18 Common Myths About Los Angeles Debunked

People who have never been to Los Angeles often have some pre-conceived notions about the city that are more based on Hollywood fiction than reality. Here are some of the most common misconceptions people have about the City of Angels.

It’s Always Sunny

In Los Angeles, winter is both the rainy season and the sunny season. Between the occasional rainy days or weeks, the sky is often a clear blue. Moreover, the layer of marine clouds known as June Gloom rolls in around May and hangs around through summer, making most mornings overcast until at least noon, especially at the beach. Sometimes, these clouds roll back in shortly before sunset.

It’s Hot at the Beach

The average temperature at LA area beaches is around 70 degrees year-round. Consequently, this can be about 20 degrees different than inland temperatures. In winter, the thermometer may hit 70 for a few minutes before dropping; in summer, it lingers longer before declining. There are a few weeks in summer or early fall where heat waves can push beach temperatures into the upper 80s or 90s, yet it could just as easily be 68 in July and August.

Walking

It may be true that distances in LA often preclude walking from where you are to where you want to be. However, there are numerous walkable shopping and beach areas in Venice Beach, Downtown LA, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Pasadena, Long Beach, and down the coast. Guided walking tours or walking maps are available at local Visitors Centers. Furthermore, there are great hikes in and around Los Angeles, including Runyan Canyon, located just a few short blocks from the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Everyone Works in the Entertainment Industry

Traditionally, the number one industry in Los Angeles has been manufacturing; however, it has recently been overtaken by health care and retail as manufacturing jobs have decreased. Despite these cuts, Los Angeles remains the largest manufacturing center in the United States, with the entertainment industry ranking about 6th.

Everyone Is Beautiful

While there are many beautiful people in Los Angeles, highly concentrated in upscale nightclubs and shopping areas, many ordinary individuals also make the effort to look their best. Therefore, the majority of the population remains as diverse as the rest of the country.

The Beaches Are Full of Blond Bombshells

The majority of blond individuals are more likely found on southern Orange County beaches. In contrast, Los Angeles beaches are populated mainly by ethnic families with children and tourists. Notably, Los Angeles County has a population that is approximately 70 percent non-white, with Hispanic individuals forming the largest demographic group at 44 percent.

It’s All Concrete

Visitors to Los Angeles are often surprised by the city’s tree-lined streets, park areas, and green spaces. Griffith Park spans over 4000 acres of greenery within city limits. Moreover, the Hollywood Hills and Santa Monica Mountains provide a scenic green backdrop from the city to the beach. In fact, even the inner city features sprawling neighborhoods consisting mostly of single-family homes and small apartment buildings with lawns and trees.

It’s Hard to Drive

Driving in Los Angeles is generally quite simple. Most streets are organized in a grid, with few areas containing one-way streets. However, Downtown Los Angeles presents a unique challenge. The freeways are reasonably well-marked, but you must stay attentive to remain on the correct roadway. Remember to follow the numbers on the freeways rather than the names, as names can change based on your location.

There Are Topless and Nude Beaches

Many individuals have been surprised by this fact once they arrive in LA. Despite the prevalent racy movies, TV shows, and songs, LA and Orange County maintain a conservatism regarding skin exposure, both at the beach and elsewhere. It is illegal for women to be topless or for anyone to be nude in public areas within Los Angeles and Orange Counties, including at the beach. It is worth noting that individuals will even report parents who allow small children to run about naked at the beach.

People Dress Formally to Go Out

Although LA is the epicenter for the U.S. fashion and clothing industry, the prevailing trend is a casual and individualistic dress style. The nightclub scene stands out as the exception, with strict dress codes enforced by bouncers, where elegant dresses on women and stylish attire on men can increase chances of entry into elite LA nightclubs. Nevertheless, fine restaurants and theaters are known for a mix of casual attire such as nice jeans and flip-flops alongside formal wear. That said, individuals do tend to dress up more for high-profile events like opera, ballet, symphony, and major entertainment awards.

