Plan For Public Restrooms

One crucial but often overlooked travel tip when visiting Los Angeles is to plan for public restrooms, as they can be surprisingly scarce in certain areas, particularly in popular tourist destinations. Unlike many other major cities, LA doesn’t have an abundance of easily accessible public restrooms, especially in busy neighborhoods like Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach, where crowds of tourists and locals can make finding a restroom a challenge. If you’re out exploring the city, you may find yourself in situations where you’re urgently looking for a restroom but can’t easily spot one. Planning ahead can save you from unnecessary stress and ensure that you’re never caught in a situation where you’re scrambling for a restroom.

While large shopping malls, department stores, and public buildings like libraries or museums tend to offer restrooms to visitors, smaller tourist attractions, parks, or even outdoor areas might not have them at all. For example, if you’re walking along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, you may find that there aren’t many public facilities readily available. Similarly, if you’re hiking in Griffith Park or wandering around Venice Beach, you’ll need to plan ahead to locate restrooms before you get too far from the main areas. It's a good idea to check the layout of popular attractions or parks beforehand to identify restroom locations, so you aren’t caught off guard when nature calls.

To make sure you’re prepared, many locals and frequent visitors recommend using apps or websites that list public restrooms in your area. Services like the “SitOrSquat” app, for example, provide real-time information about nearby restrooms, including user reviews on cleanliness and accessibility. Additionally, some larger shopping centers or entertainment venues offer restroom maps or signage that will direct you to the nearest facilities. When in doubt, many fast-food restaurants, coffee shops, or large chain stores (like Starbucks or Target) will allow customers to use their restrooms, though it's courteous to make a purchase first. So, while planning to use a public restroom, keep in mind that your best bet is often to stop into a café, shop, or restaurant to use the facilities.

Another important consideration is timing and cleanliness. Public restrooms in LA, especially in tourist-heavy areas, can get crowded, so it’s a good idea to plan your restroom breaks during off-peak times to avoid long lines. Early mornings or late afternoons are typically less busy, and if you're visiting places like the Santa Monica Pier or Universal Studios, it's worth noting that the restrooms near entrance gates or food courts tend to be cleaner and better maintained. Be sure to carry hand sanitizer, wet wipes, or disinfectant wipes, as some public restrooms may not always have soap or tissue readily available. It's also worth checking if the location has any specific restroom policies, as some facilities may require you to pay a small fee for access, especially in tourist areas or on busy streets. By preparing in advance, you can ensure that your day in LA remains comfortable, hassle-free, and free of restroom-related emergencies.