la skyline

Los Angeles, CA

Understanding Los Angeles County

However big you may think Los Angeles County is, it’s probably bigger. To put it into perspective, it’s 800 square miles larger than Rhode Island and Delaware — combined. The county contains iconic cities and neighborhoods like LA proper, Santa Monica, Malibu, and Hollywood.

With over 9.6 million inhabitants, Los Angeles County is the most populous in the United States, and boasts a larger population than 40 states. Its expansiveness can really make your head spin. Like an entire country, exploring LA means picking and choosing the most important, most iconic, and most pertinent landmarks and destinations. That’s what I’m here for.

In my opinion, the best cities/ neighborhoods/ areas to see in Los Angeles County are: Santa Monica, Malibu, West Hollywood, DTLA, Manhattan Beach, and Catalina Island, depending on how much time you have. I’m sure locals have differing opinions, hence why it’s important to research all your options (I’m right, though).

Top 5 Things to Do, See, and Eat

(what) TO DO

  1. Hike the Hollywood Hills (Hollywood)

  2. Walk on the Santa Monica Pier (Santa Monica)

  3. Explore Little Tokyo (DTLA)

  4. Drive down Route 1 (Malibu & Santa Monica)

  5. Shop at The Grove (West LA)

map of LA

(what) TO SEE

  1. Walt Disney Concert Hall (DTLA)

  2. Hollywood Walk of Fame (Hollywood)

  3. Getty Center & Villa (West LA & Malibu)

  4. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (West LA)

  5. Koreatown (West LA)

(where) TO EAT

  1. Grand Central Market (DTLA)

  2. Mrs. Fish (DTLA)

  3. La Boheme (West Hollywood)

  4. L’Appart (DTLA)

  5. Élephante (Santa Monica)

Itineraries

Itineraries available with and without suggested times.