California Dreaming… To Do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the second most populous city in the United States of America. With almost 3.8 million inhabitants, the City of Angels is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world and definitely the most populous city in the state of California. Located on the Pacific Coast, in Southern California, Los Angeles has become the most diverse city in the US, since its foundation in 1781.

Los Angeles skyline

Today, the city where young girls dream to travel and become famous is a world centre of culture, entertainment, fashion, science, technology, international trade and business. LA is the third largest economic centre in the world, after Greater Tokyo and New York, and is also called the Entertainment Capital of the World, being the home base of Hollywood. Visiting Los Angeles is like stepping into a movie: sunny beaches, white sands, clear water, famous people just strolling down the streets, amazing Hollywood venues, lush forests and ample malls will make your holiday simply unforgettable.

City of Angels popular beaches

People throughout California come to LA and try to find a spot on Venice Beach. This place is truly the Mecca of the hot southern country. The venue’s daily customers are skateboarders, radical pamphleteers and body builders, along with curious tourists and numerous locals walking their dogs, biking or simply strolling along the sea line. The bohemian district is truly beautiful, just as sparkling Laguna Beach.

Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood Boulevard

Everyone comes to sunny LA to spot a superstar and if anywhere, Hollywood is the place to do that. Walk the Walk of Fame and gaze upon the 2,000 music and movie stars immortalized on the pink terrazzo in gold lettering. For a baggie of stardust, go to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and lookout for the celebrities’ hand and footprints and the memorabilia of the numerous premieres and galas that took place there. In Hollywood, celebrities are never far away and if you’re a film buff, you might be so lucky to see one shopping or having a cup of coffee downtown.

Art, art, art

For all art lovers out there, the heart of California does not disappoint: there are more than 800 museums and art galleries in Los Angeles County. The Getty Centre is a magnificent venue and the envy of modern art museums worldwide. The masterpieces on display cover the period starting from Renaissance to the present day and include the works of Rubens, Gainsborough, and a touch of impressionism through paintings of Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir and Cézanne. Take a stroll through the gardens and admire the sculptures of Moore, Miró and many more.

Tech buffs have to visit the Museum of Jurassic Technology, the exhibitions inside are quite unique. Scientific wonders include a bat that flies through walls and incredibly small sculptures. The experimental nook is definitely a must see, as it combines fact and fiction to offer a fun experience to the curious that wander inside.

Disneyland

Learn about the history and evolution of art in the vast complex of Los Angeles County Museum. Housed in over 20 acres of buildings, the focus point is the Grand Pavilion, together with the Broad Contemporary Art Museum displaying a dazzling collection.

However, to capture a trio of art venues, try the Huntington Library, where art collections are housed and the Botanical Gardens stretch quietly. The ingenious multi purpose venue includes a Desert Garden with cacti and a traditional English Shakespeare Garden.

Disneyland

No matter your age, a trip to California would not be complete without seeing Disneyland. This is probably the most fun theme park in the world, featuring your favourite childhood cartoon characters, full sized and waving from their dream like environments. Stroll into the wooden house of Winnie the Pooh, take a photo with Mickey and Minnie in Toontown or experience the epic Indiana Jones Adventure.

Griffith Observatory

The Sound of Music

Music brings people together and as LA’s pride is its success in this showbiz area, you should try the crown jewel of LA Music Centre: Walt Disney Concert Hall. In spite of its name, there’s nothing funny about it; the majestic auditorium is home to the internationally renowned LA Philharmonic and the LA Master Chorale.

To immortalize your auditive trip to the heart of California, make a quick stop to Amoeba, the largest independent record store in the United States. The collection they have in sale is quite impressive and the staff is truly knowledgeable.

Shopping in LA: Rodeo Drive and more

Do you remember the movie ”Pretty Woman” featuring Julia Roberts? What woman would pass up a chance to (window) shop in style on famous Rodeo Drive? A few minutes away is Anderson Court, a shopping mall designed for all wallet sizes. For chic clothes and delicious food, try the open air Grove Mall, equipped with brand stores including Abercrombie & Fitch and Barney’s.

Vincent Thomas Bridge

American cuisine

LA is definitely an international city and Angelenos have the possibility to travel the whole world in a day – culinary speaking. Specialty restaurants can be found all over the city, but popular places among locals and tourist alike include Philippe the Original – for a delicious French beef sandwich, Du Par’s – for comfort food, Bryan’s Pit BBQ, for original Texan grills and Bennett’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream for the most refreshing scoops in town.

Rock out…LA style

To have a fancy drink in elegance, go to Bar Marmont, an exquisite venue featuring great food as well. Suit up and head to Edison to enjoy an odd yet entertaining cabaret show. For those looking for your average LA party – a noisy, crowded madness, with great music and endless booze, join the masses heading to Avalon, LA’s super club. The featured music will send you to Europe’s techno clubs and the party won’t end until morning. Youngsters will gather at Smell, for its punk and indie-noise musical accords.

Hollywood sign

Los Angeles is a sensational city, in all aspects of the word. The HOLLYWOOD sign on the hills announces the beginning of the experience of a lifetime, with hot, sunny days, vast beaches filled with happy, perfectly tanned people, numerous museums, great music, tasty food, the Disney experience and of course, the opportunity to catch a glimpse of your favourite celebrity. A simple stroll through the city will offer impressive sights, such as the Watts Towers, the Fox Plaza, the Dodger Stadium plus Staples Centre, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Vincent Thomas Bridge, Griffith Observatory and so many more.

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