Los Angeles City Guide (USA, 2026)

Backpacking in Los Angeles
🏆 Top pickcity ranked #4
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Los Angeles used to mean a car, a freeway map and a prayer. Today you can cover a surprising amount on the Metro rail and bus network, though the city still sprawls across Southern California, in the southwest of the United States. Locals call the traffic a lifestyle; I call it a reason to book lodging near a rail line, because distances that look short on a map stretch long at rush hour. On my way in, the airport shuttle driver announced a ten-minute drive, then spent forty minutes explaining each exit we sat beside. Take the rail or flyaway bus instead, and travel between 10 AM and 3 PM when roads loosen. It suits curious, flexible travelers with a plan, and frustrates anyone expecting a walkable center. A first day could mean a Metro ride downtown, tacos at Grand Central Market, and sunset from a hillside.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 the USA Travel Guide.

Best time to go: September - May
Population: 3.9 million [census.gov]
Daily cost: US$154 to 235

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #4 city in the USAWhy visitors keep coming back

Los Angeles earns a place on a route because it packs an absurd number of experiences into one metro area: world-class free museums, miles of public beach, hiking trails inside city limits and a food scene shaped by Mexican, Korean, Armenian and Thai communities. Pick a base along the rail lines in Downtown LA or near the Hollywood/Highland station and you can reach much without a car, though some rides take real time. Hostels are scattered around Hollywood, Santa Monica and Venice, so choose by the kind of days you want. The city also works as a hub, with a huge international airport and onward routes by rail, bus and cheap flights up the coast, into the desert or across the border. It is a poor fit for a quick one-night stop, since getting between neighborhoods eats hours. Give it several … read more 👉

Los Angeles earns a place on a route because it packs an absurd number of experiences into one metro area: world-class free museums, miles of public beach, hiking trails inside city limits and a food scene shaped by Mexican, Korean, Armenian and Thai communities. Pick a base along the rail lines in Downtown LA or near the Hollywood/Highland station and you can reach much without a car, though some rides take real time. Hostels are scattered around Hollywood, Santa Monica and Venice, so choose by the kind of days you want. The city also works as a hub, with a huge international airport and onward routes by rail, bus and cheap flights up the coast, into the desert or across the border. It is a poor fit for a quick one-night stop, since getting between neighborhoods eats hours. Give it several days, use transit where it works, and treat the spread-out layout as a menu rather than a flaw.

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Los Angeles

Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre: The famous stretch of star-studded sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard, with handprints in the forecourt of the theatre. It is free and best early morning before crowds. Allow 1 to 2 hours.
Griffith Observatory: Hilltop observatory with free entry to exhibits and sweeping views of the basin and the Hollywood Sign. Go late afternoon into evening. Planetarium shows cost about US$12. Allow 2 to 3 hours.
The Getty Center: Art museum on a hilltop, with gardens and city views. Entry is free, parking costs around US$20 to 25, and it is best on weekday mornings. Allow 3 to 4 hours.
Santa Monica Pier and Venice Boardwalk: Amusement rides, the beach and a boardwalk of street performers and skate parks. Free to walk, rides cost extra. Afternoon works well.

… read more 👉

Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre: The famous stretch of star-studded sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard, with handprints in the forecourt of the theatre. It is free and best early morning before crowds. Allow 1 to 2 hours.
Griffith Observatory: Hilltop observatory with free entry to exhibits and sweeping views of the basin and the Hollywood Sign. Go late afternoon into evening. Planetarium shows cost about US$12. Allow 2 to 3 hours.
The Getty Center: Art museum on a hilltop, with gardens and city views. Entry is free, parking costs around US$20 to 25, and it is best on weekday mornings. Allow 3 to 4 hours.
Santa Monica Pier and Venice Boardwalk: Amusement rides, the beach and a boardwalk of street performers and skate parks. Free to walk, rides cost extra. Afternoon works well. Allow 3 hours.
Grand Central Market: A historic downtown food hall with taco stands, noodle counters and coffee. Entry is free, meals run about US$8 to 18. Go for lunch. Allow 1 hour.
The Broad: Contemporary art museum downtown with free general admission, though the line can be long. Arrive at opening. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
Olvera Street and Union Station: The old Mexican marketplace in the original pueblo area, beside an Art Deco rail station. Free, best in the morning. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours.
Runyon Canyon Park: A popular hillside hike in Hollywood with city views. Free, best early morning or sunset. Allow 1 to 2 hours.

