24 hours in LA

Hi folks,

In August I'm hoping to fly SYD-LAX on a QF reward flight, returning back to London on VS20 out of SFO a few days later. I know San Francisco pretty well so am hoping to spend a couple of days there, but have never visited LA so am after some advice.

I could plan to fly straight onwards on arrival into LAX but that seems a bit of a wasted opportunity to visit the city. Also, tiring after a long inbound flight, and unpredictable with regards how long a delay I should factor in for the connection (it would need to be ticketed separately).

So, if I decide to spend ~24hrs in LA what are the top tips? Where's a sensible area to plan to stay, that's fairly easy access to both the airport and the major touristy sites? Any thoughts about how best to spend the time much appreciated

[Neil]

The issue with LA is that it is so big and everything is really spread out, so is pretty difficult to see and do anything without a car unless you go to the beaches.
The beaches are nice, and there are some nice hotels/bars/restaurants, although Santa Monica is expensive.
West Hollywood is a nice area, but not with not really any touristy things to do.
Walk of Fame is horrible IMO and not worth a visit, but if you go in to the hills to get a good view on the sign that is nice.
You then have the parks, Universal is North and fairly close to West Hollywood area, Disney is south and not really close to anything, neither are close to the airport.

The issue with LA is that it is so big and everything is really spread out, so is pretty difficult to see and do anything without a car unless you go to the beaches.
The beaches are nice, and there are some nice hotels/bars/restaurants, although Santa Monica is expensive.
West Hollywood is a nice area, but not with not really any touristy things to do.
Walk of Fame is horrible IMO and not worth a visit, but if you go in to the hills to get a good view on the sign that is nice.
You then have the parks, Universal is North and fairly close to West Hollywood area, Disney is south and not really close to anything, neither are close to the airport.

Thanks. My motivation for posting was really that I'd failed to identify the key central area where I'd want to stay -- starting to get the impression that's because there isn't one...

Not that keen on hiring a car after stepping off a 13hr flight! Not into the the theme parks. An overnight stop along the coast might be a nice plan.

Thanks. My motivation for posting was really that I'd failed to identify the key central area where I'd want to stay -- starting to get the impression that's because there isn't one...

And you'd be right.

Not that keen on hiring a car after stepping off a 13hr flight! Not into the the theme parks. An overnight stop along the coast might be a nice plan.

I'd go for a night in Santa Monica, with a stroll down to Venice Beach...

I'd disagree with Neil and say if you haven't been to LA then the walk of fame and Mann's , Sunset Boulevard etc is worth a look . I personally wouldn't bother with the parks . It depends on your arrival time but if you get in late I'd stay somewhere near the airport and pick up a car the next day and head to Santa Monica/ Venice Beach or one of the other many beaches that LA has to offer .

DL

Agree with staying near airport. When we went to LA we took a Grayline tour which picked up at the hotel then took us to Venice Beach, Walk of Fame & a drive around Beverly Hills to see homes of the stars and a walk down Rodeo Drive. Would save you having hassle of hiring car and parking etc.

Thanks all for the suggestions. Lots for me to consider further!

I would second Santa Monica, and not far from LAX. We stayed at The Georgian which was very nice