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Los Angeles isn't just a city, it's a collection of dreams set under endless sunshine. Stretching along the West Coast of the USA in Southern California, Los Angeles welcomes about 18 million people who call its varied neighbourhoods and nearby cities home. Here, mountains slip into the Pacific, palm trees stand guard along bustling boulevards, and creativity pulses through every corner.
The city owes much of its character to icons like Walt Disney and John Paul Getty, whose imagination and generosity helped turn L.A. into a global capital for culture and entertainment. This Los Angeles Travel Guide peels back the layers of L.A., inviting you to explore everything from time-worn streets and sunlit beaches to cutting-edge museums and theme parks.
Discovering the Heart of Los Angeles
Los Angeles covers a startling patchwork of different cities and diverse communities. You’ll find this sprawling metropolis bordered by the dry Santa Monica Mountains and the sparkling blue Pacific. It’s not just a postcard image—L.A. delivers a blend of classic Californian sunshine, world-famous creative industries, and a welcoming spirit that draws people with big ideas.
At the centre sits Downtown Los Angeles, both a global business hub and a gallery of American civic architecture. This district launched a legacy, thanks to visionaries like Walt Disney, who imagined magical kingdoms, and John Paul Getty, whose art collection is now a treasure for everyone. Their investments built a city where you can visit a movie palace, walk historic streets, or discover masterpieces, often within just a short ride.
Planning your own Los Angeles adventure? Check out Expedia's Los Angeles travel guides and vacation packages for inspiration and deals.
Downtown Los Angeles – Where Past Meets Present
Olvera Street: Where L.A. Began
Begin with one of the oldest places in the city. Olvera Street packs a world of colour and culture into a short, lively lane. This area celebrates L.A.'s Mexican roots, serving up old-world charm and plenty of taste.
Top things to experience on Olvera Street:
Fresh, hand-made Mexican food from taco stands and small restaurants
Market stalls selling folk art, leather goods and souvenirs
Lively music from street performers
Historic buildings and the Avila Adobe, the oldest house in Los Angeles
Union Station: Hollywood’s Favourite Railway
Across the street, Union Station stands proud with its blend of Art Deco and Spanish Revival styles. More than a hub for travellers, it’s one of the finest railway stations in the world. Film buffs might recognise this spot—it’s been the backdrop for almost 30 blockbuster films, including Pearl Harbor and Blade Runner.
Little Tokyo: The Flavour of J-Town
Walk south to Little Tokyo, known to locals as J-Town. Buddhist temples, art galleries, and museums are all part of its charm. Hungry? Tuck into some of the city’s freshest sushi. The famous California Roll was invented right here.
Walt Disney Concert Hall: An Architectural Marvel
Just west lies the Walt Disney Concert Hall, which looks like metal sheet music tossed by the wind. It’s not just for looks—inside, the Los Angeles Philharmonic fills the hall with incredible sound. Even from the sidewalk, it’s worth a visit for a closer look at its sweeping curves and shiny surface.
Museums, Art, and Natural History
Some of L.A.’s best stories are told by its museums—big and bold, classic and quirky, all within easy reach.
Attraction
Highlighted Experience
Suitability
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
100,000 pieces ranging from ancient sculptures to street art
Art lovers, families
La Brea Tar Pits and George C. Page Museum
See prehistoric fossils being unearthed, explore life-sized animal displays
Science buffs, children
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
With more than 100,000 works, LACMA’s collection is jaw-dropping. You’ll find everything from Renaissance paintings to modern graffiti, making it the largest art museum in the western U.S.
La Brea Tar Pits and George C. Page Museum
Next door, the La Brea Tar Pits bubble with history. Fossils of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and even ancient insects are still being discovered here. The museum showcases these finds, letting visitors step right into California’s prehistoric past.
Griffith Park and Observatory: A Space for Everyone
Head northeast to Griffith Park, the largest urban park in America. Climb up to the Griffith Observatory, perched on Mount Hollywood for some of the best city views. Admission remains free, just as Griffith J. Griffith wanted, inspiring both budding astronomers and anyone seeking a quiet moment high above the city lights.
Beverly Hills, Hollywood & West Hollywood: Glamour, Legends, and Nightlife
Rodeo Drive: Shopping with Star Power
Rodeo Drive puts you at the centre of the world’s most exclusive shopping zone. Its three-block stretch in Beverly Hills glitters with designer boutiques. Even if you’re not buying, window shopping is almost a sport here. Beverly Hills itself offers leafy boulevards, dreamy homes, and gardens just a short stroll away, blending glitz with a timeless sense of calm.