For day trips from Los Angeles, consider Catalina Island, Joshua Tree National Park, Malibu beaches and the Santa Barbara coast. Doing everything above takes about three full days at a comfortable pace.

Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsUnderstanding the local layout

Los Angeles is a few dozen towns stitched together by freeways, so pick two areas a day and stop pretending you will see it all. Distances look short on a map and feel long at 5 p.m.

Downtown LA: The most walkable core and the one place where the Metro is genuinely useful, because it was built around the rail hub at Union Station. Grand Central Market covers breakfast tacos and pupusas, Little Tokyo has ramen and mochi, and the Arts District has murals and breweries. Go by day, and do your evening wandering where people are out.
Hollywood: The Walk of Fame is a sidewalk with sticker-shock crowds and costumed characters who want tips. Smarter move: see it for 20 minutes, then hike up to the Hollywood Sign viewpoints from Griffith Park instead.
Santa Monica and Venice: Pier, beach path and skate

… read more 👉

Los Angeles is a few dozen towns stitched together by freeways, so pick two areas a day and stop pretending you will see it all. Distances look short on a map and feel long at 5 p.m.

Downtown LA: The most walkable core and the one place where the Metro is genuinely useful, because it was built around the rail hub at Union Station. Grand Central Market covers breakfast tacos and pupusas, Little Tokyo has ramen and mochi, and the Arts District has murals and breweries. Go by day, and do your evening wandering where people are out.
Hollywood: The Walk of Fame is a sidewalk with sticker-shock crowds and costumed characters who want tips. Smarter move: see it for 20 minutes, then hike up to the Hollywood Sign viewpoints from Griffith Park instead.
Santa Monica and Venice: Pier, beach path and skate park, all connected by a flat bike path of about 3 miles (5 km). Rent a bike rather than waiting for a bus. Venice is the livelier one after dark.
Silver Lake and Echo Park: Coffee shops, taquerias, indie music venues and hills that reward walking. Pleasant by foot within each neighborhood, but link them by rideshare late at night.
Koreatown: Dense, late-night and cheap, with Korean barbecue and karaoke rooms open into the small hours. Walkable, and on the Metro B Line.

⌛️ 1 daySeeing the highlights in 24 hours

8:00 AM, Union Station and Olvera Street: Start downtown because rail lines converge here and the old plaza is quiet before the crowds arrive. Look around the Art Deco station, then wander the marketplace for coffee and pan dulce.

9:30 AM, Grand Central Market: Ride a short Metro hop to Pershing Square and walk to this food hall. Grab a light bite, then stroll past the old theaters on Broadway.

11:00 AM, The Broad: Walk up Grand Avenue to see contemporary art for free. Nearby, Walt Disney Concert Hall rewards a look at its steel curves.

1:00 PM, Little Tokyo: Walk or take a short ride for ramen or mochi, then browse the small shops and the Japanese American National Museum if you have time.

3:30 PM, Boyle Heights murals: Off the usual tourist route, this neighborhood east of the river has bold … read more 👉

8:00 AM, Union Station and Olvera Street: Start downtown because rail lines converge here and the old plaza is quiet before the crowds arrive. Look around the Art Deco station, then wander the marketplace for coffee and pan dulce.

9:30 AM, Grand Central Market: Ride a short Metro hop to Pershing Square and walk to this food hall. Grab a light bite, then stroll past the old theaters on Broadway.

11:00 AM, The Broad: Walk up Grand Avenue to see contemporary art for free. Nearby, Walt Disney Concert Hall rewards a look at its steel curves.

1:00 PM, Little Tokyo: Walk or take a short ride for ramen or mochi, then browse the small shops and the Japanese American National Museum if you have time.

3:30 PM, Boyle Heights murals: Off the usual tourist route, this neighborhood east of the river has bold murals and Mariachi Plaza, where musicians gather beside a Metro stop. Take the Metro E Line and walk the streets slowly.

6:00 PM, Griffith Observatory: Take rideshare or the DASH shuttle from the Vermont/Sunset station. Watch dusk settle over the basin, then see the city lights come on before heading back.

🌤️ When to go?Weather, crowds, and seasonal trade-offs

Spring and fall give you the easiest weather, with daytime highs around 21 to 27°C (70 to 80°F) and little rain.

