Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis in Southern California on the Pacific coast, covering more than 1 200 square kilometers in Los Angeles County. Its name, a shortened form of the Spanish El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula, was bestowed by early settlers in 1781. The city sits between the Santa Monica Mountains to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west, with the Los Angeles River bisecting its basin. With roughly 3.9 million residents, it is the second-largest city in the United States. English is the primary language, and Spanish is widely spoken. Recreational cannabis is legal for those 21 and over, and alcohol sales are restricted to persons 21 and older, with bars, restaurants and state-licensed liquor stores handling purchases. Card rooms and tribal casinos offer legal gaming, but traditional gambling is banned under state law. The city government is led by an elected mayor and a 15-member city council. No active-duty military base lies within the city limits, though the National Guard and Reserve units train locally.

History
The Los Angeles basin was home for thousands of years to the Tongva people, whose villages and sacred sites lined streams and springs. They called the region Yang-na, traversing coastal marshes and upland foothills and trading with Chumash communities to the northwest. European contact began in 1542 when Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo sailed along the coast, but it was not until 1769 that the Spanish Portolá expedition camped near the river mouth. In 1781 Governor Felipe de Neve formally founded El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula on a high plain beside the river. The original settlement consisted of 44 settlers from diverse backgrounds and eight acres of irrigated fields.
Under Mexican rule after 1821, ranchos expanded cattle herds across vast land grants. When Mexico ceded Alta California to the United States in 1848, Los Angeles had perhaps 1 500 residents. The California Gold Rush funneled new arrivals south from San Francisco, and American law gradually supplanted Spanish land grants. The city incorporated in 1850, the same year California became a state. Railroads arrived in 1876, linking the dusty pueblo to nationwide markets and prompting population growth. By 1900 Los Angeles boasted 100 000 inhabitants and enjoyed an oil boom that transformed its western hills into productive fields. Water imported from the Owens Valley via the Los Angeles Aqueduct after 1913 fueled further expansion, carving a modern cityscape from sunbaked desert.
In the early twentieth century Los Angeles emerged as a center for filmmaking. Studios such as Universal, Paramount and Warner Bros. set up on flat Hollywood flats, drawn by abundant sunshine and varied terrain. By the 1920s the Hollywood sign appeared on the hills above, and the city’s identity became inseparable from cinema. Urbanization accelerated through the 1930s and ’40s as aircraft manufacturing and war industries propelled growth during World War II. The postwar era ushered in freeways, suburbs and mass-produced tract housing, even as the city’s downtown business district struggled to compete with suburban shopping centers.
The 1965 Watts riots laid bare racial tensions, and the 1992 civil unrest following the Rodney King verdict revealed deep inequities in education, policing and opportunity. Yet each wave of adversity was met with renewal—downtown skyscrapers rose in the 1980s, the Staples Center opened in 1999, and cultural districts like the Arts District and Koreatown flourished. The 1984 Summer Olympics showcased new sports venues and transit lines. In the early 21st century Los Angeles revived its river with parks and bike paths, expanded its metro rail network, and addressed affordable-housing shortages amid booming tech and entertainment economies. Today the city blends a legacy of Indigenous heritage, Spanish-Mexican ranchos, Hollywood dreams and immigrant ambition into a dynamic urban tapestry that continues to redefine itself.

Industry
Los Angeles is the global capital of entertainment, hosting major film and television studios such as Disney, Universal and Warner Bros. The aerospace sector—led by companies like Northrop Grumman and SpaceX—originated several landmark innovations, while the fashion industry has produced labels from Guess to Marc Jacobs. Tech startups flourish in Silicon Beach, and biotech firms cluster near UCLA and USC. The Port of Los Angeles is the busiest container port in North America, setting records in cargo volume. Fast-food icons such as In-N-Out Burger and Del Taco trace their roots here.

Flora and Fauna
Native vegetation includes coastal sage scrub, chaparral and oak woodlands on hillsides. Endemic plants such as the Santa Monica Mountains dudleya and the coastal California gnatcatcher are protected under state and federal regulations. Larger wildlife—mule deer, coyotes and mountain lions—roam foothills and canyon parks, while rattlesnakes and black widow spiders pose hazards on trails. The island fox, once endangered, has been the focus of intensive recovery efforts. Dogs and cats are common pets, but strict regulations govern the export of native plants and animals to protect ecosystems.

