Downtown LA - Once the centre of all things social, Downtown LA is witnessing somewhat of a revival with an interesting collection of architecture, museums and migrant districts. Sights not to be missed include The Plaza, Bunker Hill and City Hall. Museums of note count Geffen Contemporary and Museum of Contemporary Art. Little Tokyo and Chinatown provide a great insight into Japanese and Chinese cultures in La. Walt Disney Concert Hall is just one of many concert halls and theatres.
Hollywood - The razzamatazz of US glamour has forever been associated with Hollywood and today its appeal is as magnetic as ever for visitors wishing to walk in the footsteps of their heroes from the big screen. Hollywood Boulevard, with the Walk of Fame, and Sunset Boulevard remain synonymous with the golden years of the big screen, with Sunset Strip attracting youthful music lovers. Museums are in abundance, including the Hollywood Heritage Museum, Hollywood History Museum and Paramount Studios. For a break from the crowds, head to Griffith Park and concertgoers should check out what is going on at the Hollywood Bowl.
Beverly Hills - Today’s hotspot for tourism is without doubt Beverly Hills, alongside the neighboring West LA district. A leader in fashion, this is the place for swanky hotels, chic restaurants and the latest in shopping. Rodeo Drive is the quintessential shopping zone; however, the Golden Triangle is home to some of the city’s most renowned names. Other highlights of Beverly Hills count the UCLA Hammer Museum, Museum of Jurassic Technology and Getty Center.
Santa Monica and Venice - When the downtown district become too hot and hectic make a move to the western side of town and the beach neighbourhoods of Santa Monica and Venice, both boasting there own unique identity. Santa Monica is the affluent and stylish side home to chic cafés and trendy galleries. Venice maintains its non-standard, offbeat vibe, although only an expert can really say where one begins and the other ends. Regardless, the two epitomise the casual sun, sea and surf lifestyle that Southern California is famed for.
Orange County - Perhaps no more appealing than LA’s downtown districts, Orange County is a hotbed of multicultural urban communities and home to some worthy sights, both interesting and entertaining. Disneyland, the original Disney influenced theme park, and Knott’s Berry Farm provide hours of family entertainment, and The Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum is perfect for history buffs. Meanwhile, Huntingdon and Laguna Beach seemingly blend carefree beach attitudes with upmarket and snobbish resorts.
Festivals in Los Angeles
Coachella Festival - Music and arts festival in the Coachella Valley of Palm Desert which attracts the biggest names in world music.
LA Nightlife - From jazz bars to country and western clubs, rock concerts to philharmonic orchestra shows, cocktail bars to beer swilling pubs, there is certainly something to suit all tastes when it comes to Los Angeles nightlife. Sunset Boulevard, Santa Monica, Hollywood and PasadenaOldTown are just a selection of the many nightlife zones. For listings pick up a copy of LA Weekly and remember to always go out with ID - anyone looking under 40 is usually asked!
LA Bars
The Otheroom - Venice Beach beer drinking haunt where dogs are allowed.
Akbar - Everyone from gays, bohemians, businessmen and old regulars frequent this Sunset Boulevard joint.
Clubs in Los Angeles
Deep - The in-crowd queue for hours to enter this mecca for house and dance music.
Viper Room - Funky haunt for musicians and wannabes. Owned by Johnny Depp.
Live Music in Los Angeles
Whisky A Go Go - Legendary spot on Sunset Boulevard that has welcomed the likes of music heroes Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin. Budget Hotels Los Angeles
Venice Beach Cotel - Hotel accommodation with backpacker hostel prices. Minutes from Venice boardwalk. Tel +1 310 399 7649.
Banana Bungalow - Vibrant hostel offering loads of tours and free BBQs. Locations in West Hollywood and Hollywood Boulevard.
Surf City Hostel - Cheap dorms and private rooms at Hermosa Beach. Tel +1 310 798 2323.
Midrange Hotels Los Angeles
Garden Cottage B&B - Quiet little hideaway in Beverly Hills run by an incredibly helpful couple. Tel +1 323 653 5616.
Luxury Hotels Los Angeles
Avalon Hotel - Stylish former home of Marilyn Monroe just a short walk from Sunset Strip. Tel +1 310 277 5221.
Beverly Hills Hotel - Swanky 5-star hotel built in 1912 and currently owned by the Sultan of Brunei. Tel +1 310 276 2251.