City Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Los Angeles for First Timers, California

From downtown energy to beachy Venice and chic Santa Monica—welcome to LA.

Los Angeles… it’s usually the first city we think of when we talk about California. And when you arrive for the first time, many things will feel familiar. We’ve all seen so many photos and movies about LA and Hollywood and for that reason, i will help you with all the best things to do but also the hidden gem in Los Angeles. Palm trees, people skating in bikinis by the beach, the big villas in Beverly Hills, the famous HOLLYWOOD sign… LA has all of that. But because the city is huge, there is also so much more to see.

In this guide, I’ll share all my tips to help you prepare for your first trip to LA and the things to do. And if you’re planning a road trip in California, LA can be a great place to start!

When is the Best Time to Come to CALIFORNIA ?

Weather in November in LA, California

I went to Los Angeles in November, and it was perfect timing. The weather was sunny and warm during the day (around 22-24°C/70-75°F), but you’ll need a light jacket for the evenings.

Here’s why November is a good time: The big summer crowds are gone, hotels are cheaper, and you can actually enjoy the attractions without fighting through tons of people. I could walk around Griffith Observatory and Venice Beach without feeling rushed or squeezed.

Other good times to visit:

  • Spring (March-May) – Great weather and beautiful flowers everywhere
  • Summer (June-August) – Classic beach weather but way more crowded and expensive
  • Winter (December-February) – Cheapest prices, but you might get some rainy days

Honestly, LA has good weather almost all year round (like the South of France haha). You really can’t go wrong. But if you want nice weather, smaller crowds, and better prices all at once, go in fall (maybe try September instead of November, the weather’s gonna be warmer). You’ll get the best of everything!

How Long Should I Stay in Los Angeles ?

I spent almost a week in Los Angeles, staying in Santa Monica, and it was the perfect amount of time to really explore the city without feeling rushed.

Here’s what you can do in a week: You can visit all the major spots like Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the Getty Center, plus you’ll have time to discover some hidden gems and experience the LA vibe. I loved having lazy mornings at Santa Monica’s farmers market and evenings watching the sunset from the pier. With a week, you’re not just checking boxes—you’re actually experiencing the city’s vibe. You can even go for a day trip if you want.

If you have less time:

  • 2 days – It’s doable but very intense. Day one: Beverly Hills, Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Sign. Day two: Venice Beach and Downtown LA. You’ll see the highlights but won’t have much rest time.
  • 3-4 days – This is the sweet spot if you’re doing a California road trip. You’ll catch the main attractions without feeling too rushed

U wanna see more of California? I turned my LA trip into a 2-week California road trip, and it was incredible. Check it here : “The Ultimate 2 weeks Roadtrip in California.” After my week in LA, I drove up the Pacific Coast Highway, stopped in Big Sur, explored San Francisco, and hit some national parks. Two weeks gave me enough time to see California’s amazing variety without living out of my car.

How to Get to LA from Europe, America and US

Getting to Los Angeles is easy—LAX is one of the busiest airports in the world with tons of flight options.

From Europe : Most major cities have direct flights to LA (Paris, London, Amsterdam). Flight time is around 11-12 hours. Expect $400-$800 round-trip if you book early, but prices jump to $1,000+ in summer.

From the Americas : Flights from Toronto, Vancouver, or Mexico City are just a few hours ($200-$500). Many from Mexico also drive across the border.

From the US : LA connects to every major city. NYC to LA is 6 hours ($150-$400), Chicago is 4 hours ($100-$300), San Francisco or Vegas is just 1 hour ($80-$200). You can also drive—Route 66 ends right in LA!

From LAX to your hotel: Uber/Lyft costs $30-$50 to Santa Monica or $50-$70 to Hollywood. FlyAway bus to Downtown is only $10. I took an Uber to my car rental near the airport (I chose Alamo—great prices!) and picked up my car to drive to Santa Monica. Super convenient.

