles vs San Diego compared: pace, activities and whether a day trip or a separate stay makes more sense for your trip.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTLos AngelesSan DiegoCaliforniaDay Trips2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/may-gray-and-june-gloom-explained/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/may-gray-and-june-gloom-explained/A first-person look at LA's coastal morning overcast in late spring and early summer, and how I actually plan around it.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTLos AngelesWeatherSeasonal2026Santa MonicaVenice Beachhttps://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/pacific-coast-highway-north-or-south/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/pacific-coast-highway-north-or-south/How I decide between a short Malibu run and a full day north to Santa Barbara on the Pacific Coast Highway, and how long each really takes.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTPacific Coast HighwaySanta BarbaraMaliburoad trip2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/pacing-a-family-trip-between-theme-parks-and-rest/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/pacing-a-family-trip-between-theme-parks-and-rest/How I alternate theme park days with quieter days to keep a family trip to LA with young kids workable over a full week.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTfamily traveltheme parksLos Angelestrip pacing2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/palm-springs-vs-joshua-tree/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/palm-springs-vs-joshua-tree/Palm Springs or Joshua Tree? I compare desert lounging vs desert hiking and explain why timing matters more than which one you pick.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTPalm SpringsJoshua Treedesertcomparison2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/rental-car-vs-rideshare-in-los-angeles/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/rental-car-vs-rideshare-in-los-angeles/Should you rent a car in LA or rely on Uber and Lyft? My honest breakdown by trip length, destinations, and parking.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTLos AngelesRental CarRideshareMetro2026Trip Planninghttps://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/safety-and-neighborhoods-in-los-angeles/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/safety-and-neighborhoods-in-los-angeles/A grounded, first-person look at safety in LA's many neighborhoods, with no absolute rankings — just practical precautions and context.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTLos Angelessafetyneighborhoodstravel tips2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/santa-monica-vs-venice-beach/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/santa-monica-vs-venice-beach/Santa Monica or Venice Beach? I compare the vibe, the pier, the boardwalk and where to stay - plus why you can walk or bike both in one day.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTSanta MonicaVenice BeachLA beacheswhere to stay2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/theme-park-tickets-and-avoiding-lines/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/theme-park-tickets-and-avoiding-lines/How I plan a theme park day around Los Angeles to spend less time standing around and more time on rides.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTtheme parksLos Angelesplanning2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/theme-parks-with-young-children/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/theme-parks-with-young-children/How to plan a Los Angeles theme park day with young children: one park a day, frequent breaks, and realistic pacing.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTLos Angelestheme parksfamily travelDisneyland2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/tipping-and-taxes-in-los-angeles/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/tipping-and-taxes-in-los-angeles/Why your LA bill costs more than the menu price: sales tax and tipping both add on top, and neither is included in the number you first see.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTBudgetTippingTaxesLos AngelesTravel Tips2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/visiting-the-desert-in-summer/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/visiting-the-desert-in-summer/Why I stopped recommending Palm Springs, Joshua Tree and Death Valley in summer, and what to do instead if that's the only time you've got.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTPalm SpringsJoshua TreeDeath ValleyBig Bear LakeSummer2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/where-to-stay-in-los-angeles-by-itinerary/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/blog/where-to-stay-in-los-angeles-by-itinerary/Forget neighborhood rankings. I explain how to pick where to stay in LA based on what your trip is actually built around.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTWhere to StayItinerary PlanningLos Angeles2026Neighborhoodshttps://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/anza-san-jacinto-desert-adventures/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/anza-san-jacinto-desert-adventures/Guided jeep tours climb from the Anza desert floor into San Jacinto pine forest. When to go, what to expect, and how it differs from Joshua Tree.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTAnzaSan Jacinto Mountainsjeep toursdesert adventuresPalm Springsoff-road2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/carlsbad-food-tours/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/carlsbad-food-tours/Carlsbad food tours sit over two hours from LA in San Diego County. What to know before booking, and how to plan the drive.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTCarlsbadfood toursSan Diego Countyday trips from Los Angeles2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/carlsbad-passes-tickets/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/carlsbad-passes-tickets/How passes and tickets work from Carlsbad: San Diego County multi-attraction passes versus separate LA tickets that need a real drive.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTCarlsbadpasses and ticketsSan Diego CountyLos Angeles day trip2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/carlsbad-theme-parks-tickets/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/carlsbad-theme-parks-tickets/Plan Legoland California in Carlsbad and a Disneyland day trip from the San Diego area, with tickets, distances and transfer options.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTCarlsbadLegolandDisneylandtheme parksSan Diego2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/carlsbad-transfers-transport/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/carlsbad-transfers-transport/How to reach Carlsbad from Palomar, Montgomery-Gibbs and Brown Field airports: shuttle options, drive times and what these small airports can't do.