Ways to Beat the Crowds in Los Angeles

Los Angeles beckons nearly 50 million visitors each year to its star-studded hills, world-class museums, sandy beaches, and epic theme parks. The home of Hollywood is also known for its notorious gridlock and crowded attractions, so try these tips to spend more time exploring and less time caught in a traffic jam.

Let Someone Else Do the Driving

If the thought of navigating the Santa Monica Freeway in rush hour turns your knuckles white, save yourself the stress and let a professional driver handle the roads while you enjoy the sights. A hop-on hop-off bus tour lets you design your own itinerary, while private or shared driving tours show off the best of LA in just a few hours and are great for first-time visitors.

Hit the Beaches

The urban beaches of Los Angeles are popular with locals and visitors alike, but there's plenty of room for everyone to spread out on the sand. Lather on some sunscreen and drop a towel on the welcoming expanses of Huntington Beach, Long Beach, or Venice Beach.

Explore the California Coast

Take a break from Los Angeles’ sprawling metropolis with a jaunt to less-crowded spots on the California coastline. Head south to the laid-back beaches of San Diego, or venture north to the Mediterranean-esque enclave of Santa Barbara on the Central Coast. Guided tours handle all the logistics and get you there for a day-long escape or an overnight adventure.

See Hollywood from the Sky

To escape the crowds, rise above them on an aerial tour of LA via helicopter or sightseeing plane. In less than an hour, you get unmatched views of highlights such as the Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Park Observatory, and the Hollywood sign, all without getting stuck in traffic. Other ways to get airborne include paragliding above the Malibu beaches and a helicopter tour of Catalina Island.