How to Get Around in LA

How to get around in Los Angeles

Let’s be honest—LA is a car city. The city is huge and spread out, so having a car makes everything way easier. Most tourists rent a car, and I’d recommend it too if you want to see multiple neighborhoods in one day.

Renting a car: Expect to pay $30-60 per day. Book online before you arrive for better rates. Yes, traffic can be bad (especially during rush hours from 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM), but having the freedom to go wherever you want is worth it. Plus, parking is available almost everywhere, though it can cost $10-20 in popular areas.

Without a car: It’s possible but takes more time and planning. The Metro system (subway and buses) connects major areas like Hollywood, Downtown, Santa Monica, and Universal City. A day pass costs $7. Uber and Lyft work everywhere and are good for shorter trips ($15-40 depending on distance).

My advice: Rent a car if you’re visiting for more than 2-3 days. You’ll save time and see way more. If you’re staying in one area (like just Santa Monica or just Hollywood), you can probably manage with Uber and walking. If you’re staying in DTLA and only want to visit the main tourist attractions, you can manage with the subway as well.

Pro tip: Use Google Maps or Waze to navigate and check traffic in real time. LA traffic is no joke! We had 58minutes for 16 miles (25km)

Los Angeles Trafic is No Joke - Map in LA

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Choosing where to stay in LA can be tricky because the city is huge and spread out. I stayed in Santa Monica for almost a week, and it was perfect for the chill, beachy vibe I wanted. Waking up near the ocean, grabbing coffee at local cafes, and having the pier right there made it feel like a real vacation.

Here’s the deal—different neighborhoods give you completely different experiences:

Santa Monica – Laid-back and beach-focused ($150-$300/night). Great for couples, families and beach lovers

Hollywood – Close to famous attractions ($100-$200/night). Perfect for first-timers but quiet busy.

Downtown LA – Urban energy and nightlife ($120-$250/night). Ideal for young travelers.

Beverly Hills – All about luxury ($250-$500+/night). For those wanting to splurge.

Venice Beach – Artsy and eclectic ($130-$280/night). Best for creative types and free spirits (+Hostels)

Budget travelers? Look into hostels in Hollywood or Venice ($30-$60/night for dorms) or Airbnbs further from the beach ($80-$120/night).

My advice? Pick based on the vibe you want and what you plan to do. If you’re doing a lot of sightseeing, staying central helps cut down on driving time (LA traffic is no joke-even at 5am in the morning I experienced an heavy traffic ahah). If you want to relax or going for a morning yoga session by the beach, the westside neighborhoods are the best.

Is Los Angeles Expensive ? How Much Does it Cost for 5 Days ?

Let’s be real—LA isn’t the cheapest city by far… and I would even say it’s very very expensive! How much you spend really depends on your travel style.

Here’s what you’ll spend during 5 days in Los Angeles :

  • Accommodation – $120-$300/night = $600-$1,500 total (I stayed in a airbnb in Santa Monica)
  • Food – $50-$100/day = $250-$500 total (mix of casual spots, food trucks, and a few nice dinners not too fancy tho)
  • Transportation – 50$-100$/day for rental car or Ubers = $250-$500 total (parking can add up!)
  • Activities & Attractions – $20-$50/day = $100-$250 total (hikes are viewpoints are free, but museums and tours cost money); Ex: Universal Studios (100$)
  • Extras – $50-$150 total (souvenirs, coffee, random stuff)

Total for 5 days: $1,300-$2,650 per person

Budget travelers: You can do it for $600-$1,000 if you stay in hostels, eat cheap, use public transport, and stick to free activities.

Luxury travelers: If you choose fancy hotels, Michelin-star restaurants, and high-end shopping can very easily push you over $5,000.

My advice? LA rewards smart planning. Free beaches, hiking trails, and viewpoints are beautiful experiences. Splurge on a few great meals and activities so you can balance it with budget-friendly options.