Spring (March to May): Mild, with hillsides still green after winter rain. Mornings can be gray (locals call it May Gray) and beaches stay cool.
Summer (June to September): Dry and sunny, 27 to 35°C (80 to 95°F) inland, cooler at the coast. Days are long, beaches are packed and lodging prices peak.
Fall (October to November): Warm and clear, often the hottest spell arrives in September and October. Crowds thin and rates ease.
Winter (December to February): Highs of 17 to 21°C (63 to 70°F), nights near 8°C (46°F), with occasional storms. Rooms are cheaper outside the holidays, and snowy mountains are visible from the city on clear days.

Book beds early for summer weekends and holiday … read more 👉

Spring and fall give you the easiest weather, with daytime highs around 21 to 27°C (70 to 80°F) and little rain.

Spring (March to May): Mild, with hillsides still green after winter rain. Mornings can be gray (locals call it May Gray) and beaches stay cool.
Summer (June to September): Dry and sunny, 27 to 35°C (80 to 95°F) inland, cooler at the coast. Days are long, beaches are packed and lodging prices peak.
Fall (October to November): Warm and clear, often the hottest spell arrives in September and October. Crowds thin and rates ease.
Winter (December to February): Highs of 17 to 21°C (63 to 70°F), nights near 8°C (46°F), with occasional storms. Rooms are cheaper outside the holidays, and snowy mountains are visible from the city on clear days.

Book beds early for summer weekends and holiday weeks, and skip big events if you want lower prices.

source: climatestotravel.comJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC

🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

Hollywood, Santa Monica and Venice have the most hostel beds in Los Angeles, and Downtown has the best transport links for the price.
Hollywood is the practical choice for a first visit. Beds are plentiful, the Metro B Line runs to Downtown, and plenty of late-night food keeps the streets lively. It is busy and a little rough around the edges after dark, with street noise on weekends, so pack earplugs.
Santa Monica and Venice suit you if beaches matter more than rail. Dorms are pricier in summer and sell out early, but the area feels relaxed, with a flat bike path and the E Line reaching Downtown … read more 👉

Hollywood, Santa Monica and Venice have the most hostel beds in Los Angeles, and Downtown has the best transport links for the price.
Hollywood is the practical choice for a first visit. Beds are plentiful, the Metro B Line runs to Downtown, and plenty of late-night food keeps the streets lively. It is busy and a little rough around the edges after dark, with street noise on weekends, so pack earplugs.
Santa Monica and Venice suit you if beaches matter more than rail. Dorms are pricier in summer and sell out early, but the area feels relaxed, with a flat bike path and the E Line reaching Downtown in about 45 minutes. Venice is louder at night than Santa Monica, which quiets down early.
Downtown has a growing number of budget beds and sits at the center of the rail network, which saves you rideshare fees. Some streets nearby, especially around Skid Row, are best avoided at night, so choose a place near Union Station, Little Tokyo or the Historic Core and take a rideshare back late.

Best hostels in Los Angeles

Best quality hotels in the USA

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get around Los Angeles

A single ride on Metro buses and trains in Los Angeles costs US$1.75, paid by tapping a reloadable TAP card (US$1 for the card) or the TAP app on your phone. Fares cap at US$5 per day and US$18 per week, so you never pay more than that however often you hop on. The city is huge and built for cars, so expect long rides, and trains that are clean but cover only some corridors.

Metro Rail and buses: Rail lines run roughly 4 a.m. to after midnight, with buses frequent on main streets such as Wilshire and Sunset. The B Line links Union Station, Hollywood and Universal City, and the E Line reaches Santa Monica in about 45 minutes from downtown. Buses crawl in traffic, so use rail where it exists.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft cost about US$10 to 25 for most cross-neighborhood trips, more at rush hour.

… read more 👉

A single ride on Metro buses and trains in Los Angeles costs US$1.75, paid by tapping a reloadable TAP card (US$1 for the card) or the TAP app on your phone. Fares cap at US$5 per day and US$18 per week, so you never pay more than that however often you hop on. The city is huge and built for cars, so expect long rides, and trains that are clean but cover only some corridors.

