Los Angeles is one of the best cities in the world to explore with your phone, and having the right apps can completely transform your trip. With LA’s size, traffic, and endless things to do, using reliable digital tools is the difference between wasting hours and moving through the city with ease. The best travel apps for Los Angeles help you check real-time traffic, track Metro trains and buses, find top-rated local restaurants, spot the cheapest gas, see what events are happening nearby, and even locate hidden viewpoints or filming locations.
In this guide, you’ll find the essential apps every visitor should download before landing at LAX, so you can explore Los Angeles confidently, save time, avoid stress, and experience more of what the city has to offer.
TL;DR
- LA’s size and traffic make navigation apps like Google Maps, Waze and Apple Maps essential for driving, transit routes and offline maps.
- For car-free travel, tools like Transit, the Metro TAP app, LADOT DASH, Uber and Lyft make it easy to combine buses, rail, shuttles and rideshares.
- Food and dining apps such as Yelp, OpenTable, Resy and Too Good To Go help you find top-rated restaurants, secure reservations and score discounted surplus food.
- Events and outdoors apps including Eventbrite, Fever and AllTrails reveal local happenings, pop-ups and detailed hiking trails around LA.
- Safety and practical tools like MyShake, parking apps, detailed weather apps, grocery and food delivery, and beach/tide tools keep you prepared and comfortable.
- International visitors benefit from Google Translate, messaging apps and travel insurance apps, which smooth over language, communication and emergency logistics.
Related Reads:
- The Traveler’s Ultimate Guide to Los Angeles
- Weather in Los Angeles by Month
- Emergency Contacts & Useful Numbers in Los Angeles
Essential Navigation Apps
Google Maps
The all-in-one navigation staple for LA. Google Maps offers real-time traffic conditions, Metro train and bus routes, and even walking shortcuts through city blocks. In traffic-heavy Los Angeles, Google’s data shines: it suggests time-saving detours and shows exactly how much a jam will delay you.
It’s the most powerful navigation app, drawing on Google’s massive search data for accurate business locations and transit options. Use it for driving directions, but also to find Metro lines, bike paths, or walking routes in neighborhoods like Downtown or Hollywood. Street View can even preview what your destination looks like, and you can download offline maps for when cell service gets spotty in the hills.
Waze
The local driver’s secret weapon for beating LA traffic. This crowd-sourced navigation app was built by commuters, for commuters. As you drive, Waze users ahead of you are reporting accidents, closures, and police traps in real time. The app intelligently reroutes you around fender-benders or highway bottlenecks, often through side streets only locals would know.
If your priority is getting from Point A to B as fast as possible, Waze is the go-to choice. Angelenos use it daily on their commutes, trusting its live traffic updates and creative detours. Just keep in mind that Waze might send you through residential shortcuts; stay alert and use common sense on unfamiliar back roads.
Apple Maps
Excellent for lane guidance and a clean, intuitive design, especially for those with iPhones. Apple Maps has improved dramatically for Los Angeles navigation. Its 3D city view highlights major landmarks (you’ll even see Dodger Stadium or the Hollywood Bowl rendered on your screen).
When driving LA’s maze of freeways, Apple Maps clearly marks turn lanes and exits in advance, so you’re prepared for those complex interchanges. The app also integrates smoothly with CarPlay dashboards.
While only available on iOS devices, it’s often the default for iPhone users and now offers robust directions for driving, transit, and walking. If you’re navigating winding canyon roads or need confidence in which lane to be in on the 405, Apple Maps’ visual clarity is a huge help.
Transportation & Getting Around
Not renting a car? No problem. LA’s transit and rideshare apps have you covered.
Transit App
For exploring Los Angeles car-free, Transit is invaluable. This real-time trip planner is actually Metro’s official recommended app for bus and rail info. It shows you nearby bus stops, Metro Rail stations, and arrival times updated to the minute.
