With the Oscars just two weeks away (March 15th), the city is buzzing with red carpet energy, exclusive screenings, and star-studded parties. But beyond the Hollywood glitz, LA is a sprawling city of beaches, mountains, desert, and everything in between. At Vagabond Heart Souvenirs, we thought this was the perfect time to release this guide that will help you navigate the City of Angels like a local.
TRAVEL LIKE A PRO
Airport Tips
- LAX (Los Angeles International): LA's main airport is massive and can feel chaotic, but it's getting better. The new people mover (opening late 2025/early 2026) connects terminals to rental cars and the Metro. Terminal-specific tips:
- Best meal: Hit up The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck in Terminal 5 for an actual good airport meal, or grab an
- Local treat: Randy's Donuts at Terminal 1 — yes, THAT Randy's with the giant donut on top
- Pro tip: LAX-it pickup area for rideshares is a shuttle ride away. Budget extra time.
- Other Options: Burbank (BUR) and Long Beach (LGB) are smaller, easier airports if you can swing it, especially for destinations in the Valley or South Bay.
How to Get Around
Let's be real: LA is a car city. But you have options:
- Car rental: Your best bet for covering ground. Traffic is real (especially on the 405), but you'll have freedom to explore beaches, hikes, and neighborhoods. Park smart — lots of street parking restrictions.
- Metro: Expanding! The E Line gets you to Santa Monica, the D Line connects Downtown to the Westside. Great for avoiding traffic to specific destinations. metro.net
- Rideshare/Uber/Lyft: Essential for nights out and crossing the city. Surge pricing during Oscar week is no joke.
- Bike rental: Perfect for beach cruising (Venice, Santa Monica) or exploring neighborhoods. Try Metro Bike Share or rent a beach cruiser locally.
NO MORE FOMO
Classic Must-Sees
- The Getty Center: Stunning architecture, world-class art, and views over LA. Free admission (parking $20). getty.edu
- Griffith Observatory: Free entry, incredible views of the Hollywood sign and downtown LA. Go at sunset. griffithobservatory.org
- Walk the Venice Boardwalk: Peak LA people-watching. Skaters, muscle beach, street performers, and endless characters.
Off-the-Beaten-Path
- The Last Bookstore: A gorgeous, labyrinthine bookstore in Downtown LA with book tunnels and art installations. lastbookstorela.com
- Museum of Jurassic Technology: Wonderfully weird. This Culver City museum defies description — just go with it. mjt.org
Oscar Week Bonus: Check out The Academy Museum on Wilshire — special Oscar exhibits and film screenings all month. Book ahead!
GET STUFFED
Restaurants
- High-End: Providence (Downtown) — Two Michelin stars and some of the best seafood on the West Coast. Reserve weeks ahead. providencela.com
- Mid-Range: Guelaguetza (Koreatown) — Legendary Oaxacan mole that'll change your life. Cash only. ilovemole.com
- Cheap Eats: Tacos El Gordo (Various locations) — Late-night adobada tacos that hit different. Open until 3am. tacoselgordobc.com
Bars
- High-End: The Walker Inn — Speakeasy-style cocktails by reservation only. thewalkerinnla.com
- Mid-Range: Employees Only (West Hollywood) — Classic cocktails, great vibes, open late. employeesonlywestla.com
- Dive Bar: The Short Stop (Echo Park) — Karaoke, cheap drinks, and pure LA character. Cash only.
MOM: "we have LA at home"
Local Recipe: Copycat In-N-Out Animal Style Fries
Since you can't leave LA without hitting In-N-Out, here's how to recreate Animal Style fries at home:
Ingredients:
- Frozen or fresh-cut fries
- American cheese slices
- Caramelized onions (cook low and slow for 30+ minutes)
- Spread: 1/2 cup mayo, 3 tbsp ketchup, 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish, 1 tsp vinegar
Instructions: Cook fries crispy, top with torn cheese slices, broil until melted. Add caramelized onions and drizzle generously with spread. Devour immediately.
Best Cheap Beer & Snacks
- Beer: Pacifico — the unofficial beer of LA beach culture. Grab a 12-pack and head to the sand.
- Snacks: LA is famous for it's street tacos, but definitely don't miss out on the street cart corn (elote) with mayo, cotija, chili powder, and lime.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
A few great reads and listens to get you in the LA state of mind:
- You Must Remember This is a podcast written, produced and narrated by Karina Longworth, which is dedicated to exploring the secret and/or forgotten histories of Hollywood's first century.
- Pick your era and find your movie: Mulholland Drive, L.A. Confidential, The Big Lebowski...Start your site seeing a bit early.
- Easy Riders, Raging Bulls - A dazzling, no-holds-barred chronicle of the wild 1970s that transformed Hollywood, capturing the sex, drugs, genius, and chaos that ignited a cinematic revolution and changed movies forever.
WHAT TO TAKE HOME
Skip the Hollywood Boulevard tourist traps. Here's what to actually bring home:
-
Amoeba Music poster or vinyl — The legendary record store on Hollywood Blvd has incredible finds
-
A postcard from The Last Bookstore — Beautiful art prints and vintage ephemera
- Locally roasted coffee — Grab beans from Verve, Go Get Em Tiger, or Blue Bottle
- Hot sauce from Grand Central Market — Dozens of artisan varieties from local vendors
- Something from Vagabond Heart Souvenirs — Quality, design-forward LA keepsakes that you can show off on your bag and won't collect dust. vagabondheart.co
