A–Z Travel Tips
A
Accommodations (See also Camping, Youth Hostels, and the list of Recommended Hotels)
Many top hotels offer special promotional rates, and winter travelers are likely to get a lower rate than during the summer tourist season, especially along the coast. It is always wise to have advance reservations: where available, use the toll-free 800, 844, 855, 866, 877 or 888 telephone numbers for making your reservations from within the US.
Hotel rates in Los Angeles are subject to a 15.57 percent tax, which is added on top of the quoted rates. Parking and telephone charges can add considerably to the bill. In addition, the better hotels have valet parking, which can cost from $6 to $40 or more per night; you are also expected to tip the valet at least $2 each time he delivers your car.
Beyond the hotel and motel options, self-catering apartments for longer stays (usually one-month minimum) are available. Oakwood Apartments (tel: 1-877 902 0832; www.oakwood.com) has properties in several locations throughout the city.
The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau (for more information, click here) publishes a lodging guide, as do most other information offices, listing a wide selection of accommodation options in and around the city.
Airports
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest airports worldwide, serving nearly 90 major airlines. It is located 17 miles (27km) from downtown LA, near the coast, off the 405 freeway. Planes arrive and depart from eight terminals and from the Tom Bradley International Terminal. The information number for LAX is 855-463 5252; www.lawa.org. Volunteer Information Professionals, who assist passengers with finding appropriate transportation or provide directions, can be found at information booths on the arrivals level of each LAX terminal.Frequent shuttle-bus service between terminals is provided free of charge. LAX shuttle buses are white with blue and green stripes. Board the ‘A’ shuttle under the LAX Shuttle sign. Fly Away buses provide cheap, 24-hour transport between Downtown and LAX (www.lawa.org/flyaway/default.aspx). There is also shuttle service to and from the Metro Rail Green Line Aviation Station. Plentiful taxis are also available.
Bob Hope Airport (BUR), formerly Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport (tel: 818-840 8840; www.bobhopeairport.com) provides domestic services. It serves the San Fernando Valley as well as Los Angeles residents who prefer to avoid the chaos of LAX. Thirteen miles (20km) from downtown LA and less crowded than LAX, this airport is actually the better option for travelers arriving from other US cities and planning to stay in the valleys, Pasadena, Hollywood, or Downtown. (However, fewer shuttles and taxis frequent this airport, making ground transportation more problematic).
John Wayne (Orange County) Airport (tel: 949-252 5200; www.ocair.com), 16 miles (25km) from Anaheim, serves the Orange County region. Eight major domestic airlines fly here from around the country. Several airlines also serve the Long Beach Airport (tel: 562-570 2600; www.lgb.org).
B
Beaches
Access to public beaches is free, but fees (between $5 and $10) are charged in parking lots (car parks). Pets, alcoholic beverages, and bonfires are prohibited. Lifeguards are on duty year-round during daylight hours. Always swim in front of an open lifeguard tower where possible and keep an eye out for warning signs.
For maps, guides, and further information about beaches, call the Marina del Rey Visitors’ Information Center/Los Angeles County Beaches and Harbors Information Center at 310-305 9545 (www.visitmarinadelrey.com; 9am–5pm, recorded information 24 hours).
Budgeting for your Trip
The prices listed below are only approximate, as inflation ever rises and prices do vary between establishments.
Airport transfer. To Downtown: taxi $45+, Super Shuttle $17.
Bicycle rental. $7–$9 per hour, $20–$32 per day.
Bus and Metro fares. $1.75 base fare, 50¢ transfers. Specials: $7 day-pass; $25 weekly pass.
Car rental. Depending on the company and the season, prices can vary greatly. Count on $35–$50 per day with unlimited mileage (taxes and collision damage waiver included), usually less expensive by the week and by waiving the collision damage waiver.
Entertainment. Movies $10–$14, concert/dance $20–$60, theater $20–$65, nightclubs $10–$20 cover charge.
Hotels (double occupancy, per night, 5.57 percent tax is not included). Expensive $210 and up; moderate $110–$210, budget under $110.