Punch in a destination and Transit will combine Metro buses, subway lines, and even the occasional Metro Bike into one itinerary. You can watch your bus approach on the map and get alerts when to get off. Given LA’s improving but complex transit network, the Transit app simplifies it into one intuitive platform. It’s a must-download if you plan to use the Metro Rail (like the Red Line to Hollywood or Expo Line to Santa Monica) or any of the city’s dozens of bus lines.
Metro TAP App
LA’s public transit payment wallet. The TAP app lets you buy and reload the TAP card (Transit Access Pass) used on all Metro buses and trains. Instead of fumbling with vending machines, you can load fare or passes on your phone and simply tap it at station turnstiles.
The app also doubles as a journey planner with real-time arrival info. Plan a bus trip, check when the next train is due, and purchase a day pass all in one place. If you’ll be riding frequently—say, taking the Metro E Line from Santa Monica into Downtown each day—this tool makes it seamless.
It even works for 25+ regional transit agencies around LA. Tip: set up the app and add funds before your trip; you’ll be ready to hop on the Metro straight from LAX (the new Metro K Line now connects to the airport area).
LADOT DASH
Los Angeles operates neighborhood shuttle buses called DASH, and they’re the best $0.50 you can spend for a ride. The LADOT DASH app (sometimes called LA Mobile) helps you find these small buses that loop through areas like Downtown, Hollywood, or Santa Monica.
DASH routes are short but frequent, often every 5-20 minutes, and serve local hotspots: think runs from Union Station to the Financial District, or from Hollywood Metro station up into the Hollywood Hills. The app provides route maps, real-time bus arrivals, and mobile ticket purchase for DASH lines.
Since fares are only 50 cents (and free for some riders like seniors), it’s incredibly useful for quick hops without a car. Whether you’re exploring Echo Park or need a cheap ride up Bunker Hill downtown, check if a DASH bus is around. These shuttles are a local favorite for convenience and ultra-low cost.
Uber & Lyft
Rideshare apps are essential in LA for nights out or trips where transit doesn’t reach. Uber and Lyft cars blanket the city, ready to whisk you from a Hollywood bar back to your hotel in Koreatown, or to haul your luggage for an early flight.
Use them for airport transfers, beach outings when you don’t want to drive, or anytime you prefer door-to-door service. Prices can surge during peak times, but compared to renting a car and paying for parking, rideshares can be efficient for visitors.
Both apps work at LAX (with a small wrinkle—see below) and have options from regular sedans to larger SUVs for groups. One trick: if one app has high surge pricing, check the other, as sometimes Uber and Lyft differ in cost by the minute.
Food, Coffee & Dining Apps
Eating well in Los Angeles could be a full-time job—there are taco trucks, vegan cafés, sushi counters, and hidden cocktail bars to discover. These apps help you cut through the options and dine like a local:
Yelp
The classic app for finding local restaurants and food trucks. Yelp’s community of Angelenos leave detailed reviews and photos of virtually every eatery in the city—from the newest Silver Lake brunch spot to the old-school taco stand in East LA.
Use Yelp’s filters to search by neighborhood, cuisine, or “Open Now” when hunger strikes at odd hours. In a city known for its diversity of food, Yelp is fantastic for surfacing under-the-radar gems (like a top-rated Korean BBQ in Koreatown or a juice bar in Venice).
Be sure to read a few recent reviews , as LA’s dining scene changes quickly (restaurants can go from hot to not in a year here). The app also highlights popular dishes via photos, so you know what to order (don’t miss checking the burger photos for that In-N-Out vs. Shake Shack debate!).
OpenTable / Resy
Scoring a table at LA’s trendiest restaurants often requires planning, and that’s where reservation apps come in. OpenTable has a huge listing of restaurants citywide, and you can book a table for dinner or weekend brunch in seconds. Upscale and popular spots in West Hollywood, Downtown LA, or Malibu often fill up, so it’s wise to reserve a week or two ahead if possible.
