With sun-kissed beaches just a stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of downtown LA, holidays to California offer you the best of all worlds. The 'City of Angels' has a vibrant arts scene, legendary movie industry and some of the best restaurants in the world. You'll find plenty of things to do in Los Angeles, whether you're travelling with the whole family or stealing some time away with your other half.
Places to go
Los Angeles things to do come in all shapes and sizes and there are so many to choose from that it can be hard to know where to start. The Natural History Museum is a consistent crowd-pleaser, where you'll be greeted by the 20m-long skeleton of a whale as you walk through the doors.
If you prefer to see stars that aren't of the movie variety, the Griffith Observatory is the place to go and offers incredible night-time views of the city, and the cosmos beyond. If you're taking a break with the kids, you'll need to set some serious time aside to visit some of LA's theme parks.
Disneyland is an absolute must. You're never too old to go and it never fails to bring a smile to everyone's face, whether you're a kid or an OAP, Hollywood Walk of Fame is exciting. Universal Studios offers outstanding rides and interactive experiences. With the Wizarding World of Harry Potter almost next door, you won't have to travel too far to enjoy a magical day.
Attractions
Attractions in Los Angeles don't all have to be about roller coasters and Hollywood dreams. Having established itself as a cultural hotspot, there's plenty for those who prefer their attractions without the usual LA sprinkle of stardust. You'll find some outstanding art galleries, beautiful gardens, and world-class beaches, all within a Metro-ride of each other.
Pay a visit to the Huntingdon Library, Art Collection and Botanical Gardens. While there are an estimated six million books in the library, there are also over 200 acres of exquisite gardens to explore.
For some old-time entertainment and a healthy dollop of romance, the Santa Monica Pier ticks all the right boxes. Alongside fairground rides and games, the pier also hosts film and music nights. With so many superb restaurants nearby, it's the perfect spot for an evening with your loved one.
Places to visit
There are some extraordinary and unexpected places to visit in Los Angeles. While you might think of it as a sleek, chic city, it's got its quirky side too. Look out for the LA staircases that winds its way up the hills, which has been the setting for several films, including for comedy duo legends, Laurel and Hardy.
If shopping's a big part of your California holidays, don't pass up the chance to go to the Grand Central Market. Set in the centre of Downtown LA, it's full-to-bursting with stalls, selling everything from antiques to electronics. As an added bonus, it's equally stuffed with food-stalls, where you can sample a huge variety of cuisines. Tuck into authentic tacos, fragrant ramen or enjoy some of the best barbeques in the city.
With so many things to do in Los Angeles, you're going to need to re-energise. What better way to do it than with a bowl of steaming hot noodles in Chinatown?