Meals and drinks. Breakfast $5–$15, lunch $7–$20, dinner $12–$20 and up, beer $3.50 and up, mixed drink $5–$12, wine $5–$15 per glass, soft drink $1–$2, coffee $2 and up.
Museums. Adults $5–$15, children, students, and seniors $4–$12.
Parking lots (car parks). $2–$6 per hour; many have a maximum $5–$6 charge; Downtown ramps and hotel parking $12–$30 per day.
Sales tax. A sales tax of 9 percent is added to most purchases and restaurant bills.
Theme parks. Adults $50–$80, children $20–$74 entrance per day.
Tours. Half-day city tours $30 and up.
C
Camping
In nearby state or national parks a daily fee is generally charged per campsite and per vehicle. Information on the Santa Monica Mountains and camping can be requested from the National Park Service (tel: 805-370 2300; www.nps.gov/samo) or the State Park Service (tel: 916-653 6995 or 800-777 0369; www.parks.ca.gov). State park camping information and reservations are available by calling 800-444 7275 or at www.reserveamerica.com. You can also contact the visitor information centers at Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead and on Catalina Island (for more information, click here) for details of camping in these areas.
Car Rental (See also Driving and Money)
Major car rental firms include Enterprise (tel: 800-261 7331; www.enterprise.com), Dollar (tel: 800-800 4000; www.dollar.com), Hertz (tel: 800-654 3131; www.hertz.com), and National (tel: 800-222 9058; www.nationalcar.com). Prices vary on an almost daily basis, and automobile-club and other discounts are often available. Look into special weekly/weekend rates.
Collision damage waiver adds considerably to the cost. It’s best to learn whether your own automobile insurance or credit card offers full coverage for rental cars and, if so, waive the collision damage coverage. Also, rates that include unlimited mileage are advised.
To rent a car, you will need a valid driver’s license plus an International Driving Permit if your own license is in a language other than English. Many agencies set a minimum age for car rental at 21, others at 25. A major credit card is required for car rental.
Climate
Los Angeles enjoys a temperate climate with low humidity. Daytime temperatures average 80°F (26°C) June–October and 69°F (20°C) November–May. The rainy season is November–March, although rainfall is moderate and periodic, broken by sunny days. The heat of summer, usually tempered by sea breezes, is more intense in the valleys and further inland. Monthly average temperatures are as follows:
Clothing
Bring comfortable, casual clothes and shoes. In January and February you might also want to pack clothes suitable for rainy weather. Formal restaurants may require a jacket and tie for men and dress clothes for women; otherwise, casual chic is the usual attire. Bring a jacket or sweater.
Consulates
Many countries maintain consulates or have overseas representatives in Los Angeles. Official embassies are in Washington, D.C.
Australia: 2029 Century Park East; tel: 310-229 2300; http://losangeles.consulate.gov.au.
Canada: 550 South Hope Street, 9th Floor; tel: 213-346 2700; www.losangeles.gc.ca.
Japan: 350 South Grand Avenue, Suite 1700; tel: 213-617 6700; www.la.us.emb-japan.go.jp.
South Africa: 6300 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 600; tel: 323-651 0902; www.dirco.gov.za/losangeles.
United Kingdom: 2029 Century Park East, Suite 1350; tel: 310-789 0031; www.gov.uk/government/world/usa.
Crime and Safety (See also Emergencies and Police)
Like all urban areas in the United States, there is crime in LA, but as infamous as LA’s criminal activity is, statistically it fares well when compared with other major cities. Visitors should take the usual precautions.
The all-purpose emergency telephone number is 911. For non-emergencies, call the local police department. Find the number in the phone book or ask your concierge.
D
Driving (See also Car Rental)
To get around the city easily you will have to drive. Drive on the right; pass (overtake) on the left. Unless there’s a sign to the contrary, you can turn right on a red signal, providing you make a complete stop and check for pedestrians and traffic. Drivers and all passengers must wear seat belts; children under 8 must be in a child’s car seat secured in the back seat unless they are 4 feet 9 inches tall (148 cm). Rental car companies now offer child seats. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks. It is an offense to pass a school bus in either direction on a two-lane road when it is taking on or discharging passengers. Strict drunk-driving laws are enforced, and anyone found driving under the influence of alcohol will be arrested.