Hollywood: Stars at Your Feet
Hollywood’s legend lives on the Walk of Fame, a stretch of sidewalk dotted with over 2,600 terrazzo and brass stars celebrating the greats of music, film, and television. Grauman’s Chinese Theater, the most famous first-run movie theatre in the world, invites you to step where movie stars have taken their bows for generations.
West Hollywood & Sunset Strip: Where Night Comes Alive
A short hop west lands you in West Hollywood (WeHo), famous for its artistic scene, galleries, and colourful personality. As dusk settles, the Sunset Strip lights up with legendary clubs like The Viper Room and Whiskey a Go Go. Music, laughter, and bright lights define nights here, making it a must for anyone after L.A.'s creative energy.
Theme Parks and Family Favourites
Los Angeles takes family fun to another level. Its theme parks aren’t just for children—they’re part of Hollywood history, innovation, and pure joy.
Universal Studios Hollywood
The oldest movie studio still running in America. Ride the big attractions, wander blockbuster sets, and discover how films are made. The studio tour even takes you behind the scenes—recognise a few famous streets as you go.
Knott’s Berry Farm
What began as a 1930s berry patch is now one of the country’s favourite theme parks. Kids love the gentle rides. Queues are usually short, and you get a real taste of pioneering American spirit.
Disneyland Park
The magic started here in 1955, and over 600 million guests have since met Mickey, Minnie, and friends. This is the home of classic Disney fairy tales, thrilling rides, and pure imagination.
To book your next adventure or learn more about these attractions, visit planning your Los Angeles vacation.
Coastal Sights and Ocean Adventures
Port of Los Angeles & USS Iowa
The Port of Los Angeles on San Pedro Bay is the largest container port in the USA. History buffs will want to tour the USS Iowa, a mighty World War II battleship that played parts in some of the most dramatic moments of the 20th century.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Not far away, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach brings together over 500 marine species. Explore watery worlds from sunlit Baja coves to the chilly Arctic. Kids especially love the hands-on exhibits.
Long Beach and Catalina Island
Long Beach carries echoes of surf legends from a time before a breakwater calmed the waves. It's now a family-friendly spot with safe swimming and plenty of parks. From here, hop a ferry to Catalina Island in just an hour. Once the haunt of gold seekers and otter hunters, Catalina now calls to sun seekers wanting a day away from city rush.
Popular Catalina Island activities
Sunbathing on sandy beaches
Snorkelling and glass-bottom boat tours
Exploring island history in small museums
Hiking rugged interior trails
Classic California Lifestyle: Santa Monica, Venice Beach & Malibu
Santa Monica: Sun, Sand, and Energy
Santa Monica wraps up every California cliché, in the best way possible. The iconic Santa Monica Pier draws crowds for its classic Ferris wheel, arcade games, and seafood spots. It’s lively, friendly, and always buzzing—especially at sunset.
Venice Beach: Artsy, Colourful, Unforgettable
Just south, Venice Beach remains L.A.'s counterculture capital. Watch roller bladers, street performers, and muralists wander the promenade. This is where you see the heart of the city—loud, expressive, and proud.
Top Venice Beach promenade experiences
Strap on skates and join the fun on the boardwalk
Check out eclectic street art and graffiti walls
People-watch or join in a pickup basketball game
Shop quirky market stalls and local crafts
Santa Monica Mountains and The Getty Center
Five miles north, the Santa Monica Mountains offer a calm break from the city below. Here, the Getty Center, funded by John Paul Getty, soars above the landscape. Its peaceful gardens and water features blend with priceless art, making it one of the city’s best places for contemplation.
Malibu: Rugged Coast and Celebrity Hideaways
Follow the scenic Pacific Coast Highway into Malibu. Expect 21 miles of coastal beauty, scented with sage and sea air. This is where many of L.A.'s stars live in cliffside homes, the ultimate meeting point of creative ambition and natural splendor.
Conclusion
Whether you’re drawn by the lure of Hollywood, captivated by world-class art, or yearning for the sea and sun, this Los Angeles Travel Guide has you covered. In L.A., city blocks can feel like worlds apart—from the old charm of Olvera Street to the creative pulse of Venice Beach, from the glamour of Beverly Hills to peaceful moments in the Santa Monica Mountains.
If you’re planning your next holiday, or even a weekend escape, consider the City of Angels. You’ll find more ideas, guides, and booking tips at Expedia’s complete Los Angeles destination resources. Los Angeles isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a feeling you’ll remember.
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