Los Angeles Vacations

From the Sunset Strip to the Santa Monica Pier to Universal Studios, Los Angeles is full of silver-screen magic, beautiful people and American pop culture. Stroll the Venice Beach Boardwalk and count the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Dream about the celebrities you'll see, or how many times you can visit Disneyland, and leave the travel planning to Orbitz.

Our insiders share the best time to go on a Los Angeles vacation, where to go, plus insider gems from Long Beach to Union Station.

With Los Angeles weather, it is hard to find a bad time to go to L.A. and rates are competitive year-round. Get in on the action during peak season (June to September) when the beach is full, the temperatures range from the 70s and into the 90s, and dinner reservations are key. March and April, and October through November bring mild temps and sunny skies, as well as late fall's cool Santa Ana winds.

But if tourists and sunshine aren't a concern, visit during winter (December to March) when rain is common, and the scene is a little more laid-back (exception: the awards ceremonies). And to fill your itinerary with celeb spotting, start with the Golden Globes in mid-January to late February, and the Oscars in late February or March. (Television lovers, the Emmys are in late summer.)

Forget the malls - shake up your shopping routine at Manhattan Beach's first Friday event. Check out trunk shows, snag deals in funky restaurants and boutiques, and dig those ocean views.

Get on the right side of the tracks – this innovative restaurant pairs incredible architecture with creative eats and a California-focused wine list.

Work your artsy mojo at Saturday Nights at the Getty. This Bel Air hilltop museum curates quite a party with music, dance, theatre and spoken-word events.

This film siren restaurant is filled with Mandarin glamour. If you can't stay for dinner, slink into the lounge for late-night jazz and signature Blood and Sand cocktails.

Make friends with the ocean's ultimate predators at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Touch bamboo sharks and see sandtigers and sting rays as they swim by. Swap stories over beer, wine and snacks.