Why is Los Angeles a Perfect City for Your First Trip in the US ?

LA is like a mix of everything that makes us dream about the US: the warm weather, the coastline, and those famous palm trees. And yes, you’ll find:

  • Iconic spots you’ve already seen in Hollywood movies
  • A relaxed and more “fancy” vibe in Santa Monica, but also a super chill, boho atmosphere with people skateboarding in Venice Beach
  • A mix of cultures from all around the world
  • A calm, sunny climate almost all year, with palm trees everywhere along the beach

LA is also a great starting point if you want to go on a Cali road trip — driving up the West Coast and then exploring the national parks inland.

Safety in Los Angeles

LA is generally safe for tourists, and I never felt unsafe at all during my week there. Of course, like any big city, you just need to use common sense and stay aware of your surroundings!

Homelessness is visible – LA has a significant homeless population, especially in Venice, Hollywood, and Downtown. Most people won’t bother you, but it can feel uncomfortable if you’re not used to it.

Avoid certain neighborhoods at night – Downtown LA (especially Skid Row), parts of South LA, and some areas of Hollywood can be sketchy after dark. Just stick to busy areas.

My advice ? From my experience, if you feel uncomfortable somewhere, don’t go. And esp if you’re traveling solo like I sometimes do, I personally don’t hang out on my own once it gets dark and if so stay on busy streets.

Sim Card and Internet

Staying connected in LA is super easy, and having internet on your phone is essential for navigation, finding restaurants, and calling Ubers. What I use: I always use Airalo for all my travels, and LA was no exception. It’s an eSIM app that lets you buy data plans directly on your phone—no need to find a store or swap physical SIM cards. I downloaded the app before my trip, bought a US data plan, and activated it as soon as I landed. Done in few sec.

What to Eat ?

What to eat in Los Angeles
What to eat in Los Angeles

LA is a true melting pot, and the food scene reflects that perfectly. You’ll find everything from European cuisine to Mexican, and the Korean district is huge—some of the best Korean food outside of Korea!

What I tried:

Burgers (In-N-Out Burger) – You can’t visit LA without hitting this iconic fast-food spot. It’s cheap, yummy and a California classic to try. Go to the mythic In-N-Out next to the airport where you’ll see planes landing over your head with the In-N-Out sign in your picture as well!

Mexican food – LA is close to Mexico, there is a big influence Mexican influence do to its borders few km in the south. Tacos, burritos, and fresh guacamole—I ate this multiple times during my trip.

Korean BBQ – The Korean district (Koreatown) is massive, and the food is incredible. Definitely worth a visit

Coffee shops – The coffee culture is huge in LA, especially in Santa Monica and Venice. I spent many mornings chilling at cute local cafés with my avocado toast which I craved so much !

Healthy eating is expensive? If you want to eat healthy—fresh salads, organic options, veggie bowls—it gets really pricey. I shopped at Whole Foods for groceries (snacks) when I wanted fruits and organic stuff, which helped save money (compare to eating the same at a proper restaurant haha) .

My advice? Embrace the cultural variety and try different cuisines. Balance the heavier meals with groceries from Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s if you need lighter options. The diversity is amazing, even if it’s richer than what I’m used to back home.

The burger reality: It’s not a myth—you’ll find burgers everywhere! We grabbed them often because we didn’t want to stop for hours during our town exploration. They’re quick and convenient when you’re on the go.
Honnestly, I found the food globally in America quite fatty. After 3 weeks in California, I really missed my Mediterranean food—fresh vegetables, olive oil, lighter meals even though i loved those in-N-out burger haha but enough is enough. In terms of restaurants, LA offers a real mix of cultures, and that’s what I loved most about the food scene.

