Westside (Los Angeles County) Travel Guide
Explore the culturally rich and naturally beautiful Westside (Los Angeles County) with this comprehensive travel guide filled with must-visit places, hiking & biking routes, food & drink scene, and more.
- Introduction to Westside (Los Angeles County)
- List of Places to Visit in Westside (Los Angeles County)
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Westside (Los Angeles County)
- Best Things to Do in Westside (Los Angeles County): Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Westside (Los Angeles County)
- Food and Drink Scene of Westside (Los Angeles County)
- Where to Stay in Westside (Los Angeles County): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Westside (Los Angeles County): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Westside (Los Angeles County)
- Best Time to Visit Westside (Los Angeles County)
- Do’s and Don’ts of Westside (Los Angeles County)
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Westside (Los Angeles County): Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Westside (Los Angeles County)
- Where to Go Next from Westside (Los Angeles County): Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Westside (Los Angeles County)
Westside is a vibrant region located in Los Angeles County, California. It is known for its gorgeous beaches, upscale neighborhoods, rich cultural attractions, and jaw-dropping natural landscapes. Westside is home to some of LA’s most iconic landmarks, including the Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, and Beverly Hills. With fantastic outdoor activities, iconic landmarks, and world-renowned museums, there is something for everyone in Westside.
List of Places to Visit in Westside (Los Angeles County)
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
The J. Paul Getty Center
The J. Paul Getty Center is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Westside. This massive museum features a vast collection of European art, photography exhibits, and sculpture gardens. The Getty Center is also renowned for its impressive architecture, with its pristine white walls, manicured gardens, and 360-degree views of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
LACMA is one of the largest art museums in the western United States. The museum boasts an extensive collection of more than 150,000 works of art, ranging from contemporary art to ancient artifacts from all over the world.
The Petersen Automotive Museum
If you are a car enthusiast, you cannot miss the Petersen Automotive Museum. This museum features the history of the automobile with more than 300 vehicles on display.
Natural Attractions of Westside (Los Angeles County): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach is one of the most famous in California, with its three-mile stretch of white sand, palm trees, and excellent views of the Pacific Ocean.
Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Malibu Lagoon State Beach is an ideal spot for bird watching, surfing, and relaxing on the beach. The beach also offers excellent views of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Topanga State Park
Topanga State Park is a stunning park located in the Santa Monica Mountains. The park offers visitors an escape from the bustling city with its vast network of hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Westside (Los Angeles County)
Whether you are looking for a leisurely scenic bike ride or a challenging hike, Westside has something to offer. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Westside:
The Ballona Creek Bike Path: Venice to Culver City
This 7.4-mile bike path runs alongside the Ballona Creek and takes you through one of the most scenic areas in Westside.
Runyon Canyon Park
Runyon Canyon Park is a popular hiking destination for locals and tourists alike. The trail is well-maintained, offers spectacular views of the city, and is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.
The Strand: Manhattan Beach to Santa Monica
This 22-mile coastal bike path runs along the Pacific Ocean, offering breathtaking views of the water and beachfront homes.
Best Things to Do in Westside (Los Angeles County): Activities and Tours
Venice Beach Boardwalk
The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Westside. The boardwalk is home to street performers, eclectic vendors, and a wide range of eateries.
Beverly Hills Walking Tour
Take a walking tour of Beverly Hills and see some of the most exclusive neighborhoods in LA, the iconic Rodeo Drive, and celebrity homes.
Sunset Ranch Hollywood Horseback Ride
Experience the beautiful views of the city while on a horseback ride and see the famous “Hollywood” sign.
Week-Long Itinerary for Westside (Los Angeles County)
Day 1: Explore the Walk of Fame and Hollywood Boulevard
Day 2: Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach
Day 3: Visit Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive
Day 4: The Getty Center
Day 5: Hiking at Runyon Canyon Park
Day 6: Malibu Beach and Wine Tasting
Day 7: Shopping at The Grove
Food and Drink Scene of Westside (Los Angeles County)
Must-Try Dishes
In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger is a West Coast classic with its juicy burgers, fresh french fries, and mouth-watering shakes.
Grill on the Alley
This stylish restaurant located in Beverly Hills serves up American classics, including crab cakes and beef Wellington.
Local Beverages
Cocktails at The Bungalow Santa Monica
The Bungalow Santa Monica is a classic California beach bar with tropical drinks and a laid-back atmosphere.
Wine Tasting in Malibu
Malibu Wines offers one of the best wine tasting experiences in Los Angeles, with beautiful views of the mountains and grapevines.
Where to Stay in Westside (Los Angeles County): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
The Beverly Hills Hotel
The Beverly Hills Hotel is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Beverly Hills. The hotel features a beautiful pool, fine dining and bar, and impeccable service.
HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel
This hostel is located just a few blocks from the beach, making it an ideal spot for travelers on a budget.
What to Buy in Westside (Los Angeles County): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Souvenirs from the Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is home to several souvenir shops selling t-shirts, postcards, and other beach-themed items.
Local Products from the Beverly Hills Farmers Market
The Beverly Hills Farmers Market is a great place to find locally grown produce, artisanal cheeses, and other gourmet items.
Local Culture and Customs of Westside (Los Angeles County)
The locals in Westside are known for their laid-back vibe and love for the beach. It is common to see people walking around in flip-flops and board shorts, even in the most upscale neighborhoods.
Best Time to Visit Westside (Los Angeles County)
The best time to visit Westside is between May and October when the weather is warm and sunny. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, visit in the off-season, from November to April.
Do’s and Don’ts of Westside (Los Angeles County)
Do:
- Bring your sunscreen and beach gear.
- Explore the neighborhoods and parks by renting a bike.
- Try some of the local cuisine and beverages.
Don’t:
- Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes for hikes and walks.
- Don’t leave valuables in your car while parked on the street.
- Don’t haggle at local shops and markets.
Safety and Health
Safety in Westside (Los Angeles County)
Westside is generally safe, but visitors should take normal precautions, such as keeping valuable items out of sight and avoiding unsafe areas at night.
Health in Westside (Los Angeles County)
Visitors should drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, especially during the hotter months. If you are visiting the beach, be sure to apply sunscreen to avoid sunburns.
Getting to Westside (Los Angeles County): Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Westside (Los Angeles County)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the closest international airport to Westside.
Bus Stations Near Westside (Los Angeles County)
Several bus stations serve Westside, including the Santa Monica Bus Station and the Culver City Bus Station.
Other Options
The LA Metro offers subway and bus service throughout Los Angeles County, including Westside.
How to Get Around in Westside (Los Angeles County)
The best way to get around Westside is by car, but biking and public transportation are good options for shorter distances.
Where to Go Next from Westside (Los Angeles County): Nearby Destinations and Excursions
The Getty Villa, Malibu
The Getty Villa is located in Malibu and includes a vast collection of Greek and Roman art and artifacts.
The Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles
The Griffith Observatory located in Los Angeles, offers incredible views of the city, a planetarium, and a range of exhibitions related to space and astronomy.
Conclusion
Westside is a dynamic region with plenty to offer visitors. From stunning natural attractions to world-renowned museums and iconic landmarks, it is an ideal destination. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can explore Westside like a local, with insider tips on where to stay, what to eat and drink, and the best activities and tours.