Metro Rail and buses: Rail lines run roughly 4 a.m. to after midnight, with buses frequent on main streets such as Wilshire and Sunset. The B Line links Union Station, Hollywood and Universal City, and the E Line reaches Santa Monica in about 45 minutes from downtown. Buses crawl in traffic, so use rail where it exists.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft cost about US$10 to 25 for most cross-neighborhood trips, more at rush hour. Split among three people it can beat a bus pass in value, and it is the sensible choice late at night.
Bikes and scooters: Shared e-bikes and scooters cost around US$0.40 to 0.50 per minute. Ideal along the beach path between Santa Monica and Venice, less ideal on busy boulevards.
Walking: Excellent within Downtown, Santa Monica, Hollywood and Koreatown, hopeless between them. Do not try to walk Hollywood to the beach, because it is around 15 miles (24 km).
Rental car: From about US$40 to 70 a day plus parking of US$10 to 30. Only worth it if you are doing day trips beyond the Metro system, and book outside the airport to save on fees.

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

Los Angeles costs most backpackers about US$154 to 235 a day, making it one of the priciest stops in the country. Dorm beds and car-free transport are where you save. Tipping and taxes add to every bill, so budget a little extra.

Category	Budget Range	Local Reality
Dorm accommodation (high season)	US$50 to 75	Summer and holiday weekends push beds in Hollywood and Venice to the top of the range, and most add resort or booking fees.
Dorm accommodation (off-season)	US$35 to 55	Winter, outside the holidays, brings the best rates and easier same-week booking.
Meals	US$30 to 45	Taco trucks and burrito stands run US$2 to 5 a taco or US$9 to 13 a plate, while a sit-down meal is US$18 to 30 with tip.
Local transport	US$6 to 12	Metro and bus fares are US$1.75 per ride. A short rideshare is US$10 to 25 and surges at

… read more 👉

Los Angeles costs most backpackers about US$154 to 235 a day, making it one of the priciest stops in the country. Dorm beds and car-free transport are where you save. Tipping and taxes add to every bill, so budget a little extra.

Category	Budget Range	Local Reality
Dorm accommodation (high season)	US$50 to 75	Summer and holiday weekends push beds in Hollywood and Venice to the top of the range, and most add resort or booking fees.
Dorm accommodation (off-season)	US$35 to 55	Winter, outside the holidays, brings the best rates and easier same-week booking.
Meals	US$30 to 45	Taco trucks and burrito stands run US$2 to 5 a taco or US$9 to 13 a plate, while a sit-down meal is US$18 to 30 with tip.
Local transport	US$6 to 12	Metro and bus fares are US$1.75 per ride. A short rideshare is US$10 to 25 and surges at night.
City transport pass	US$5 to 18	A reloadable TAP card caps fares at US$5 a day and US$18 a week on Metro buses and trains.
Basic activities and entry fees	US$0 to 25	Beaches, Griffith Park hiking and the Getty Center (free, parking US$25) cost little, while Griffith Observatory is free to enter. Museums such as the Broad have free general admission.
Miscellaneous	US$8 to 15	Covers sunscreen, laundry (around US$4 to 7 a load), a coffee at US$5 or so and a bit of data.
Total Daily Budget	US$154 to 235	The low end suits dorm beds, taco trucks and the Metro with a TAP card.

Cook in the hostel kitchen for dinner and stock up at Trader Joe’s or a Mexican supermarket. It can cut your food bill by half.

⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsEasy escapes and nearby places

Los Angeles works as a base for day trips if you have wheels or a patient attitude toward trains, because most of the best targets are a drive of one to two hours.Griffith Park and Observatory: Within the city, Griffith Park offers trails with sweeping views of the basin and the Hollywood Sign. Entry is free, the observatory is free to enter, and the DASH bus connects from the Metro. Go at sunrise or late afternoon, since midday heat on exposed trails catches first-timers out.
Catalina Island: Ferries from San Pedro or Long Beach take about 1 to 1.25 hours and cost around US$75 to 90 return. Avalon is a small harbor town where you can snorkel, rent a golf cart and hike. Book ferries ahead in summer, and leave enough time for the last boat back.
Joshua Tree National Park: About 2.5 to 3 hours … read more 👉

Los Angeles works as a base for day trips if you have wheels or a patient attitude toward trains, because most of the best targets are a drive of one to two hours.Griffith Park and Observatory: Within the city, Griffith Park offers trails with sweeping views of the basin and the Hollywood Sign. Entry is free, the observatory is free to enter, and the DASH bus connects from the Metro. Go at sunrise or late afternoon, since midday heat on exposed trails catches first-timers out.
Catalina Island: Ferries from San Pedro or Long Beach take about 1 to 1.25 hours and cost around US$75 to 90 return. Avalon is a small harbor town where you can snorkel, rent a golf cart and hike. Book ferries ahead in summer, and leave enough time for the last boat back.
Joshua Tree National Park: About 2.5 to 3 hours by road, with a US$30 per vehicle entry, so sharing a car makes this affordable. Boulders, desert hiking and strong stargazing. Fill the tank and bring water, as services inside the park are limited. Fall to spring is best, since summer can top 38°C (100°F).
Santa Barbara: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains take roughly 2.5 to 3 hours from Union Station, around US$30 to 50 one way. Spanish-style old town, beaches and wine bars sit within walking distance. Take an early train so you have a full afternoon.

