This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income. Click here to read our affiliate policy.
People have a lot of preconceptions about LA. Celebrities, sunshine, and superficiality dominate Angelino stereotypes. And, let’s be fair, some of the stereotypes do have an element of truth. The traffic is often actually worse than the stereotype allows for, for example.
But if you step outside the typical tourist trails and take a deeper look at LA, you’ll get to experience the city in a completely different way. There’s a good reason why LA is such a populous and popular city: it’s a nice place! Sure, there are elements of superficiality and celebrity-chasing, but the real Los Angeles – the LA that the locals know – has a big heart, plenty of culture, and a unique sense of place that you can’t get anywhere else.
To experience the real, insider LA, you need to think and act like a local. Here’s how.
Don’t leave transport to chance
OK, one stereotype is true: the traffic in LA is crazy. The city is huge, over 500 miles across, and public transport is lousy, so everyone drives everywhere. This means millions of cars on the city’s roads at any one time. If you’re not well-prepared for navigating LA, you’re likely to spend a huge amount of time idling in traffic. And while sitting in traffic jams is definitely part of the authentic Angelino experience, it’s not really how you want to spend your time.
So, don’t leave anything to do with transport to chance. Because LA public transit is rare and unreliable, either bring your own car or book a car rental at LA airport. Learn peak traffic times and congestion-prone places like a sailor learns about tides and submerged rocks. When you can, drive at off-peak times, and when you can’t, consider hailing a cab (LA cab drivers know all the best ways to avoid and beat the traffic).
Think like a neighbourhood insider
Angelinos are bewildered by the idea of LA as a single city. They’ll quickly tell you that it’s actually dozens of smaller cities loosely stitched together with freeways. Every neighborhood has its own personality and culture. Highland Park is chill and relaxed.
Topanga Canyon is where the bohemian set hangs out. Venice and Santa Monica are iconic and a great place to star-spot, but they’re also very touristy. So, rather than trying to get to know the city as a whole, try immersing yourself in neighborhoods that appeal to you.
As a solo traveller, it’s probably a good idea to pick safer neighborhoods to explore. But don’t worry unduly – most LA neighborhoods really aren’t as dangerous as the popular stereotypes make out. It’s usually perfectly safe to walk to get coffee in the mornings, or to strike up a conversation with the locals at the market.
Embrace LA mornings
LA nightlife grabs popular headlines, but native Angelinos are big morning people. Before the sun fully hits the Hollywood sign, the city is already bustling with morning joggers, coffee and donut stands, early surfers, and more. The trails of Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park are very sociable in the morning hours as dog walkers, hikers, and runners take advantage of the quieter roads.
As the day progresses and the tourists start flocking into town, join the locals in one of LA’s many small independent cafes. Which brings us to our next local tip: eat like a local.
Eat on the street
LA is full of big-name restaurants and popular food chains, but you’ll get a more authentic experience if you pay attention to where the locals are eating. Be a bit curious, as LA has a whole world of unique and boutique dining options, and Angelinos aren’t afraid to experiment with quirky cuisine.
Street food in LA is always worth checking out. You’ll find everything from vegan bánh mì sold from a retro truck to cakes on a folding table in the park. Look for stalls with locals gathered around – LA food trucks get busy for a reason.
For a more authentic local experience, don’t stick to conventional dining hours. Due to the ‘always-on’ nature of the city, Angelinos often eat later than tourists (around 8 or 9pm).
Join everyday rituals
It’s fairly typical for tourists to seek out sights like the Hollywood sign and the Walk of Fame, but local LA identity is more about lifestyle than landmarks. To live like an Angelino, engage in everyday rituals like coffee from a particular cafe, outdoor movies in a park, exercise classes, and browsing the flea markets that regularly pop up in Downtown neighborhoods.
If you feel weird about joining park yoga or beach volleyball on your own, there are apps to help out. Eventbrite and Meetup list plenty of regular events that are perfect for lone travellers, and can match you with like-minded locals who’ll be happy to introduce you to their world.
Explore green spaces and hidden views
For an enormous, sprawling metropolis, Los Angeles is surprisingly green. 62% of Angelinos live within a 10-minute walk of a public park, and they take advantage of that fact. In the hot, dry LA climate, green spaces are a very welcome respite.
So, get to know the green spaces in and around your favorite neighborhoods. Elysian Park, Kenneth Hahn, and Vista Hermosa are all beautiful, relaxing, and not too crowded. El Matador Beach in Malibu offers stunning sunsets and plenty of solitude. Or, if you like to socialise with friendly strangers in a park, try the popular Griffith Park.
Find your rhythm
Each LA neighborhood has its own unique rhythm. As a general rule. Angelinos work hard and play hard, but they also take plenty of time to slow down and relax. If you pay attention, you’ll soon start to find a distinct ebb and flow to the hours.
Sometimes people are rushing to work, at others they’re lingering over brunch or enjoying quiet moments with a coffee. Canny solo travellers can easily slot into that rhythm. Bring a book to a cafe, join in with the lunchtime chitchat…and get out of the way during rush hour.
Stay smart, stay safe
Los Angeles is a lot safer and more welcoming than popular stereotypes would have you believe, but it still pays to keep your wits about you. As a solo traveller, avoid poorly-lit areas after dark, and, if you’re lucky enough to find on-street parking in LA, don’t leave your valuables visible in your car.
If you are going out alone at night, stick to well-populated areas and keep your phone, purse, and wallet safe. If you’re traveling alone as a female, it might be wise to tell people where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
Leave room for spontaneity
Quite honestly, the most ‘LA’ thing a solo traveler can do is to discard the itinerary. Angelinos are a spontaneous bunch who rarely live by a set schedule. So, leave plenty of time to investigate interesting things that catch your eye. Go where your nose takes you, and spend time poking around in the many unique stores, galleries, museums, restaurants, and neighborhoods that LA has to offer.
By thinking like a local and adapting yourself to the rhythms of LA, you’ll quickly discover that the city is nothing like the superficial stereotypes. It’s a surprisingly relaxed place, with a lot of unique, boutique experiences and the kind of happy, heartfelt character you’d never get to appreciate on the traditional tourist trail.
