From the golden beaches kissed by the Pacific to the star-studded sidewalks of Hollywood, LA offers hundreds of experiences worthy of your time. The city might be renowned for its glitzy gatherings and A-list rendezvous, but taking on LA solo is like having an exclusive VIP pass. You dictate the pace, the plot twists, and the scenes worth a standing ovation. So, whether you’re chasing sunsets at Santa Monica Pier or hunting for the quirkiest eats in DTLA, a solo trip to Los Angeles is a great way to rendezvous with yourself amidst some of the most iconic backdrops in America.
Deciding The Duration Of Your Solo Trip To Los Angeles
Deciding the duration of your solo trip to Los Angeles can be a tad challenging but we’ll try to break it down before proceeding with our guide.
First off, remember this – LA is HUGE. If you’ve got just a weekend, sure, you can skim the cream off the top – think Hollywood, Santa Monica, and a quick jaunt to the Getty. But if you’re looking for the full LA experience, with hidden gems and everything, you might want to take a solid week, or even two.
Los Angeles doesn’t hustle and bustle like New York. Nope. Here, things roll like a leisurely stroll down Venice Beach. It’s got that laid-back vibe, so factor in a little downtime. What I mean by this is something like a day where your most strenuous task is deciding between the vanilla or mocha latte at an artsy café in Silver Lake.
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Budgeting for LA: Tips and Tricks
Let’s face it, while LA promises the glamour of Hollywood and sun-kissed beaches, but it ain’t cheap (like most good things in life). But fear not! Going on a solo trip to Los Angeles doesn’t mean you’ll have to sell a kidney to fund it. Here are a few useful budget tips.
1. Accommodation that Won’t Rob You Blind
For us savvy solo travelers, Airbnb or hostels offer some affordable choices. Places like Hollywood and Downtown LA offer affordable and chic options.
2. Feeding the Foodie in You
Let’s talk tacos, baby! And food trucks, of course. Some of the best culinary delights in LA are from these roving eateries. Save those dollars and avoid touristy spots and savor authentic flavors along the way!
3. Get Around, the LA Way
Yes, LA is vast, but that doesn’t mean you need to rent a fancy convertible. (Though if you do, no judgment here. Live your movie star dream!) Public transport is an option, it’s a bike-friendly city and you can even walk to a lot of attractions in near proximity to each other.
4. Freebies Galore
Remember, some of the best things in LA are free. Think hiking the Griffith Park, watch street performers, catching a drum circle at Venice Beach, or window shopping in Rodeo Drive?
5. Smart Sightseeing
Yes, you want that Hollywood sign selfie. But did you know that some tours offer multiple sights in one package? Opt for those. Or better yet, do a self-guided tour.
6. Souvenirs, Schmouvenirs
Instead of splurging on overpriced souvenirs, why not collect memories? Photos, sketches, or even just jotting down experiences in a journal can be more precious than any magnet or keychain.
Getting Around Los Angeles As A Solo Traveler
Well, first, let’s dispel a myth: LA does have public transit. Shocking, I know! It’s not just there for those cute rom-com montages. The Metro Rail is a genuine way to get from, say, Downtown to the breezy shores of Santa Monica. And buses, there are a lot more.
For some more flexibility, Uber and Lyft are obviously there and as I previously mentioned you can rent a bike or do a lot of walking.
Is LA Safe For Solo Travel?
LA, like many sprawling metropolises, is a mosaic of neighborhoods, each with its unique vibe. Hollywood might dazzle with its Walk of Fame, while Venice Beach woos with its bohemian charm, etc. Overall, Los Angeles is relatively safe for tourists, including those flying solo. But, as with any major city, there are areas that might be best visited during the day. Public transport is also quite safe, but late-night ventures might be best served by a trusted rideshare app,
Where To Stay On A Solo Trip To Los Angeles
Choosing where to hang your hat (or sunhat, it’s LA after all) on a solo trip to Los Angeles can be overwhelming with so many options to choose from but here are some of our favorites.
1. The Rumi
If you’re looking to cross paths with fellow solo travelers and maybe save a few bucks, hostels in Hollywood are the way to go.
2. Beach Bumming: Venice Beach and Santa Monica
Venice and Santa Monica offer a delightful mix of beach vibes and city life while being a hop, away from quirky boardwalk performers and some amazing taco stands/food trucks.