MUST SEE in Los Angeles

Let me tell you — LA isn’t just one city. It’s a collection of vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own personality. And trust me, you’ll want to experience them all. I actually recommend exploring LA by neighborhood, because distances can be surprisingly long due to traffic (and if you weren’t sure whether people were exaggerating about it… just wait till you see it by yourself haha!). Here are the absolute must-sees that will make your first LA adventure unforgettable.

Griffith Observatory & Park

view of Los Angeles from Griffith Observatory

If there’s one view that shows the magic of Los Angeles, it’s from Griffith Observatory. This beautiful building sits on a hill and gives you incredible views of everything—the city buildings, the ocean, and yes, the Hollywood Sign right in front of you.

My advice: I walked up instead of driving, and honestly, it made the experience so much better! Don’t worry—it’s not a hard hike. It’s more like a long uphill walk that takes about 30-40 minutes. The most popular path starts at Fern Dell Drive (near Western Canyon Road), where you can park for free. Look for The Trails Cafe—the trail starts right across from it.

view of Los Angeles from Griffith Observatory
The walk up to Griffith Observatory

The path goes through Griffith Park and yes, it goes uphill the whole way, but it’s on a wide dirt road that’s easy to follow. You’ll see lots of other people walking up too. The climb is about 2 miles round trip and goes up about 500 feet, so you’ll feel it a bit, but it’s totally doable. Just take your time, stop for photos, and enjoy the views that get better as you climb!

Once you’re there, the observatory is free. I visited the planetarium, which was really fun—it made me feel like a kid while learning about space. You can also look through telescopes and, if you go at the right time, watch the sunset before the stars come out.

Griffith Observatory - Planetarium - LOS ANGELES
view of Los Angeles from Griffith Observatory

My 2nd advice: Start walking in late afternoon so you get to the top for sunset, then stay to see the city lights at night. Bring confy shoes and if you’re going down once it gets dark make sure you have a light with you.

Santa Monica Pier & Beach

When you picture California beaches, this is probably what you’re imagining. The Santa Monica Pier is iconic—you’ve probably seen it in so many pictures and movies. That famous Ferris wheel against the ocean is the classic LA postcard view, and seeing it in real life is pretty cool.

I visited in November and found it quite calm and relaxed, which was nice. I think in summer the vibe should be completely different. You can walk around the pier, check out the stands, ride the Ferris wheel, and see the vintage carousel. There’s also an arcade if you want some fun.

Beyond the pier, Santa Monica Beach stretches out with beautiful sand. It’s perfect for a walk along the water, watching surfers, or just sitting and enjoying the ocean view. The whole area has that California beach vibe that makes you want to slow down and enjoy. If you go their in summer you can swim or lay on the beach as well.

My advice: Rent a bike and ride along the beach path toward Venice Beach—it’s one of the best ways to see the coastline. There is few rentals on the coast. At first i took a shared bike but ended up quiting it because you can’t go too far, it’s limited with the zone your going to and if you wanna wander arround it’s gonna be def more pricey.

Venice Beach & Boardwalk

Venice Beach

skater in venice beach for sunset
people skating in VENICE BEACH at night
Venice Beach - Ultimate guide to LOS ANGELES
Venice Beach - Ultimate guide to LOS ANGELES

Venice has a really chill, hipster vibe that I found so cool. It’s creative, laid-back, and unique. As you walk along the boardwalk, you’ll see street performers, musicians, and local artists selling their work. It’s a good place to find souvenirs and enjoy the artistic atmosphere.

If you come from Santa Monica and walk a bit further along the coast, you’ll pass by Muscle Beach—the famous outdoor gym where Arnold Schwarzenegger trained in the 1970s and 80s. I visited in November and honestly, there wasn’t much happening. It’s more about the history and taking a photo at this iconic spot.

Venice beach for the sunset

What I really loved was the Venice Skate Park right on the beach. This huge concrete park has skaters doing tricks with an ocean view behind them. The energy is great, and even if you don’t skate, it’s fun to watch the locals show off their skills.