Motorcycles. It is illegal anywhere in the state of California to ride a motorcycle without a helmet.
Pedestrians. Jaywalking (crossing in the middle of the street or against a traffic signal) is a serious offense and carries a heavy fine.
Highways. Divided highways are called freeways, and LA has the world’s most extensive freeway system. They are generally the fastest way to cross town, but avoid them during rush hours (7–9.30am and 3.30–7pm), when they are clogged with traffic. For information on freeway or highway conditions, call 800-427 7623 or visit www.sigalert.com.
Freeways have multiple lanes, especially where one or more freeways intersect, but lanes are usually clearly marked with their destination. Some routes have car pool lanes, usually the far left lane. It will be marked with diamonds, and it means you must have two or more people in the car to use that lane. (Use it with only one person in the car and you’ll be fined close to $400.) Before setting out, study your map and determine the exact route you intend to take. Freeways have both a number and a name, and sometimes there are two names depending on which part of the city you’re in and which direction you’re heading. The list below should help you.
Freeway Number Freeway Name
1 Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)
2 Glendale
5 Golden State/Santa Ana
10 Santa Monica/San Bernardino
22 Garden Grove
57 Orange
60 Pomona
90 Marina
91 Artesia/Riverside
101 Ventura/Hollywood
105 Century Freeway
110 Pasadena/Harbor
118 Simi Valley-San Fernando Valley
134 Ventura
170 Hollywood
210 Foothill
405 San Diego
605 San Gabriel River
710 Long Beach
Alternate routes. Like everywhere else in the world Los Angeles roads are subject to constant maintenance work. Call the California Transportation Department (CalTrans) at 916-445 7623 or 800-427 7623 for an up-to-date recording on the status of all California roads or check online at www.dot.ca.gov/roadsandtraffic.html. If you want to drive across town, the 10 freeway usually provides easy access from Santa Monica to Downtown.
Speed limits. If there are no posted speed limit signs, the maximum speed is 25mph (40km/h), and 55mph (90km/h) on the freeways. Outside city limits, the limit on Interstate highways is 65mph (100km/h) with several 70mph (112km/h) segments.
Parking. Los Angeles has an abundance of parking restrictions, which are posted along the street. Be sure you’re parked legally and not in an area that requires a permit during specified times. Vehicles parked in violation of parking regulations are quickly ticketed and/or towed. A red line on the curb means no parking, a green line indicates parking for 20 minutes only, and a white line means passenger loading and unloading only. Have a supply of coins for parking meters, although some of the newer ones do take credit cards. LA’s parking lots (car parks) may be expensive for short-term stays but are cheaper than fines.
Gas (petrol) stations. Most service stations stay open in the evening and on Sunday. Most are self-service. If you have a credit card you can generally pay at the pump. Otherwise, you will have to go inside and pay in advance before the pump will be activated; you get a refund if you overpay. There are several grades of gasoline (petrol): regular unleaded (the cheapest) will suffice for most rental cars.
Breakdowns, accidents, and insurance. The American Automobile Association (AAA) offers its assistance to members of affiliated organizations from abroad. It also provides travel information within the US. Check the phone directory for the branch nearest you. AAA’s Emergency Road Services number is 800-AAA-HELP.
If you have car trouble on the freeway, try to pull off the road to the right shoulder where there are emergency call boxes; get out on the passenger side away from traffic. If your car stalls in a traffic lane, turn on your emergency flashers and stay inside with your seat belt fastened while you wait for a passing patrol car. Never cross the freeway to reach a call box. Most accidents must be reported to the police at once. If one occurs, make sure you get the driver’s license number and car license plate of all parties involved for your insurance claim.
E
Electricity
Throughout the United States the standard is 110 volts, 60 cycle AC. Plugs usually have two flat prongs. Overseas visitors without dual-voltage travel appliances will need a transformer and adapter plug.
