Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about visiting Los Angeles. Many people dream of visiting Los Angeles, especially Hollywood where movie stars hang out. As with any travel destination, there were many surprises in store for us. If you’re thinking about planning a trip to Los Angeles, don’t be surprised at these “shocks.”
LA is not the TV Stereotype
There’s an LA stereotype that you see on TV and in movies. Yes, that stereotype comes from somewhere and there are definitely pockets of shallow, show business, but there are also great communities within Los Angeles. There are real people who live and work in LA and give back to their communities.
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Los Angelenos
I was actually really shocked at how friendly the Los Angeles locals are. Based on the LA stereotypes that I know, I was not expecting super friendly locals, and yet, there they are. Everyone I met in LA was super friendly, super chill, and totally willing to help me out if I had a question. Are there jerks in LA? Of course, but there are also tons of really cool people, too.
Aging Attractions in Los Angeles
I was shocked to see the run-down condition of some of the major attractions in Los Angeles. Hollywood Boulevard is not the glamourous place you might expect; it’s actually pretty messy and dirty. This happened a few times on my last visit to Los Angeles, and it’s always shocking. Seeing how much pride the locals have for their communities, I’m hopeful that things will turn around in the future.
Homelessness in Los Angeles
Many cities and even smaller towns have homeless problems, so it’s no longer shocking to see a homeless person on the streets. But the sheer number of homeless people in Los Angeles is shocking. From Venice Beach to Hollywood, out by the airport and downtown Los Angeles, there is a staggering amount of homeless people. You’ll see sizable tent cities where people are just living right on the sidewalk. Along with that, you’ll likely witness mental illness and drug use, so be prepared. If you are visiting LA with kids, you’ll definitely want to have a conversation with your kids ahead of time.
Los Angeles Weather
Southern California is known for beautiful warm, sunny days. And most of the time, that’s true. But if you happen to be in LA when it rains, you’ll be shocked at how people react. Even a tiny bit of rain elicits a big reaction and will even be on the news. They just don’t really know how to handle the rain, and the streets and sewers are well equipped for it, either. Don’t be surprised if your plans get canceled due to a little bit of rain.
Los Angeles Traffic
Nobody should be shocked at LA traffic because it’s world-famous, but it’s still shocking to see it in person. There’s no such thing as a slow time in traffic unless you are driving in the middle of the night. LA traffic backs up morning, noon, and night. There’s no way to avoid it unless you just stay in one area the whole time, but even then, you’ll have to get there from the airport. People will do crazy things in traffic, too, so always be on high alert if you are driving in LA.
Water Temperature at the Beach
It gets hot in Los Angeles, and the beaches heat up with all the sand. The Pacific Ocean looks so refreshing, but it’s quite a shock to swim in because it’s COLD! At most beaches, you’ll only see kids in the water, while the adults stay warm onshore. You’ll notice most surfers are wearing wetsuits and that helps insulate them from the cold water.
An LA Vacation Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
In general, Los Angeles is an expensive destination. But you don’t have to break the bank every day. Some of the best places to visit in LA are free, which will help balance out the expensive accommodation, dining, and transportation.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame is free to see
- People watching on Rodeo Drive is free (just don’t shop!)
- Enjoy a gorgeous sunset from the beach
- Lots of Los Angeles museums have free days or free times during the day so it helps to do some research and planning
- There are lots of great hikes near Los Angeles, too!
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Celebrity Spotting in Los Angeles
The truth is, you can spend weeks in LA and never see a celebrity. They’re not literally on every corner like you might think. They generally don’t hang out in Beverly Hills or Hollywood like you might expect. You have a better chance of seeing a celebrity while you’re out hiking or riding a bike.
The LAX Experience
If you are flying to LA, you’ll most likely be arriving at LAX, Los Angeles International Airport. It’s one of the busiest airports in the country, and it is a big hassle to fly in and out, not to mention getting to the airport in notorious LA traffic. They’re trying to make improvements, but right now it’s incredibly frustrating to travel through LAX. And for one of the best food cities in America, the food at the airport is underwhelming!
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Don’t let these “shocks” keep you from planning a trip to Los Angeles. My biggest shock was how much I really enjoyed my Los Angeles vacation. Between the great weather, phenomenal food, and friendly locals, Los Angeles really is a cool city, with many subcultures and different neighborhoods. If you go into with an open mind and don’t worry about stereotypes or expectations, you’ll love Los Angeles, too!
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