Los Angeles Travel and Tourism Guide

If you ask an Angeleno (a resident of Los Angeles) in the San Fernando Valley, to point you to Los Angeles, you'll probably get directions to Downtown LA. That's because though Los Angeles is one big city, residents think of their districts or neighborhoods as cities of their own.

Each district in Los Angeles has a distinct culture and demographic.In the Downtown District you will find Chinatown, Little Tokyo, and Olvera Street (the birthplace of LA), all within walking distance. This is where you will find fine places to watch the symphony, the opera, musicals and plays.
The West side (closer to the ocean) is generally more expensive and probably closer to the image people carry in their minds about LA. On the West side you will find Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, Malibu and other relatively expensive areas.
To the North is Hollywood, which has been known for its studios. Further north is the San Fernando Valley, where most of the new studios and entertainment companies are.

To the East of Downtown is Echo Park, Silverlake, Westlake, and other neighborhoods abundant with culture. Directly to the South you will find Compton, Hawthorne and other "rough" neighborhoods. South and west of that are the South Bay beach communities -- Redondo, Hermosa, Torrance and Palos Verdes.
The eclectic mix of chicano culture, beach bohemians, and an unmistakable party vibe give LA a unique personality that must be experienced.