Find the perfect balance on holidays in Los Angeles. Combine the glamour of Hollywood with the beauty of LA’s beaches, or the theme park thrills of Anaheim with the museums of Downtown.
Los Angeles is a place made up of very different neighbourhoods. Diverse, multicultural and iconic, these different areas make up a tapestry of cultural highlights. Shop for vintage clothing in hipster-friendly Echo Park and Silver Lake, before visiting the eclectic foodie haunts of Koreatown and Little Tokyo. Don’t overlook the iconic Santa Monica Pier or the charm and originality of Anaheim’s Disneyland®. Then venture into vibrant West Hollywood for early cocktails and see the Sunset Strip come alive after dark. Blend the popular tourist spots with a glimpse into the real LA lifestyle. Hotel-hop to enjoy every side of Los Angeles, soaking up the atmosphere of the city and the coast. Or hire a car to embark on an unforgettable road trip.
The rule here is don’t judge a book by its cover! It may not look the best but The Griddle Café serves some of the best pancakes I have ever tasted. Try their famous Red Velvet pancakes topped with swirls and swirls of cream cheese icing or for something more savoury get the “Some like it HOT scramble” – it will definitely spice up the day!
Plenty of shopping in LA, head to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills for some serious window shopping. For the more affordable high street stores check out Westfield Century City for some great bargains in Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Hollister & Macys to name a few. Or head to Third Street promenade down in Santa Monica to catch some sun while you shop. A mix of high-street, high end and independent boutiques all outdoors in a pedestrianised area. Or if the heat is too much cool down inside Westfield Santa Monica Place.
After a couple of hours shopping, chill out on Santa Monica Beach – the widest stretch of beach you’ll see in LA. Where better to enjoy over 300 days of sunshine a year! Flop down on the sand or take a walk on the pier. For great people watching just grab a beer and relax in one of many bars along the promenade – you will definitely see some sights to behold!
Visit Universal Studios Hollywood, treat yourself to the VIP Experience and jump all the queues. Get a backstage tour of working sound studios and film sets – your very own tour guide for the day, plus food and drink along the way! Check out Transformers 3D – the newest thrill seeking ride, get drenched on Jurassic Park then dry off on The Mummy – a super high speed rollercoaster in the dark! The best thing about the day is skipping the lines for the rides!
Go for pre-dinner drinks at ABH at Sixty Beverly Hills - this chic rooftop bar offers amazing views over Beverly Hills and beyond, you can just about make out the Hollywood sign. The Strawberry Smash is a must – Vodka, fresh strawberries, mint, honey syrup, lemon and Angostura Bitters. Once the sun has set, head to West Hollywood for some of the best steak you’ll ever taste at The Palm Steakhouse. It’s really popular with locals and the odd celebrity apparently! It may not be the cheapest but it serves fab food and very generous portions. The boneless rib-eye is the best!
End your day at one of the live music venues in West Hollywood. Troubadour is one of the top live music spots in LA, dating back to 1957. It has seen the likes of Elton John, Guns n Roses, Foo Fighters, Cold Play, Red hot Chilli Peppers, Prince and Franz Ferdinand to name but a few. It’s also the place for new and upcoming singer songwriters and bands making their LA debut.
For first-timers to Los Angeles, much of the time will be spent ticking off the sights and world-famous attractions – Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach and Muscle Beach. Experience the magic of Disneyland® in Anaheim and the glitz of the Sunset Strip. Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame are a must-see, as is the Griffiths Park Observatory. Pick one of our brilliant experiences to discover Los Angeles’ secrets with ease – from the hop-on hop-off bus to the cycling tours of Santa Monica Beach.
One of the most iconic coastlines in the world, California is famed for golden beaches and epic surf. And Los Angeles has some of the best beaches in the area, right on its doorstep. From Malibu’s surf heritage to Orange County’s laid-back atmosphere and everything in between, each neighbourhood has its own ambiance. Venice Beach has a vibrant art scene and the OC has sophisticated seaside resorts, like Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. Long Beach offers a great marina and Santa Monica’s famous boardwalk is a must-visit, especially the fun fair.
Fly-drive holidays in Los Angeles are superb because they give you the freedom and flexibility to explore this sprawling city. There is so much to see and do, you can go from popular city spots to pristine beaches easily and at your own pace. If you choose to hotel hop, visit different cities – San Francisco is north and San Diego is south. Visit the gaming capital of the US in Las Vegas, see a show and bask in the desert sun. Or journey through the San Bernardino National Forest, just outside the city limits, it is a stunning example of southern Californian pine forest.
The climate in Los Angeles and the long sunny days make it ideal for outdoor adventures. Venture to Griffith Park and visit the brilliant Observatory, then climb to the summit of Mount Hollywood – the highest peak in the city. Hire a bicycle and travel from Santa Monica through Venice Beach to the Marina Del Rey. There is plenty to see on the way, like the iconic Muscle Beach. Head to Malibu to learn to surf, or down to Huntington Beach to try sailing. Or if you are an avid golfer, Santa Barbara has some championship-level courses waiting for you to tee off.
Orange County is ideal for family holidays in Los Angeles. Full of theme parks and exhilarating attractions, not to mention its numerous beach resorts. There are plenty of things to do for children of all ages, kids and adults alike. Meet Mickey, Donald and all your favourites at the wonderful Disneyland®, or experience movie magic Universal Studios Hollywood. Also in Anaheim, Knotts Berry Farm is great for smaller kids, with 30-acres of rides and attractions. Alternatively, head to Huntington Beach for surf lessons, or relax at the beach in Newport.
Banks: my LA
High Life Magazine
The hit singer-song writer shares her guide to her hometown's best shops, restaurants and places to catch live music.
