L.A

Location: California,USA

Weather: Mediterranean 

Currency: U.S dollars

 Theentertainment capital of the world. Tourist flock from all partsof the world to experience everything this fascinating and vibrant cityhas to offer. Located in California on the west coast of the United States, LosAngeles is an iconic destination and a must visit for any traveller. Whilst itsknown as the home of the motion picture, Los Angeles offers much more:

Sport

Los Angeles has someof the worlds top sporting sides. The Los Angles Lakers guided by Kobe Bryantwon the 2008/09 NBA basketball championship. The Lakers are based at thestaples centre in downtown L.A. Often watched on by a star studded audienceincluding Jack Nicholson.  There is alsothe Los Angeles Clippers the lesser known NBA side based in L.A whilstthey aren't nearly as successful as the Lakers. If you can't get in to seethe Lakers you can almost be guaranteed a ticket to watch the Clippers play.

Los angles also havetwo major league baseball teams, the Dodgers and the Angels. Both sides makingthe playoffs in the 2009 season. The season starts in April and runsuntil October.

There is also an icehockey side that play in the National Hockey league the Los Angeles Kings. Itsa great sport to watch live. They are also based out of the staples centre indowntown Los Angeles. L.A Galaxy is the local soccer side lead by DavidBeckham. The standard is nothing like the English premier league, but it’s achance to see David Beckham play without paying a fortune.

Entertainment

Being theentertainment capital of the world. There is sure to be something to engageyour interest. Below is a list of attractions that are located within orclose to Los Angeles.

·        The Hollywood walk offame 

·        Universal studios - Gobehind the scenes and see how some of your favourite movies aremade. There   are also plenty of shows and rides.   

·        Disneyland- no descriptionneeded.

·        Rodeo drive- thisiconic shopping strip is visited by millions of people each year. It hasalso been used  as the back drop for many popular Hollywood films. One thatmany may have heard of is the hit pretty  women starring Julia Roberts andRichard Gere. Many scenes from this film were shot on location at rodeo drive.

·        Venice beach- thiscultural enriched area known for its creativity. artist, poets, performersflock to this sea side town. It’s also a surfing hot spot. There is a boardwalk that runs parallel to the beach where many artist sell their work. Thereare also lots of shops and eateries on the other side of the boardwalk.

·        Santa Monica beach-The setting of the most popular show ever, Baywatch was filmed here. You willautomatically recognise the lifeguard huts and the Santa Monica pier that wasused throughout the show. Santa Monica is a picturesque resort town with plentyof restaurant, shops and entertainment. It also marks the end of thefamous driving route, 66.

·        Catch a show- Jay Lenooften has representative signing people up on Hollywood boulevard to attend theshow. Good news is the tickets are free, but get there nice and early as theyover book to ensure a full studio audience each night. I would recommend atleast 3 hours before call time to ensure you get a seat.

Tours

An organised tour is agreat way to see Los Angeles.

Most hotels taketour bookings or just walk along Hollywood boulevard and take your pick.

·        L.A city tour- takesyou around the Los Angeles area visiting all the main sights and attraction.

·        Beverley hillsstars house tour- see all the celebs house.

·        Rodeo drive

·        Universal studios

There are a few toursthat combined a few different trips. Try for this if you are short on time. Formore information on tours see our blog section- L.A adventure. 

A few others that arealso worth a visit to

·        Madame Tussauds - waxmuseum

·        Ripley believe it ornot?

·        Hollywood bowl

·        The Farmers markets

Food

No surprises that LosAngles has a few 'Famous' spots to grab a bite to eat, Pinks Hollywood is a popular hot dog stand that is alandmark in L.A. Probably the only hot dog stand in the world that has itsvery own parking attending. Needed for all the Rolls Royce's and jaguarsthat stop by. Located on the corner of Melrose, just look for the longline of people.

SprinklesCupcakes, the world’s firstcupcake bakery. Located on Santa Monica blvd (just off rodeo drive) in BeverleyHills, this place in extremely popular amongst the celebrities. Like Pinksthere is going to be a line up, but it’s well worth the wait.  

Beso is a popular celebrityhot spot. Owned by Eva Longoria parker from desperate house wifes fame. Locatedon Hollywood boulevard Beso restaurant and the upstairs kiss night club attractthe A- list crowd. The food is a Latin take on the traditional steakhouse cuisine.And when you’re done with dinner head upstairs to Kiss nightclub. 

Ivy restaurant -paparazzi are lined up outside this popular Hollywood hot spot. Best to book inadvance for a table.

Gettingaround

Its easy to get aroundusing the extensive subway system which is cheap and easy to navigate.

The great part about atrip to Los Angeles is you can be as organised or as disorganised as you like.With so many entertainment options you can usually just turn up or book on thatday. Unless of course there is something you don't want to miss, (like catchinga Lakers game) make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Check out the Tipz4travel blog- 4 daysin L.A for more information.