La

realised

I agree with pazza... I absolutely loved LA...

But you have to have gone to all the different areas in LA rather than just spend all your time in the tourist areas.

Although, I also agree that I would have found it difficult to make my way around LA without having a car.. So if you don't have a car, you might find it a little hard.

sturll

pazza2000 wrote: »

Everyone will tell you that........

Everyone except from the people who have actually been there that havent spent a few days in Hollywood only.

LA is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the World.

Many many people from around the world who are top of there game choose to live there - you have to wonder why??

I am well travelled and it is my favourite place in the word -obviously everyone to there own however i urge you to find someone who has been there for at least a week and have gotten out of Hollywood who would not recommend LA.

You have the beaches of Hawaii at Laguna
You have the Theme Parks of Florida(better actually i feel...)
You have the Iconic feel on New York

You are in the centre of a diverse state great for travelling. San Diego South. San Fran North. Vegas East and so much more.
Shopping, sights, vibe, weather, activities. LA has it all, everything -it falls short on nothing except its transport system however as a tourist you may enjoy it. There is a Randy Newman song 'I love LA' which is dedicated to how fun it is cruising around LA

Just my opinion.

I was in LA (El Segundo and Santa Monica) for 3 months.

During that time i traveled all over the megalopolis.

HTH

franklally

I'd really recommend the MC in Hollywood - just a 5 minute walk from the walk of fame etc and metro station. (look it up on Trip Advisor)

I enjoyed LA but woulden't want more than a couple of days there.

photome

LA is huge, and sprawling, just as an example the airport to disney (anaheim) is about 35 miles.

I cant say it is my favourite place although six flags theme park is great but that is way out in the mountains to the north of LA.

I wouldnt consider LA without a car.

I would also choose California over Florida any day

pazza2000

California over Florida is a cert - those who have been to both will tell you that. In saying that though, Florida is great also -its just you are comparing it to the 'Best' when you compare it to California.

LA is the hub of Southern California -i actually recommend spending more than a few days there -those who go for a few days spend tend to spend it 'car-less' in Hollywood, which would justify the odd 'let down' comment -those who spend time there love it, actually i would go as far as to say that if you spend more than a week there with a car you could not say 'you dont like it' -it caters for all, and it caters with the best.



"I was in LA (El Segundo and Santa Monica) for 3 months"
La is rubbish. Seriously its an absolute let down. Anyone will tell you that"

-abnoxious, yes,!! However i would go as far as to say the above poster is stretching the truth about one of his somments. He spent 3months in what many regard as one of the most finest cities in the World(in terms of diversity, activities, lifestyle, economy, prosperity, community sprit, accolade, culture etc etc), yet he is as bold as to say anyone who has been to LA will tell you it is rubbish and an absolute let down....

-i think you have been proved wrong mate, no offence :-D

Paddy2eyes

To get the most out of LA and surrounding districts, it is best to have a car, so if you cannot hire a car it may be best to wait and go another year. I can't comment on florida as I have never been there.

matthew74

Unless you are in LA for just a couple of days you will need a car. The place is enormous and everything very spread out. It is not really a place where there are any self contained resort hotels either.

If for some reason you are unable to hire a car, as has been said, San Fran is a much better option, more compact with much better public transport.

If you want a week of good weather and relaxing, Florida West Coast may be a better option, though very hot and humid with rain in July/August.

bex2002

I have been to LA twice in the past year and did not have a car either time, the metro (both tubes and buses) are cheap and reliable. $5 a day and was able to see almost everything that i wanted to. When i met a friend with a car for a few days it was very expensive the car parks are generally $15-20 dollars each and there is traffic around some parts of LA so can take longer to get around! i would seriously reccomend using public transport and u can always get some sort of excursion if u want to go to somewhere without public transport (readiliy available). I would not do LA in a car again!!

pulliptears

I was in LA last year over summer and also didnt hire a car.

We stayed in Anaheim and the shuttle buses run to and from Disney to midnight. Plenty of bus trips to be had to San Diego etc as well as beach tours. Anaheim station is close enough to catch a shuttle to and travel into LA itself.

Its also possible to book 2 night bus tours up to Vegas and the Canyon, which we did and thoroughly enjoyed.

ENILORAC

hiya,

Went to LA in November 2007 & loved it. We stayed in the Holiday Inn Hollywood Walk of Fame. Nice hotel, bout 2mins walk from Manns Chinese Theatre & Kodak Theatre.

Like most other posters say i agree bout havin a car 2 get around, just because LA is so spread out. I suppose it depends n what u r looking to do when u get there. U could maybe spend a few nights in Hollywood/Beverley Hills area then a few nights at the beach. We went 2 Santa Monica for the day & it was lovely. I think a few hotels will have a courtesy bus to Universal & Disney theme parks.

Only used the subway once, to go to Staples Centre to see the Lakers play. TBH i was a bit aprehensive when on the subway as there were a few dodgy looking people. I think the subway line we used went through Compton!

Also, i hope u remember ur friend will have to be 21 to drink alcohol in America & theyre very strict about this.

Caroline