DK Eyewitness - Los Angeles Like a Local: By the People Who Call It Home (Local Travel Guide)

Los Angeles its all movie star glamour and edgy hip-hop beats, right? Well, yes and no. Much of what youve likely imagined about the city is true: the palm-tree-lined streets, the celebrity sightings, the looming letters of the Hollywood sign. Angelenos really do spend a lot of time outside (who wouldnt when the weathers this good) and the presence of the entertainment industry is basically inescapable. But that doesnt even begin to capture what the real L.A. is like. This isnt just some glossy playground for the rich and famous its a sprawling city that millions of ordinary people call home.

And its those folk who give L.A. its heart. Theyre a gloriously diverse bunch around half the population is Hispanic, not that youd know it from the movies and they share a sunny outlook that anyone can be anything. Theyre out-there thinkers launching buzzing pop-ups, fresh-faced hopefuls following artistic dreams, and immigrants adding new flavors to the epic local food scene. People here dont really sweat the small stuff, though thats not to say that lifes always easy. Locals hustle hard to afford the cost of living, and the creep of gentrification is as ever present as the traffic (seriously, whole years are lost stuck in cars). But Angelenos have forged strong communities across the freeways and are fiercely determined to keep L.A. a city for all.

And thats where this book takes you. Beyond the Walk of Fame and into neighborhoods covered with historic street art. To quirky mom-and-pop shops hiding in strip malls and late-night taquerias serving the best birria outside of Mexico. Because thats where the real L.A. lies in the everyday moments and interactions. So forget everything youve seen on screen, and let us show you the city through the eyes of the locals.

Los Angeles | WELCOME TO THE CITY

Liked by the locals

I love that L.A. is so sprawling and diverse that it cant possibly be known in one visit or even one lifetime. Just when you think youve seen it all, you discover a new pocket to explore, or stumble upon an emerging culture to dive into.

SARAH BENNETT, FOOD AND CULTURE JOURNALIST

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Los Angeles

THROUGH THE YEAR

The sun shines on L.A. for around 300 days a year, but the city still has distinct seasons, each with its own traditions and events.

SPRING

FESTIVAL FUN

Despite a mild winter, Angelenos still celebrate the arrival of spring with a range of festivals across the city. The party continues throughout the season, with St. Patricks Day in March and Cinco de Mayo in May.

TRAIL TIME

As the days get warmer, L.A.s super-healthy residents don their best workout gear, lace up their sneakers, and hit the mountain trails to clear the cobwebs.

SHOP TIL YOU DROP

The change of season, however minimal, calls for a change of clothes and interior decor. Style mavens head to the likes of the Rose Bowl Flea Market, the Melrose Trading Post, and the Long Beach Antique Market to purge and replenish their wardrobes and homes.

SUMMER

TEAM PLAYER

For many Angelenos, summer revolves around baseball games. Clad head to toe in blue, they flock to Dodger Stadium each weekend to cheer on their team. Go Dodgers!

ALFRESCO MUSIC

Bands and fans move outside to take advantage of the weather at venues like the Greek Theatre, Hollywood Bowl, Levitt Pavilion, and Hollywood Forever Cemetery (yes, you read that right).

PRIDE PARADE

Rainbow flags fly on the second weekend in June, when L.A.s out-and-proud residents and their allies take to the streets to celebrate the community.

WHERES THE SUN?

L.A. doesnt play by the rules and neither does its weather. Summer often sees cloudy, overcast skies, earning the months the nicknames Gray May, June Gloom, No-Sky July, and Fogust.

FALL

SPOOKY SEASON

The costumes, the makeup, the movies: Hollywood and Halloween have a lot in common. So its not really surprising that Angelenos throw themselves into the holiday, checking out the theme parks haunted houses, the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, and Queen Marys Dark Harbor.

DA DE LOS MUERTOS

On the Day of the Dead, seemingly everyone, from first-generation Mexican immigrants to East Coast transplants, paints their face, dons floral crowns, and parties into the night.

APPLE EVERYTHING

Come fall, locals have one thing on their mind: apples. On the weekends, they drive out to nearby orchards to take advantage of the harvest, sipping fresh cider, and munching on comforting pies. Who said L.A. couldnt be cozy?

WINTER

HOLIDAY CHEER

Okay, youre never going to get a white Christmas in L.A., but in this city you have to fake it till you make it. Locals ice-skate in palm tree-lined Pershing Square and cover their homes in fake snow, bright lights, and blow-up Santas.

NEW YEAR PARADES

It wouldnt be a holiday without a parade. Angelenos ring in the New Year at Pasadenas flower-filled Tournament of Roses Parade and Chinatowns Golden Dragon Parade.

RAINY DAYS

Due to their rarity, a rainy day is a big event in L.A. Expect social media to blow up at the first droplet of water, and the freeways to grind to a complete and utter halt.

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Los Angeles

KNOW-HOW

Theres an art to being an Angeleno, from the dos and donts of eating out to negotiating the citys sprawling streets. Heres a breakdown of all you need to know.

For a directory of health and safety resources, safe spaces, and accessibility information, turn to page 186. For everything else, read on.