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Guide to Los Angeles, USA (California)
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Los Angeles
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Los Angeles
The extravagant city of Los Angeles thrives on its reputation as the media capital of the world. The City of Angels has one of the largest economies in the world. Travelling the streets of Hollywood youll feel like youre on a movie set; roam the boulevards of Beverly Hills and youll pass the mansions of the rich, famous and glamorous. The glitz of Hollywood, the fun of the theme parks, miles of beaches and amazing year-round weather - whats not to love?
How To Get There
LAX is one of the busiest international airports in the world. Its quite a distance from downtown and all the great hotels (30km), but public transport services are fast, efficient and will get you to your hotel quickly.
LAX offers a free shuttle bus service to the Transit Center for city bus access, and the Metro Green Line Aviation station for rail services.
Flight time is around 12 hours from London.
Travelling Around
LAs road system is good but very busy, so public transport is a great way for visitors to get around. Rent a car if youre planning to travel outside the city. LAs light rail system and buses are top-notch, and will get you almost anywhere fast.
When To Go
Los Angeles is beautiful in late-summer, but this is when prices are at their highest. There arent as many tourists in winter and spring, many hotels offer discounted rates. Winter days may have you reaching for a light jacket, but it never gets properly cold.
What To See
Since Los Angeles doesnt have a true centre, its a good idea to decide which areas you want to see and explore them individually.
If you want to rub shoulders with rich and famous, make your way to Beverly Hills. Most of the citys wealthiest musicians, actors, actresses, business executives live in this district.
Movie fans shouldnt miss the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman's Chinese Theater, and there are 'homes of the stars' bus tours which go past the most famous celebrity dwellings.
Disneyland is the most popular attraction in LA for children, but most of the citys tourist attractions are downtown. Visit the Civic Center and roam around the largest complex of government buildings in the nation outside of Washington DC. El Pueblo de Los Angeles is another interesting place to see. For a long time it was run down but the city eventually declared it a state historic park due to the many historic buildings on site. Check out the thriving open-air Mexican marketplace on Olvera Street. Near El Pueblo is Union Station, said to be the most beautiful historic building in LA. Be sure to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art as well. It was designed by the Japanese Architect Arata Isozaki, and is home to one of the worlds most prized modern art collections.
Head down to Venice Beach to see the street performers, or visit the stylish Marina de Rey which is the largest artificial harbour in the USA.
A shopping trip in LA encompasses the iconic streets like Melrose Avenue where thrift lovers can scour the vintage shops. Department stores Macys and Bloomingdales can be found in the Beverly Center District, while Rodeo Drive caters for the pricier end of the market.
Hotspot
Since it opened to the public in 1955, Disneyland has been visited by more than 515 million people. It is one of Los Angeles icons, and is a must for families. Located in Anaheim in Orange County, 28 miles south east of L.A., it can be reached easily by car.
Night LifeNightlife in L.A. is extremely diverse. In the city that never sleeps there is no shortage of clubs, bars and restaurants. From exclusive clubs, celebrity haunts, hip-hop joints, and hipster clubs there really is something for everyone. LA also has a huge music scene, with up-and-coming bands as well as gigs from some of the biggest bands in the industry. Check out Los Angeles.com for whats hot.
fast facts
LA is Americas second most populous city.The Port of Los Angeles is the busiest in the U.S.Los Angeles has more than 80 stage theatres and 300 museums, more than any U.S. city.LA is the largest manufacturing centre in the United States.
Quick History
The earliest settlers in what is now L.A. were the Tongva tribes. The first European to arrive was Juan Cabrillo in 1542. In the 1770s, Franciscan missionaries settled the area, establishing missions in San Gabriel and San Fernando. Spanish settlers from Mexico founded a pueblo in the area and named it in honour of Our Lady, Queen of Angels which was shortened to Los Angeles. After Mexicos independence from Spain in 1822 Los Angeles became part of the new country. It became part of America again in 1840s after the Mexican War.
Developments such as the South Pacific Railroad and the 1932 Olympics put Los Angeles on the map, and east coast filmmakers arrived in the early 1900s to avoid legal issues from using Edisons movie camera patent.
Los Angeles grew into a metropolis with the introduction of automobiles. Factories contributed ammunition and planes to World War II and the Cold War which led to economic growth. Immigration further boosted the economy, and Los Angeles grew in the 80s and 90s into the booming city it is today.
Money
There are around two dollars to the pound. Up-to-date exchange rates can be found here.
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