From iconic landmarks to breathtaking views, Los Angeles has something for everyone. Whether you are soaking up the sun at Santa Monica Pier or exploring the lively culture at The Getty Centre, these five experiences will give you a true taste of what the City of Angels has to offer.
Must-See Sights and Travel Essentials
Los Angeles is one of the most exciting and diverse cities in the world, making it an incredible place to learn English, with the chance to explore iconic landmarks, enjoy world-famous attractions, and experience the vibrant cultural scene that LA has to offer. The city boasts a rich history that includes the rise of Hollywood, vibrant neighborhoods, and a melting pot of cultures that contribute to its unique character.
Climate
The weather in Los Angeles is consistent nearly year-round, with sunny skies and temperate conditions. The city boasts a Mediterranean climate, characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city experiences an average of 284 sunny days per year.
Money
The currency used in Los Angeles is the United States Dollar (USD).
Telephone Country Code
The telephone country code for the United States is +1.
Electricity
110 V; 60Hz – 2 flat-pin plugs or third round pins are used.
Tap water
Tap water in Los Angeles is safe to drink, unless there are signs to the contrary, and meets all federal and state standards for health and safety.
Transport
Los Angeles is known for its vast network of freeways, making driving the most common form of transportation. However, traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours. Renting a car or using ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft can make getting around more convenient.
Public Transport Info
os Angeles has a public transportation system, primarily managed by the LA Metro. The Metro offers buses, light rail, and subway services that connect many parts of the city. You can buy a TAP card for easy access to the Metro system.
Public holidays falling on a weekday
2025: 1 Jan, 20 Jan, 17 Feb, 31 Mar, 26 May, 19 Jun, 04 Jul, 01 Sept, 13 Oct, 11 Nov, 27 Nov, 28 Nov, 25 Dec.
A visa may be required depending on your nationality and length of stay. For Visa information, please visit our Visa Requirements page
Legal Driving Age
The minimum driving age is 16 years, but most rental companies require that you be at least 21 years old and have an international driving license.
Alcohol Age
The legal drinking age in California is 21. Bars and restaurants may ask for ID to confirm your age before serving alcohol, so it’s a good idea to carry identification with you. You will not be able to enter a club in Los Angeles if you are under 21.
Smoking Laws
Smoking is banned in all enclosed public places and workplaces, including restaurants and bars. It is illegal to smoke outdoors within 25 feet of any apartment building door, window or vent, in common areas, such as a walkway or a courtyard. There is also no smoking on Third Street promenade, all beaches, all bus stops, parks, in the common areas of multi-unit apartment buildings and within twenty feet of the entrances to all public buildings. Violations of this law are subject to a fine of $250.
Insurance
All EC Los Angeles students must be covered by health insurance for the entire length of their stay in the U.S.
Cost of Living
Bottle of water / soda (0.33 litre)
$1.00-$3.00
Coffee/Cappuccino (Starbucks)
$3.50-$5.50
Fast-Food combo meal
$7.00-$10.00
Meal, inexpensive restaurant
$10.00-$25.00
Fitness club (monthly, 1 adult)
$25.00-$70.00
Public transport (local transport)
$1.75 (one-way)
Public transport (monthly pass)
$90.00-$110.0
One of LA’s most iconic attractions, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Stretching along Hollywood Boulevard, this star-studded sidewalk pays tribute to celebrities from the worlds of film, television, music, and more.
Perched atop the Santa Monica Mountains, the Getty Center is not just an art museum, but an architectural marvel, with its striking design, sweeping views of Los Angeles, and impressive art collections ranging from European paintings to contemporary photography. Admission is free.
No visit to Los Angeles is complete without a trek to the iconic Hollywood Sign. Various trails lead you through Griffith Park, offering stunning views of the sign and the sprawling city below. This is a chance to capture memorable photos against one of the most recognisable backdrops in the world.
Known for its bohemian spirit, this lively beach is a hub of activity, with street performers, artists, and vendors lining the famous boardwalk. Whether you are looking to sunbathe, skate, or people-watch, Venice Beach offers a vibrant mix of entertainment and relaxation.
Universal Studios is a place where the magic of cinema comes to life. Step behind the scenes of your favorite movies and TV shows at this theme park and working film studio offers thrilling rides, immersive experiences, and a glimpse into the magic of Hollywood.
Venice Beach is known for its eclectic atmosphere, featuring street performers, unique shops, and Muscle Beach gym. Take a leisurely walk along the boardwalk, rent a bike to cruise along the beachfront path, or indulge in some people-watching.
Find out how our international students turned their first steps in language learning into important achievements that changed their lives.
We offer a variety of English courses at our Los Angeles language school.
