Los Angeles

I would stay near the beaches or somewhere in West LA, not downtown (although, there are worthwhile things to see in downtown - don't get me wrong). There is so much to do/ see in the region and in nearby counties (Orange County, for example), that you should give yourself at least one full week at a minimum. There are excellent tourist websites and books covering SoCal, Los Angeles proper, and Los Angeles County. Getting from place to place in traffic takes time, you'll need a rental car to drive on PCH and to get around. There are certainly regional attractions/ cities where you don't need a car (Santa Monica and Pasadena are very walkable) but then you'll have issues getting elsewhere.

It really depends on what you want to do. I lived in L.A. for twenty years and was involved, part of that time, in the local tourist industry.

Everything is spread out. You definitely need a car.

I don't advise staying downtown. It's really mostly business and sports. Very little else for tourists. Most visitors want Hollywood, Universal Studios, the beach, Beverly Hills. I would suggest staying anywhere from Santa Monica to Hollywood and everything in between.

As for how many days, that depends on what you want to see and do.

Have lived in LA since 1988 — and have lived both downtown and in Santa Monica so heartily third the vote for staying closer to the beaches. Downtown has some worthwhile places to visit but not for a first time trip.

My suggestion is to fine tune the kinds of attractions/activities you are interested in. Art? The Getty (either location) LACMA, Huntington Library and Gardens are all great and just a few of the options worth visiting. Movie/entertainment buff? See about getting tickets to a live taping, visit one of the studios or just general Hollywood (I personally dislike Hollywood — it’s so congested which is saying something for LA, and incredibly touristy in the wrong way, but YMMV). Santa Monica Beach both the Main Street area north of Venice and the Promenade and Pier area are fun, and a bit upscale. Venice is a classic So Cal beach scene. Rodeo Drive, theme parks, shopping. Lots to do and see

I'd say three or four days would be enough, and I agree that a car is needed and downtown wouldn't be a good base. I don't love the city in general but there are definitely some things there worth seeing.

What is it that you want to see?

If it is Hollywood don’t bother. Homelessness is out of control. Shops along Hollywood Blvd are complete you know what.

Have lived and work in the “ biz,” for nearly 30 years. Can see the Hollywood sign from my window.

Its a megalopolis. You’ll need a car.

Sorry but thats the reality. There is a reel Hollywood and the pathetic real Hollywood.

And before I get “ why are you there,” I’ll offer 2 words….rent control.

I stayed a few days last summer with a friend who's a native of LA. The Huntington Library has beautiful gardens. Visit the nearby and excellent Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. We also went to the South Coast Botanical Gardens which are also extensive. A special treat there was the butterfly house. The La Brea Tar Pits were more interesting than I expected.

Appreciate the responses. I knew going into asking my question that it was highly likely the answer would be near the coast/beaches. Just brainstorming a possible trip out there next year for New Years with the main goal of going to see the Rose Bowl. I’m a huge sports fan so also would be cool to check out a Lakers game and tour Dodgers Stadium. If I briefly check out Hollywood and then spend the rest of my time at the beaches, sounds like a solid trip to me.

If the Rose Bowl is the primary focus stay in Pasadena. The Parade is a huge tradition so book your hotel accommodations now.

Be sure to get a rental car. LA is not known for public transport options.

I live in LA. Let me know if you have specific questions and I'd be happy to help. Where you stay will completely depend on what you like, what kinds of things you are interested in, and whether or not you will have a car. There are so many amazing things to do and see here. I've lived here since I came for university in 1983 and can't leave! I love it here.

I reported the above post from a one-time poster. Please don't follow the link - you never know what lies ahead.

I have stayed in Manhattan Beach several times, and have enjoyed it. It isn't a small town, but parts of it have somewhat of a small town, surfer/beach vibe. It's something like a 30 minute drive from LAX and close to major highways.

I lived in LA for 7 years. Do not stay downtown.

Last heard from OP in March.

Hopefully OP heeded our collective advice and stayed away from DTLA.

Oh goodness, that made me chuckle, Claudia!

No trip yet. This trip would be around New Years. Main objective is to go to the Rose Bowl on January 2. But also looking to make this a major sports fanatics dream trip. Rams play Chargers on January 1 at SoFi. Hopefully Lakers and/or UCLA basketball have home games late December too. Right now I’m thinking 5 days for a visit. I found a solid hostel in Santa Monica that I would probably stay at. I’m guessing renting car would be my best bet for getting around. I have not heard good things about public transportation in LA, but I could be wrong.

OP public transport in LA continues to be a joke. However since you are staying West and wish to travel East to Pasadena you might be able to use the Metro. Just don’t be shocked by the number of homeless people on the trains.

Best to rent the car. Rose Parade and Rose Bowl are huge events. If you choose to stay in Pasadena you could watch the parade on the morning of the 1st. Go VERY early to stake out your spot on the curb. People camp overnight to get their spots.