Resy, in particular, partners with many of the newer, buzzier restaurants (think craft cocktail bars in DTLA or farm-to-table eateries in Silver Lake). These apps let you set notifications for when a fully booked restaurant releases new tables. In LA, many sought-after places release reservations 7, 14, or even 30 days in advance, often at midnight or early morning.
Snagging a spot at that rooftop restaurant or celebrity-chef bistro can literally come down to a quick tap on Resy when the window opens. Even for casual dining, having OpenTable or Resy handy is great for avoiding waits, especially on weekend evenings.
Too Good To Go
A clever and eco-friendly food app that’s gained a foothold in LA’s cafe and bakery scene. Too Good To Go connects you with local eateries that have surplus food at the end of the day, offering “surprise bags” of goodies at a fraction of the price. Over 300 Los Angeles cafes, bakeries, and restaurants have partnered with this app.
For example, a bakery in Santa Monica might sell a grab-bag of pastries for a few dollars via the app instead of throwing them out. You won’t know exactly what you’re getting—hence the surprise—but that’s part of the fun. It might be a mix of donuts and croissants from a downtown bakery or leftover slices from a pizza spot in Venice.
The app lets you reserve a bag, pay in-app (usually $4–6 for what might be $15 worth of food), and then you pick it up during a specified window. It’s not just budget-friendly; it also helps combat food waste. If you love discovering new cafes or want an affordable breakfast, give Too Good To Go a try. You might end up with a box of delightful treats and the satisfaction of helping the environment.
Events, Activities & Things to Do
There’s never a dull moment in LA – any given day might offer an outdoor movie screening, a food festival, a gallery pop-up, or a secret comedy show. These apps help you find what’s happening around town:
Eventbrite
The go-to app for discovering local events, big and small. Eventbrite’s listings for Los Angeles are immense. You can find tickets (including plenty of free events) for concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, weekend workshops, open-air fitness classes, museum free days, cultural festivals, and more.
Use the date filters and categories to browse things like “Free Events this Weekend” or “Concerts in Los Angeles.” Eventbrite is particularly great for finding events put on by community organizations, venues, or hobby groups—think along the lines of a free salsa dancing night in a park or a neighborhood food truck fest.
Many events let you secure a spot with just a few taps, and your tickets (or RSVP confirmations) are stored in the app. When you’re traveling, it’s an excellent way to experience LA like a local, whether that’s a Sunday morning farmers’ market or an evening art walk in Downtown.
Fever
For unique experiences and trendy pop-ups, Fever has you covered. The Fever app curates a list of immersive events that often fly under the radar of other platforms. Ever hear of those candlelight concerts in a historic LA church, where a string quartet plays by hundreds of candles?
Fever is the app promoting those. It also features things like interactive art exhibits, themed pop-up bars, secret cinema screenings, and foodie experiences. Some experiences on Fever are exclusive (meaning you can only book through the app). The interface lets you browse by “Trending” or categories like music, theatre, fashion, etc.
For example, you might find an “Alice in Wonderland” immersive cocktail experience in Hollywood or a rooftop yoga class in Santa Monica. If you want to fill your itinerary with off-beat, only-in-LA activities, check Fever regularly. New events are added all the time, and tickets (which are often reasonably priced) can be bought right in the app.
AllTrails
Los Angeles isn’t all cityscape; it’s also home to incredible hikes and outdoor escapes, from the Santa Monica Mountains to Griffith Park. AllTrails is the ultimate trail guide app for exploring LA’s outdoors. It lists hundreds of hiking trails with user reviews, photos, and difficulty ratings for each.
Want to hike to the Hollywood Sign? AllTrails will show multiple route options, complete with maps and elevation profiles. Curious about a beach trail in Malibu or a waterfall hike in the San Gabriel Mountains? You’ll find details on length, estimated time, and how challenging it is.
Each trail’s page includes recent reviews (critical for checking conditions like trail closures or how the parking situation is) and a star rating. For example, Griffith Park’s popular trails have thousands of reviews and tips from other hikers. You can even download trail maps offline, which is very handy as cell reception can drop in wilderness areas.
