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Shopping opportunities abound in Los Angeles but Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is one of the most famous shopping streets in the world.

From private boutiques to big name designer stores Rodeo Drive has everything you could want in high fashion and luxury, all contained in just a few blocks.

Even if the stores on Rodeo Drive are out of your price range, it’s still likely to be the best window shopping you’ll ever do. Most shop owners won’t mind if you only want to look; they’re used to it.

Rodeo Drive is also a fantastic place for people watching; keep your eyes peeled for celebrities and get a window into the lives of the rich and famous!

If you do intend on making purchases, do your research first, as store hours vary and some boutiques won’t even let you in without an appointment. Visit Rodeo Drive’s official website for more information.

As a general rule, you can skip Sundays, when most of the stores are closed, and visit on weekdays to avoid the worst crowds.

If you happen to be in LA during the Christmas season, make sure to visit Rodeo Drive at night to see the lights and the decorated stores.

Whether or not you can afford to buy anything — Rodeo Drive is well worth the visit.

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If you’re visiting in the summer — or really any time of year — a trip to Los Angeles wouldn’t be complete without some beach time, and the Santa Monica State Beach is one of the most popular beaches.

It may not be a private, secluded beach, but the lively atmosphere more than make up for that.

Biking, tennis, basketball, swimming, surfing, and beach volleyball are all popular here — and you can rent everything you need and even take lessons right on the beach.

If you’re not into athletics, relax in the ocean breeze and work on your tan — or visit Chess Park, where you can play regular chess or act as a game piece on the giant chess board.

The Santa Monica Beach is also great if you’re traveling with children; the beach is safe and clean with playgrounds scattered throughout. You also can’t miss Santa Monica Pier, where you’ll find carnival games, treats and rides — including a solar powered Ferris wheel that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. While you’re on the Pier, check out the Aquarium for an up-close look at some of Santa Monica Bay’s native marine life.

No matter what sort of beach day you’re looking for, Santa Monica Beach offers the classic American beach experience!

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Los Angeles is the heart of the entertainment industry, and there’s no better proof of that than the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The walk stretches out for blocks on Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, with stars made of brass and terrazzo set into the concrete.

On each star is the name of someone who has made a great contribution to the entertainment industry–– actors, musicians, directors, producers, and more. There are even some fictional characters, like Bugs Bunny.

Since construction started in 1960, well over 2000 stars have been added to the Walk, and more are added each year.

A committee of industry experts meets yearly to choose just a few of the best from the the hundreds of applications for new stars.

It’s truly a tribute to Hollywood’s best, stretching across generations and genres from Carol Burnett to Houdini to Michael Jackson.

At least a few of your favorites are sure to be on the Walk, and you can look up the exact addresses of their stars on the Walk of Fame’s website, so you won’t have any trouble finding them.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is free and open to the public 24/7, so there’s no reason not to visit. Don’t skip one of LA’s most famous attractions!

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With the influence of so many different cultures and the push of trends encouraging creativity, it’s no wonder Los Angeles has a world-class restaurant scene.

You’ll have more choices for high end foodie experiences then you’ll know what to do with.

One place to start is The Bazaar, where celebrated chef José Andrés brings Spanish cuisine to new innovative heights.

Another LA favorite is Italian cuisine. Try the dishes based on rustic Italian home cooking at Angelini Osteria. Or have a thin-crust pizza at Bottega Louie and finish the meal with one of their pastries.

Want something more casual? Visit The Apple Pan — this diner has been a local favorite since the 40s and it still serves up one of the best burgers in LA – (the hickory burger is the way to go!)

Or have a French dip sandwich at Philippe the Original, said to be the oldest restaurant in the city, dating as far back as 1908.

Or for some Hollywood history and a martini, visit Musso and Frank Grill. Countless old Hollywood stars like Charlie Chaplin, Gary Cooper, and Marilyn Monroe were once regulars there.

For something a little more modern, try Katsuya Hollywood. It’s one of LA’s best known sushi restaurants for good reason, and celebrity sightings aren’t uncommon.

From French to burgers to sushi, no matter what food experience you’re after, you can find it in LA.

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Los Angeles is a BIG city and it can be a bit challenging to get around.

Car rentals are relatively inexpensive, which is lucky, because driving is the best option.

Rent through the airport and reserve far ahead of time during tourist season.

Navigation and traffic in LA aren’t easy, so it’s a very good idea to spend the extra money on GPS.

Stick to freeways whenever you can and be prepared for traffic jams.

If you can’t rent a car, you’ll be springing for plenty of taxis. They can be pricey, but at least you won’t be the one driving. Call one through a taxi service or find one outside a hotel.