Lots of Movie Stars Live in Hollywood

This misconception has two facets. In reality, Hollywood has only recently gained a reputation beyond its seedy past and regained a touch of glamor. Many aspiring actors reside in this area, but those who achieve celebrity status often relocate to more affluent neighborhoods. Additionally, while maps may indicate where certain celebrities reside in West LA, Beverly Hills, or Bel Air, most of these residences are obscured by tall walls and hedges. Therefore, if you take the Movie Stars’ Homes Tour, you will at least gain insightful stories and historical context, albeit with a limited view.

People Have No Taste (Fashion Sense)

This idea is intriguing. A significant amount of fashion originates in LA, given that the city is the foremost garment manufacturing hub in the country. The fashion district in downtown Los Angeles is also home to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Moreover, there are various fashion cliques, including hip-hop, goth, and nightclub chic, along with celebrity red carpet fashion. However, it is also true that the typical laid-back LA style often revolves around shorts and flip-flops, even if they are dressier versions.

It’s Always Smoggy

If you visit during the summer or fall, especially during Santa Ana wind conditions or wildfires, you might encounter smog over LA. However, this is not as severe as it once was. During the winter and spring, Los Angeles boasts plenty of clear blue sky days. Furthermore, beach areas tend to be less smoggy throughout the year. If you fly into the city and see an orange-brown haze, be prepared for smog, but if you can see the ground or the coverage appears white, you can breathe easily.

LA Is a Cultural Wasteland

In fact, the LA Music Center houses prestigious arts organizations such as the LA Opera, American Ballet Theatre, Center Theatre Group, and the LA Philharmonic. The city’s theatre scene has dramatically improved over the last decade, showcasing dozens of high-quality performances (alongside some lesser ones) every week throughout the county. Additionally, there are abundant live music venues, comedy, improv, and other performing arts options available.

LA County boasts over 230 museums, including exceptional art museums, such as the renowned Getty Center, Getty Villa, the illustrious LA County Museum of Art (LACMA), Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, and the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach. Notably, The Broad museum of contemporary art has recently joined this impressive list. Art is prevalent across the city, with multiple neighborhoods boasting galleries and artist studios hosting Art Walks and Studio Tours.

There’s Nothing to Do Downtown

In fact, there is an abundance of activities to experience in downtown Los Angeles, more than one could possibly accomplish in a single day or even an entire weekend. You can explore everything from the birthplace of LA at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Site to Chinatown and Little Tokyo, celebrating the history and cultural diversity of the city. Furthermore, there are numerous top-notch museums, architectural walking tours, and, of course, fabulous shopping in the toy, jewelry, and fashion districts.

Moreover, you can catch a sporting event or concert at the Staples Center or Microsoft Theatre at LA Live, enjoy a performance at the Los Angeles Music Center, or take a tour of the Disney Concert Hall. Lastly, downtown LA features cool clubs and bars, and don’t forget the ever-expanding options for post-show entertainment.

Everything is Expensive

While LA does offer a variety of costly experiences, from pricey theme parks to exclusive fine dining restaurants and luxury hotels, there are also many budget-friendly options available. You can find a range of affordable chain hotels, motels, wallet-friendly diners, ethnic restaurants, and plenty of free attractions.

People Are Really Superficial

Indeed, the stereotype of the superficial Valley girl or surfer dude exists. However, these individuals represent a minority and are found throughout the nation. LA, in contrast, is a city brimming with creative artists, scientists, engineers, inventors, authors, and other intellectuals. Although nail salons may outnumber bookstores, the love for literature is evident in the city. Conversations overheard in nail salons may range from Middle East politics to educational reforms as often as they touch on local gossip.

It’s a Dangerous Place to Visit

Most tourist areas in LA are at least as secure as those in other major cities; however, they do experience instances of pickpocketing, bicycle theft, and auto burglaries. Certain parts of LA may be more dangerous for residents, particularly at night. Therefore, it is crucial to have good directions when driving in LA, as well as taking standard safety precautions such as locking car doors, avoiding leaving valuables in plain sight, and keeping an eye on your personal belongings.