🍲 FoodWhat to Eat & Drink

Los Angeles is the place for tacos and regional Mexican food, from al pastor off a spinning trompo to birria served with a cup of broth. Street carts and taco trucks sell them for about US$2 to 4 each, often with a late-night crowd and a squeeze of lime over everything.
Koreatown is the home of Korean barbecue and tofu stews, and many places stay open past midnight. Grand Central Market downtown is the easy backpacker stop, where you can graze on pupusas, ramen and fresh juice in one hall. Smaller Thai Town, Little Tokyo and the San Gabriel Valley (for dumplings and dim sum) are worth a bus or train ride.
For something very Californian, try a smoothie bowl or fish tacos near the beach, and an In-N-Out burger with “animal style” fries for the local fast-food cult favorite. Farmers markets, which … read more 👉

Los Angeles is the place for tacos and regional Mexican food, from al pastor off a spinning trompo to birria served with a cup of broth. Street carts and taco trucks sell them for about US$2 to 4 each, often with a late-night crowd and a squeeze of lime over everything.
Koreatown is the home of Korean barbecue and tofu stews, and many places stay open past midnight. Grand Central Market downtown is the easy backpacker stop, where you can graze on pupusas, ramen and fresh juice in one hall. Smaller Thai Town, Little Tokyo and the San Gabriel Valley (for dumplings and dim sum) are worth a bus or train ride.
For something very Californian, try a smoothie bowl or fish tacos near the beach, and an In-N-Out burger with “animal style” fries for the local fast-food cult favorite. Farmers markets, which run most days somewhere, are good for fruit and cheap prepared food. Tip 18 to 20 percent at sit-down restaurants, because servers rely on it.

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is manageable for backpackers if you use normal city habits. The most common problem is car break-ins, so never leave bags visible in a parked vehicle, including a rental. On the Hollywood Walk of Fame, costumed performers expect tips after photos, and sidewalk vendors may push mixtapes into your hand and demand payment, so say no and keep walking. Pickpocketing happens in crowds and on transit, so keep your phone in a front pocket near doors. Downtown has a visible homelessness crisis, especially around Skid Row, and most people there will leave you alone, but avoid wandering these blocks after dark. Solo travelers do fine using rideshare late at night rather than walking long stretches between neighborhoods or waiting at empty stops. Beaches have lifeguards on duty by day, and rip currents are the real hazard in the water.

Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

Three to four days covers the main areas of Los Angeles: one for Downtown and Little Tokyo, one for Hollywood and Griffith Park, one for Santa Monica and Venice, and a fourth for a trip such as Catalina Island, about 1 hour by ferry. Add a day if you want Joshua Tree, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours away by road.

Yes, Los Angeles is manageable for solo backpackers who use normal city sense. Keep valuables out of parked cars, avoid walking around Skid Row after dark, and use rideshare (US$10 to 25 for most trips) instead of waiting at empty stops late at night. Hostels in Hollywood and Santa Monica are easy places to meet other travelers.

Los Angeles is known for Hollywood and the film industry, long beaches such as Santa Monica and Venice, and a car-centered sprawl of diverse neighborhoods. Food is a major draw, particularly tacos and Korean barbecue in Koreatown. Top sights include the Griffith Observatory (free entry), the Hollywood Sign and the Getty Center, which is free but charges for parking.

⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other American cities near Los Angeles

Explore more nearby:

San Diego—Balboa museums, aircraft carrier, sea lion cove, border trolley| 180 km away
Las Vegas—Strip lights, Fremont canopy, neon boneyard, mob history| 368 km away
San Francisco—Golden Gate walk, Alcatraz audio tour, Mission murals, steep hills| 559 km away

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We 💚 feedbackIs it worth it?

Los Angeles pairs well with a coast run to Santa Barbara or San Diego, or with a desert swing to Joshua Tree and Las Vegas. I would keep the city to three or four days, stay near a Metro line and skip renting a car unless you are leaving town.

