California

Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California

Why Visit Los Angeles

Los Angeles defies easy definition – a sun-drenched sprawl where beach life, bold architecture and boundary-pushing culture coexist. While the film industry looms large, it’s the city’s layered character that makes it worth exploring.

Art lovers can lose themselves in the vast collections of LACMA or the contemporary installations at The Broad, while tucked-away galleries in the Arts District offer a more local perspective. There’s a compelling sense of reinvention here – from repurposed warehouses to creative concept stores in converted bungalows.

The coastline offers more than just people-watching in Venice or ferris wheel views in Santa Monica. Head north to Malibu’s rugged beaches, where dramatic rock formations and coastal trails offer something quieter and more elemental. Inland, the hills reveal eucalyptus-lined hikes with sweeping city views and the occasional coyote sighting.

Dining in LA is both serious and playful. Whether it’s Korean barbecue in a bustling strip-mall joint or a pared-back tasting menu in an architect-designed space, there’s a real sense of pride in the unexpected. Every pocket of the city has its own culinary signature – and the joy lies in discovering them.

Los Angeles is a city best explored slowly, one neighbourhood – or taco stand – at a time.

Did you know?

Los Angeles is home to the largest population of murals in the world, earning it the nickname “the mural capital of the world.” From the politically charged works of East LA to the contemporary pieces in the Arts District, the city’s streets serve as a vast, ever-changing open-air gallery.

Early Roots

Los Angeles began as a Spanish settlement in 1781, known as El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles. It became part of the United States in 1848, following the Mexican-American War, shaping its rich blend of Spanish, Mexican and American culture seen today.

Los Angeles, California

Highlights of Los Angeles

  • The Getty Center: Perched in the hills above Brentwood, this architectural masterpiece houses an exceptional collection of European art, sculpture and photography. The surrounding gardens and sweeping city views make it as much about the setting as the art itself.

  • Griffith Park & Observatory: One of the largest urban parks in North America, offering scenic hiking trails through chaparral-covered hills, horse riding paths and panoramic views from the observatory – especially beautiful at dusk as the city lights begin to glow.

  • Malibu’s Beaches: Far from the bustle of the city, Malibu offers a wilder stretch of coast – think dramatic cliffs, crashing waves and tucked-away beaches like El Matador, perfect for a morning walk or a quiet picnic above the tide.

  • The Broad: A bold addition to Downtown LA, this contemporary art museum houses an outstanding permanent collection with works by Jeff Koons, Barbara Kruger and Yayoi Kusama. Its honeycomb-like façade is an artwork in itself.

  • East LA’s Food Scene: A melting pot of cultures, this area is where LA’s culinary creativity thrives – from family-run taco stands to boundary-pushing chefs blending Korean, Mexican and Japanese influences in unassuming, often unforgettable spaces.

  • Venice Canals & Boardwalk: Inspired by its Italian namesake, the canals offer a peaceful escape just minutes from the eclectic chaos of the boardwalk – where street performers, skaters and sunset-watchers bring LA’s offbeat spirit to life.

Good to know

Getting to Los Angeles

LAX airport is one of the best-served airports in the world with direct flights from all major hubs.  Transfer or car hire can be easily arranged for the journey from the airport to your hotel.

When to go

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OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

There’s almost no bad time to visit Los Angeles, but if you are there in March the wildflowers are in bloom and the outdoor events are starting up for the year.

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