Understand

Ever since the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1876, the Los Angeles metro area has been a bustling "boomtown." Its warm winters first attracted people from the Midwest and East Coast, and it has since become a gateway to a remarkable blend of cultures from all over the Pacific Rim and Latin America. Covering a vast area, the city of Los Angeles extends from the Sylmar district in the north all the way down to the Port of Los Angeles in the south. The drive alone can take up to an hour and a half, and that's before factoring in traffic. The metropolitan area of Los Angeles also includes smaller cities such as Santa Monica, Burbank, Pasadena, Long Beach, Anaheim, and Riverside. Some of these cities were founded in the late nineteenth century and still maintain their distinct identities. It's important to note that certain district names within the city of Los Angeles are mistakenly believed to be separate cities. In reality, they are vibrant neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Hollywood, Van Nuys, Encino, and Bel-Air are just a few well-known examples. On the other hand, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills are actually independent cities. The Los Angeles Times is the city's primary newspaper, while the Los Angeles Daily News serves as another daily publication. For those seeking local information, the free LA Weekly, released on Thursdays, is an excellent source for concerts, movies, and events. Additionally, some local areas have their own neighborhood papers. If you're in search of budget-friendly activities, BrokeLA.com provides a comprehensive list of under $10 events happening in Los Angeles.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

**1. Hamburger**The hamburger, often simply called a burger, is a sandwich consisting of a cooked patty of ground beef, usually served in a bun with toppings and condiments such as lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and pickles. It is a quintessential American fast food item that can be found at restaurants, fast food joints, and even street vendors throughout the country. While traditional hamburgers typically include beef, there are also vegetarian options available made from plant-based ingredients.

**2. Pizza**Pizza is a popular Italian-American dish consisting of a yeasted flatbread base, typically topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various other ingredients such as meats, vegetables, and herbs. In the United States, pizza is often sold as both a take-out and sit-down dining option, with numerous regional variations in styles and toppings. Pepperoni is a particularly popular topping in the U.S., but vegetarian and vegan pizzas are also widely available.

**3. Fried Chicken**Fried chicken is a southern-style dish comprised of marinated chicken pieces that are coated in a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Originating from the American South, fried chicken has become a staple in the country's culinary landscape, with various regional variations in preparation styles and seasonings. It can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or as part of a larger feast, and although traditionally prepared with chicken, vegetarian alternatives do exist.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing