Think of Los Angeles and it’s highly likely that images of palm trees, sunshine, theme parks and Hollywood stars spring immediately to mind – not forgetting the iconic Hollywood sign that sits high above the city in the Hollywood hills.
But, much like anywhere in the world, locals have a different view of their city and Angelenos – as LA residents are known – tend to steer clear of the city’s glitz and glamour.
Not everyone has the appetite – or the bank balance – to eat at Michelin star restaurants every night or the occasion to rub shoulders with stars of the big screen. Plus, there’s so much more to Los Angeles than movie magic.
If you want to enjoy a truly authentic LA experience then you need to do as the Angelenos do.
Here’s our list of the best things to do to enjoy LA like a local, including where to stay, where to eat, what to do and how to get around.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I have been or could be if you click on a link in this post compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See our full disclosure policy for more details.
Getting around LA like the locals do
LA is famously one of the world’s most sprawling city, with vast freeways and enormous neighbourhoods and your best bet for navigating this Southern California city is by car.
Consider car rental from LAX; picking up a car when you arrive at Los Angeles International Airport is the best way to start your trip, particularly if it’s your first time to the city.
LA does have a public transportation network but it does not cover the entire city and there are some neighbourhoods where you really will need a car to get around. Consider a smaller vehicle, which will make parking in certain neighbourhoods easier.
There are a few things to consider when driving in LA.
Firstly, this is a big city with a justified reputation for traffic-clogged streets (although it’s no longer the worst city in the US for traffic!) so if you want to avoid sitting in bumper to bumper traffic, then it’s a good idea to time your outings so that they don’t coincide with rush hour (7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm).
Secondly, be prepared for some strict and confusing parking regulations – make sure to read signs carefully to avoid getting a ticket. If in doubt, opt for valet parking, which is prolific and convenient! You’ll find valet-only parking at most bars and restaurants.
Favourite local LA neighbourhoods
LA is one of the most diverse cities in the world, a vibrant mosaic of cultures with communities from around the world.
So, if you really want to explore LA like a local, you should skip the star studded streets and explore these neighbourhoods instead.
Venice and Santa Monica
Venice Beach is a great place to start your trip to the City of Angels. Famous for the iconic Venice Beach boardwalk, surf culture and world-famous muscle beach, this beachside neighbourhood is a favourite with locals and visitors alike.
Away from the skate park and cool shops along Abbott Kinney Boulevard, however, there are lots of local favourites to discover.
Take a stroll along the Venice Walk Streets, a set of pedestrian-only streets from the 1900s that were established by tobacco tycoon Abbot Kinney who wanted to create an Italian-style Venice in California complete with a system of charming canals.
Another local favourite is the Mosaic Tile House, a spectacular single-storey 1940s home covered entirely in colourful tiles by the artists owners. Equally curious is the El Bordello Alexandra, a 1906 home decorated with an eccentric collection of murals and statues. According to the LA Times, the artist-owned building is “more than a building, it’s a vibe.”
Nearby Santa Monica is another great spot, popular with locals who spend their weekends (and many weekdays!) jogging, biking and enjoying outdoor workouts with perfect weather and ocean views.
Santa Monica is where the original Muscle Beach was located, positioned next to the Santa Monica Pier and originally used for gymnastics and acrobatic displays. The original exercise platform and weightlifting shed were bulldozed in the 1950s but there’s still a handful of climbing ropes, parallel bars and swings today.
Highlights in Santa Monica include Palisades Park, 26.4 acres of picnic areas, a rose garden and pétanque courts; the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market, the largest and most popular in LA; the mini amusement park on Santa Monica Pier home to the world’s only solar-powered ferris wheel; and the Bergamot Station, home to a collection of contemporary and fine art galleries.
Echo Park
A colourful neighbourhood of winding boulevards and steep hillside streets, Echo Park was one of LA’s first suburbs.
During the 1980s and 90s was known for gang activity but today it’s a wonderfully vibrant corner of the city, home to a culturally diverse population – immigrants from Mexico, Cuba and the Philippines moved here during the population boom at the turn of the 20th century.
Gentrification has seen a swathe of vegan cafes, independent boutiques and cool coffee shops and bars but multiculturalism remains alive and well.
Once you’ve explore the vintage clothing stores, admired the street art and hopped between late-night bars, make sure to save time for a stroll around Echo Park Lake.
The lake was originally built in 1868 as a reservoir for drinking water and in 1892, palm trees were imported from Mexico to obscure the neighbourhood’s proximity to the city centre.
If you have time, it’s worth exploring nearby Silver Lake to the west, one of the city’s coolest neighbourhoods with an ever-growing dining scene, and Chinatown to the east.
Little Tokyo
One of the oldest Japanese neighbourhoods in the United States, Little Tokyo was first settled in 1885 when a former sailor, Hamanosuke “Charles Hama” Shigeta, opened the Kame Restaurant on East First Street.
Start your visit at the Japanese American National Museum and then head to the Japanese Village Plaza where you’ll find dozens of shops and restaurants including some of the best sushi in the city, as well as ramen, matcha soft serve and delicious Japanese desserts.
