• Public transportation does exist despite the overriding California car culture. LA metro rail service has expanded and improved over the last 10 years and is worth considering. A single-trip fare valid on one line in one direction costs $1.25 and can be purchased from ticket vending machines located in the stations.

Alternatively, a day pass (good until 3AM the next day) costs $5.

• Conserve water. LA is basically a dry basin with much of its water imported hundreds of miles from the Colorado River and Sierra Nevada reservoirs. Please avoid running water unnecessarily and tap water is safe to drink.

• Where’s the sun? If you’ve got bronzed beach bodies and playing in the surf on your mind, there are several great options, but keep in mind you may find Southern California less sunny than you expected, especially at the beaches. It’s common to have morning fog or overcast skies at the beaches in early summer, usually clearing up by early afternoon. Referred to by local residents as "June gloom," it can extend into July and August, too.

• Be sun safe. Even on overcast days, be sure to layer on the sunscreen because the UV light goes right through the clouds and burns skin just as a bright sunny day.

• Los Angeles International (LAX) is the major gateway airport, but Long Beach Airport (LGB), Bob Hope (Burbank) Airport (BUR), and Orange County/John Wayne Airport (SNA) are less crowded regional airports that offer domestic flights.

• Federal Holidays (listed below) will mean bank and government buildings close. With the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas, shopping usually heats up on holidays with many stores offering sales.

Observed Holidays:

January 1 New Year’s Day,

January 17, 2011 Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

February 21, 2011 Washington’s Birthday

May 30, 2011 Memorial Day Monday,

July 4 Independence Day

September 5, 2011 Labor Day Monday

October 10, 2011 Columbus Day

November 11 Veterans Day

November 24, 2011 Thanksgiving Day

December 25 Christmas Day