Emergencies (See also Medical Care and Police)
All-purpose emergency number: 911
G
Gay and Lesbian Travellers
West Hollywood is the center of gay and lesbian life in LA. The magazine Frontiers (www.frontiersmedia.com) offers information on local LGBT events, arts, and entertainment. The annual LGBT Film Festival Outfest (www.outfest.org) is a popular event. For more information, you can also contact the Los Angeles LGBT Center (www.lalgbtcenter.org), the world’s largest provider of LGBT services. The center has six branches in the city. In a historic moment, same-sex marriage was legalised throughout the US in June 2015.
Getting There
By air from North America. Direct flights connect many American and Canadian cities to Los Angeles. Special fares are available on these competitive routes. Certain US airlines offer bargains for foreign travelers who visit several American destinations. Fly-drive vacations, including flight, hotel, and rental car, are offered by many airlines.
International flights. All the major international carriers have either direct or one-stop flights to Los Angeles from Europe and the main Pacific airports. Fares vary widely according to the season, but discounted fares to Los Angeles are usually available. There are various APEX fares if you book two to three weeks in advance and stay between seven days and six months.
By rail. Amtrak is America’s passenger railway company. LA’s Amtrak terminal is located Downtown at Union Station, 800 North Alameda Avenue. You can travel nationwide from here; coastal routes go north to Santa Barbara, Oakland, and Seattle and south to San Diego. For information call 1-800-872 7245; www.amtrak.com. The Amtrak stations in Orange County are at Anaheim, Santa Ana, Fullerton, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, and Irvine.
By bus. The Greyhound bus terminal for long-distance coach travel is located Downtown at 1716 East Seventh Street. For additional terminal locations in the area, or for fare and schedule information, call 213-629 8401 or 1-800-231 2222; www.greyhound.com.
By car. The excellent Interstate freeway system criss-crosses the United States and links LA with all regions of the country.
Guides and Tours
Many tour companies are listed on the website run by the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.discoverlosangeles.com; for more information, click here). Long-established firms include Starline Tours (323-463 3333; www.starlinetours.com), which take passengers past movie stars’ homes; Dearly Departed Tours (tel: 855-600 3323; www.dearlydepartedtours.com), a tour of Hollywood’s most infamous murders, deaths, and scandals. The Los Angeles Conservancy (tel: 213-623 2489; www.laconservancy.org) offers excellent walking tours of downtown LA. Details of self-guided walking tours of other areas can be obtained from tourist information offices (for more information, click here).
M
Media
Radio, television and DVDs. Most hotel rooms have television and many have radio. Stations generally broadcast around the clock, and there are several foreign-language stations. The nationwide commercial networks are CBS, 4 ABC, 7 ABC, and Fox. Channel 28 (KCET) is a non-commercial educational, independent television channel. Many hotels also offer a range of cable-TV programs. Note that DVDs bought in the US will only work outside the US and Canada on ‘Multi-Region’ DVD players, so check yours first.
Newspapers and magazines. The Los Angeles Times (www.latimes.com) is LA’s main daily newspaper. The ‘Calendar’ section carries arts and entertainment listings; the Friday and Sunday editions are extensive. Los Angeles Magazine (www.lamag.com), published monthly, has interesting features about LA life and excellent restaurant and entertainment listings. A number of weekly and monthly publications are also good sources of information. They include the LA Weekly (www.laweekly.com), the best of the free weeklies for listings of what’s on around town and the Downtown News (www.ladowntownnews.com).
Foreign-language newspapers. Foreign newspapers and magazines are sold at large newsstands, and at Book Soup bookstore (8818 Sunset Boulevard; tel: 310-659 3110; www.booksoup.com).
Medical Care (see also Emergencies)
No vaccinations are required or recommended by health authorities, unless you are arriving from an area with cholera or yellow fever.
Health care, especially hospitalization, is extremely expensive in the United States. Some hospitals might even refuse treatment without proof of insurance. Overseas visitors should therefore make arrangements before leaving home (through a travel agent or an insurance company) for health insurance with a high level of coverage.
If you do need medical assistance, contact any of the major hospitals. Most have 24-hour emergency (trauma) rooms. These include: St. John’s Hospital and Health Center (2121 Santa Monica Boulevard; Santa Monica; tel: 310-829 5511); Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (8700 Beverly Boulevard; tel: 800-233 2771; http://cedars-sinai.edu); and Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (1300 North Vermont Avenue; tel: 213-413 3000; http://hollywoodpresbyterian.com/. For emergencies, dial 911.