Try Fugetsu-Do Bakery Shop, which has creating mochi, manju and more since 1903.
Historic Filipinotown
Also known as HiFi, this small neighbourhood is often overlooked by visitors to LA but it really is worth a visit. It’s a great place to go for excellent restaurants and cosy coffee shops, and has a handful of interesting sights that are worth seeing.
The first big modern wave of Filipinos to move to California started in the early 1920s and boomed after the end of World War II. Today, the Greater Los Angeles area is home to the largest Filipino population outside of the Philippines.
Highlights include the 30-foot-tall Historic Filipinotown archway that spans Beverley Boulevard and welcomes your arrival to the neighbourhood. The archway is relatively new, having been constructed in 2022.
Nearby is Unidad Park where you’ll find a huge mural that reads “Gintong Kasaysayan, Ginton Pamana”, “a glorious history, a golden legacy”.
There are some welcoming coffee shops in Filipinotown and even better restaurants. Try The Park’s Finest that blends Filipino flavours with Southern BBQ techniques.
Gigi’s Cafe Cuban is another spot to try and a nod to the neighbourhoods previous role as Little Havana.
Downtown Los Angeles
There’s lots to see in downtown LA so it’s worth dedicating a couple of days to this neighbourhood if you have the time.
It’s home to some vibrant street art, the Crypto.com Arena (formerly known as the Staple Centre) where the LA Lakers play their home games, and The Grammy Museum, an interactive museum that explores the stories behind music’s greater artists.
The Walt Disney Concert Hall is another highlight, home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
One of our favourite places to visit in this corner of LA is The Last Bookstore, the treasure trove of books and records that is the largest of its kind in California. You’ll find it housed in the grand atrium of what was once a bank.
If you consider yourself a bit of a foodie or a creative, then head to Grand Central Market for delicious tacos, ramen, and ice cream.
You’ll also find plenty of rooftop bars that are popular hangouts for locals who like to enjoy the sunset with a cool drink after a busy week at work – for a true LA like a local experience, head to the Perch Rooftop Bar for happy hour and enjoy the city views from the top of a beautiful Art Deco building.
Hollywood
Of course, if it’s your first time to La La Land then you may want to see the iconic sights. You’ll find Hollywood Boulevard in the Hollywood neighbourhood along with the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Food and Drink: Where the Angelenos Go
Eating and dining experiences are an important part of any trip, especially in a city as diverse as LA.
Los Angeles is home to come incredible dining options showcasing the best of its many cultures, flavours and dishes. Here are some tips on how to eat like an LA native.
Taco Trucks and Street Food
LA is a city where people are on the go 24/7, so you can expect locals to be grabbing delicious food from food trucks and stalls at all times of the day and night.
Some of the best food trucks in town include Mariscos Jalisco, a Mexican seafood truck that delivers incredible crunchy shrimp tacos; Kogi BBQ for kimchi quesadillas; and Leo’s Tacos Truck for the best tacos al pastor this side of Mexico.
Farmers’ Markets
Locations such as the Hollywood Farmers’ Market (open on Sundays) are a must for fresh produce, artisanal food, and people-watching. You can grab a coffee, try some local produce, and find out what the locals like to eat and enjoy when they’re not dining in restaurants or at food trucks.
The Original Farmers Market is another favourite, just make sure to get there before 10am when the crowds arrive!
Health Conscious Dining
LA is a hive of health and vitality, so you can expect plenty of refreshing smoothie bowls, juice bars, frozen health treats, and lots of plant-based menus scattered throughout the city. Try Café Gratitude or Moon Juice for a local favourite experience.
Practical Tips for Experiencing LA like a Local
Visiting LA is a trip that you’ll always remember, but to make sure it’s memorable for all the right reasons, consider these helpful travel tips.
Traffic and parking hacks
Get to know the freeways: the 405 is nearly always jammed, the 101 snakes through Hollywood, and the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is as scenic as it is slow.
Make sure to always carry some loose change with you; not all parking meters take cards or apps, especially in the older neighbourhoods, so it’s handy to keep a few quarters in the car.
Don’t forget your essentials
Sunscreen year-round: The California sun is strong, even in winter or when it’s cloudy, so don’t forget your SPF, sunglasses, and hat.
Dress in layers: Don’t be fooled by hot afternoons. The coastal “marine layer” can make mornings chilly, and desert-like evenings cool off fast once the sun sets.
Passports and Insurance: Avoid any potential travel mistakes by making sure you have travel insurance, a valid passport and an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) if you need one.
Go with the right attitude
Go with the flow: Traffic jams happen, valet is sometimes the only option, and restaurants can have long waits. Angelenos take it in stride; remember, patience is key!
Blend in with the lifestyle: LA has a laid-back, health-focused, creative energy. Join in, try a green juice, take a morning hike, or browse a flea market. You’ll get closer to the real spirit of the city.
Are you planning a trip to LA? What are you looking forward to the most?