Religion and Races
Los Angeles is a mosaic of faiths and ethnicities. Christianity—split among Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox denominations—accounts for roughly 60 percent of adherents. Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism and Sikhism together comprise about 10 percent, and 30 percent identify as unaffiliated. Ethnically the population is about 28 percent white non-Hispanic, 50 percent Hispanic or Latino, 15 percent Asian, 9 percent African American and smaller proportions of Native American and Pacific Islander. Neighborhood festivals like the Chinese New Year Parade, Nisei Week and Cinco de Mayo reflect vibrant traditions.

Wars and Conflicts
No battles have been fought within modern Los Angeles, but the city contributed troops to every American conflict since the Civil War. The city’s port and factories were vital in both world wars. Racial and economic tensions ignited the 1965 Watts riots and the 1992 civil unrest after the Rodney King verdict. Los Angeles has experienced threats from domestic extremist groups but has not suffered major terrorist attacks. Veterans’ memorials stand in Pershing Square and at the Los Angeles National Cemetery.

Living Standard
Los Angeles ranks among the world’s most expensive cities, with a cost-of-living index around 160 relative to a U.S. average of 100. Income inequality is high, and homelessness remains a critical challenge. The city government maintains transparency portals and ethics commissions to curb corruption. Global city rankings place Los Angeles in the top 20 for economic influence, cultural assets and infrastructure.

Medicine
The region boasts world-class medical centers such as Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Medical Center and Keck USC Hospital. Urgent care clinics and 24-hour pharmacies operate throughout the city. Tourists without U.S. health insurance should plan for high out-of-pocket costs and seek travel coverage. Routine immunizations are standard; no tropical diseases are endemic.

Sport
Los Angeles hosts five major professional teams: Lakers and Clippers (NBA), Dodgers (MLB), Rams and Chargers (NFL), Kings (NHL), and Galaxy (MLS). The city hosted the Summer Olympics in 1932 and 1984 and will host again in 2028. Annual events include the LA Marathon and major tennis tournaments at the Los Angeles Tennis Center.

Holidays
Cinco de Mayo is widely celebrated in East LA with parades and folkloric dance. The Chinese New Year parade in Chinatown draws hundreds of thousands. Fiesta Broadway in downtown marks Cinco de Mayo weekend. Nisei Week in Little Tokyo honors Japanese heritage in August. The Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Year’s Day is a regional tradition.

Traditions
Car culture is central—cruising Sunset Boulevard and lowrider shows remain iconic. Sunday church gatherings in Baldwin Hills, beach volleyball in Venice and taco truck pilgrimages at food truck parks are local customs. Visitors should obey traffic laws, carry reusable water bottles and tip 15 to 20 percent in service venues.

Interesting Facts
The Hollywood sign was erected in 1923 as an advertisement reading HOLLYWOODLAND. In 1994 the Northridge earthquake caused widespread damage and spurred seismic retrofits across the city. Los Angeles International Airport is one of the world’s busiest. The Griffith Observatory and Getty Center are architectural landmarks. Celebrities from Marilyn Monroe to Kendrick Lamar have lived here, and more films have been shot in Los Angeles than any other city.

Money
The U.S. dollar is the legal tender. Credit and debit cards are almost universally accepted, and ATMs are plentiful. Foreign currency exchange is most competitive at banks downtown or at major airport kiosks. Cash remains preferred for street vendors. Standard tipping is 15–20 percent of the bill before tax for restaurants and 2 dollars per bag for bellhops.

Household Details
Electrical voltage is 120 V at 60 Hz, with Type A and B outlets. Major cell carriers—AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile—offer broad coverage, though dead zones exist in deep canyons. Public Wi-Fi is available in many libraries, parks and cafés. Tap water meets EPA standards and is safe to drink.

Clothing
Casual wear prevails—shorts, T-shirts and open-toed sandals are common in warm months. Coastal breezes may require light jackets in summer evenings. In places of worship and upscale venues, modest attire covering shoulders and knees is recommended. Wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses are advisable year-round.

Tourism
To experience Los Angeles thoroughly, plan at least seven days. Two days for Hollywood and the Griffith Observatory, one day each for the Getty Center and LACMA, a day in Santa Monica and Venice, a downtown day for the Broad and Walt Disney Concert Hall, and two full-day excursions to nearby destinations like Malibu or Joshua Tree. Evening shows at the Pantages or Greek Theatre add depth.

