Los Angeles Travel Forum

Hi Everyone!
My daughter(28 yrs old)and I are going on a wedding cruise the end of May. The cruise port is in San Pedro. When we return from the cruise on friday we want to get to LA (but not rent a car). We are going to stay in LA for two days. Does anyone have any suggestions where to stay that is not to expensive but nice and that has transportation? and where to go? My daughter sort of wanted to go to Hollywood. But I've been reading some stuff about it not being that safe. So, kind of up in the air about what to do and where to go. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Marie

You really need to have a car in L.A. as points of interest are all spread out. This non-compact lay-out of LA/Greater LA area (e.g., Hollywood, Santa Monica, etc.) makes it difficult to navigate most especially for people without cars. If you are going to be in the San Pedro area for the wedding anyway, you may be better off staying around that area of Los Angeles. There are mid-range accommodations around the South Bay area (e.g., Torrance, etc.), but again that area of LA (e.g., San Pedro, Torrance, etc.) requires you to drive since it is in the suburbs and there are not a lot of transportation options. The buses run slow and if I were you that should be your last option if all else fails. There are cheap rentals that you can get around the LA area. I suggest that you get a car rental and drive around the exquisite and underexplored and more quaint South Bay areas (e.g., the South Bay beach areas, Palos Verdes Estates/Peninsula/San Pedro--where you can find the Korean Bell and the famous lighthouse--among others. Goodluck & do enjoy your stay in beautiful & sunny California!

You can check out my LA travel page. I have hotel and transporation tips. You won't see any movie stars in Hollywood but the handprints at the Chinese Theater is cool to see. Go during the day. I don't like to be out on the street at night in that area. Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is really cool to see if you're impressed by exotic sports cars and stores that the average person can't afford to shop in. Anyway, many other suggestions are on my travel page. Enjoy your visit!

In Los Angeles you really need a car. You could get around on public transportation but it will be extremely inefficient.

Parts of Hollywood are safe, parts are not. As a general rule, the further west you are in Hollywood, the safer you will be.