Los Angeles is shamelessly pretentious, loud and glitzy. Yet those who explore beyond the city's veneer will discover a fascinating cosmopolitan metropolis.
Sprawling LA has minimal public transport; therefore hiring a car is the most practical way to get around. Once arriving from flights to LA, start your adventure by exploring the city's famous neighbourhoods. Hollywood and West Hollywood - home of the iconic Hollywood mega-sign - ooze that old Hollywood glamour, with Frank Gehry-designed houses overlooking the city and 1960s convertibles parked in the driveways. Down the road in Beverly Hills, you’ll find the famous Rodeo Drive, where tourists, celebrities, and the ready-to-pounce paparazzi hang around the exclusive designer boutiques and cafes.
LA's laid-back coastal towns attract thousands of visitors each year. The landmark Santa Monica Pier, a veritable shopping and amusement park with its historic 1920s carousel, is worth a visit, while Santa Monica's Downtown and Third Street Promenade is a shopper's paradise. Venice Beach is a prime people-watching location.
