LA - it's as much an idea as a place. A city where, according to countless Hollywood tales, hopefuls go to be discovered and change their destinies forever - or become waiters! And the very qualities that draw them to this sprawling metropolis, never fail to enchant, inspire and bemuse the international traveller. Yes, this is a city that everyone thinks they know, but, more than likely, haven't even begun to discover.
While LA is certainly a popular entertainment mecca, as America's biggest producer of films, television, music and garden-variety celebrities, the city is equally important as a national epicentre of science, technology, international trade and higher education. Bustling with people, this urban centre's youthful enthusiasm is infectious, but there is depth and true culture beneath the veneer. Look beyond it all and you'll glimpse a city built on hard work and a fascinating history. Essential viewing includes the Getty Centre for a dose of history and art with free admission, Universal Studios and Hollywood for inside film gossip, West Hollywood for shopping and the Sunset Strip for nightlife. Spending at least some time sprawled on LA's filmset-perfect beaches is also crucial, including the 44 magnificent kilometre of Malibu. Opt for Paradise Cove for privacy, Zuma for surfing, Redondo for family fun, Manhattan for volleyball and Venice Beach for pure people watching potential.
San Francisco InformationBeautiful, bohemian, and proud of its independent spirit: That's San Francisco in a nutshell. Few..
Sacramento InformationTour elegant rooms depicting various eras in California's past.A walk through the lovely..
San Diego InformationKick back, sip on a margarita and feel the sand between your toes. Nearer to Mexico the pace..
Orange County InformationThe orange orchards of Orange County are a little harder to find these days, but not so the ideal..
Central Coast of California InformationFind the perfect balance between urban and rural on California's Central Coast. Artist enclaves in..
Gold Country InformationYou may have missed your opportunity to strike it rich during the California Gold Rush, but local..
San Francisco Bay Area InformationSan Francisco is considered one of the greatest cities in the world for many things, including..
California's Deserts InformationThe warm air may draw you here, but any number of other attractions will keep you coming back. It..
High Sierra InformationThe hard part, when thinking about California's High Sierra, is deciding what to do during your..
Inland Empire InformationOntario, Riverside and San Bernardino are thriving urban centers in one of the fastest-growing..
North Coast California InformationFind yourself amid the nature preserves, forests and rugged trails of California's North Coast, and..
Shasta Cascade InformationIf you're looking to escape the crowds of California's better-known parks, the Shasta Cascade..
Central Valley InformationDrive through the Central Valley, and you'll see evidence of how life here has historically..
Yosemite National Park InformationMaybe you love Sierra snow for skiing, or snowmobiling, or making snowmen and sledding. Now you've..
Lake Tahoe InformationSee mansions, mountains, and an emerald bay.If you're pondering whether or not to drive the twisty..
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