Planning first SoCal trip and looking for lots of tips

[bookgirl2632]

Planning my first trip to the area for late April 2026. I’m planning on 4 days in Anaheim to do Disneyland, but I also want to do 4 days in the Hollywood area. My intention is to do a day at Universal, as well as the Warner Brothers Tour another day. Other things I’m considering are the Academy Museum and your typical Walk of Fame touristy thing. I was also looking at visiting the Griffith Observatory.

I was just wondering where it would be best to stay. I was looking at hotels over closer to Universal, but was wondering how easy travel was to the Hollywood attractions. I also wouldn’t mind getting suggestions for places to eat.

And some background on my travel party. We are three adult women, so I’m also concerned about the safety of the area that our hotel will be in.

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

You need a 2 location trip
Stay in Anaheim for Disneyland
Stay in Burbank / Hollywood for Universal, Warner Brothers Tour, Academy Museum, Walk of Fame and Griffith Observatory.

I am a solo female who has been visiting So Cal for about 15 years. I dont drive and I use public transport, bus and underground. I use a car service Midwilshuttle for transport from and to LAX.

I stay off site at Disneyland, Desert Inn and Suites is my go to hotel.

Over the years I have stayed in multiple places in LA and have been many of the main tourist things to do.

 

[bookgirl2632]

You need a 2 location trip
Stay in Anaheim for Disneyland
Stay in Burbank / Hollywood for Universal, Warner Brothers Tour, Academy Museum, Walk of Fame and Griffith Observatory.

I am a solo female who has been visiting So Cal for about 15 years. I dont drive and I use public transport, bus and underground. I use a car service Midwilshuttle for transport from and to LAX.

I stay off site at Disneyland, Desert Inn and Suites is my go to hotel.

Over the years I have stayed in multiple places in LA and have been many of the main tourist things to do.

Thank you! Yes, I already plan to split up the hotel stays. Most likely, we’ll be starting off with 4 nights in the Burbank area (we’ll fly into that airport) and then switch to Anaheim for Disneyland.

So in your experience, is public transportation in the area of Burbank and Hollywood pretty safe? I have no problem using Uber and will probably use that in the evening primarily, but I was wondering how efficient and safe things like the bus or even their subway is.

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

So in your experience, is public transportation in the area of Burbank and Hollywood pretty safe? I have no problem using Uber and will probably use that in the evening primarily, but I was wondering how efficient and safe things like the bus or even their subway is.

Safe is relative to what your expectations are.

I dont drive and I have used public transport all my life (I'm mid 40's) I am very aware of personal safety and I am very streetwise. I know how to blend in , look and act like a local and not a tourist.

LA underground, like most major city underground systems is grimy and can be off putting to those who are not used to similar systems. You will see and hear a more local and raw side of LA. However, logistically its very easy to use and just as efficient as an any other major city underground system.

LA bus network is a lot better than most people realize. The main thing with the buses is just the reality of LA traffic and how spread out the city is and how long it will take to get from point A to point B.

For the public transport network you need to use the travel card called TAP. There is an App or you can get the physical card at the ticket machines in any underground station. I load up the card with pay as you go money online before I arrive.

When I solo travel, I never use public transport after dark. I either make sure I am back in my hotel by sunset or I have a ride home arranged with friends.

Hollywood Walk of Fame, which is Hollywood and Highland Metro station is only 1 stop on the underground from Universal City metro station. I have done that journey many times during the day.

 

[bookgirl2632]

Safe is relative to what your expectations are.

I dont drive and I have used public transport all my life (I'm mid 40's) I am very aware of personal safety and I am very streetwise. I know how to blend in , look and act like a local and not a tourist.

LA underground, like most major city underground systems is grimy and can be off putting to those who are not used to similar systems. You will see and hear a more local and raw side of LA. However, logistically its very easy to use and just as efficient as an any other major city underground system.

LA bus network is a lot better than most people realize. The main thing with the buses is just the reality of LA traffic and how spread out the city is and how long it will take to get from point A to point B.

For the public transport network you need to use the travel card called TAP. There is an App or you can get the physical card at the ticket machines in any underground station. I load up the card with pay as you go money online before I arrive.

When I solo travel, I never use public transport after dark. I either make sure I am back in my hotel by sunset or I have a ride home arranged with friends.

Hollywood Walk of Fame, which is Hollywood and Highland Metro station is only 1 stop on the underground from Universal City metro station. I have done that journey many times during the day.

Thanks for your candid response. I’m familiar with and have used public transportation in DC as well as a bit in NYC, so I know to be aware and when to not consider it at all. I don’t plan to use it in the evening. I would probably use Uber at that point and feel comfortable doing so, but even then, it probably wouldn’t be late at night.

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

Thanks for your candid response. I’m familiar with and have used public transportation in DC as well as a bit in NYC, so I know to be aware and when to not consider it at all. I don’t plan to use it in the evening. I would probably use Uber at that point and feel comfortable doing so, but even then, it probably wouldn’t be late at night.

Public transport in LA gets a bad rep, as its used as a class, race and wealth barometer. Theres a huge wealth divide in the LA area, and public transport has traditionally been seen as a poor peoples mode of transport. Due to the sheer size of LA, its a very car dependent city, so if you use public transport the general view of locals is you have a DUI or you are poor. Its getting better in recent years, as people become more environmentally aware but it will never be like London or other cities in Europe where CEO's of Fortune 500 companies will be on the underground with pan handlers.

 

[China Expat]

Avoid Hollywood Blvd after dark

 

[hardcorestitch]

Planning my first trip to the area for late April 2026. I’m planning on 4 days in Anaheim to do Disneyland, but I also want to do 4 days in the Hollywood area. My intention is to do a day at Universal, as well as the Warner Brothers Tour another day. Other things I’m considering are the Academy Museum and your typical Walk of Fame touristy thing. I was also looking at visiting the Griffith Observatory.

I was just wondering where it would be best to stay. I was looking at hotels over closer to Universal, but was wondering how easy travel was to the Hollywood attractions. I also wouldn’t mind getting suggestions for places to eat.

And some background on my travel party. We are three adult women, so I’m also concerned about the safety of the area that our hotel will be in.

If you don’t have a Jack in the Box near your hometown… try it at least once. They have an awesome ultimate bacon cheeseburger.

 

[bookgirl2632]

Avoid Hollywood Blvd after dark

I intend to. I was thinking of checking out Griffith Observatory in the evening. It’s supposed to be lovely at sunset.

 

[bookgirl2632]

If you don’t have a Jack in the Box near your hometown… try it at least once. They have an awesome ultimate bacon cheeseburger.

I don’t. I’ll keep that in mind.

 

[LKing]

Not sure how much Disney you want on your vacation. If you are in Burbank, I would consider taking a Disney Studio Tour. With a free D23 membership, the tour is $149. Membership starts at $49 and drops the price of the tour to $99 so you might as well become a member.