Hollywood
Say Los Angeles and the first image to come to most people’s minds is the iconic Hollywood Sign. Originally an advertisement in 1923 for a real-estate development called ‘Hollywoodland’, the sign has since become a symbol for the city and for the American film industry in general. Another iconic symbol for old-school Hollywood is the Grauman's Chinese Theatre, a legendary film theatre where you’ll find the handprints of countless screen stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, along with crowds of actors dressed up as icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin. Head to Universal City and you’ll find Universal Studios Hollywood and the world’s largest motion picture studio. The studio was first founded by Carl Laemmle in 1915 and is now one of the biggest attractions in the whole of the US. Beside Universal Studios is the Universal City Walk, a bright and noisy shopping street with a range of themed restaurants and shops to explore.
World-class museums
Los Angeles is home to some of the world’s greatest museums and art galleries. The Getty Center is a must-see for culture lovers, home to a sprawling art collection that features works by everyone from Rembrandt to David Hockney. You could very easily spend a whole day discovering the treasures in this art museum during a city break in Los Angeles, and it will take a similar time to get to grips with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art – the premier art gallery in LA. In addition to famous paintings there are countless ceramics and sculptures from places as far-flung as China and Japan. If modern art is more your thing, the Museum of Contemporary Art is home to a fantastic collection of works by all the big names in post-war art, from Mark Rothko to Dan Flavin. Kids will go mad for the dinosaurs in the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, and music-lovers will revel in the glory of the Grammy Museum.
Natural LA
Over five times as big as New York’s Central Park, Griffith Park is an enormous area of natural beauty and an excellent place to enjoy the LA sun. There are 53 miles of hiking trails to explore, as well as LA Zoo, a theatre, golf courses and the landmark Griffith Observatory. This iconic vantage point on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood offers jaw-dropping views of the city and a cutting-edge planetarium. Other great parks for those seeking nature during a city break include Exposition Park and Grand Park. If you’d rather head to the beach, Venice Beach is a popular place to visit, where you can walk along the boardwalk and watch the bodybuilders flex their muscles on Muscle Beach.
Shopping on a city break in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, in the heart of Los Angeles, is known for its mix of glamour and charm, making it a must-visit destination. Rodeo Drive, with its designer boutiques and stylish atmosphere, is perfect for a shopping trip or simply enjoying the beautiful surroundings. The streets, lined with tall palm trees and grand homes, create a scene straight out of a film. A visit to the Beverly Hills Hotel offers a taste of old Hollywood elegance, while guided tours around the area provide a fun way to explore celebrity homes and famous landmarks. It's an ideal spot for a relaxing and memorable getaway.
