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From sightings of famous movie stars along Hollywood Boulevard to lounging on the upscale beaches in Malibu, the glamor of this southern California metropolis is known worldwide. Visitors flock to Los Angeles for the remarkably mild weather, inviting coastal beaches, and cultural diversity. From touring the attractions you’ve seen in the glossy magazines, to wandering around Hollywood neighborhoods, to claiming a top sunbathing spot on one of the many beaches, you're never short on things to do in this West Coast city.
L.A. is spread so far and wide that it would be impossible to define the City of Angels by only one neighborhood. There are three distinct parts of the city that draw in travelers.
When people think of Los Angeles, old-time silver screen glamor often springs to mind. “Tinseltown” is experiencing a revival in recent years, with plenty of star-struck visitors heading to the Hollywood Wax Museum on Hollywood Boulevard, along with countless movie-themed attractions. Every showbiz fan who visits Los Angeles should take a stroll up and down the Hollywood Walk of Fame and check out the TCL Chinese Theater.
As in Hollywood, the glitz of the golden age of movies lives on in the Westside. Some of the most sensational residential dwellings in all of Los Angeles are found in the Bel Air, Beverly Hills and Brentwood neighborhoods that sit graciously between Hollywood and the coast. If you've ever wanted to window shop on Rodeo Drive or drive down Sunset Boulevard, the Westside is the place to make it happen.
The city known to locals as “La-La Land” boasts more than 60 miles of beach coastline. Ask 10 people about their favorite beach, and you're sure to get 10 different answers. If you're a family visiting Los Angeles in the summertime, you may wish to visit Leo Carrillo State Park, which is about 28 miles northwest of Santa Monica on the Pacific Coast Highway. The visitor center offers educational tours, and there are plenty of caves, reefs and tide pools to explore. If you're looking for a romantic beachside interlude, you'll appreciate the relative seclusion of El Matador Beach. Approximately 10 miles northwest of the town of Malibu, the tiny pocket beach is not easy to find, but that's part of its quirky charm. Be prepared to hike a short but rugged path from the parking area to the waves. Pack a picnic to enjoy with someone special in one of El Matador's secret coves.
If you're in town on business or attending one of the trade shows, you might want to book business-class lodging at one of the Los Angeles hotels near the downtown convention center. If you are visiting with children in tow, a suite of kid-friendly rooms in Anaheim near Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm theme park may be a better choice. Staying in one of the high-class beachfront resorts is perfect for those wanting a more intimate vacation experience.
If weather is the deciding factor, there's really no bad time to visit the City of Angels. Many seasoned travelers recommend visiting southern California from September to November or from March to May. During these months, the temperature in Los Angeles rarely exceeds 70 degrees. Because of the Mediterranean climate, visiting at any time of year will provide comfortable weather for exploring this fascinating city and all it has to offer.
