Whether you're hoping for a future in the movies, aiming to catch a glimpse of your favourite Hollywood star, or you're just looking to sample the lifestyles of the rich and famous there is no better holiday destination than Los Angeles. The city is thriving, superficial and expensive but beneath the surface lies hidden depths that offer an alternative to the stereotypes. The peak season for a holiday in LA is July and August, but prices rise sharply during the summer months and those on a budget will struggle. Instead it’s best to visit in the off-peak seasons of March-May or September-November when there are smaller crowds and lower prices. Los Angeles airport is an international gateway with daily flights from the UK taking approximately 11hrs.
With its childlike spirit and movie-set vibe, Los Angeles will satisfy the most energetic traveller…
Despite its many amazing beaches, Los Angeles is not for those needing pure rest and relaxation. By contrast, LA is as 'get up and go' as it gets with so much to pack in no matter how long or short your stay. There is very much something for everyone, with family attractions and a blistering nightlife that will keep even the most hardened partygoer happy as they rub shoulders with the stars.
To experience the Californian culture all you have to do is sit back and relax on one of the many sandy beaches that line the Pacific Ocean. From Santa Monica to Venice Beach, Los Angeles is all about sexy sun-bronzed people and star spotting, with fabulous oceanfront promenades and many privately owned shorelines. Malibu beach is a playground for the rich and famous, with wide sands and rocky outcrops, and was the area where Baywatch was filmed. Santa Monica offers an alternative atmosphere with its pier, fairground and pedestrianised shopping area that bustles with street entertainers, evangelists and buskers. Santa Monica Pier is like a throwback to the 1920s with its old-worlde carnival attractions while Venice Beach is very much the modern stereotype with rollerbladers, muscle-men and bikini-clad beauties lining the beachfront.
Disneyland is perhaps the ultimate family destination, and often dubbed the 'happiest place on earth' with its seven districts including Adventureland and Frontierland. Universal Studios is a major draw for tourists with its famous theme park incorporating gut-wrenching rides such as Back to the Future and Return of the Mummy, while the studio tour itself offers state-of-the-art special effects.
Of course if you're really a movie fan, you won't be able to stay away from Hollywood itself, home of the world's most famous people. There are photo opportunities at the Walk of Fame, near the Chinese Theatre, and you can see handprints of the stars on the sidewalk or take a bus tour of movie stars' homes.
The world-renowned Getty Center is proof that there are hidden depths to LA, with paintings, photography and many other collections in a stunning setting overlooking the Santa Monica Mountains. Amazingly, admission is free making this the best bargain of any trip.
Of course the accommodation in Los Angeles is of the highest order, with an array of first class hotels along Sunset Boulevard, one of the most famous streets in the world. Beverley Hills hotel is perhaps the most famous hotel in the region, but oddly not always the most expensive with close contenders including The Four Seasons and Chateau Marmont.
Beverley Hills is the shopping capital of LA, with numerous designer shops and multi-national restaurants. Even if you're on a strict budget, don't miss a trip down Rodeo Drive - one of the most famous streets in the world. Elsewhere there are many huge shopping malls and a huge variety of restaurants and bars to enjoy almost every type of cuisine.
Sunset Strip is very much the centre of LA's nightlife scene and once dusk falls the many bars and clubs are quickly packed to the rafters with the cool crowd. The Viper Room, a hip art deco club once owned by Johnny Depp, is on must 'must visit' lists however there is real variety in the area and no shortage of places to chill out or party hard at.