Drugstores (pharmacies). Several drugstores stay open late or even 24 hours a day. You may find that some medicines obtainable over the counter at home are available only by prescription in the US, and vice versa. The large pharmacy chain Rite Aid (www.riteaid.com) has numerous locations throughout the LA area.
Money
Currency. The dollar ($) is divided into 100 cents (¢). Banknotes: $1, $2 (uncommon), $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Larger denominations are not in general circulation. All notes are the same size and the same green color, so be sure to double-check before you pay for something. Coins: 1¢ (known as a penny), 5¢ (nickel), 10¢ (dime), 25¢ (quarter), 50¢ (half dollar, less common). Dollar coins are rarely encountered.
Banks and currency exchange. Banks are generally open 9am–5 or 6pm Monday–Friday or Saturday. Other foreign-exchange outlets include World Banknotes Exchange, downtown at 520 S. Grand Avenue, Suite L100 (tel: 213-627 5404; www.wbxchange.com) and Travelex, 8901 Santa Monica Boulevard inside US Bank (tel: 310-659 6093; www.travelex.com).
Credit cards. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops, and restaurants. You may be asked for supplementary identification.
Money transfers. To find the nearest money transfer location, call Western Union at 800-325 6000; for Spanish speakers, call 800-325 4045; for money orders call 1-800-999 9660 (http://westernunion.com).
O
Opening hours
Shops. Department stores and shopping malls are generally open 10am–9pm on weekdays, 10am–6 or 7pm on Saturday, and 11am–5 or 6pm on Sunday. Individual shops are generally open Monday–Saturday from 9 or 10am to 5.30 or 6pm. In trendy shopping areas such as Melrose Avenue, shops often stay open until 11pm.
Museums. Normally 10am–5pm, but many open longer at least one night a week or on Sunday. Most museums are closed on Monday or one other day of the week.
Banks. Generally Monday–Friday or Saturday 9am–5 or 6pm.
Post offices. Most branches open at 8.30 or 9am and close at 5pm, though some close later. Some are open on Saturdays, as well.
P
Police
Police wear dark blue uniforms and usually travel by car, motorcycle, or bicycle. In an emergency, dial 911. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) can be reached at 1-877-275 5273 or at www.lapdonline.org.
Post Offices
The US Postal Service deals only with mail. Check with your hotel concierge for the branch office nearest you. Post offices are generally open 8.30 or 9am–5pm Monday to Friday, and some are open 9am–3.30pm on Saturday. You can usually purchase stamps at the front desk in your hotel and at drugstores and grocery stores. Letters can be mailed from the hotel, or dropped in one of the blue mailboxes located throughout the city. For more information, call the Postal Answer Line toll free at 1-800-275 8777 or visit www.usps.com.
Public Holidays
When certain holidays (such as Christmas) fall on a Sunday, banks, post offices, and most stores close on the following Monday. They close on Friday if those holidays fall on a Saturday.
New Year’s Day January 1
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Third Monday in January
Presidents’ Day Third Monday in February
Memorial Day Last Monday in May
Independence Day July 4
Labor Day First Monday in September
Columbus Day Second Monday in October
Veterans’ Day November 11
Thanksgiving Fourth Thursday in November
Christmas December 25
S
Smoking
Smoking is banned in city restaurants and bars, although trendy spots have a tendency to ignore the rules. Laws vary in surrounding communities, but all restaurants are required to have a non-smoking section. Smoking is also prohibited in most public spaces.
T
Telephones
The American telephone system is run by several private, regional companies. Coin- or credit card-operated phones are found in most public places, including hotel lobbies, drugstores, gas (petrol) stations, bars, restaurants, and along the streets. For directory assistance (information) dial 411. When calling long-distance remember that evening (after 5pm) and weekend rates are often much cheaper.
