It is most well-known as the home of the music, movie, and overall entertainment industry. It is also the third-largest city in the world by its GDP. The Pacific Ocean borders Los Angeles, which makes for a great afternoon activity in the summer. The average temperature is 63 degrees Fahrenheit and reaches highs of 85 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and lows of 45 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. There are 841 museums and a number of art galleries in Los Angeles for you to explore. Performing arts play a big role in the culture of Los Angeles, and it is a city you definitely don’t want to miss.
Where to stay:
The Holiday Inn Express on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a great option to spent two nights in. It costs $275 per night per room for two beds in the room – therefore, four people could easily stay fit into space. It has a 3-star rating on Trip Advisor and features a number of amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible; however, it is a hotel aimed more for someone who does not plan to spend their days within the room.
Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza Hotel is another fantastic option in Los Angeles, with loads of amenities and access to a beautiful pool. It costs about $255 per night per room for a King room. It is a beautiful location and has an incredible view of the sunset.
You could also stay in the prestige Hilton Hotel for $270 dollars per night per room. It is rated at four stars on Trip Advisor and features plenty of amenities for one to enjoy.
Where to eat:
Kazunori is a highly recommended sushi bar; the locals in Los Angeles suggest you should try. It has a 4,5-star review on Trip Advisor and is rated as reasonably priced.
If sushi is not your thing, and you’re looking for a more exciting way to spend your night out, then Trip Advisor suggests getting a cocktail at Everson Royce Bar. It is rated as reasonably priced, and the food is said to be exquisite. They have a variety to order from burgers to salads and plenty more.
If you’re in a pizza mood, you should definitely pop over to Pizzanista! It is a more affordable option, but it rated as four stars on Trip Advisor. It is also mentioned in the Local Guide to Downtown LA.
What to do:
There are a number of exciting activities to experience in Los Angeles. A very popular one is to spend the day at universal studios, a world-famous film studio, and theme park. You could tour the film studios and see how and where your favorite movies were created, or for adrenalin junkies, you could enjoy a day on exciting theme park attractions. Some of the best attractions are the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Revenge of the Mummy.
Another exciting way to spend the day would be to see all of Los Angeles’s famous sites, and an easy way to do this would be to join a bus tour that travels through the city. A Day in LA Tours is a great company that can pick you up from one of three points or at your hotel. It will then take you through the city and introduce you to the most incredible attractions, such as the Santa Monica Pier, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Griffith Park.
On warmer days, learning how to surf at Venice Beach is a great way to spend the day in the sun and learn a new skill. It is a two-hour activity, and afterward, you can spend the day swimming at the beach and catching a tan.
What do international travelers need in order to visit Los Angeles:
The US does require international travelers to have a visa in order to enter the country, and therefore if you’d like to visit Los Angeles, you will need to obtain a visa. If you are lucky enough to be from a country on the USA Visa Waiver Program List, such as Greece, New Zealand, or Sweden – then you can apply for a visa quickly on the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA)’s the official website.
You will need to apply at least 72 hours ahead of time and will be eligible if you have a valid passport from any of the countries on the official USA Visa Waiver Program List, and if you are staying in the US for less than 90 days. It is quick, easy, and efficient and only costs around $14. In order to apply, you need to provide your passport details, national ID, and your employer’s address and number if this is applicable.
It takes 23 minutes to complete the application. Once approved, it will be valid for two years or until your passport expires, and the ESTA will only hold your information while it is valid. An ESTA check can be done by clicking on the hyperlink here, and you will be able to access whether your visa is still valid or not.
You can still apply for a visa if you do not fall under the USA Visa Waiver Program List by approaching your local US Consulate. Be sure to research what documents will be required and any other information you may need by checking your local US Consulate’s website.