Whether you’re a casual walker looking for a scenic stroll or a seasoned hiker aiming for a steep climb (try Sandstone Peak, the highest in the Santa Monicas), AllTrails ensures you hit the trail prepared and informed.
Safety & Practical Tools
Every big city has its challenges, but these apps will help you stay safe, informed, and prepared throughout your Los Angeles trip:
MyShake App
California is earthquake country, and while big quakes are rare, it’s reassuring to have this early-warning app on your phone. MyShake uses the statewide ShakeAlert system to detect earthquakes and can give you a few seconds’ warning before the shaking reaches you.
That might not sound like much, but even a heads-up of 5-10 seconds can allow you to brace yourself, pull over if you’re driving, or duck under a table. The app runs quietly in the background and will send an alert with a loud notification if an earthquake is detected nearby.
Millions of Californians have downloaded it for peace of mind. It also provides information after a quake—like magnitude and epicenter—and safety tips. It’s not intrusive (hopefully you’ll never hear it go off!), but having MyShake is a smart move just in case mother nature decides to rumble during your stay.
Citizen App
This app provides real-time safety alerts by crowdsourcing reports of incidents near you—things like car accidents, road closures, police activity, or fires. In Los Angeles, Citizen can be a double-edged sword.
On one hand, it can keep you informed about why there are sirens down the street or if a certain area is experiencing an incident; on the other, the constant stream of alerts might be more alarmist than necessary for a traveler. Citizen uses your location to push out updates on nearby emergencies or community reports. S
ome locals keep it to stay aware of what’s happening in their neighborhood. If you choose to use it, treat the info as FYI and not as something to panic over. LA is generally safe in tourist areas, and you likely won’t need Citizen—but it’s there if you’re the type who likes to know what that helicopter is hovering for.
LADOT Parking & Street Sweeping Tools
If you’ll be driving or even parking a rental car on LA streets, this will save you headaches and tickets. Los Angeles has many parking rules (especially street cleaning signs that mandate moving your car on certain mornings).
The LA Parking app ecosystem isn’t a single app but a set of tools: one popular option is a service like SweepSpotter (and similar apps) that tracks the city’s biweekly street-cleaning schedules. These apps send you smart alerts so you know when you need to move your car for street sweeping and when it’s safe to park again.
They effectively help you “find extra parking days” on streets – for example, if one side of the street is cleaned on Monday and the other on Tuesday, the app will remind you to switch sides. This is huge in residential areas where a street-cleaning ticket can cost over $70.
Additionally, for paid metered parking in busy areas like Downtown or Westwood, the ParkMobile app (partnered with LADOT) allows you to pay meters by phone and extend time remotely. Always check posted signs when you park, but having these parking apps will help you avoid common pitfalls like unknowingly parking on a street right before the sweeper comes.
AccuWeather or Carrot Weather
Los Angeles may be famous for its sunshine, but the microclimates here can catch you off guard. It might be 85°F and sunny in the San Fernando Valley, but a marine fog could make it 65°F in Santa Monica at the same time. A good weather app is key to planning your day.
AccuWeather (in partnership with local channel ABC7) offers minute-by-minute forecasts and even a MinuteCast feature that can tell you if drizzle is expected in the next 20 minutes. Carrot Weather, on the other hand, gives forecasts with a side of snarky humor, and is highly customizable – you can set it to pull data from sources that excel in microclimate accuracy (like DarkSky or WeatherUnderground).
Both apps allow you to check conditions by neighborhood. Always look at the forecast for where you’re actually going: if you plan to hike in Malibu or spend an evening in Venice Beach, the temperature and conditions might differ from Downtown. A quick check can help you bring a jacket for the coast or sunscreen for the valley.
