Driving

[drunk on kool aid]

I don't know if uptown_urbanist (who has mastered the L.A. public transportation system and is very comfortable with it) is lumping me in with those whom she(?) is peeved at, but allow me to elaborate a bit.

No question that the original poster's trip can be accomplished with public transportation, especially if it is focussed on popular spots. I'd agree with uptown_urbanist that one will definitely see more of the scenery (the two-legged variety too) on a bus or train than by staring at the bumper of the car in front.

Another advantage which may not have been mentioned is that public transportation is a screaming bargain--a weekly Metro pass can be had for $17; an EZ Transit pass, which gives you additional access to the numerous municipal bus lines which criss cross L.A. County, is $70/month. A rental car, including the cost of petrol could easily exceed that cost in one day. Furthermore, not having to worry about parking is a huge plus.

The Metro buses and trains are bike-friendly. Many of the buses have racks on the front while you can just walk on with your bike on the trains. Bike lanes are not ubiquitous, however, and I am uncomfortable riding in fast traffic. I do see bicyclists and they can be as fast or faster than cars in heavy, slow traffic. It does get hot in L.A. and temperatures can remain high well into October and November so getting really sweaty might be an issue.

I have taken the bus and Metro Rail and have very positive experiences. And I'm sure that most of the popular destinations are serviced at reasonable intervals. Los Angeles has one of the largest bus fleets in the nation but it has to cover a massive area so that the density of coverage is comparatively low.

My only caveat is that in *most* cases, the car will get you to your destination faster than public transit and that it has greater flexibility. I've taken the bus at off hours on less popular lines and those may only come every hour. Even with shorter wait times, add up all of the transfers and the total can significantly eat into your vacation time. Remember, you are on a mission to most efficiently use the short time that you have. Unlike many on this forum, I would not hesitate to recommend public transportation to a resident. The calculus might be different for a tourist. Again, public transportation is very doable and has many advantages.

Regarding safety, standard street smarts that any city dweller would have acquired is sufficient: don't flash a giant wad of cash, leave your Patek Philippe at home, don't flaunt your iPhone, and don't mad dog (stare down) that dude with the facial tattoos.

Street gangs are a fact of life in L.A., but as mentioned by others, they don't make a habit of targeting non-gang members. Is it possible that you could come to an unfortunate end? Of course, but random violence can happen anywhere. Daytime travel in areas with people milling around is essentially safe.

I will second UB50's recommendation to explore downtown. The Bradbury building which was featured in "Blade Runner" might interest a film student as well as an architecture buff. The 2nd or 4th street tunnel has been filmed numerous times and will be instantly recognizable.

Ugh, I sure am verbose.

[uptown_urbanist]

^ No, no problems with your posts, drunk on kool aid. I agree with your post above, and wanted to echo for the OP the benefits of a visit downtown; in addition to the fabulous architecture (Bradbury building, etc.) and the vibrant, fascinating streetlife, you may also enjoy the (exteriors) of Broadway's many fabulous movie theaters; sometimes the LA Conservancy opens them for movies (otherwise they're usually only used for private events or screenings) through the Last Remaining Seats program: Los Angeles Conservancy | Last Remaining Seats.