Los Angeles

Orientation

Los Angeles is on the southern west coast of the United States. Its coastline stretches from Malibu down to Long Beach, while inland the city is situated in a vast settlement cornered by the Santa Monica and San Gabriel mountains.

City Facts

• Los Angeles Population: 13,129,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• USA Population: 277,825,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• Currency: US Dollar ($) = 100 cents
• Time Zone: GMT – 8 hours (Daylight Saving Time is observed)
• Language: English

Weather

Weather Forecast

Climate

Influenced by the Pacific Ocean and the flanking mountains, Los Angeles’s weather is moderate. Winter’s temperature usually ranges between 7°C and 18°C (or 45°F and 66°F), whereas the temperature rises to between 16°C and 24°C (or 63°F and 76°F) during summer. Moreover, there is a rainy season in Los Angeles from November to March.

Travel Tips

When to Visit - Arts and Events

Besides the most famous Academy Awards held in March every year, a wide range of festivals and celebrations are available at Los Angeles, such as the lavish Gay Pride Week Parade held each June on Santa Monica Boulevard and the Summer Pops Festival held throughout the summer at the Hollywood Bowl.

During August, Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beaches play host to the International Surf Festival, whilst the following month the Los Angeles County Fair brings the best of the country to town. In October, the AFI-LA International Film Festival, one of America’s major picture presentations, screens around 75 film-makers’ production.

The year is then rounded off by the Hollywood Christmas Parade in which Santa Clause and his little helpers are supported by film and television stars in a mid-winter extravaganza.

Dining

Dining choice at Los Angeles is endless - anything from Japanese teppan steak to Jamaican jerk chicken. Virtually every cuisine in existence is available; in Los Angeles, the only restraining factor is your imagination.

Tipping Advice

Tipping is somehow compulsory at America. Waiters and taxi drivers expect around 10 to 20 percent, while bellboys and porters are usually given one or two US dollars for every piece of luggage. However, tipping at fast-food restaurants or cinema is not necessary.

Transportation

Los Angeles International Airport is served by a huge number of international and domestic carriers. With the enhanced security measures put in place, travelers are advised to allow plenty of time when arriving and leaving. Los Angeles also has excellent road links with a number of interstate highways running into and out of the city.

Arriving by Air

Los Angeles International Airport is the third busiest airport in the world.

Getting Around Los Angeles

Rental car is most likely the best way to get around Los Angeles as the roads are wide and well sign-posted. Reliable and frequent bus services, with buses running north-south and east-west, are available. In the downtown area, there is also efficient MetroRail system.

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