Want to try livin' the LA style, in LA? And survive? Get these.
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good map, preferrably many
- Because of the sheer size of the city, most Los Angeles maps are no good. However, a map is what you need, so there is a dilemma. I often compromise by having many maps, one for each neighbourhood, or then I roll out my carpet-sized megamap which documents every street and nook, but is not very convenient when traipsing around. For the truly serious among us, or for those driving in LA, natives recommend buying a Thomas Guide.
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cool car with all the goodies
- Splurge and get a babe magnet with a good stereo system, if you're staying in LA for any extended period of time. You'll be spending so much time in your car, in stop-and-go traffic on Laurel Canyon or the 405 that you'll be cursing if you got one with bad A/C and tinny stereo system.
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sunscreen lotion, lots of it
- Especially if you come from a long lineage of freckled, ivory white Nordic people like me, stocking up on sunblock 45 is not a joke. If you're intending to spend any extended periods of time outside (and believe me, with SoCal weather, you'll want to), be it at the beach or at an amusement park, lather it on every 15 minutes or so. Oh, and don't forget sunglasses
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zagat's guide to los angeles
- The US equivalent of the Michelin Guide, this is quite the indispensable little black (or red, as the case would be) book for the food lover visiting LA. Be it posh or burgers, sushi or something utterly romantic for a dining experience, it's here. And, don't forget to visit an In-N-Out for the best burgers ever.