Our General English course is our most popular language programme. The standard course (vacation English course) is 20 lessons per week (15 hours) and covers all the core English skills. General English is also available as the following flexible courses:
24 lessons per week (18 hours)
26 lessons (19.5 hours)
30 lessons (22.5 hours)
At our language school, if you choose a course with more than 20 lessons per week, you’ll have the chance to personalise your learning through Special Focus Classes (SFC). These classes allow you to focus on specific skills or topics, such as pronunciation, conversation, grammar, or English for professional purposes. Here’s how it works:
General English 24: 20 General English lessons + 4 Special Focus Classes
General English 26: 20 General English lessons + 6 Special Focus Classes
General English 30: 20 General English lessons + 10 Special Focus Classes
If you want an intensive English programme, choose General English 30.
Each EC school offers a variety of SFC options, so you can choose the ones that match your interests and goals.
We also offer English for Work, ideal for students who want to improve their English in Los Angeles for their career or to succeed in the English-speaking business world.
One-to-One lessons are private, 60-minute sessions with your own teacher. These lessons are designed just for you, so you can focus on your personal goals, whether that’s improving your grammar, preparing for a job interview, building confidence in speaking, or working on specific areas you find challenging. You can combine One-to-One lessons with any group course at EC Los Angeles. This means you’ll enjoy the social and interactive experience of learning with classmates while also getting individual attention to progress even faster.
At EC Los Angeles, you have the option to stay with a host family or in a shared student apartment.
If you choose a homestay, you’ll live with a local family; an ideal option if you want to practise your English in a warm, welcoming environment. It’s a great way to experience American culture and enjoy home-cooked meals while speaking English every day.
The shared student apartment option provides you with more independence and the opportunity to live with other international students, making it easy to form friendships and enjoy life in LA together.
Students choose to study English in Los Angeles because they want to explore and experience one of the world’s most famous cities. From sunny beaches to movie studios and iconic streets, there’s always something to see and do.
Our English school is in beautiful Santa Monica, just a short walk from Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica Beach and the iconic Santa Monica Pier, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, street performers, and an old-fashioned amusement park. You can relax on the sand after class, or ride a bike along the beach path to Venice Beach, known for its colourful boardwalk, quirky shops, and skate park.
A short trip inland takes you to Beverly Hills and Bel Air, where you can see the luxury homes of celebrities. Walk along Hollywood Boulevard, see the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and take a photo outside the famous TCL Chinese Theater, where many movie premieres happen. If you’re lucky, you might even see a celebrity!
The Natural History Museum, The Broad and The Getty Center are three of LA’s best museums and galleries.
For exciting day trips and excursions, you can visit world-famous theme parks like Universal Studios and Disneyland. Both are perfect places to have fun while listening to and using English in real-life situations.
Los Angeles is also an excellent base for weekend trips. You can travel to San Diego to enjoy beaches and the world-famous zoo, or take a trip to Santa Barbara, a beautiful coastal town with Spanish-style buildings and relaxed charm. For nature lovers, there’s Oak Glen, a quiet town in the mountains known for apple picking and fresh air.
If you want to go further, on the weekends you can visit Las Vegas for bright lights and entertainment, or take an unforgettable trip to Yosemite National Park, where you’ll see stunning waterfalls, forests, and mountain views. Big Bear is closer and an excellent escape to nature. Some tours also follow parts of historic Route 66, the famous American road that stretches across the country.
Whatever your interests, whether it’s shopping, surfing, sightseeing, or exploring nature, Los Angeles has it all. Every experience is a chance to improve your English ability, meet people from around the world, and make unforgettable memories.
Yes, you will likely need a student visa (F-1) to study English in Los Angeles if your course is longer than 18 hours per week or if it is longer than 6 months. It’s essential to check the specific rules and regulations for your country and the length of your intended stay in the USA.
Los Angeles is one of the most inspiring places in the world to learn English. It’s a global city with people from many cultures, so you’ll hear different accents, expressions, and ways of speaking English, making it a perfect environment for real-world learning.
The city’s creative energy is everywhere: in its film and music industries, its street art and fashion, and its friendly, relaxed lifestyle. You’ll learn in a place that’s both laid-back and full of ambition, where people come to follow their dreams, and you can too.
At EC Los Angeles, you’ll study just minutes from the beach, in safe and beautiful Santa Monica. Students choose to study English in Los Angeles for personal growth, for career advancement, and for educational purposes. Whatever your reasons for learning English, our experienced teachers and supportive community will help you succeed.
Outside the classroom, you’ll speak English every day with locals, classmates, and your other new international friends. You’ll quickly improve your English while discovering everything this exciting city has to offer. Learning English in Los Angeles is about studying and living the language.