Now, I’ll be honest—Venice is more romanticized than reality. Walking along the coast, you’ll find homeless people and tourist shops. It’s not perfect, but the murals, street art, and relaxed California vibe still make it worth visiting and once

My advice: Visit in the late afternoon when the skate park is busy!

Venice Walk

This is one of those hidden gems that many first-timers miss (and what is funny is that I’m one oh those hahah)! I recommend you to get there because I was so close and i missed it because I didn’t have such a good guide as this one for my trip hahaha. I found out about this place once is got home … very useful. It’s located just a few blocks from the busy Venice Beach, you’ll find this peaceful canals with palm trees on the side.

The Venice Canals were built in 1905 by Abbot Kinney, who wanted to recreate Venice, Italy, right here in California. Today, these quiet waterways are lined with charming houses and arched bridges but honestly I’ve been to Venice in Italy and it doesn’t even look similar for a sec haha. (You can check out my Venice, Italy article “22 photos to inspire travel to Venice“)

You can walk along the paths that run beside the canals—it takes about 30-45 minutes. The location on google maps is here.

My tip: After walking the canals, head to Abbot Kinney Boulevard, which is just a few blocks away. This street is full of trendy boutiques, art galleries, coffee shops, and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to grab lunch or do some shopping.

Downtown LA

Downtown LA (DTLA) has completely transformed over the past decade and is now one of LA’s coolest neighborhoods. From world-class street art in the Arts District to amazing food at Grand Central Market, rooftop bars, and museums like The Broad—there’s so much happening here. It’s also one of the few walkable areas in LA, which is pretty rare! Don’t skip it just because it’s “downtown.” I wrote a full guide about the area—check it out “Ultimate Downtown LA Guide : Where old meets new

LACMA

What is LACMA ? LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) is the largest art museum in the western United States. It’s a huge complex of buildings filled with art from literally every time period and culture you can imagine. It’s located on Wilshire Boulevard in the Miracle Mile area. The museum has more than 150,000 objects representing 6,000 years of human creativity!

Where is LACMA? LACMA is on Wilshire Boulevard in Mid-City LA, in an area called Miracle Mile—just east of Beverly Hills.

You’ve probably never heard of LACMA but have definitely seen pictures of those iconic floor lamps (the famous Urban Light installation). I wanted to go so badly but unfortunately didn’t have time for it… but LACMA is a must-visit especially if you love art.

The collection is huge. There are pieces from Japanese pop artist Yoshitomo Nara (which I love), masterpieces by Picasso, ancient Egyptian artifacts, modern pop art, Renaissance paintings, and contemporary installations. Whatever type of art you’re into, you’ll probably find yours at LACMA.

Those 202 vintage street lamps that everyone comes to photograph are located outside the museum entrance (so you don’t need to go into the museum to see them). They look cool during the day, but I’ve also seen pictures at night and that’s a completely different vibe. I wish I would have had time for MOCA and The Broad as well, but let’s keep those for my next visit haha. Couldn’t do everything in one trip, right?

Price: $25 adults | $10 students with ID | Free for kids under 17

Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 11 AM – 6 PM | Friday: 11 AM – 8 PM | Saturday & Sunday: 10 AM – 7 PM | Closed Wednesdays

Adress: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Parking: On-site parking available ($15-20)

Website: lacma.org

Universal Studios

Nintendo World in Universal Studio - LOS ANGELES
Simpsons Police Office at Universal Studios in LA
Universal Studios Tour in LA
Universal Studios Tour in Los Angeles - Things to Do

A classic! Universal Studios is fun. . The rides, the sets, the shows — it’s a full-day adventure that really brings Hollywood magic to life.

I did the Studio Tour at Universal and honestly, this is what made the whole experience worth it. You hop on a little train/car that takes you through actual working film sets. You get to see real film decorations, special effects demonstrations (like the flood in the metro that starts again and again! That one was my fav!), and iconic movie sets. You even see the actual neighborhood from Desperate Housewives in real life!

