Los Angeles: Navigating a City That Doesn’t Want to Be Walked

Los Angeles requires a mindset shift — it’s not a walking city. Flying into LAX, I rented a car immediately. This is essential unless you plan to stay in one area. I split my stay between:

· Santa Monica (coastal, walkable)

· West Hollywood (central to nightlife and dining) Driving is unavoidable, but manageable if you plan routes and avoid peak hours. Key areas:

· Santa Monica Pier

· Venice Beach

· Hollywood Hills (Griffith Observatory) Food is one of LA’s strengths — from casual tacos to high-end dining. What I’d do differently: Plan geography better — distances matter.