The Greater Los Angeles area has four area codes: 310 (Westside, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Los Angeles International Airport); 213 (Downtown LA); 323 (Hollywood); and 562 (Long Beach). Other area codes are 818 (San Fernando Valley), 626 (San Gabriel Valley and adjacent areas), 714 and 949 (Orange County), and 909 (Riverside and San Bernardino counties).
Callers dialing from one area code to another must always dial 1 plus the appropriate area code and seven-digit number. Local long-distance charges sometimes apply; these are based on a zone system and are difficult to work out in advance.
Tickets for most television show recordings on all networks are now handled by companies such as Audiences Unlimited (tel: 818-260 0041; www.tvtickets.com) or TVTix (tel: 818-985 8811; www.tvtix.com). Tickets can also be obtained in person on the day of the show. They are usually limited to two per person and are given on a first-come, first-served basis. All tickets are free and are offered online for most shows starting about 30 days prior to the show date. If you need to write in for tickets for specific shows, this information will come up on the website. TVTix also operates a second website, www.beinamovie.com, which can help you take part in a movie crowd scene. For The Price is Right, call 855 447 7423 or go to cbs.com for that and other CBS shows. Paramount Studios tickets are available through Audiences Unlimited, above.
Time Differences
Los Angeles is in the Pacific time zone, 8 hours behind GMT. From the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, the clock is advanced 1 hour for Daylight Saving Time (GMT minus 7 hours). The chart below shows the time worldwide when it is noon in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Chicago New York London Sydney Cape Town
noon 2pm 3pm 8pm 6am 10pm
Tipping
You should add 18 percent to restaurant and bar bills. If service has been very good, 20 percent or more is appropriate. Cinema/theater ushers are not tipped, but doormen who provide a service (calling a cab, etc) and cloakroom attendants should be given no less than one dollar. Tip the parking valet when he brings your car for you (not when he parks it). Some general guidelines:
Porter $1–$2 per bag
Hotel housekeeping $1–$2 per day except for one-night stays, or $7–$15 per week
Hotel concierge $5 for tickets or restaurant reservations ($10 or more if they’re hard to get)
Taxi drivers about 15 percent
Tour guide 10–15 percent
Parking valet $2
The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau runs the site www.discoverlosangeles.com, which contains a visitors’ guide to the city.
Visitor information centers. Most visitors’ centers will gladly send you tourist information:
Hollywood Visitor Information Center, 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, at Hollywood and Highland, Hollywood, CA 90028; tel: 323-467 6412. Monday–Saturday 9am–10pm, Sunday 10am–7pm.
Union Station, 800 N. Alameda St.•Port of Los Angeles, Berth 93, Pacific Cruise Ship Terminal, San Pedro, tel: 310-514 9484
Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau, 800 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802; tel: 855-405 5020; http://visitanaheim.org.
Big Bear Lake Resort Association, 630 Bartlett Road, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315; tel: 800-424 4232; www.bigbearinfo.com.
Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, PO Box 217, Avalon, CA 90704; tel: 310-510 1520; www.catalinachamber.com.
Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce, 28200 California 189, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352; tel: 909-336 1547; www.lakearrowhead.net.
Long Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, 301 E. Ocean Boulevard, Suite 1900, Long Beach, CA 90802; tel: 562-436 3645 or 800-452 7829; www.visitlongbeach.com.
Palm Springs Desert Resorts Communities Convention and Visitors Authority, 70–100 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270; tel: 760-770 9000 or 1-800-967 3767; www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com.
Pasadena Convention and Visitors Bureau, 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101; tel: 626-795 9311 or 1-800-307 7977; www.visitpasadena.com.
Transportation
Although Los Angeles has an extensive bus and now rail and subway network, use of a car is generally recommended because of the distance between sights and attractions and the travel time involved. But for short trips, or for carefree sightseeing at low cost, it’s easy to ride the MTA, which is getting more comprehensive all the time.