3. Artsy Alcove: Silver Lake & Echo Park
Fancy mingling with the hipster crowd? Silver Lake is LA’s artistic heaven, attracting creative souls, local and tourist alike with its cute cafes, indie shops, and a laid-back atmosphere.
4. Downtown Delight
If skyscrapers and the urban hustle are more your style, Downtown LA (or DTLA as the cool kids say) offers a mix of the modern and the historic (but it’s also a bit more expensive than the other areas mentioned here).
5. Upscale Escape: Beverly Hills & West Hollywood
For those with a penchant for the glitz, glam, sprinkle of celebrity spotting, and of course luxury, Beverly Hills and West Hollywood are the way to go.
Fun Things To Do In LA As A Solo Traveler
Now, this guide to the perfect solo trip to Los Angeles wouldn’t be complete without a few suggestions on exciting activities to indulge in, starting with (of course)…
Hollywood & the Walk of Fame
Hollywood is LA’s ultimate blend of dreams, nostalgia, and an ever-shimmering spotlight and your shoes might just touch the very stars of the Walk of Fame. What’s better than that? A stone’s throw away is the legendary Chinese Theatre, the Madame Tussauds, and a bunch of other iconic places. And don’t forget about the iconic Hollywood sign perched like a sentinel on the hills. For those keen on peeling back Hollywood’s glitzy curtain, myriad tours offer a sneak peek into Tinseltown’s secrets.
Santa Monica & Venice Beach
On a solo trip to Los Angeles, wandering westward will invariably lead you to the sunny embrace of Santa Monica and Venice Beach. These two coastal beauties, side by side, are like the yin and yang of LA’s beach culture.
Santa Monica, with its iconic pier, feels like a sunlit dream from a vintage postcard. As you stroll along the boardwalk, you might encounter performers juggling and if retail therapy is your jam, the Third Street Promenade promises an al-fresco shopping experience like no other. And let’s not forget that radiant sun sinking into the Pacific, best viewed from the heights of the Pacific Wheel.
The Getty Museum
First off, the journey to the Getty itself feels like you’re going to a fancy retreat, ascending via the tram, the city sprawling beneath you and all. See, the Getty is where LA goes to think, to dream, and occasionally, to flirt with the sculptures. Inside, you’ll find a plethora of masterpieces. From Renaissance sculptures to modern pieces that might evoke a heartfelt, “I don’t get it, but I respect it.” The museum’s art collection spans time, geography, and style.
Griffith Observatory & Griffith Park
On your solo trip to Los Angeles, these are places that truly elevate your experience – and Griffith Park is a prime example. First up, the Griffith Observatory. Stepping into this iconic dome, you’ll find its state-of-the-art planetarium that takes you star-hopping without ever leaving the city. But, it’s not all science and stargazing; from the observatory’s vantage point, the City of Angels stretches out below like a sparkling grid, begging for your admiration. It’s one of the most dazzling views of the city of Angels.
Downtown LA: Historic Core & Arts District
The Historic Core of Downtown is a place you’ll encounter architectural gems like the Bradbury Building. tint. Each brick, alley, and ornate facade here tells tales of dreamers who’ve walked before you, from ambitious moguls to starry-eyed starlets. And if walls could talk, the theaters of Broadway would spill more drama than all of Hollywood’s movies combined. And a few steps away, you’ll find the Arts District where warehouses metamorphose into art galleries and microbreweries and murals come alive.
Solo-friendly Restaurants And Cafes
First, let’s spill the beans (or, more aptly, the coffee beans). Los Angeles boasts a café culture that would make even the most introverted bookworm feel at home. From Silver Lake’s trendy coffee shops, to enjoying the beach vibes in a Santa Monica café, LA has a lot of options to choose from.
But let’s move from the caffeine to the cuisine, shall we? If there’s one thing that LA understands, it’s solo diners. The city is peppered with eateries that don’t just tolerate the solo traveler but embrace them. From sushi bars in Little Tokyo to bustling food markets like Grand Central Market, there are many places where you can dine by yourself and not feel weird.
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Experiencing LA’s Food Truck Culture
When you’re on a solo trip to Los Angeles, it’s almost obligatory to embark on this movable feast. The beauty of LA’s food truck scene is that it’s as diverse and eclectic as the city itself. One minute you could be sinking your teeth into a gourmet Korean BBQ taco, and the next, relishing a melty, artisan grilled cheese sandwich. For the uninitiated, it might seem a tad peculiar, this fascination with mobile eateries. But here’s the thing: these trucks are not just about food but also about community.
