Los Angeles, or as it is commonly know L.A., is a city that is unlike any other. It is the land where the sun never stops shining, palm trees sway to an ocean breeze and ambition hangs like a cloud on a wavelength. Is it the glamour of Hollywood, miles and miles of sandy beaches or the never-ending promise of things to do that attract so many to Los Angeles?
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CITY
Even before L.A. became the entertainment capital of the world, indigenous tribes like the Tongva peoples lived sustainably on the land for millennia. The city was founded in 1781 by Spanish settlers as El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula, or “The Town of Our Lady the Queen of Angels of Porciúncula.” The name is long, but it goes -way- back for this city.
Under Spanish then Mexican rule, and the U.S. after it was ceded by Mexico in 1848 following a long war, Los Angeles first incorporated as a city on April 4, 1850 five long months before California achieved statehood. Railroad arrival at the end of the 19th century and discovery of oil led to further development. But it was the early 20th century when Hollywood came into being, casting a sleepy rural community as an international symbol for film, television and later music and digital media.
Today, L.A. is the second-most populous city in the United States and a hub of culture, creativity, commerce and innovation with over 500K businesses.
POPULATION AND LANGUAGE
L.A. is a full-scale melting pot, with the city proper containing nearly four million people and more than 13 million residing in its larger metropolitan area. It is one of the most diverse cities on earth, with residents hailing from more than 140 nationalities and speaking over 200 languages.
The main language spoken is English however Spanish can be heard everywhere. Indeed, what you’ll find is people flipping effortlessly between the two. Also commonly spoken by city residents are Korean, Tagalog, Armenian, Mandarin, Persian and Russian — illustrating the immigrant diversity of the metropolis.
CURRENCY AND ELECTRICITY
The official currency in Los Angeles is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted even at upscale eateries, food trucks and on the street.
Electricity standards in the United States are Type A and B with a standard voltage of 120V and frequency of 60Hz. Those visiting from a country with an incompatible plug type or voltage should bring the right converter or adapter to safely use their electronics.
CLIMATE: SUNSHINE AND SEA BREEZES
The Mediterranean climate of Los Angeles is one of its most obviously enviable features. The city sees more than 280 sunny days per year, with mild, damp winters and warm, dry summers.
During summer, temperatures typically remain between 24°C and 32°C (75°F to 90°F) with winters being mild at an average minimum of around 10°C (50°F). The coast, in places like Santa Monica and Venice, tends to remain cooler due to the ocean breeze; inland areas such as the San Fernando Valley, however, can become much hotter.
Rain is a rare sight, but when it does occur, it’s through short and heavily showers, mostly from November to March.
A TASTE OF L.A.: FOOD SCENE
In Los Angeles, food isn’t just fuel — it’s a cultural celebration. The cuisine itself, thanks to the city’s mixed bag of communities, is a mouth-watering blend of flavors from across the world.
Tacos are practically a way of life around here, where street vendors and gourmet food trucks sling everything from traditional carne asada to Korean-inspired bulgogi takes. Avocado toast, acai bowls and In-N-Out burgers are also local culinary staples.
Then, if you venture over to different neighborhoods, you’ll get specific culinary experiences: in Little Tokyo they have authentic ramen and sushi; Koreatown is riddled with Korean BBQ places; Thai Town has amazing Thai food; Chinatown brings its own flavor and palate — as does Little Ethiopia. And for the health-minded, L.A. boasts seemingly endless options of vegan-friendly cafes, juice bars and organic restaurants.
GETTING AROUND: TRANSPORTATION IN THE CITY
Los Angeles is often famously referred to as a car city, and it’s true that driving is generally the easiest way of getting around. It’s a spread-out city with wide distances among neighborhoods, and traffic can be brutal — a constant companionship, especially during commuter times.
That being said, the public transport situation has been improving over the last few years. The City is served by the Metro Rail and bus systems to areas such as Downtown, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Pasadena. Using a reloadable TAP card to hop on and off of buses, trains is easy.
Additionally, you can find rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft just about anywhere, and the city has also added more bike lanes and scooter-sharing opportunities, especially in areas catering to tourists.
SAFETY IN LOS ANGELES
Los Angeles is a big city just like others in United States, and there are safe as well as dangerous neighborhoods scattered throughout the metropolis. Areas frequented by tourists, including Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and Hollywood, are well-patrolled and quite safe during the day. Still, one should always be alert and not wander alone is an unfamiliar place late at night, especially in less populated areas.
Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, may occur in crowded areas, so do keep an eye on your personal belongings. By and large, L.A. is a city that ably manages its big-city ills with a significant focus on community involvement and safety.
TOP ATTRACTIONS IN THE CITY
Los Angeles has an endless amount of things to do and places to see. There’s something for everyone, whether you like art, film, music, shopping or nature.
Hollywood Sign
No visit is complete without a view (or at least a selfie) of the famous Hollywood Sign. For the best view, hike the trails at Griffith Park or make your way up to Griffith Observatory for breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre
Take a walk on Hollywood Boulevard and marvel at the more than 2,600 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in pink terrazzo with the names of thousands of celebrities to date, past or present. Nearby, the TCL Chinese Theatre displays well-known handprints and movie openings.
Santa Monica Pier.
These beachside hot spots evoke classic California vibes: boardwalks, street performers, sunsets over the Pacific. The Santa Monica Pier boasts an amusement park, and Venice Beach has a skate park and eccentric vibe.
The Getty Center
A hilltop spot with views is the setting for stellar architecture and art collections from classical to modern at this museum.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Studio, part theme park, this roller coaster of a movie-making experience also features thrill rides, shows and behind-the-scenes tours.
Downtown LA
Downtown has undergone a cultural renaissance with highlights including the Broad Museum, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Grand Central Market and the arts district, home to galleries and murals.
Rodeo Drive & Beverly Hills
If you’re big on luxury shopping or you just want to browse through the life of the rich and famous, then Rodeo Drive it is.
OTHER KEY ASPECTS
Education and Innovation
Los Angeles claims many prestigious institutions including UCLA, USC and Caltech, it is also a leading center for innovation — especially tech and entertainment.
Cultural Festivals
L.A. hosts a wide variety of festivals celebrating culture, music, food and art year round — from concerts at the Hollywood Bowl to Chinatown’s Chinese New Year Parade, Cinco de Mayo celebrations in East L.A.
Green Spaces
For being such a sprawling city, there are plenty of parks and outdoor spaces. Local residents are fond of hiking in Runyon Canyon, while Echo Park and Elysian Park offer tranquil respites within city limits.
It’s not just a place, it’s a patchwork of people and lifestyles and dreams. It is the kind of place where you can hike a mountain in the morning, take in a film premiere in afternoon and see sunset over the ocean — all in one day. Whether it’s the Hollywood glitter, the beach bum allure, or vibrant communities you can’t help but want to live your life out loud in color when you make Los Angeles your home.
