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Los Angeles travel guide

USA - Los Angeles

Meet Los Angeles Los Angeles weather report Getting Los Angeles Top attractions in Los Angeles Getting around Los Angeles Where to eat in Los Angeles Page 2 : More information on Los Angeles

Meet Los Angeles

This is la la land , the city of Angels where dreams can be crushed and made simultaneously . A fantasy of extreme wealth and success , Celluloid and sunshine , and where plastic surgery is as common as a trip to the dentist .

Images of classic Hollywood glamor , red carpets and famous faces come to mind , but those who come searching for fame will soon realize that all that glitters is not gold . Anyone who is not A -list material risks Chewed up and getting back out , and things can get pretty rough . As a celebrity jungle , eyes are constantly on LA and the paparazzi shots from the shopping areas of Robertson Drive and Melrose end up on newsstands all over the world .

Peer over the gates of movie star mansions , Sasha down Rodeo Drive like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman and sun yourself on a Malibu beach amongst the beautiful people , Bronzed and airbrushed to perfection .

Los Angeles weather report

Los Angeles is renowned for its year - round warm climate , similar to the Mediterranean . July and August are the hottest months , with average temperatures of 29 ° C. It rarely drops below 10 ° C , even in December and January , The Coldest months . January and February sees the most rainfall , although even this is not much - a mere 40 days of the year on average .

For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool.

Getting Los Angeles

All flights from Europe and the majority of domestic flights connect to Los Angeles International Airport ( LAX ) . From the airport catch a SuperShuttle which will deliver you directly to your destination . Prices vary accordingly but expect an average price of $ 25-30.

Alternatively you could get a taxi (which if sharing with several people May be a cheaper option ) . This should cost around $ 30 to $ 90 and Hollywood to Disneyland .

If you are flying from Mexico or elsewhere in the U.S. , your flight May arrive in Ontario , Long Beach , Burbank or Orange County 's John Wayne Airport . MTA buses run from all of these, and as with SuperShuttle , will take you to your destination . Best to book in advance . www.mta.net

Greyhound buses arrive at the main Greyhound terminal on Seventh Street , downtown . The station is open 24 / 7 and has luggage lockers .

Top attractions in Los Angeles

Come on , admit it - you're hoping to run into a movie star . Increase your chances by taking a tour of one of the movie studios . Warner Bros. Studios runs what is probably the best studio tour , really taking you behind the scenes. Paramount , NBC and Sony Pictures Studios also open their doors to the public . Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the largest and it has a movie -styled theme park to boot , with adrenaline - inducing thrill rides and lots of live entertainment shows. Although this is the most showy , it is also the place you are Least Likely to spot one of your Idols . The best way to feel really up -close and personal to the stars is to get tickets to be in the live studio audience of a chat show or sitcom . Audiences Unlimited is the place to check for with free tickets , www.tvtickets.com.

Take a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame and see the famous stars Honouring over 2000 members of Hollywood royalty - past and present .

The Hollywood Sign - of the most recognisable landmarks in the world was built in 1923 as part of an advertising campaign for a new real - estate development in the Hollywood hills . It has stayed put ever since and we would not have it any other way . Its position on a hill means it is easily seen from all over the surrounding areas .

The Kodak Theatre is where the magic really happens. The location of the Oscars and many movie premieres means it is Accustomed to having that famous red carpet rolled out , and having some of the most famous figures in the world walk its path . Just across the road is the Grauman's Chinese Theatre , another hotspot for premieres . Its FORECOURT is where icons Such as Marilyn Monroe , Shirley Temple and George Clooney among hundreds of others have left hand and footprints in cement .
The Hollywood Museum is a veritable Encyclopaedia of movies Throughout the ages . Memorabilia of props and costumes from classic films to modern -day blockbusters make it a fascinating place to visit . It includes Liz Taylor robes and throne from Cleopatra and Hannibal Lecter 's Jail cell from Silence of the Lambs - a jolting experience for those still haunted by the film .

Children and adults alike will love the Los Angeles Zoo , and Hill Within Griffith Park area . Giraffes , zebras and a wide variety of birds and reptiles all live here . Adults $ 10 , children $ 5.
LA many have a reputation for being completely void of culture , but things are changing and there is a growing number of really good museums and galleries . The Museum of Contemporary Art ( MOCA ) is gaining a world- class reputation . The permanent collection includes Rothko , Pollock and Mondrian pieces . Admission free .
A different kind of star - spotting can be had at the Griffith Observatory . Built in 1935 with iconic triple domes , it makes a great afternoon out , if a little unimaginative in display .

A stroll down Venice Boardwalk is a stroll like no other . A human freak - show of colorful characters and fame - hungry Lunatics . If you are looking for somewhere to get your aura Cleansed , karma or redirected - braided hair , then look no further. This is a truly fascinating place however after dark it can get a bit seed .
If you're an Aspiring stalker or just a bit of a celeb - hunter , why not take a tour . Starline Tours offer a narrated bus tour of movie star homes and other famous landmarks .

Beaches , beaches , beaches ... so many to chose from . Santa Monica State Beach is the chicest spot to work on your tan , bordered by some mega - luxe , with Venice Beach and Long Beach also being popular spots for the beautiful people . Malibu 's Zuma has excellent swimming and Surfrider Beach is a legendary surfing spot . Water temperatures become pleasant by June and are at their warmest in August at around 70 ° C. If unsure , up to date beach reports can be checked at www.healthebay.org.
It May seem a little morbid to suggest a trip to a cemetery , but where else in the world can you look upon the graves of so many icons than at Westwood Memorial Park . After all , perhaps the greatest way to respect the dead is simply by remembering . Marilyn Monroe , Truman Capote and Peggy Lee among many others have their resting place here .

Getting around Los Angeles

LA is a city of drivers , and the quickest and easiest way to get around is by car Undoubtedly . Parking at cheaper hotels and is usually free , but there is a pricey valet service at most of the smarter hotels ( anywhere from $ 8 to $ 25 ) . Rush hour on the roads is best Avoided ( approximately 7- 9am and 3:30 - 6pm ) .

The main mode of public transport is the Metro , Which has five rail lines and 200 bus routes . Tickets cost $ 1.25 single , or $ 5 day pass . Exact change is needed for purchasing bus tickets - to be bought from the driver upon boarding , Whereas train tickets can be bought from machines at all stations . Visit www.metro.net to plan your routes .

Where to eat in Los Angeles

This city attracts all sorts , with naturally the menu has something to suit everyone . Restaurants are also great celeb - watching opportunities , in fact , a recent craze meant that numerous movie - stars actually opened their own restaurants ( although I doubt you'd see them slaving away in the kitchen ) .

Toast - everyone 's favorite place to grab a bite , great sandwiches and salads , perfect for lunches .

Blue Velvet - utterly divine dining amongst magical surroundings with great views . A real culinary treat .

Cheeba - one to bring the kids to . Drawing paper and crayons are provided to Occup little ones Whilst waiting for their generous sandwiches and organic pizza .

Spago Beverly Hills - ran by Wolfgang Puck , the ultimate place for fine dining amongst the rich and famous. Requires booking in advance , Tel : 310 385 0880th

Counter - all - American style burger joint in Santa Monica .

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