Insight Guides - Insight Guides Experience Los Angeles

4Corners Images

Life is good in Los Angeles, its paradise on Earth!
From LA Confidential

Spanish missionaries named it The Angels and when the sun sets in the early evening and the whole sky looks like its on fire, it could easily seem like an act of the Almighty. Los Angeles is well known for its Mediterranean climate, ethnic diversity, and sprawling metropolis. In fact, the first thing youll realise is just how big this city is. Its not big like New York: instead it spreads outward, rather than upward, which makes perfect sense when you remember that this city is prone to the occasional earthquake. Only very recently have the few tiny pockets of skyscrapers been joined by new high-rise builds as advances are made in construction technology and new materials.

Los Angeles is unlike any other city in the US and the second thing youll notice is how important having a car is. As the frontier inched westward over a century ago, the rest of America was already evolving and by the time the city was being considered, the automobile was believed to be the way of the future. Recent developments have improved public transportation, but your own wheels make a big difference to ease of travel.

And of course, being the home of Hollywood means that movies play a big part in the history of this West Coast city. Wherever you go, you are likely to encounter locations familiar from the big or small screen, or reminders of the citys many stars.

Los Angeles is a city that many never fully appreciate, but thats simply because they havent seen the very best it can offer. There are beautiful beaches on one side and breathtaking mountains on the other, the sun shines almost every single day, and the people here are friendly and welcoming to visitors. In recent years, the city has also experienced a cultural renaissance, as creatives of all sorts have rediscovered the pleasures of being based here.

Without a doubt, Los Angeles offers a unique experience; come with an open mind and open eyes and be prepared to be seduced.

In the Mood for

FINE DINING

Henry Hargreaves/Nobu Restaurants

If price is no object, then Los Angeles is heaven for the food lover. And even if you have a budget, this city offers an almost infinite number of amazing culinary experiences. Share the restaurant with one or two celebs over brunch at the Ivy in Beverly Hills (for more information, ).

MOVIE INSPIRATION

Getty Images

Los Angeles is the home of TV and movie production and while many big and small screen offerings are now made in studios from Toronto to London, Los Angeles still offers the history and nostalgia of the industry from its very origins. Check out the Music Box Steps in Silver Lake (for more information, ).

LIVING LUXURIOUSLY

Getty Images

Beverly Hills is the place to head if personal attention is what you seek. Whether youre treating yourself to a mani/pedi, a soothing massage, or a rejuvenating body therapy treatment, Tomoko Spa is a world-class center offering the very best in pampering services (for more information, ) and permit yourself to be waited on by the extremely attentive staff as you spend all the money you have in the world.

MUSICAL MOMENTS

Getty Images

In addition to being the home of the movie industry, Los Angeles is also a mecca for musicians and base for much of the rock and pop music industry. Discover the legacy of all kinds of music at the GRAMMY Museum (for more information, ).

ROMANCE