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Los Angeles Travel Guide and Activities

EC Los Angeles is located in spectacular Santa Monica. Everything about Santa Monica is irresistible. There are countless shops and restaurants, more than three miles of white sand beach, not to mention all the celebrities that can be spotted strolling out and about town. This city is truly one of a kind.

5 things to see

  • Hollywood Walk of Fame
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Griffith Park Observatory
  • Beverly Hills
  • Getty Center

5 things to do

  • Star spotting on Hollywood Boulevard
  • Visit a Hollywood studio
  • Shop in style on Rodeo Drive
  • Get active on Venice Beach
  • Whale watching
Monthly Activities

Climate

The weather in Los Angeles is consistent nearly year round, with sunny skies and temperate conditions. With a Mediterranean climate, Santa Monica enjoys more than 310 sunny days each year so expect mild temperatures and clear skies during most seasons.

Money

Currency: $ (US Dollars)

Public holidays falling on a weekday

12 October 2020, 11 November 2020, 26 November 2020, 27 November 2020, 25 December 2020, 31 December 2020, 01 January 2021, 18 January 2021, 15 February 2021, 31 March, 31 May 2021, 05 July 2021, 06 September 2021, 11 October 2021, 11 November 2021, 25 November, 26 November 2021, 24 December 2021, 31 December 2021

Telephone Country Code

001

Electricity

110 V; 60Hz - 2 flat-pin plug or third round pin are used.

Tap water

Tap water is safe unless there’s a sign to the contrary.

Public Transport Info

  • Ages 5 to 18 – Local buses only: $40 per 30 day pass (Operator reserves the right to ask for qualifying ID upon your boarding)
  • Adult – local buses only: $60 per 30 day pass
  • Adult – local and express buses only: $80 per 30 day pass
  • Regular/Student 13 day pass: $12
  • Regular/Student Day pass: $4
  • Bus System maps

Visa

For Visa information please read Applying for a Visa in USA

Cost of Living

Coffee/Cappuccino (Starbucks) $3.50-$5.50
Bottle of water/soda (0.33 litre) $1.00-$3.00
Fast-Food combo meal $7.00-$10.00
Meal, inexpensive restaurant $10.00-$25.00
Fitness club (monthly, 1 adult) $25.00-$70.00
Public transport (local transport) $1.75
Public transport (monthly pass) $90.00-$110.00

Other Useful Information

Driving Age

The minimum driving age is 16 years but most rental companies require that you be at least 21 years old and have an international driving license.

Alcohol Age

Legal age for drinking in the US is 21 and many places will ask for identification. You will not be able to enter a club in Los Angeles if you are under 21.

Smoking laws

Smoking is banned in all enclosed public places and workplaces, including restaurants and bars. It is illegal to smoke outdoors within 25-feet of any apartment building door, window or vent, in common areas, such as a walkway or a courtyard, Santa Monica residents caught breaking the resident no-smoking law will have to pay a $100 fine for the first offense. The fine will double if smokers are caught a second time. Also, no smoking on Third street promenade, all beaches, all bus stops, parks, in the common areas of multi-unit apartment buildings and within twenty feet of the entrances to all public buildings. Violations of this law are subject to a fine of $250.

Insurance

All EC Los Angeles students must be covered by health insurance for the entire length of their stay in the U.S.

Useful Links