With these apps, you’ll know to expect that morning “June Gloom” marine layer near the ocean or if Santa Ana winds will make the city extra warm. LA’s weather is generally lovely, but a hyper-local forecast ensures you’re dressed for it, wherever you roam.
Shopping, Groceries & Delivery
After a long day of exploring, you might need some essentials or a midnight snack at your hotel. LA’s delivery apps can be a lifesaver when you’re too tired to run to the store:
Instacart
Groceries delivered to your door, anywhere in Los Angeles. Instacart partners with nearly every supermarket and grocery store chain in the area (Ralphs, Vons, Whole Foods, Target, you name it).
Using the app, you can shop for anything from fresh produce to toiletries, and a personal shopper will pick and deliver your items, often within a couple of hours. Staying at an Airbnb and need some breakfast items? Instacart it. Craving snacks or bottled water without hunting for a convenience store? Instacart’s got you.
It’s also useful for specialty stores – want some organic kombucha or gluten-free pastries? Select a local health food store and see what they have. Just note: delivery fees can vary, and tipping your delivery driver is customary.
Instacart is especially convenient in a car-centric city like LA where stores might not be within walking distance of your accommodation. With a few taps, you can stock your fridge and spend more time enjoying your trip instead of grocery shopping.
DoorDash / Uber Eats
Hungry at your hotel after a day of sightseeing? Food delivery apps have virtually every restaurant in Los Angeles at your fingertips. DoorDash and Uber Eats are two of the biggest, and both work similarly: browse nearby restaurants (or faraway ones that deliver), order meals or drinks, and a driver will bring it to you.
LA’s vast culinary selection is available here – you can get anything from In-N-Out burgers to high-end sushi delivered. Use filters to find what you’re craving: tacos, Thai, vegan, pizza, etc., and read user reviews for quality. Delivery is especially handy if you’re staying somewhere without a car and the local dining options close early.
Many kitchens in LA are open late, and these apps will show you 24/7 or late-night options as well (perfect for jetlagged travelers needing a 2 AM snack). Just remember, service and delivery fees apply, and tipping the courier is expected. It’s worth it when you’re exhausted and just want to eat dinner in your Airbnb in your pajamas while watching a movie.
GoPuff
The app for instant essentials. GoPuff is like a 24/7 convenience store on wheels, delivering snacks, drinks, and everyday items in a flash. Need Advil, a phone charger, some chips and sodas, and maybe a pint of ice cream? GoPuff specializes in small, quick orders of stuff you’d normally grab at a corner store or pharmacy.
They stock thousands of products in their own local warehouses and promise fast delivery (sometimes in 15-30 minutes depending on the time and location). It’s super useful if you run out of sunscreen at the beach or forgot to pack toothpaste. Even late at night, GoPuff will deliver munchies, alcohol (in many areas, with ID check), or even pet food.
The delivery fee is usually a flat rate and relatively low. Tourists love it because instead of hunting for a 7-Eleven in an unfamiliar neighborhood, you can relax and wait for your gummy bears and bottled cold brew to come to you. GoPuff operates across LA’s neighborhoods, from the Westside to the Valley.
Beach, Outdoors & Photography Tools
Los Angeles offers sunny beaches, scenic hikes, and photogenic vistas at every turn. Here are a few apps to enhance your outdoor and photography experiences:
Tide Charts App
If your LA plans involve the ocean (and they should!), a tide app is extremely handy. Southern California’s tides can vary the beach width by a huge margin, and low tide is the best time to explore tide pools or walk along certain beaches.
A simple Tide Charts app (there are several; many are free) or even the NOAA tide schedule will tell you daily high and low tide times. For example, if you want to check out the tide pools at Abalone Cove or Leo Carrillo Beach, you’ll need to go at low tide when the rocks and pools are exposed.
Surfers also rely on tide info—some surf breaks near Malibu only work at a higher tide, others better at low. By checking a tide app, you can plan your beach day: go tide-pooling in the morning low tide, then sunbathe when the tide comes in.
