- Give yourself a lot of time to get anywhere, and always check Maps/Waze to get an ETA. LA traffic is not quite as bad as you’ve heard, but the worst of it happens when you least expect it.

- This is not the kind of city where you walk around and wander. You might be able to do this in certain neighborhoods, but you should map out your plans in advance – they’re probably farther apart than you think.

- Is there public transportation? Yes. Should you attempt to take it? If you’re adventurous, you have a lot of extra time on your hands, and you’ve planned it out in advance. If you decide to do this, it would help to do some research and learn more about the Metro Micro rideshare app.

First, a few warnings…

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is kind of gross, to be honest. But you do you!

The Pacific Ocean is VERY FAR and there will be a LOT OF TRAFFIC. We’re sorry you’ve been lied to about how easy it is to go to the beach in LA. If you really want to see the ocean, consider taking the Metro E line directly from 7th Street/Metro Center to Downtown Santa Monica. (This train ride will take approximately one hour.)

Disneyland requires an entire day. You WILL get stuck in traffic. We WON’T feel sorry for you if you miss the wedding because you tried to spend the morning on Space Mountain.

Some (relatively) nearby sites we recommend:

WB Studio Tour in Burbank (requires a ticket booked in advance)

Universal Studios in Studio City (the Metro's red line will take you straight from DTLA to a station just outside the park)

Griffith Observatory in between Los Feliz and Glendale (you can hike or drive to the top!)

Skylight Bookstore in Los Feliz (this is in a great area to walk around!)

Echo Park Lake Swan Boats in Echo Park (as seen in the movie Chinatown)

Dodgers Stadium in Echo Park (even if you don't have time for a game, tours of the historic stadium are available year-round. Make sure you book ahead!)

The Americana in Glendale (is this a glorified mall? Yes. Is this an easy place to access an In-N-Out, Din Tai Fung, a movie theater, and general shopping? Also yes! And you’ll finally understand that running joke from Hacks on HBO.)

The Vista movie theater in Silverlake/Echo Park (Gabrielle & Ryan went on a not-quite-date to this beautiful, historic theater to see Titanic)

New Beverly Cinema in Fairfax/Melrose (another restored historic theater!)

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Miracle Mile (a favorite of locals and tourists alike, so definitely buy tickets in advance. Make a day of it by heading to LACMA next door before/after.)

The Huntington Gardens in Pasadena (this is an amazing and beautiful way to spend an afternoon if the weather is nice)

...Explore Downtown LA? The Broad Museum, Angel's Flight, Grand Central Market, The Bradbury Building, The Last Bookstore, and the Grammy Museum are all walkable from our suggested hotel. Hop in a quick rideshare (please, don’t walk) to Little Tokyo or the Arts District for the best restaurants and bars.

...Go Thrifting? Figueroa Street in Highland Park, Glendale Blvd in Atwater Village, or Magnolia Ave in Burbank

...Eat Street Tacos: Figueroa Street in Highland Park (go to Villa’s tacos or just stop at any taco truck you see)

...Stand Kind Of Near The Hollywood Sign? Lake Hollywood Park

...Be In The Middle Of An Insane Crowd And/Or Spend Half An Hour Trying To Park? The Grove, Venice Beach, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal CityWalk

...Visit The Best Museum In The City, Even If It’s Very Far? The Getty (in Santa Monica) or The Getty Villa (in Malibu)

...See Celebrities? Gabrielle still hasn’t figured this out, but you could try hiking at Runyon Canyon in Hollywood.