How to Time Your Trip to Los Angeles

Los Angeles, the film capital of the world, has plenty to offer tourists, including wonderful museums, a temperate climate and a chance to spot A-list celebrities.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bathing Suits
• Sunglasses
• Thongs
• Travel Clothes
• Umbrellas
• Local Guidebooks
• Maps
• Airline Tickets
• Rental Cars
• Travel Services
• Cameras
• Film
• Maps
• Cameras
• Rental cars
• Umbrellas

General Considerations

1. Decide what time of year you will be visiting. Temperatures are fairly mild year-round, though summer days can be hot and smoggy; rainy winter days can dip to the 50s.

2. Try to avoid the high season, which is July to October. The weather is just as good at other times, and prices drop.

3. Find out if there are any festivals or events you'd like to check out. There's bound to be something going on whenever you plan your visit.

4. Try to find inexpensive flights, transportation and accomodations. Be sure to budget for a rental car; L.A. is one city where a car is a virtual necessity.

5. Check the weather forecast shortly before leaving, and pack accordingly. Always bring shorts, a T-shirt and a sweater.

Seasonal Events and Attractions

6. Visit the City of Angels in early May for one of the country's best Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

7. Saunter along the boardwalk at Venice Beach for its parade of body builders, fire eaters, roller skaters, guitar-playing gurus and other colorful characters.

8. Check out the Hollywood Walk of Fame outside the kitschy, yet grand Mann's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard.

9. See the art of L.A. The impressive Los Angeles County Museum of Art always has a good exhibit, or view the superb architecture of the recently erected Getty Center.

10. Window-shop along Santa Monica's Montana Avenue, where you'll find high-end boutiques and perhaps a celeb.

11. Immerse yourself in the escapist fantasy of Disneyland, and don't miss the Indiana Jones Adventure.

12. Get a free ticket to be part of a TV audience at CBS Studios, then go across the street to the Farmer's Market for a multicultural meal.

13. Drive through Beverly Hills, heading north of Sunset to Mulholland Drive, for incredible views and a glimpse of the lifestyles of the rich and famous.

Tips & Warnings

• Most nights get chilly as soon as the sun goes down, year-round.
• If at all possible, avoid driving on freeways during the morning and evening rush hours. You will thank yourself later.
• Check the location of your hotel before you plunk down your money. Distances are great in Los Angeles, and if your hotel is out of the way, you could easily spend on gas what you would have spent on a better location.