Ten things you should know before traveling to Los Angeles

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venice beach

Venice Beach, perfect for strolling

1. THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN IS NOT ILLUMINATED AT NIGHT

Neither the Hollywood sign can be seen from anywhere in the city, nor can you enjoy it at night, because it's just not lit . Many travelers hope to be able to see the famous letters from the plane at nightfall, but this is not the case. We can take photos near him on the trails that run through the Hollywood hills or from the mall in Hollywood and Highland.

hollywood sign

No, this beautiful sign DOES NOT SHINE at night

two. RENTING A CAR IS A GOOD IDEA BUT... BEWARE OF TRAFFIC TRAFFIC AND RULES

Although the city is making efforts to expand the public transport network, the truth is that the easiest way to get around Los Angeles is rent a car . Avoid the biggest traffic jams between 7:00 and 9:30 AM and 4:00 and 8:00 PM, if possible . If you opt for the car, remember that at **red lights you can turn right if no other vehicles are coming (California law)**. And read the parking signs a thousand times to avoid fines that will haunt you until the end of your days (if you try to make a "sinpa"). We know that some of these signs can be confusing, especially if they include dozens of instructions. They are well known to Angelenos.

3. AVOID THE HOLLYWOOD WAX MUSEUM

Do not be fooled. It is one of the worst in the world . Ridiculous.

Santa Monica and Venice

Sunset at Santa Monica Pier

Four. DO YOU WANT A BEACH? IF IT IS SUMMER AND THE WEATHER IS GOOD, AVOID SANTA MONICA

On your visit to Los Angeles You can't miss a walk along the famous Santa Monica Pier , that we have seen so many times in our youth in The Baywatch . However, this area can turn into a real traffic nightmare (both cars and pedestrians) during the weekends. If you want a good beach, explore” a little further ”. There are other options like Will Rogers or the fascinating beach of The Matador in Malibu . Leave Santa Monica for a day out.

5. IT'S DIFFICULT TO FIND A "STAR"

Many are those who hope to meet celebrities on the street , but this is hard . You might get lucky and bump into someone. If you see a red carpet, do not hesitate to approach one of the fences and make a hole for yourself. But do not expect to have the same luck that the Callejeros had when they ran into Brad Pitt on a motorcycle.

Getting sick of seeing celebrities in Los Angeles is not so easy

Tired of seeing celebrities in Los Angeles? It's not that easy

6. CELEBRITIES DON'T SHOP AT RODEO DRIVE

Rodeo Drive is one of the most popular areas in Beverly Hills , full of haute couture shops. Many expect to find famous people shopping in this neighborhood, but the truth is that stars avoid tourists . what they do is send to your stylists to do the shopping for them. There are other destinations in Los Angeles that are worthwhile and where it is much easier to park. One of the shopping centers (where you can run into a familiar face) is The Grove . A new area that you will find near Venice is Runway Beach View , in which dozens of restaurants are beginning to open that dare to explore with all kinds of flavors. You will find the best hamburgers in Hopdoddy Burger , organic food in Urban Plates and cinemas with XD experience (3D and 2D and 60 speakers distributed around the room).

7. THE "WALK OF FAME" IS NOT JUST A STREET: IT SPREADS ALL OVER HOLLYWOOD

The famous walk of stars, “Walk of Fame”, It's not a street full of stars and that's it . The walk extends through several streets in the city of Hollywood. And, no, Hollywood is not the neighborhood where the stars live. Another point to note is that You will not find the footprints of the famous in these stars . These pieces are preserved in the Grauman's Chinese Theater , next to the famous Dolby Theater .

Let yourself be surprised with the organic food of Urban Plates

Let yourself be surprised with the organic food of Urban Plates

8. THE KODAK THEATER IS NO LONGER CALLED THAT. NOW IT'S THE DOLBY THEATER

The Kodak Theater has been internationally known for hosting the Oscars for many years. When the Kodak company went bankrupt, the theater was renamed to **Hollywood and Highland** (the mall where it hides). Today the theater is called the Dolby Theater and continues to host the Oscar ceremonies.

9. DO NOT TAKE PHOTOS WITH THE "ACTORS IN DISGUISE"

Avoid taking" free CD'sof rappers and take pictures with characters dressed across the busy street from the Dolby Theatre. Although at first they tell you that "it's free", actually they want to get a tip . And they won't be happy if you try to sneak out without paying. Many live from this activity.

Long live the Hollywood Highland

Long Live Hollywood & Highland (former Kodak Theatre)

10. DON'T WASTE TIME WITH "FAMOUS HOMES" BUS TOURS

The bus tours “the houses of the famous” they are usually boring and useless . They will tell you things like "this is one of the ten houses that Madonna has around the world" and you will stay just as you were. Make other plans to better explore the city: watch a movie in Captain (Disney's theater), visit the parks of Universal Studios or Disneyland in Anaheim (about 45 minutes from downtown Los Angeles) or walk along the famous street of Abbot Kinney in Venice Beach.

All of these tips will help you have a more rewarding adventure in Los Angeles.

To enjoy Venice Beach without unforeseen events

To enjoy Venice Beach without unforeseen events

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- Radar Traveler: where to meet celebrities in Los Angeles

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Dolby Theater hosts the Oscars ceremonies

Dolby Theater hosts the Oscars ceremonies

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