Los Angeles Travel Guide

Sunny Los Angeles is undeniably the summer capital of the United States. With a range of LA holiday packages and the cheapest flights, we’ll have you sipping cocktails in Santa Monica before you know it.

Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
Language: English
Airport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Population: 17,900,000 (LA Metro)
Time Zone: UTC-8

Where to Stay

Those stopping over in LA for one or two nights may want to stay around the airport, where you'll find several big-chain hotels at a very affordable price. Although the Downtown area all but shuts down on weekends, it boasts fantastic shopping and is home to some great budget accommodation. If you’re looking for a bit of class but don’t want to pay through the roof, there are plenty of affordable four star hotels in Hollywood. The glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills is fantastic if price isn't a concern, while the beaches of Santa Monica also offer many luxurious five star options. Browse through our range of Los Angeles accommodation deals.

Transport

Greater LA covers an enormous area, which means its attractions can be quite far apart. The best option if possible is to hire a car, but expect long waits in traffic if driving at peak hour. Alternatively, there are more than 200 bus lines and 5 rail lines connecting most parts of LA County. If you simply want to sit back and see the sights while someone else takes care of your transport, why not try a Los Angeles tour.

Flights

You can fly from Australia to Los Angeles on Qantas, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, Delta or United Airlines, which takes approximately 14 hours departing from Sydney. Alternatively, numerous other airlines fly to LA with one or two stops, including Air New Zealand, Air Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Air China and Malaysia Airlines. View the latest cheap flights to Los Angeles.

Climate

LA’s climate is classified as Subtropical-Mediterranean, with an average of 330 sunny days a year. Temperatures are comparable to those of Brisbane or the Gold Coast, averaging a high of 29°C in summer and 20°C in winter.

Food

Los Angeles, along with the rest of America, is known of course for its wide range of fast food chains. But don't be fooled - there's much more than burgers, hot dogs and fries on offer. The large Latin American population in Los Angeles means there's an abundance of Spanish-influenced food throughout the area. However, like in most western cultures, you can find just about any type of international cuisine you can think of.

Insider Tips

Don't miss Santa Monica Pier with its amusement park rides, aquarium and famous seafood restaurants. Universal Studios and Disneyland are of course worth visiting while you're there, but avoid weekends and school holidays to beat the crowds.