The home of Hollywood, Los Angeles needs no introduction. Also known as “La La Land” and the “City of Angels”, Los Angeles is the beating heart of America’s film industry. If you dig a little deeper, however, you’ll find there’s so much more to the star-studded city. From sun-drenched beaches to multicultural communities, America’s second largest city is full of surprises.

Things to Do

Start by hitting Hollywood Boulevard, where more than 2,600 stars line the Walk of Fame. Snap a selfie in front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre, then head to Rodeo Drive for retail therapy or wide-eyed window shopping.

Los Angeles is the birthplace of blockbusters, so why take a behind the scenes tours of Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures and Warner Brothers? If Mickey Mouse is more your scene, head to Anaheim for a magical day at Disneyland.

Venice Beach Boardwalk is a must, as is the legendary Santa Monica Pier. For a bird’s-eye view of the city, nothing beats the vistas found from Griffith Observatory.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, Los Angeles is blessed with natural beauty. Stretch your legs with a hike to the iconic Hollywood sign on Mount Lee, or join aspiring celebrities for a jog around Griffith Park or Runyon Canyon. When it comes to food, LA delivers. Find some of the best picks in neighbourhoods like Koreatown, Little Tokyo, Eagle Rock and East Hollywood.

Getting Around

Los Angeles is big and relies heavily on freeways to get from A to B. This means renting a car is a popular way to explore the city. If you’re not keen on driving, city sightseeing tours are a great way to tick off major attractions. Buses run downtown, but connections to wider LA can be slow and unreliable. For a quick and easy ride, Uber is a great alternative.