Los Angeles, California Hotels and City Guide

Few cities incite as much excitement in people as Los Angeles. The City of Angeles, known simply as LA, epitomizes the American Dream. It is a city where anything can – and does – happen. From old Hollywood glamour to today’s exhilarating international flavor, you can find it all in this city.

What do you see when you imagine LA? Smog and sprawl or dazzling blue ocean and deep, forested valleys? Chaos and traffic or surfing, shopping, and dining? Los Angeles is a city of contrasts; home to Hollywood and its vast entertainment industry, LA is also a global center for business, culture, cuisine, commerce, and yes, they even have nature. With some of the best weather and most gorgeous ocean views in the world, Los Angeles is a city with something for everyone. From frenetic to serene and back again, LA encompasses a wide range of opportunities that appeal to thrill-seekers and sun-seekers alike.

The second largest city in the United States, Los Angeles City stretches from LA County to Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. The shear size makes it a force to be reckoned with, and each neighborhood is full of interesting, unique opportunities. Enjoy cool cucumbers and nam prik in Tai Town or sarmale with polenta in Little Armenia. Stroll Rodeo Drive or dig into retro boutiques in the shopping district. Relax with a yoga session or soak in the simple luxury of the picture postcard beaches. But its not all palm trees and shimmering ocean vistas – LA has more museums than any US city and a vibrant and rich theater district. Each street, each beach, each neighborhood is as different from the next as you can get; turn the corner and discover something completely new. This is the real LA.

Why do twenty-four million people choose Los Angeles for their vacations each year? Why not? Ideal for families, singles, newlyweds, business people, and anyone else with a healthy curiosity and the desire to have a great time – there is a wealth of experiences waiting. New York may be the city that never sleeps, but Los Angeles is the city that makes dreams come true. Whether you are dreaming of rubbing elbows with the rich and the famous, dancing until dawn, or strolling down the Sunset Strip, you can do it all in this incomparable city. If you haven’t experienced LA, come and see what you’ve been missing.

Los Angeles Districts

Los Angeles is nothing if not eclectic; exploring each area’s myriad offerings would take a lifetime of vacations. Many first-time visitors are overwhelmed by the sprawling expanse of Los Angeles – there is almost too much to do. As one of the largest cities in the United States, LA is continually evolving and changing, and it can seem impossible to keep up. Keeping up is for East Coasters; those on the West Coast know to just put on sunscreen and enjoy the ride.

To make LA more manageable for the visitor, the area can be defined in terms of neighborhoods or districts. Depending on what you want to see and experience, you can choose your locales and get a feel for the unique attributes of each. From Downtown to Hollywood to Beverly Hills, each has a character all its own.

What do you want to do? Shop? Surf? Dine on contemporary fusion creations? You can do it all and much more than you ever expected. The LA districts you should consider visiting include:

Downtown Los Angeles

Head Downtown for a surprising mix of cultures and attractions. This diverse area is home to the Financial District, Historic Core, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Gallery Row, and much more. Lounge in one of the many upscale hotels and condos, take in the LA Museum of Contemporary Art, or visit the beautiful Walt Disney Concert Hall. Aficionados of high culture will love visiting the revived Downtown area.

Santa Monica

Spend a day strolling down the Third Street Promenade. These three city blocks have been closed to traffic, allowing pedestrians to enjoy the abundant shopping and street performances. Santa Monica’s beautiful beaches, outdoor events, art galleries, museums, and nightlife make this an ideal location for anyone who wants recreation with variety. Perfect for a walking vacation, you can find much to do in this 8.3 square mile haven.

Malibu

This is the California people dream of in the dead of winter. Warm, sandy beaches, breathtaking views from the Pacific Coast Highway, and a large celebrity presence make this an oasis of calm and beauty. Full of beautiful beaches and numerous parks, this is an ideal place to walk, run, bike, or surf in the California sun.

Venice

Feel free to gawk. Venice is home to performers, sidewalk fortune tellers, street artists, and vendors selling everything from tourist t-shirts to palm fronds bent in the shape of baseball players. Tour the pedestrian-only streets, take in a chainsaw juggling act, get your tarot cards read, or simply bike along the gorgeous beaches – if you want to be part of the action instead of just watching it, Venice is a must.

Beverly Hills

Home to one of the most famous zip codes in the world, Beverly Hills also boasts some of the most famous residents as well. Celebrities flock to the palatial homes and palm-lined streets. Visitors may even spot their favorite stars shopping on Rodeo Drive. Sip wine at Le Chateau at the Beverly Hilton or just coast along Mulholland Drive to enjoy the view.

Hollywood

Grueman’s Chinese Theater and its famous celebrity foot and handprints, the iconic Walk of Fame, and the Hollywood sign – all these can be found in Hollywood, but there’s a lot more to Tinseltown that meets the eye. Enjoy a fresh meal and glass of wine at the Farmer’s Market, stroll along the Sunset Strip and take in a show at the Comedy Store. Visit the Rainbow Bar and Grill, where Marilyn Monroe went on a blind date with Joe DiMaggio. You never know what will happen in Hollywood, and its recent revitalization makes it even friendlier to visitors.

West Hollywood

Renowned for its nightlife and celebrity presence, West Hollywood is the place to go if you want some excitement. During the day shop at Fred Segal, Paul Smith, or Mark Jacobs. Roam through the Runyon Canyon or Plummer Parks while soaking in some sun. At night, visit celebrity hotspots like the Formosa Café or the Whiskey Bar. Visit some of biggest venues in music – the House of Blues or the Roxy Theater, or the Viper Room. Check into an upscale hotel and enjoy the sounds and sites of WeHo.

Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and Echo Park

These trendy neighborhoods offer a diverse blend of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs. These are up-and-coming locales that provide an injection of flavor into any Los Angeles vacation. Los Feliz is home to Griffith Park, a 4210 acre wilderness in the midst of urban life. Visit the Greek Theater, Observatory, the zoo, and a host of other unique attractions. With ball fields, golf courses, and other fun activities, Griffith Park is a treat for any outdoor enthusiast.

Hotels in Los Angeles, California