These apps often include sunrise/sunset times and even wave height and water temperature. It’s a simple tool, but essential for any beach or coastal activity in LA. No one likes arriving at a tide pool only to find it underwater!
SunCalc / Golden Hour
For photographers and sunset chasers, these apps are gold. SunCalc is a map-based tool that shows the sun’s trajectory and timing for any location. In Los Angeles, where golden hour can turn the skyline and palm trees into pure magic, knowing when and where the sun will set is key.
SunCalc and similar “golden hour” apps (like Magic Hour or PhotoTime) will tell you the exact times for sunrise, sunset, and the golden hour periods in between. For instance, if you’re aiming to get that perfect photo of Santa Monica Pier at sunset, the app might show golden hour starting at 6:30 PM with sunset at 7:00 PM – that’s your window for the best light.
These apps often let you set alerts so you don’t miss the evening glow. They’re also useful if you plan to hike to a viewpoint – you can time your hike to catch sunset at the summit (like climbing to Griffith Observatory or Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook for panoramic views).
Many parts of LA have stunning sunsets, and in the fall and winter the skies can be especially clear and colorful. With a golden hour app, you’ll always be ready to snap that postcard-worthy shot of palm tree silhouettes against a fiery sky.
LA County Beaches & Harbors
Official info on beach conditions, right from the source. The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches & Harbors provides updates on things like ocean water quality, beach closures, surf advisories, and facilities. They have a website and a mobile-friendly interface (though not a highly polished app in the traditional sense, it’s worth bookmarking).
Before heading to the beach, you can check for any posted warnings—e.g., high bacteria levels after heavy rain (common in winter) or if certain beaches are closed for an event. Additionally, there’s the Beach Report Card app by Heal the Bay, which gives every beach a letter grade for water cleanliness.
That’s useful if you plan to swim; you’d want to see an A-grade for safe water quality. Between the county updates and the report card, you’ll know if, say, Malibu’s surf is rough due to a swell, or if Venice Beach has any advisories. For surfers, you might already use Surfline for wave forecasts, but the county’s info will cover safety aspects that general surf apps don’t.
Overall, having quick access to Beaches & Harbors info means no surprises when you arrive at the coast. You can enjoy the sun and surf with peace of mind that conditions are good.
Emergency & Travel Support
Traveling to a new city is easier when you have tools to bridge language gaps and keep you connected. Here are a few supportive apps for international visitors and general peace of mind:
Google Translate
Los Angeles is a wonderfully diverse city, often described as a cultural mosaic. You might encounter Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Armenian, Tagalog, Persian, and dozens of other languages as you explore various neighborhoods. Google Translate is your pocket translator for it all.
The app can instantly translate text: handy if you’re reading a menu at a dim sum restaurant in Monterey Park or a street sign in Chinatown. Even more impressive, you can use your camera to live-translate signs or packaging – just point it at that Korean snack label and it will overlay the English.
The conversation mode is a lifesaver if you need to communicate with someone who isn’t fluent in English (or if your own Spanish or Mandarin is rusty). It will listen and translate in real time, allowing for a back-and-forth chat.
In LA, many people speak English, but using a bit of the local language can be a fun way to connect (trying a “gracias” in East LA or “xièxiè” in the San Gabriel Valley goes a long way). Google Translate supports all these interactions, making sure language is never a barrier to enjoying what LA’s diverse communities offer.
WhatsApp / Viber
When traveling from abroad, staying in touch with folks back home or coordinating with travel companions is important. These communication apps use data or Wi-Fi, so you can avoid roaming charges on international calls and texts. WhatsApp is incredibly popular and ubiquitous in LA (and worldwide) for messaging and voice calls. It’s great for texting your Airbnb host or sharing live locations with friends.
You’ll notice many restaurants or tour operators even list their WhatsApp number for easy contact. Skype and Viber similarly allow free or cheap VOIP calls. If you need to call a landline or make a longer video call, Skype can be useful. Essentially, load up whichever app you and your close contacts prefer before your trip.