Universal vs Warner Bros: If you have to choose between the two, Universal is more theme park-focused with big rides and attractions, plus the studio tour. Warner Bros is more intimate and focuses purely on the studio experience—you get to walk onto actual soundstages and see real props and costumes up close. It actually depends on what you’re looking for.

Plan to spend the whole day at Universal! Even though there is no thousand of attractions but the queue for the nitendo world for example was 45 minutes queue and that’s not considered as the worst. I’ve been to disneyland in Paris and it’s quite similar to me in terms of diversity of attraction.

Price: $109-149+ depending on the day (buy online in advance for discounts)

Parking: $30-60 depending on how close you park (expensive but unavoidable)

Metro access: Red Line to Universal City/Studio City station (free shuttle to park entrance)

Adress: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608 (just north of Hollywood)

Website: universalstudioshollywood.com

The Getty Center

What is the Getty Center? The Getty Center is a huge art museum perched high up in the hills of west Los Angeles. It’s not just a regular museum—it’s more like an art campus with multiple buildings, beautiful gardens, and some of the best views of LA. (Griffith Observatory beat them all for me haha)

Where is Getty Center? The Getty Center is located in west Los Angeles, up in the hills. It’s about 20-30 minutes from downtown LA and around 15 minutes from Santa Monica, depending on traffic. You’ll drive up into the hills and park in their parking and then take a tram ride up to the actual museum at the top.

Los Angeles View from the top - GETTY CENTER
Getty Center designed by Richard Meier - Things to do in LA
Richard Meier designed the Getty Center - a must do in LA
Richard Meier designed the Getty Center - a must do in LA

Art, architecture, and views — the Getty Center has it all. Even if you’re not a huge art lover, the building (designed by architect Richard Meier – if you visited the Museum of Contemporary Art in Barcelona, you’ll recognize his work) and the gardens are stunning. I actually took a small nap there and it was so nice and peaceful. Also, the view of LA from the top is so beautiful. You can bring a book or just chill here for a bit. It’s a very peaceful place in LA.

You’ll find paintings by Van Gogh, Monet, Rembrandt, and other famous European artists. There’s also sculpture, photography, and decorative arts. The collection isn’t overwhelming like some huge museums so you won’t feel overwhelmed. It’s more like a relaxing escape from the city. You could easily spend half a day here just wandering between the galleries and gardens.

Price: Free (Only parking costs $20 per car, $15 after 3 PM)

Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10 AM – 5:30 PM | Saturday: 10 AM – 8 PM | Sunday: 10 AM – 5:30 PM | Closed Mondays

Parking: Need to book in advance ($20)

Website: getty.edu

Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive

What is Beverly Hills? Beverly Hills is the fancy neighborhood everyone knows from movies and TV shows. It’s known for being the residential area for stars and famous people from the film and music industry. It’s where you’ll find huge mansions, luxury shops, and palm tree-lined streets. Once there you can spot the famous Beverly Hills Hotel with its pink exterior.

Where is Beverly Hills ? Beverly Hills is in west LA, between Hollywood and Santa Monica. It’s about 15 minutes from both areas by car. (will always take more time due to the traffic)

The famous Beverly Hills Hotel with its pink interior
Beverly Hills - Rodeo Drive
Chanel Store in Beverly Hills - Rodeo Drive

The most famous street is Rodeo Drive, where all the high-end designer stores are—think Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. It’s nice to walk around and window shop. If you go at the intersection of rodeo drive and xx you’ll find the famous street with classic building inspired by europe of paris architecture. (French people wouldn’t admit that it looks like paris architecture haha). The neighborhood is super clean, the streets are beautiful, and it just feels different from the rest of LA. It’s been the backdrop for many Hollywood movies and shows. I used to work in fashion and I like these places to get ideas about the new collections or check out their window displays… whatever! You need to visit this iconic area of LA.