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTCarlsbadairport transfersSan Diego Countyshuttle2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/carlsbad-walking-tours/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/carlsbad-walking-tours/Plan a Carlsbad walking tour from Los Angeles: real driving distances, what the guided walk covers, and why it needs a full day, not a detour.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTCarlsbadwalking toursday tripsSan Diego area2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/carlsbad-water-sports/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/carlsbad-water-sports/Surfing, kayaking and paddleboarding around Carlsbad, the southernmost stop on this coast, best fitted into a multi-day San Diego route.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTcarlsbadwater sportssurfingsan diego2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/catalina-island-adventure-sports/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/catalina-island-adventure-sports/Catalina Island adventure sports by ferry, not car: horseback rides, parasailing, boat tours, and which listings are actually based on the mainland.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTcatalina-islandavalonadventure-sportsferryhorseback-riding2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/catalina-island-boat-cruises/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/catalina-island-boat-cruises/Catalina Island's open-water boat cruises: nighttime flying fish trips and parasailing over Avalon Bay, and how to plan the ferry crossing around them.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTCatalina Islandboat cruisesAvalonflying fishparasailing2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/catalina-island-games-and-shows/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/catalina-island-games-and-shows/How guided treasure hunts and games work on Catalina Island, why the ferry changes your planning, and where to add escape rooms on the mainland.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTCatalina IslandAvalongames and showsOrange Countyferry2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/catalina-island-ghost-and-true-crime/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/catalina-island-ghost-and-true-crime/Ghost tours in Avalon on Catalina Island: what the walking and EMF tours cover, the ferry crossing, and how to plan the trip.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTCatalina IslandAvalonghost toursOrange County2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/catalina-island-helicopter-flights/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/catalina-island-helicopter-flights/How helicopter flights to Catalina Island and Avalon actually work, what they cost, and how they compare to the boat to Los Angeles' offshore island.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTCatalina IslandAvalonhelicopterSouthern California2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/catalina-island-hiking-nature/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/catalina-island-hiking-nature/Catalina Island hiking and nature: ferry-only access, horseback rides above Avalon, and how trail time differs from the mainland.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTCatalina IslandhikingnatureAvalonhorseback riding2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/catalina-island-private-tours/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/catalina-island-private-tours/How private, golf-cart guided tours work in Avalon and Catalina Island, and how to pair them with a private Los Angeles day.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTCatalina IslandAvalonprivate toursLos Angeles2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/catalina-island-sightseeing-tours/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/catalina-island-sightseeing-tours/How to see Catalina Island and Avalon on an organized sightseeing tour, from booking the ferry crossing to picking excursions once you land.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTCatalina IslandAvalonsightseeing toursOrange County2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/catalina-island-water-sports/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/catalina-island-water-sports/How water sports at Catalina Island actually work: the boat crossing, timing, and what to book before you reach Avalon.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTCatalina IslandAvalonwater sportsboat tours2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/catalina-island-whale-watching/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/catalina-island-whale-watching/How whale and dolphin watching works on Catalina Island, plus semi-submarine tours from Avalon and what to expect on the water.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTCatalina IslandAvalonwhale watchingboat tours2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/dana-point-bike-scooter-tours/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/dana-point-bike-scooter-tours/Guided ebike tours along Dana Point's coastline, what's included, and which bookable options are actually based elsewhere in the region.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTDana PointBike ToursOrange CountyEbike2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/dana-point-boat-cruises/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/dana-point-boat-cruises/Dana Point boat cruises explained: evening harbor wine cruises, whale watching and what actually departs from this Orange County port.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTDana Pointboat cruiseswhale watchingOrange Countyharbor cruise2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/dana-point-helicopter-flights/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/dana-point-helicopter-flights/Helicopter flights from Dana Point, in southern Orange County, near Laguna Beach and San Clemente. Booking, timing and what to actually expect.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTDana Pointhelicopter flightsOrange CountySouthern California2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/dana-point-hiking-nature/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/dana-point-hiking-nature/Coastal hiking and nature walks around Dana Point: bluff trails, tide pools, whale watching season and how it differs from Catalina or LA hikes.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTDana Pointhikingcoastal natureOrange County2026https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/dana-point-water-sports/https://www.losangeles-trip.com/guides/dana-point-water-sports/Guided kayak trips to Dana Point's sea caves and private paddleboarding in the harbor, with practical notes on tide pools, timing and access.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTDana Pointwater sportskayakingpaddleboardingOrange County2026