✈️ When did I visit the USA?
In January 2023 I visited New York. Many years before, before digital cameras existed, I discovered most of the national parks in the West.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in the USA, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.

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👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpack

Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story

the USA🇺🇸 | citiesLos AngelesGriffith views, Getty hilltop, taco hall, Venice boardwalk | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in Los Angeles
🏆 Top pickcity ranked #4
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

✨ Why go?
Ranked #4 city in the USAWhy visitors keep coming back

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Los Angeles

Things to do around Los Angeles

Grand City Tour of Los Angeles, Hollywood and Beverly Hills

Small-Group City Tour of Los Angeles, Hollywood and Beverly Hills

Shared 8-Hour Los Angeles City Sightseeing Tour from Long Beach

The History and Architecture of Downtown Los Angeles

Classic Convertible Car Tour of Los Angeles

Private Downtown LA Culture Tour

Private Tour of Los Angeles in a SUV with Experienced Guide

Downtown Los Angeles Bike Tour

Los Angeles Highlights Tour from Long Beach

Privately Customized Tour of Los Angeles

🏘️ NeighborhoodsUnderstanding the local layout

⌛️ 1 daySeeing the highlights in 24 hours

🌤️ When to go?Weather, crowds, and seasonal trade-offs

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutthe USA Travel Guide

🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get around Los Angeles

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

🚌 Day tripsEasy escapes and nearby places

🍲 FoodWhat to Eat & Drink

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Los Angeles

FAQTraveler FAQ

Other American cities near Los Angeles

We 💚 feedbackIs it worth it?

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

the USA🇺🇸 | citiesLos AngelesGriffith views, Getty hilltop, taco hall, Venice boardwalk | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in Los Angeles🏆 Top pickcity ranked #4By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22cec4a')

✨ Why go?Ranked #4 city in the USAaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22cfb35')Why visitors keep coming backaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22cfb3c')

💡 HighlightsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22d0c10')Top highlights of Los AngelesaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22d0c19')

Things to do around Los Angeles

Grand City Tour of Los Angeles, Hollywood and Beverly Hills

Small-Group City Tour of Los Angeles, Hollywood and Beverly Hills

Shared 8-Hour Los Angeles City Sightseeing Tour from Long Beach

The History and Architecture of Downtown Los Angeles

Classic Convertible Car Tour of Los Angeles

Private Downtown LA Culture Tour

Private Tour of Los Angeles in a SUV with Experienced Guide

Downtown Los Angeles Bike Tour

Los Angeles Highlights Tour from Long Beach

Privately Customized Tour of Los Angeles

🏘️ NeighborhoodsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22d1395')Understanding the local layoutaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22d139a')

⌛️ 1 dayaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22d1ef4')Seeing the highlights in 24 hoursaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22d1ef9')

🌤️ When to go?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22d2760')Weather, crowds, and seasonal trade-offsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22d2767')

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutthe USA Travel Guide

🛏️ Where to stay?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22d34e5')Choosing the right baseaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22d34ea')

🚌 Getting aroundaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22d3c66')How to get around Los AngelesaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22d3c6a')

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22d46e2')What things cost and how to budgetaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22d46e6')

🚌 Day tripsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22f2258')Easy escapes and nearby placesaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22f2260')

🍲 FoodaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22f28c7')What to Eat & DrinkaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22f28cb')

🛡️ SafetyaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22f2a2d')Safety Tips and Common Scams in Los AngelesaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22f2a31')

FAQaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22f2abe')Traveler FAQaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf22f2ac2')

Other American cities near Los AngelesaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf2303e7d')

We 💚 feedbackaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf230401d')Is it worth it?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf2304021')

👋 Meet the founderaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf230406e')Who’s Behind Take Your Backpack?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adabf2304071')

Backpacking in Los Angeles
🏆 Top pickcity ranked #4
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

✨ Why go?
Ranked #4 city in the USAWhy visitors keep coming back

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Los Angeles

🏘️ NeighborhoodsUnderstanding the local layout

⌛️ 1 daySeeing the highlights in 24 hours

🌤️ When to go?Weather, crowds, and seasonal trade-offs

🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get around Los Angeles

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

🚌 Day tripsEasy escapes and nearby places

🍲 FoodWhat to Eat & Drink

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Los Angeles

FAQTraveler FAQ

Other American cities near Los Angeles

We 💚 feedbackIs it worth it?

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?