Activities & Things to Do in LOS ANGELES

Visit Santa Monica Farmers Market (Wednesday & Saturday mornings)

One of my favorite ways to start the day is by visiting the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market. (The woman from my Airbnb was actually the one who recommended this place to me — true local finds ahah!) Fresh fruits, flowers, local goodies — it’s colorful, lively, and gives you a real taste of the Californian lifestyle. Grab a smoothie or some fresh pastries and enjoy the vibe! I wanted to buy everything there, from veggies to honey, but I couldn’t keep it or cook it while traveling haha.

Morning Yoga Session in Santa Monica

Why a morning yoga session?

Want to chill and recharge before going to explore LA? There’s nothing like doing yoga by the beach in Santa Monica (before you head to the farmer’s market, for example). Saying it like this feels unreal and dreamy, and actually it is! The ocean, the sun, the fresh air — it’s the perfect way to start your day and feel connected to the city in a calm and local way.

One link where you can book an outdoor session : https://santamonicayoga.com/outdoor

Korean WI Spa – 24/7

If you want something unique, check out the Korean spa that’s open 24/7. Honestly, relaxing here after a day of exploring is such a treat — total city hideaway vibes.

Korean spas have separate naked areas for women and men. You shower (sitting on little stools) and soak in hot baths to relax and wash yourself. Then you head to the common area where everyone wears the same outfit (they give you matching shorts and a shirt). This is the chill zone with mattresses to relax on and special rooms like the clay room where you lay down on hot clay pearls.

There’s also a restaurant inside where you sit at typical Korean tables—meaning on the floor with cushions. It’s such a cool experience!

Opening Hours : 24/7

Price : 30$ with no limit of time.

Adress : 2700 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057, États-Unis (Korean District)

Parking : Someone will pick your car to park it in their outside parking in front of the Spa.

Website : https://wispausa.com/

Watch an College Football Game at Rose Bowl

American College Football - UCLA - at Rose Bowl

If you’re in L.A. during football season(September, October, Novembre), don’t even think twice — go watch a college game at the iconic Rose Bowl. The energy hits you the moment you arrive. Fans set up full-on tailgates hours before kickoff, grilling, blasting music, sipping beers, and just living their best Saturday. It’s not just a match — it’s a ritual.

For me, coming from France, the whole thing felt like stepping into another universe. I knew college sports were a big deal in the U.S., but I genuinely couldn’t imagine this level of passion. The chants, the colors, the marching bands, the stadium roaring with thousands of students and alumni… it’s a powerful, chaotic, joyful slice of American culture.

Honestly? The fun you have before and during the game is just as important as the game itself. It’s all part of the experience — almost like a festival dedicated to school spirit. College sports here sit right next to sororities and fraternities in the cultural hierarchy, and you’ll feel it the second you step in. When I visited the UCLA campus afterward, everything finally made sense: the pride, the traditions, the massive stadiums… it all starts here.

If you want a day in L.A. that feels authentically American, loud, friendly, and unforgettable, the Rose Bowl on game day is the place to be.

Website : https://uclabruins.com/

Catch a Basketball Game at the Clippers Arena

NBA - Clippers Game at Inuit Game - LOS ANGELES BASKETBALL GAME

I’m not a fan of watching sports on TV, but when it comes to being in the arena and watching it live with the full ambiance and energy, it is completely different! You embrace it fully, and basketball is a big part of American culture, such as American football as well. If you like sports, catching a basketball game at the Clippers Arena is a must. (This arena feels futuristic with a huge playground on the outside while waiting before the game and a souvenir shop where you buy things “without” paying – it actually feels like it, but no, they have thousands of cameras tracking you, and since you took a selfie and registered a credit card when entering the arena, they will automatically charge you once you exit the shop with items haha) Even if you’re not a huge fan, the crowd and the show will def make it worth it!

Website : https://www.nba.com/clippers/

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