Sunset Watching At Malibu
If you’re looking for a great place to watch the sunsets, you can never go wrong with Malibu’s pristine beaches. The sun, like a dramatic diva, slowly descends, painting the sky in shades that even the best Instagram filter wouldn’t dare replicate. And every evening, it’s a different masterpiece.
Surfing Lessons
Solo surfing lessons come with a unique edge. Without the banter of a buddy or the pressure of an audience, it’s just you, your instructor, and the waves. You get personalized attention, but also a get the chance to connect with the ocean on a more intimate level.
LA Philharmonic At Walt Disney Concert Hall
The LA Philharmonic is Frank Gehry’s architectural marvel with its iconic curvaceous, shimmering façade. It’s an Instagram moment waiting to happen, but on the inside, there’s so much more. It’s a world where acoustics meet aesthetics, where every note seems to dance, twirl, touch your ears, and resonate with your very soul. And as a solo traveler, the experience becomes all the more profound.
Historic Olvera Street
For those on a solo trip to Los Angeles, meandering through this historic marketplace is a must. Its cobbled pathways, soulful background mariachi music, and the scent of freshly made churros, the contemporary fervor of LA on one end and the beautiful rustic charm on the other, make this one of the most special places in LA. Being a solo traveler on Olvera Street is akin to being a kid in a candy store. But instead of candies, you’re indulging in handcrafted trinkets, vibrant ponchos, and rich tales of LA’s Mexican heritage.
The Original Farmers Market
Now, embarking on a solo trip to Los Angeles without letting your senses revel in the gastronomic and nostalgic splendor of The Original Farmers Market is like making a PB&J sandwich and forgetting the peanut butter! As a solo traveler, the joy here isn’t just in the tasting, but in the discovering of every stall, with its colorful array of fresh produce, gourmet goodies, and artisanal treasures.
Thrift Shopping in Silver Lake
Now, anyone who’s embarked on a solo trip to Los Angeles knows this: Missing out on the thrifting adventures of Silver Lake is a whimsical error of travel judgment. The vibrant streets of Silver Lake hide many cool thrift stores (the hipster hub of LA is the perfect place for this) and thrift shopping in Silver Lake is like a game of sartorial bingo. Will you stumble upon a retro bomber jacket that screams ’80s glam? Or perhaps unearth a pair of groovy bell-bottoms that whisper of Woodstock?
Hiking The Runyon Canyon
Embarking on a solo trip to Los Angeles without tracing your steps up this iconic trail is like visiting Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower, an unspeakable travesty! The Runyon Canyon is a rite of passage for every LA visitor. As you make your way up, don’t be surprised if you encounter an enthusiastic yogi perfecting their sun salutation or perhaps a celebrity in chic athleisure, discreetly hidden behind oversized sunglasses. It’s all part and parcel of the Runyon experience.
Exploring the LA Botanical Gardens
As you step into the gardens, the city noise is replaced by the tranquility and beautiful nature of the garden. From majestic palms reaching out to the cerulean skies to delicate orchids whispering secrets of their tropical homes, the LA Botanical Gardens offers something special behind every turn…
Top Tours For Traveling Alone In Los Angeles
Embarking on a solo trip to Los Angeles? There are many awesome GetYourGuide tours that cater specifically to solo travelers. There’s the Hollywood: Behind-the-Scenes Walking Tour, the Beverly Hills Celebrity Homes and Rodeo Drive Shopping Tour,, the Downtown LA Arts and Architecture Tour.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solo Travel In Los Angeles
1. Is LA safe for solo travelers?
Generally speaking, yes. However, it’s best to be discerning at all times; like in all cities, some neighborhoods are safer than others.
2. Can I get by without a car?
Certainly! While LA’s love affair with cars is real, there’s public transit (although it’s not the best in the world), rideshares, and your two feet.
3. Best places to meet fellow travelers?
Hostels, co-working spaces, or trendy cafes in neighborhoods like Silver Lake or Venice. Or perhaps a sunrise yoga session on the beach?
4. Are people in LA friendly?
While LA might be known for its star-studded aloofness, beneath those designer sunglasses, you’ll often find a friendly face (at least friendlier than New York, for what it’s worth).
6. Where can I find the best sunset views?
Griffith Observatory, the beaches of Malibu, or Santa Monica pier.
How did you like our guide to taking a solo trip to Los Angeles? Did you ever try this? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below.
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