First time to USA (LA)

[Lightshines]

I’ve been unexpectedly offered the opportunity to spend 5/6 days in LA. It will be my first ever trip to the USA and I’ll be travelling alone. I’d really welcome suggestions as to must-sees/avoids, and tips on getting around.
Generally speaking I like arts, culture, food - not keen on theme parks but willing to give anything a go. Can’t afford luxury/5* but don’t have to do cheap, cheap. Thank you.

LA is a big place. Where will you be based?

I can choose. The only place I definitely have to be is for 1 afternoon at the Huntingdon Library...

Theres some amazing museums there - I'd want to do the Getty, motor museum, several of the art ones, and the Griffiths observatory.
Everythings spread out, and the traffic is awful, so get a fixed cost shared van from the airport (I use Super Shuttle) and then Uber around.

I was there two weeks ago, and had a fab lunch at The Ivy in Beverley Hills, which is great if you like celeb spotting (am useless at it).

Oh, and the tar pits really were a let down.. worth walking through on your way to something else, but I don't think paying for the museum could be worth it

Cool. I used to work for Caltech and have visited that library; it's amazing. You could easily spend a couple of days there.

I've been a few times. Loved seeing Endeavour. The Observatory (bus up, walk down), the tar pits.

I really enjoyed the tar pits, maybe because I am a scientist.

Please make sure you have a valid ESTA before you book anything. You won't be able to travel without one. They cost about £14.

We have family near there so have been a few times. I'd do some of:

Getty Museum (choose, there are two - one is the new museum and the other the villa)

Drive to Santa Monica and up a bit to Malibu and into the canyons.

The "stars" area.

Rodeo Drive for a quick walk round

...... or any number of other things. Enjoy!!

Thank you, all food for thought

I stayed in Santa Monica and Pasadena.
Did the hop-on, hop-off bus for Beverley Hills, Walk of Fame, Chinese Theatre, Tar pits. All OK, but meh, probably wouldn't rush back.
Loved S.Monica, beach and pier, shopping.
Whale-watching from Marina del Rey, wonderful 3 hours on a boat.
Huntington well worth the visit.
Used LYFT (like Uber) to get around, all good experiences.

Thanks for all your suggestions