I think the top negative for traverlers to LA County (where I live and love living here) is the cost to stay in a nice spot or near the ocean.

When we have visitors we say no Hollywood.

There is so much more. And if you're in Santa Monica I would suggest go to beaches north or south of the pier and you will love them. Not the pier.

Griffith Park

Huntington Gardens

The Broad

West Hollywood

Mount Wilson Trail

Zuma Beach

The Last Bookstore

And dozens of ethnic cuisines.

Lastly, if you enjoy vegan food, LA is a vegan mecca.