Los Angeles, the City of Angels, requires little introduction. The beating heart of the film and entertainment industry, it’s also one of the most iconic cities in the United States.

Whether you’re planning to visit for a day, a weekend, or perhaps a little longer, here’s a taste of what you can expect to find in this sprawling urban wonderland.

Hollywood
A place where there are almost more stars on the ground than there are in the sky, Hollywood is a must-visit. Walk along the glittering Avenue of Stars, where you can track down and take a picture with your favourite star; or perhaps stop for a live taping of one of the television shows filmed along the strip. If you want to get a closer look at the iconic Hollywood sign, then the Griffith Observatory in nearby Los Feliz is a fantastic place to check out. In addition to a great vantage of the sign, you’ll also be presented with amazing views of the L.A. skyline.

Venice Beach
If you love people watching, the pedestrian-friendly Venice Boardwalk needs to be on your radar. Street performers, skateboarders, gym junkies, tarot readers, sand sculptors, portrait artists and all manner of people expressing themselves make Venice a must-see. It should also be worth mentioning that it’s ridiculously beautiful too. The sandy beachfront dotted with palm trees; streets adorned in vibrant street art; cafes spilling onto the pavement… it’s amazing.

Malibu
As Miley Cyrus says, “the sky is more blue in Malibu”. This coastal haven is home to gorgeous national parks brimming with scenic trails and canyons, beautiful beaches with amazing surf, and celebrity houses aplenty. Though you likely won’t see Miley (or any other stars), the natural beauty alone is enough to delight the senses and stir your soul. The Getty Villa Museum, at the eastern end of Malibu, is a must-visit for lovers of ancient Greek and Roman antiquities.

Santa Monica
A tourist hotspot from way back, Santa Monica is stunning by day and magical by night. With top restaurants, glittering neon, and the sound of crashing waves, this nostalgic backdrop is a great spot to enjoy a drink, an ice cream, or just a stroll. It also happens to be the end of Route 66 – the end of the line for intrepid travellers who make the long journey from the Midwest.

Downtown L.A.
The Downtown area has come a long way in recent years. Though off the tourist radar not long ago, it’s now a vibrant, multicultural precinct with plenty to hold your attention. There’s the Broad Museum, a contemporary art gallery which is just as impressive outside as it is within; the Walt Disney Concert Hall, a glittering steel structure designed by Frank Gehry; and the Grand Central Market, a European-style food hall brimming with eclectic eateries – to name a few.

Universal Studios Hollywood
Craving a little more movie magic in your visit? Universal Studios Hollywood has you covered. This theme park and film studio combo is home to an amazing array of attractions, including the world-famous Studio Tour where you can explore sets from some of the biggest films and TV shows. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World – The Ride, and a ride dedicated to everyone’s favourite four-fingered family The Simpsons are just some of the standouts.

Honourable Mention: Disneyland, Anaheim
While not actually in Los Angeles, it’s about an hour down the road in Orange County, the city is the main jump-off point for visitors wanting to visit Disneyland. There are two Disney parks to choose from, the older-yet-still-amazing Disneyland Park (home to the famous Sleeping Beauty Castle) and Disney California Adventure, where you’ll find the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. if you have a couple of days in town, get the multi-park pass which allows you access to both.

How to get around:

A hire car is your best option for getting the most out of your visit, giving you the freedom to go wherever and whenever you like. If you’d rather leave driving on the right hand side of the road to the locals, several shuttle buses operate from LAX (Los Angeles International Airport).

TripADeal offer L.A. stopovers on most trips to the United States. Just check the Important Information of the deal to see if an L.A. stopover is available – and start planning your visit today!