With the prevalent Wi-Fi in hotels and cafés, you can make a quick video call from Venice Beach to show your family the sunset, or dial into a work meeting from your Hollywood hotel, all without using your phone’s minutes. It’s also handy if you meet fellow travelers and want to keep in touch—just swap WhatsApp numbers instead of expensive SMS.
Travel Insurance App
Hopefully you’ll never need it, but if you have travel insurance, download your provider’s app (or at least keep their contact info handy). Most major travel insurers (Allianz, AIG Travel Guard, World Nomads, etc.) have apps where you can access your policy details, get guidance in an emergency, or file a claim.
In Los Angeles, serious emergencies will be handled by dialing 911 for immediate help. But for less critical issues—like losing your luggage at LAX, needing to find a clinic for a minor illness, or documentation if something gets stolen—your travel insurance app can streamline the process.
For example, you can quickly pull up your policy number and coverage info, find approved medical facilities nearby, or use in-app chat to ask for assistance. Some even have 24/7 emergency hotlines you can call through the app. It’s much easier than digging through emails or paper copies of your policy when you’re stressed. So, before you depart, install the app and log in. In the rare event you need it, you’ll be glad it’s right there on your phone, one tap away.
The Takeaway
With a few tools on your phone, you can handle traffic, find great food, move between neighborhoods, and keep track of events and safety information without stress. What could have been a complicated trip quickly becomes smooth and predictable when your phone handles the logistics for you.
The key is preparation. Download the essential apps before you arrive, set up transit or rideshare accounts, save a few restaurants and activities, and you’ll step into the city already equipped to move confidently. Good digital tools replace guesswork with clear directions, real-time updates, and reliable recommendations, helping you spend more time enjoying LA and less time figuring things out on the fly.
You can go from the beach to downtown, find a great meal nearby, discover an event happening tonight, and get home safely, all with a few taps. A smart app setup gives you the freedom to enjoy the best of LA at your own pace, relaxed, informed, and fully in control of your trip.
FAQ
Q1. Which navigation app is best for driving in Los Angeles?
Most locals use a combination: Google Maps for reliable directions and traffic estimates, and Waze for aggressive rerouting around sudden jams and accidents.
Q2. Do I need a specific app to use public transit in LA?
Transit and the Metro TAP app together cover almost everything: real-time Metro bus and rail arrivals, trip planning, and paying fares with a TAP card or phone.
Q3. What apps should I use for restaurant recommendations in Los Angeles?
Yelp is the go-to for reviews and photos, while OpenTable and Resy are best for securing reservations at popular or trendy restaurants.
Q4. Are there apps to help me find events happening in LA?
Yes. Eventbrite is great for concerts, festivals and community events, while Fever highlights immersive pop-ups, candlelight concerts and unique experiences.
Q5. What’s the best app for hiking and outdoor trails around LA?
AllTrails is the most widely used, offering maps, difficulty ratings, user reviews and the ability to download trail routes offline.
Q6. How can I check LA’s beach and tide conditions?
Use a tide chart app for high and low tide times, and pair it with local resources like LA County Beaches & Harbors or a beach report card app to check water quality.
Q7. Are there any safety apps I should have in Los Angeles?
MyShake provides earthquake early warnings, detailed weather apps help with microclimates, and parking tools or LADOT-linked apps can help you avoid tickets.
Q8. Which apps are best for food and grocery delivery in LA?
Instacart handles groceries, while DoorDash, Uber Eats and GoPuff cover restaurant delivery and convenience items delivered to your accommodation.
Q9. How can international visitors handle language barriers in LA?
Google Translate is ideal for menus, signs and conversations; many locals also use WhatsApp for easy messaging and calls over Wi-Fi or data.
Q10. When should I set up these apps for my LA trip?
Download and log in before you arrive; add payment methods, preload transit or rideshare apps and save a few places so you’re ready to go as soon as you land.