Whether you’ve never been to LA or this is your second or third time visiting, you need to know what not to do in Los Angeles if you’re hoping to get the best experience out of your trip.

Trust me, it’s easy to get swept up in the glitz and glamour of the city and miss out on what truly makes it special.

To help you navigate the sprawl that is Los Angeles, we’re diving into some common mistakes that first-time (and even repeat) visitors make, along with tips on how to avoid them.

Think of it as your ultimate LA survival guide—because there’s way more to this city than the tourist traps and Instagrammable spots.

1. Don’t Expect to Walk Everywhere

Los Angeles might look like a place where you can stroll from one hotspot to the next, but let’s face it—LA is not a walkable city.

It’s sprawling, with neighborhoods spread far apart, and unless you’re sticking to one area, walking just isn’t going to cut it.

Plan for the Distance

What looks like a short distance on a map is often a 30-minute (or longer) drive.

For example, people often think that the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Rodeo Drive are on the same block. In reality, they’re about 6 miles apart and in two completely different cities.

If you plan on seeing multiple parts of the city, be ready to hop in a car, whether it’s a rental or an Uber.

Consider Public Transit (But with Caution)

While LA isn’t known for its public transportation, the Metro can be useful for getting to certain places, like Downtown LA or Santa Monica.

Just don’t rely on it exclusively—it doesn’t cover every neighborhood, and the schedules can be hit or miss.

If you’re going to use the Metro, plan your routes ahead of time and be mindful of which lines you’re taking, especially at night.

2. Don’t Underestimate the Traffic

Ah, the infamous LA traffic. You’ve probably heard about it before, and yes, it’s as bad as people say.

One thing you don’t want to do is assume that you can quickly drive from place to place, especially during rush hour—which in LA, seems to be all day.

Give Yourself Plenty of Extra Time

Google Maps might say a drive is 15 miles, but in LA time, that could easily mean 45 minutes or more. If you have reservations, tours, or anything time-sensitive, leave earlier than you think you need to.

Then leave at least 30 minutes earlier than that.

Avoid Rush Hour at All Costs

LA’s rush hour can stretch from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the morning and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the evening…on a good day.

Try to plan your activities so you’re not driving during these hours, or better yet, find something to do close to where you’re staying during those times.

Grabbing a coffee in one of LA’s many cafés or relaxing at a park isn’t a bad way to wait it out.

3. Don’t Skip the Beaches (But Don’t Go to Just Any Beach)

Los Angeles is home to some of the most famous beaches in the world, but not all of them are created equal. While you’ve probably heard of Venice Beach and Santa Monica, these can be overly crowded and touristy.

Explore the Lesser-Known Beaches

Instead of heading straight to the busiest spots, consider visiting some of the lesser-known gems like Zuma Beach in Malibu or El Matador Beach for stunning rock formations.

These beaches offer a more peaceful experience and beautiful views without the overwhelming crowds.

Don’t Forget to Check the Parking Situation

Another thing to keep in mind is that beach parking in LA can be a headache, especially on weekends. Some beaches have parking lots that fill up fast, while others only offer street parking, which can be tough to find.

If you’re planning a beach day, get there early or be prepared to circle for a spot. You can also try apps like ParkMobile or Park Smarter for some help.

4. Don’t Assume You’ll See Celebrities Everywhere

A lot of first-time visitors come to LA thinking they’ll casually run into celebrities on every corner.

While it’s true that LA is home to many stars, it’s not as common as you might think to spot one in the wild—especially if you’re only hanging around touristy areas like Hollywood Blvd.

Stay Cool and Enjoy LA for What It Is

Yes, it’s exciting if you happen to see a celebrity, but don’t let that be the focus of your trip. LA is full of culture, art, and amazing food—enjoy those things, and if you spot someone famous along the way, that’s just a bonus!

5. Don’t Spend All Your Time on Hollywood Boulevard

No doubt, Hollywood Boulevard is famous. And yes, you’ll probably want to visit it at least once to see the Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre.

But after you’ve snapped your photos, do yourself a favor and explore other parts of the city.

The Real LA Is in the Neighborhoods

Venture out to places like Silver Lake for a cool, artsy vibe, Los Feliz for great coffee shops, or Echo Park for a beautiful lake and scenic views. These neighborhoods give you a more authentic experience of LA life and are much less crowded.

Don’t Forget to Explore Downtown LA

Downtown LA is often overlooked by tourists, but it’s full of interesting places to see.