If your budget doesn’t allow for car rentals or taxis, Los Angeles’s public transportation is far from efficient, but it will do in a pinch. The subway covers some of the popular tourist areas, but more extensive travel will probably require a bus trip. The wait for buses can be long and you may not be taken directly to your destination, but if you’re patient and allow plenty of time for travel, the bus and subway systems will probably be enough to get you around LA.

Honestly, if you’re going to be staying in Los Angeles for more than a few days, renting a car is kind of a MUST.

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There’s no such thing as a truly bad time to visit Los Angeles.

It rains very little, never gets too cold, and there’s always something exciting to do, whether it’s summer or winter.

No matter when you visit, you’ll always be able to enjoy the shopping, restaurants, and other attractions.

Summer is the most popular time to visit Los Angeles, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best time.

Though it never gets too humid, summers can be very hot, and heat brings out the worst of the LA smog. Los Angeles is also crowded with tourists during the summer, which means prices are higher than ever and you’ll need reservations for almost everything.

If you must go during the summer, make sure to book everything at least a month in advance, for better prices and selections.

Winter is a much safer bet; the air will be cooler and clearer, but it won’t ever get too cold.

And since there will be fewer tourists, prices will be more reasonable and you won’t have to deal with as much crowding.

Truth is — with a little planning, you’re sure to have a great vacation in Los Angeles no matter when you visit!

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Los Angeles may be best known for film but it also has an exciting art scene. LA is home to some of the best museums in the United States, and there are a number to choose from.

The J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center is a favorite. The collection of Western art spans from the middle ages to today and includes work by masters like Ruben, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Monet, and Manet.

There’s also the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, which is the biggest art museum in the western United States. The vast collection contains art from all over the world from different time periods, in a variety of mediums.

The Museum of Contemporary Art is the place to go for modern American and European art. Here you’ll find work by prestigious artists like Rothko, Rauschenberg, Hockney, de Kooning, and many more.

If you’re a museum-goer but art’s not your thing, visit the California Science Center to see the collection of aircraft, spacecraft, and robotic spacecraft. You can even see the Space Shuttle Endeavor here.

Or visit the Page Museum to see the La Brea Tar Pits, an excavation site of Ice Age fossils. The fossils themselves are displayed in the museum, where you can also learn about the history of the tar pits.

Finally, of course LA has some museums dedicated to it’s entertainment history — Visit the Hollywood Museum in the Max Factor Building to see vintage posters, costumes, cars, and other unique Hollywood memorabilia.

There’s no lack of variety in LA’s museum scene, so there’s sure to be something for everybody.

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You might say there’s almost TOO much to do in Los Angeles — it can be overwhelming. Here are some key spots and city highlights to help guide you:

One of the most famous attractions is the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where stars’ names are embedded into the sidewalk in tribute to their great achievements in the entertainment industry.

While you’re in Hollywood, take a tour of Paramount Pictures or Warner Bros. Studios for a behind-the-scenes look at film production.

Outside of the city, be sure to spend some time on the beach, especially if you visit during the summer. The Santa Monica State Beach is the ideal place to work on your tan or play some beach volleyball.

And if you’re travelling with kids, take them to ride the Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier.

Take a stroll on the Venice Beach boardwalk for the most unique people-watching in LA.

If the beach doesn’t offer enough activity for you, visit one of the famous LA-area theme parks, like Universal Studios Hollywood or Disneyland, which are also great for kids.

Got the shopping bug? Los Angeles is full of the best shopping opportunities. Whether you’re looking for luxury items and high fashion on Rodeo Drive or something a little more affordable at the Grove, you can find just about anything in LA.

Deciding what to do in Los Angeles can be a challenge but rest assured no matter what you do, your visit will be exciting and memorable!

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The entire city of Los Angeles is about as big as the entire state of Rhode Island, and you’ll want to see it all!

Start in downtown LA, where you can visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, the theater district, or the oldest part of the city on Olvera Street.

Then head over to Hollywood, LA’s most famous neighborhood and the heart of the entertainment industry. Search for your favorite stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame or take a tour of the Paramount Pictures studios.

For even more glitz and glamour, get over to Beverly Hills. A city in its own right, Beverly Hills has earned its reputation as a home to the rich and famous. Go shopping — or just window-shopping — in the decadent and beautiful high-end stores and boutiques on Rodeo Drive.

When you’re tired of the city, visit Pasadena for more of a small-town feel and a thriving cultural scene. Visit the museums and enjoy some fantastic dining — Julia Child was born in Pasadena, and the restaurants there live up to her legacy.

You could also head out to Santa Monica and relax on the famous beach and pier, complete with carnival games and rides.

The beach and boardwalk in Venice are also popular and offer the iconic LA beach scene. The canals in Venice are made to mimic the ones in the Italian city this neighborhood was named for and they’re worth the visit all on their own.

Whether you want excitement or relaxation, glamour or culture, there’s a place in Los Angeles for you.