Types of Tourism
Cultural tourism in museums, theaters and historic districts. Beach tourism on Santa Monica and Malibu. Eco-tourism in urban parks and canyon preserves. Studio-tour tourism at Universal and Warner Bros. Adventure tourism on hiking trails and mountain bike paths.

List of Tourist Attractions
Hollywood Walk of Fame – embedded stars honoring entertainers
Griffith Observatory – art deco landmark with planetarium
Getty Center – hilltop museum of fine art and gardens
Santa Monica Pier – historic amusement park on a wooden pier
Venice Beach – bohemian boardwalk and skate plaza

List of Non-Tourist Attractions
Watts Towers – folk art sculptures built by Simon Rodia
El Pueblo de Los Angeles – historic original settlement site
Bradbury Building – ornate 1893 architectural gem downtown
Angels Flight – historic funicular railway in the Financial District
Sunken City, San Pedro – collapsed 1929 neighborhood turned graffiti spot

Local Cuisine
Korean barbecue – marinated meats grilled at the table
Tacos al pastor – spit-roasted pork with pineapple
French dip sandwich – roast beef on a dipped roll, founded at Philippe’s
Sushi rolls – fusion varieties from Little Tokyo
Avocado toast – artisanal take on California produce
Brunch hours run 8 AM to 2 PM, lunch 11 AM to 3 PM, dinner 5 PM to 10 PM. Street-food quality varies; choose high-rated carts and drink bottled water.

Why Visit
Los Angeles offers unparalleled cultural diversity, legendary entertainment industries, scenic beaches, world-class museums and a year-round temperate climate that make it a must-see global city.

Safety for Tourists
Crime rates vary by neighborhood—Downtown, South LA and Skid Row see higher incidents. Tourist areas are generally safe by day. Watch for pickpockets in crowded venues. Earthquake preparedness is vital—carry water, flashlight and a basic kit. Street smog can affect those with respiratory conditions. Wildlife hazards are minimal in the city but include rattlesnakes on hiking trails. Respect local communities and follow posted safety notices.

Tourist Infrastructure Level
Los Angeles has thousands of hotels ranging from budget motels to five-star resorts. Restaurants include global cuisines and fine-dining establishments. Multilingual staff in hospitality sectors speak English, Spanish, Mandarin and Korean widely.

Entry Rules
U.S. citizens need a valid photo ID. International visitors require a passport and, if applicable, a valid visa or approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program. Customs restrict agricultural products, meats and certain plants. Firearms and large sums of undeclared cash may be seized.

Transport
Public transit includes Metro buses and six rail lines; TAP cards are used for fare payment. Rideshare services are ubiquitous. Union Station provides regional and long-distance rail connections. Tickets can be purchased via apps, ticket machines and online.

Automobile
Driving is on the right. A valid foreign license and International Driving Permit are recommended. No toll roads within city limits. Blood-alcohol limit is 0.08 percent. Speed limits range from 25 mph in residential zones to 65 mph on freeways. Traffic cameras and CHP patrol enforce laws. Parking is metered in many commercial areas and scarce in popular districts. Four-door sedans or compact SUVs suit crowded streets; high-clearance vehicles are unnecessary. Tolls apply on some bridges and the 110 and 10 ExpressLanes.

Noise Regulations
Residential quiet hours are generally from 10 PM to 7 AM. Construction noise is restricted to daylight hours. Check local ordinances for specific district rules.

Daily Budget Tourist
Budget travelers can manage on 100 USD per day with hostel stays, fast food and transit passes. A midrange budget of 250 USD per day covers three-star hotels, sit-down meals and occasional attractions. Luxury budgets of 500 USD and above allow five-star accommodations, fine dining and private tours.

What Not Recommended or Forbidden
Operating drones over airport approach paths and crowded areas is illegal without FAA authorization. Don’t feed homeless wildlife or trespass on private property. Avoid solo hikes in remote canyons without informing someone of your route.

Climate
Los Angeles enjoys a Mediterranean climate with dry, warm summers and mild, wet winters. Peak temperatures in July and August often reach 30 °C, while winter lows hover around 8 °C. Best visiting seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when crowds are lighter and temperatures comfortable.

Travel Tips
Always carry sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and reapply frequently. Wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven pavements and hikes. Keep a refillable water bottle. Download transit apps in advance and check schedules. Learn basic Spanish greetings for greater local engagement. Pack a small earthquake kit if you plan longer stays.