Check out the stunning Bradbury Building, visit the Broad Museum, or stroll through Grand Central Market for a taste of the city’s food scene. It’s also a great place to admire some of LA’s most iconic architecture.

6. Don’t Be Fooled by the Weather

LA might be known for its sunshine, but don’t be fooled—it’s not always warm. Even if it’s 75 degrees during the day, the temperature can drop significantly at night, especially if you’re by the beach or in the hills.

Bring Layers

Shorts and t-shirts might do for most days, but if you’re heading out to say, Santa Monica Pier in the evening, it can get chilly. Bring layers, at least a light jacket or hoodie, even if the forecast looks warm—you’ll be thankful when the temperature drops after sunset.

Don’t Underestimate the Sun

While it might not feel blazing hot, the LA sun can be strong. Make sure to wear sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy, and bring sunglasses and a hat if you’re spending a lot of time outside.

The last thing you want is a sunburn to ruin your vacation.

7. Don’t Expect LA to Be Like the Movies

LA in the movies is glamorous, full of luxury cars, and everything looks shiny and perfect. But real life Los Angeles is a bit different.

Like any big city, it has its rough spots, and the glamor is often mixed with the gritty.

Be Prepared for a Mix of Glamour and Reality

Many people are surprised to find that parts of LA aren’t as polished as they had imagined. Hollywood Boulevard, for example, might not be as clean or glamorous as you’d expected.

And Downtown LA has a few areas where homelessness is more visible. This is a part of the real LA, and understanding that the city is more than just the Hollywood version will help you appreciate its diversity and character.

8. Don’t Miss Out on the Food Scene

Los Angeles is a food lover’s paradise, but if you stick to chain restaurants or only eat in tourist-heavy spots, you’re missing out on some of the best food in the country.

Explore Different Cuisines

One of the things that makes LA’s food scene so amazing is its diversity. You can find everything from incredible tacos in East LA to delicious Korean BBQ in Koreatown.

Don’t be afraid to venture into neighborhoods like Little Tokyo, Chinatown, or Thai Town to try something new.

Skip the Expensive Trendy Restaurants

While LA has its fair share of trendy spots with sky-high prices, some of the best food is much more affordable.

Instead of booking a table at the latest celebrity chef’s restaurant, try a hole-in-the-wall taco stand or a family-run ramen shop. You’ll get more authentic food and probably spend a lot less.

9. Don’t Ignore the Local Culture

Los Angeles is more than just beaches and Hollywood—it’s a city with a rich cultural history and a thriving arts scene. If you only focus on the surface-level attractions, you’re missing out on the true essence of LA.

Check Out the Art and Music Scene

From the street art in the Arts District to the incredible exhibits at LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) or the Getty Center, LA is a city that thrives on creativity.

There are also tons of live music venues, from small indie shows in Silver Lake to bigger performances at venues like the Hollywood Bowl. Don’t miss the chance to explore this side of the city.

Visit Cultural Landmarks

Los Angeles is home to a number of important cultural landmarks, like the historic Watts Towers, Olvera Street (the birthplace of LA), and the LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes.

These spots offer a glimpse into the city’s history and diverse communities.

10. Don’t Try to Do Everything in One Trip

With so much to see and do, it’s tempting to try to fit everything into one visit. But the truth is, LA is just too big to tackle in one go.

You’ll have a much better experience if you focus on a few key areas and leave time to actually enjoy them.

Pick a Few Neighborhoods to Explore

Instead of rushing from place to place, choose a few neighborhoods that interest you and spend more time there.

For example, you could dedicate a day to exploring West Hollywood, then another day to checking out the beach in Santa Monica and Venice.

This way, you’ll have time to really soak in the atmosphere and get a feel for each part of the city.

Don’t Stress About What You Miss

It’s impossible to see all of LA in one trip, and that’s okay. The city isn’t going anywhere, and you can always come back for round two.

Take your time, enjoy the experience, and leave some things on your to-do list for next time.

Final Thoughts: LA on Your Own Terms

Los Angeles is an amazing city full of surprises, and it’s easy to fall in love with its laid-back vibe, beautiful weather, and endless possibilities.

And now that you know what not to do in Los Angeles, you’ll have a much smoother and more enjoyable trip.

Remember to take your time, explore the neighborhoods that interest you, and don’t get too caught up in the Hollywood version of LA. There’s so much more to this city than meets the eye, and the best way to experience it is to relax, go with the flow, and enjoy the ride.

So pack your sunscreen, bring those comfy shoes, and get ready to explore the City of Angels—just be sure to leave the star-stalking for another trip!