If you're going on a holiday to Los Angeles, you can expect the unexpected. It is the land of Hollywood and movie magic, after all.
See Los Angeles attractions like Warner Bros. Studios and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Take one of the famous Los Angeles tours, visit the home of your favourite movie star and explore the six square miles of upscale Los Angeles district Beverly Hills. After dark, check out the fabulous array of Los Angeles dining options, including restaurants owned by some of the best-known chefs in the world.
Getting in and around Los Angeles
Los Angeles Airport
In Los Angeles, even the airport is famous. The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the scene of regular celebrity sightings, so it's always ready to impress.
Perfectly situated on the coast, the Los Angeles Airport is one of the busiest passenger airports in the world, making it a popular destination for international visitors. It hosts frequent flights from Air New Zealand, Qantas and dozens of other airlines. The transportation options available at LAX include car rentals, a shuttle service connecting travellers to the METRO, taxis and buses.
Los Angeles Transport
While in Los Angeles, you'll notice that most people have their own cars, but taxis and buses are also a common sight. There's also a subway system (Metrolink) which can get you around to the places you want to go in the city as well as into the surrounding area.
Los Angeles Car Hire
If you plan to hire a car in Los Angeles, the easiest way to do so is at the airport, where you can choose from about 40 car rental companies.
Many travellers planning road trips also choose Los Angeles to shop for used cars to get them into and around nearby Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and beyond.
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Los Angeles accommodation
From some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts in the USA to some incredible bargains for those on a budget, it's easy for travellers to find the perfect accommodation in Los Angeles.
Luxury
Conrad Los Angeles offers stunning city views and over 300 luxurious rooms, as well as a rooftop terrace and pool, wellness spa and fitness centre.
The Langham Huntington in Pasadena has 23 acres of beautiful greenery and provides award-winning dining and accommodation, as well as an outdoor pool, tennis courts and an exclusive spa.Avalon, in Hollywood, is a contemporary, stylish hotel that offers poolside dining, in-room spa treatments, and a fitness centre.
The Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa in Pasadena sits on 23 acres and provides award-winning dining, outdoor pool, tennis courts, and an exclusive spa.
Mid-range
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel is intimate and sophisticated. This Los Angeles airport hotel offers a free shuttle service, heated outdoor pool, restaurant and bar, and even has a Starbucks.
Hollywood Hills Hotel is located on top of a mountain, giving its rooms a panoramic view of downtown Los Angeles.Hollywood Hills Hotel is located on top of a mountain, giving its rooms a panoramic view of downtown LA.
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel is intimate and sophisticated. This Los Angeles airport hotel offers free shuttle service, heated outdoor pool, and four restaurants and bars.
Budget
Hollywood Inn & Suites is a boutique hotel offering comfortable modern rooms. Bevonshire Lodge Motel in the heart of the Beverly-Fairfax district has great access to tourist destinations while offering budget-friendly prices.
Backpackers
Freehand in Downtown Los Angeles is home to the Broken Shaker rooftop pool and bar and set in the historic Commercial Exchange building.
Samesun Venice Beach is a hostel that sits in the centre of famous Venice Beach and offers private or shared rooms, linens, coffee and tea.USA Hollywood Hostel is rated the best hostel in Los Angeles. It offers make-your-own pancakes, tours and activities, linens, and more.
Venice Beach Cotel sits on the famous Muscle Beach & Venice Beach and offers private or shared rooms, linens, coffee and tea, and boogie boards.
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Things to do in Los Angeles
Disneyland, near Los Angeles in Anaheim, is fun for the whole family. You can experience thrilling rides, see live shows celebrating Disney movies, run into your favourite Disney characters, play games and even stay in the Disneyland Resort.
Universal Studios Hollywood. If you love movies, don't miss this action-packed adventure theme park. Tour real movie sets, go through a working studio, experience thrilling rides and enjoy entertainment such as the Frog Choir from Harry Potter and impressive WaterWorld show.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood. For even more Hollywood insider scoop, plan to tour Warner Bros. Studios, where you'll get an exclusive peek at backlot streets, sound stages and sets. You can also visit the museum featuring memorabilia from Hollywood's past and present.
Los Angeles Beaches. A trip to the shore is a must-do experience if you're in Los Angeles. Head to the famous Malibu or Santa Monica beach for white sand, blue waters and killer waves.
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Day trips in and around Los Angeles
Marina del Rey. If you love boating, this is the side trip for you. Marina del Rey is built on the coastline and has activities both on the water and off. With a near endless list of things to do, including sailing, paddleboard yoga, surfing, diving, dining, shopping and nightlife, Marina del Rey will keep you busy for days.
Santa Monica is the quintessential beach community, complete with upscale shopping and dining, art and culture, and, of course, beaches. The Santa Monica Pier is a great draw, and a throwback to the days of beachfront carnivals.
Malibu is all about the water, from catching rays on one of the most famous beaches in California to surfing, snorkelling, fishing and scuba diving. An added bonus - as lots of stars live in this beautiful area, you might just spot one during your visit.
Orange County. From zoos and museums to whale watching and theme parks, Orange County is a great family destination. You can also slip over to beautiful Catalina Island, a popular day trip by ferry, boat or helicopter, for a few hours of hiking, biking or simply taking in the tranquil beauty of the island.
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