Buses/rail transit. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) provides bus, light rail, and subway transportation in the metro area. Subway and light rail now connect Downtown with Hollywood, Universal City, Pasadena, and many tourist destinations. The Metro Orange Line serves the San Fernando Valley with new MetroLiner buses. The Expo Lines light rail system operates between Downtown Los Angeles and Culver City, with the lastest extension servicing Santa Monica. For information on MTA bus/rail/subway services and routes, call 323-GO METRO (226 6883), or consult the Trip Planner on its website, www.metro.net. Base fare is $1.75, plus 50¢ for transfers. You must have the exact fare or a token; drivers do not give change. A day pass, good on all Metro buses and rail lines, is $7; weekly passes are $25.
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation operates the DASH shuttle system (tel: 213-808 2273; www.ladottransit.com/dash) Downtown during the daytime, linking the major business, civic, and entertainment centers (50¢ per ride; free transfer). It also runs the Commuter Express system. Separate DASH systems also operate around Hollywood and throughout the city. A similar shuttle system, the Passport, operates in Long Beach.
Taxis. There are taxi ranks at airports, train and bus terminals, and major hotels. Otherwise they are radio-dispatched and must be ordered by phone. Cabs will stop when hailed on the street, but they are infrequent.
Ferries. There are several services between the coast and Catalina Island. The Catalina Passenger Service operates the Catalina Flyer (tel: 949-673 5245; www.catalinainfo.com) once daily to and from Newport Beach: round-trip fares are $70 adults, $65 seniors (60+), $53 children 3–12, and $6 children under 2. Catalina Express (tel: 1-800-481 3470, 800-622 2354; www.catalinaexpress.com) offers several voyages a day from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point: round-trip fares are $74.50 adults, $68 seniors (55+), $59 children 2–11, $5 children under 2 (Dana Point departures slightly higher).
Bikes. A public bike-share system is scheduled to be launched in spring 2016 with 1,100 bikes at 65 stations in Downtown Los Angeles as a pilot project. Bikes will be available 24 hours a day and a smartphone app will provide information about their availability. Planned locations of dock stations include Union Station, the Convention Center, Staples Center, Grand Park, the Seventh Street Metro stop, Grand Central Market, Pershing Square, the Arts District and the future Figueroa Cycle Track (the city’s first protected bike lane is located on Figueroa Street). In 2017, the bike-share scheme will be expanded to Pasadena. Eventually, 4,000 bicycles will be rolled out.
Travelers with Disabilities
A number of properties have rooms for the disabled with handicapped-accessible features as well as wheelchair-accessible transportation and recreational facilities.
TDD telephone lines are available for the hearing impaired. Contact the California Relay Service for the Hearing Impaired: (Voice) 800-735 2922, (TDD/TTY) 800-735 2929.
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s buses are equipped either with automatic wheelchair lifts, or, in the newer buses, low-floor access. The DASH system is similarly equipped. You can contact the Metro Wheelchair Lift Hotline (800-621 7828).
V
Visas and Entry requirements
Canadians need to present a valid passport, a NEXUS card, FASTcard or enhanced driver’s license (EDL) as evidence of their nationality. See www.voyage.gc.ca for more information. Under the visa waiver program, UK, Irish, Australian, and New Zealand citizens do not need a visa for stays of less than 90 days in the US, only a valid 10-year passport and a return airline ticket. All passports must be machine readable, and visitors should check the current rules on biometric passports: www.travel.state.gov. The airline will issue a visa waiver form. Since September 11, 2001, new security arrangements have meant that non-American nationals are often called upon to produce photo ID. Plan to carry your passport with you at all times, or photocopy it and carry around the copies.
Duty-free allowances. You will be asked to complete a customs declaration form before you arrive in the US. When returning to your own country, restrictions will apply: depending on the country, usually around 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco, 2 litres wine or spirits.
Y
Youth Hostels
Hostels offer modest, low-cost alternative lodging – for all ages. Call for prices, restrictions, and reservations. The following hostels are in the Los Angeles area: Banana Bungalow (603 N Fairfax Avenue, West Hollywood, CA 90036; tel: 323- 655 2002; www.bananabungalow.com) is centrally located and provides low-cost tours and shuttles to major attractions. There is another location on Hollywood Boulevard. Hosteling International Los Angeles (1436 Second Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401; tel: 310-393 9913; www.hilosangeles.org) is the largest on the coast, located in the center of Santa Monica’s beach action.