As the second-largest city in the United States, Los Angeles offers a wealth of activities that could occupy the lifetime of any visitor. If you want to pare down your options to a more manageable vacation period, check out these tips.

Rent a Car

Although the city has made great strides in public transportation recently, the light rail line still doesn’t go everywhere that a traveler would wish. Save yourself some time and aggravation by renting a car — either from the airport for convenience, or near your hotel to save money. You can then pick from Los Angeles hotels located anywhere in the metropolis, as long as they’re near a freeway and offer parking. One example is The Standard Downtown LA, which is two blocks away from an entrance to the Harbor Freeway. Leave your vehicle with the valet for ultimate convenience.

Hang With the Locals

Spend enough time in the city and you’ll find out about its people. But if you’re pressed for time or need a quick lesson on what makes L.A. locals tick, hang out at the Venice Beach boardwalk on a sunny weekend. You’ll rub shoulders with muscle men working out in an outdoor gym, grannies in bikinis, chainsaw jugglers, blond surfers and vendors hawking sunglasses and t-shirts. You can also lay out on the expansive beach or catch a wave in the Pacific Ocean. If you want walking access to this microcosm of Southern California, find a room at Hotel Erwin, which boasts coastal views from its high Rooftop Lounge.

Discover Hollywood

Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world because of the movies and television shows produced there. For a taste of Old Hollywood glamour, take a stroll on Hollywood Boulevard to admire the celebrities commemorated with stars on the Walk of Fame. Then match your palms to the hand prints left by the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable on the cement of the Chinese Theater. The Hollywood Roosevelt also celebrates the old cinema in grand style.

If you prefer new movie-making with spectacular special effects, spend a day at Universal Studios, where the rides detail the magic of modern cinema.The Sheraton Universal Hotel is all about the 21st century too, and features free computer access.

Start planning your Los Angeles vacation with these suggestions, so you can develop an itinerary that maximizes your time and satisfies your interests. You can then spend the rest of your trip enjoying your time in the sun.