When someone mentions Los Angeles, most people will associate it with Hollywood, the world’s show business capital, and of course, the palm tree-lined streets with the mountains on the backdrop. But there’s so much more to LA than just its famous landmarks, diversity, and unapologetic culture — the bustling city of angels is also known for its trendsetting cuisines, hip neighborhoods, vibrant art scenes, and more. So, if you’re on the hunt for a destination where you won’t run out of things to do, places to see, and food adventures to try, this wanderlust city in California should be on your list.
And while most tourists prefer to visit the city on weekdays, there’s a lot more going on during the weekends. You might even catch free movie nights and concerts in downtown LA if you’re lucky. But before you set foot in Los Angeles and get on with your weekend tours and activities, don’t forget that planning is everything. Here’s a guide to get you started.
1. Plan Your Itinerary In Detail
The best trips start with a well-planned itinerary. While it’s sometimes fun to do spontaneous trips, weekend getaways where you’ll likely have to weave through crowds are smoother when planned.
But don’t let the crowds spoil the fun that awaits you. With a plethora of entertainment options and urban adventures to choose from, you won’t ever get bored in LA. There will always be something fresh, exciting, and interesting new experiences to try no matter what type of traveler you are. Whether you love street art, fancy museums, or just want to try fusion food and new cuisines, you won’t get short of places to visit.
See the city’s world-renowned landmarks for yourself, like the Walk of Fame and Sunset Boulevard, or check out some of the real-life locations of famous movies. There are also theaters, art districts, and graffiti displays spread around the city.
For those who love nature, visiting the mountains and beaches is a must. Needless to say, there are countless sceneries and attractions to see and visit, and two days is just not enough. The key is to choose your itinerary with distances and travel times in mind. If you don’t like rushing around and want to maximize time, choose places near each other so you’re not spending too much time just moving from one place to another or worse, just sitting in traffic. Allot time for estimated travel times between itineraries especially if you’re booking scheduled visits.
2. Find A Strategically-Located Accommodation
Once you’ve finalized your itinerary, you can start your search for the best hotel deals. If you’re staying in Los Angeles for two or three nights, it’s ideal to find a hotel in a strategic location. From cozy budget rooms to swanky suites, you’ll have plenty of choices around Los Angeles.
If you’re not fazed by spending a few hundred bucks a night, there’s a handful of luxury hotel chains in LA worth trying. You’ll feel like a star in no time relaxing in hotels with sprawling rooftop pools and panoramic views of the city’s skyline, which you can enjoy while savoring the best dishes from their carefully curated menu. If you can afford the luxury, it’s definitely worth the experience. After all, it’s only for the weekend.
But whether you book an expensive or budget-friendly hotel, what matters is choosing a location that’ll put you right on the doorstep of your itinerary. This will help you save travel time on weekends. Don’t forget to keep in mind some safety tips if you plan to have a fun solo travel experience.
3. Book Your Train Tickets Well Ahead Of Time
Train rides are not just for budget travelers, especially with the growing popularity of luxury trains in recent years. If you’re traveling through cities with majestic landscapes like LA, train rides are always a good idea — they’re affordable, you get easy access to landmarks in the city center, and unobstructed views of the best sights along the route. Take the LA to San Diego train route for example, which comes with stunning views of the beaches along the Pacific Coast. What’s more, it’ll help you escape the usual heavy traffic on weekends.
Having said all that, booking your train tickets ahead of time will save you a lot of hassle. Find the train stations near your booked accommodation and itineraries, check the rates for your chosen dates, and book at least 20 days in advance to get the best deals and better seat choices.
4. Pack Smart
Now that you’ve booked everything, it’s time for the most exciting part of the preparation, or maybe not. While some love packing for trips, some find it tiresome. If you’re among the latter, here are some of the best packing tips from the pros. In a gist, create a checklist and use small pouches or organizers so you don’t have to rummage through your bags, especially when looking for small items. Keep your important documents and most used personal items where they’re secure but still within your reach when you need them.
Lastly, there’s a thin line between over- and under-packing. If you pack too much, you’ll be lugging around too much baggage. But if you pack too little, you might end up buying items you could’ve brought instead. Hence, prioritize your travel essentials and stick to the items you truly need and plan on using.
Conclusion
Most visitors aren’t ever deterred by the daily crowds in Los Angeles. This city has always been a favorite among both luxury travelers and budget backpackers around the world. If you’re planning to head to the city of angels on a weekend, plan in detail and never leave booking down to the last minute. Preparation is key to enjoying a weekend getaway in a buzzing city like LA.
