Los Angeles is a world unto itself and can be daunting for first-timers. Some things to know – it’s generally always sunny but can get chilly in the evenings, sometimes the best food can come from the back of a truck and the tours of celebrity houses aren’t always entirely accurate. LA is massive, so plan your days and travel times wisely.

Comfortable shoes, a light jacket and a backpack for day trips. Los Angeles is generally always sunny, so a hat is essential. Don’t stress if you forget something, the shopping here is excellent so you’ll be looking for excuses to hit the mall!

For first timers, Hollywood is basically a prerequisite. For a taste of that Cali sun-soaked lifestyle, head to Venice Beach and Santa Monica. For shopping, West Hollywood has Sunset Plaza, and for those budget-is-not-for-us holidays, Beverly Hills is where you’ll find luxe lodgings and fancy restaurants.

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In short, no. If a weekend is all you have, then be prepared to leave wanting more, much more. Los Angeles is the kind of place you can lose yourself (and find a new version) over weeks/months/years. There’s always something new to see, do and devour.

The good news is that Los Angeles experiences near perfect conditions year-round, so there’s no bad time to visit! The peak summer season, however, kicks off around June and stretches through until August.

The beauty of LA is that it can be as busy or as relaxed as you desire. For those classic I-went-to-LA snaps, be sure to get a glimpse of the Hollywood Sign, cruise along Venice Beach Boardwalk, do your finest Pretty Woman impression on Rodeo Drive or bar hop along Sunset Boulevard. Culture seekers can skip between museums and art galleries, while foodies can embark on a self-guided street food tour of the city. Then, when you need a break, roll out a towel and soak in the sunshine on one of LA’s many stretches of beach.

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