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LA, Tinseltown, La La Land, the City of Angels. You know you've made it when you've been gifted a nickname that sticks, and Los Angeles has more than just made it. Rimmed by beaches, speckled with celebrities, and packing more shopping and nightlife than your TID Travel Money Card can handle, USA's favourite melting pot has something to offer every traveller.
So, where do you start in a city with an 120 kilometre-long coastline and more museums and theatres than any other city in the USA? Like stars on The Walk of Fame, we've lined up the 10 best things to do in Los Angeles and we promise, there's something here for everyone.
1. Go sightseeing
Photo credit Getty/Mitch Diamond
First time in LA? You've got some sightseeing to do! Take yourself along to the Walk of Fame, TLC Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre (home to the Academy Awards) and of course, the iconic Hollywood sign atop Mount Lee.
2. Experience some Cali culture
For those who like a bit of culture-fication on their holidays, LA has you covered. Get-ty inspired at the Getty Centre where you'll find modern, classical and botanical exhibitions, before paying a visit to LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) for a mixed bag of mixed media offerings.
3. Enjoy some family time at Disneyland
Los Angeles is where dreams come true, so a family trip to Disneyland in Anaheim is a must-do (or Elsa the kids might never forgive you….) It might be the Happiest Place on Earth, but preparation is key. Book tickets online a head of time, grab yourself a Fastpass to skip the queues, and make the most of Extra Magic Morning where you can access the park an hour before everybody else.
4. Get outdoors in Santa Monica
With an average of 292 sunny days a year, make sure you make the most of the LA weather by getting outdoors down in Santa Monica. Stroll along the promenade, squeal your way through the rides at Pacific Park, or hit the shops on Abbot Kinney Boulevard. At the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, you'll find Runyon Canyon Park where serious outdoorsy types can enjoy 160 acres of Californian wilderness.
5. Take a drive
Nothing says California cool quite like getting behind the wheel of a convertible. Put the top down and take a spin around Calabasas (home of the Kardashians, Jennifer Lopez and Justin Bieber), check out the real estate on Mulholland Drive, or hit the Pacific Coast Highway and head out to Malibu.
6. Shop till you drop
At The Grove you'll find the creme de la creme of (affordable) clothing, homewares and electronic stores in a 53,400 m2 squared complex, fitted out with its own internal transit system. Load up that TID Travel Money Card and get ready to do some damage.
7. Go celebrity spotting
Get your Instagram ready and hit the streets (or the studios) for some celebrity spotting. For guaranteed sightings, grab tickets to tapings of Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Kimmel Live or set tours of Paramount Pictures.
8. Taste the delights
Are you the type of traveller that thinks with their stomach? Get your foodie fill of eclectic cuisine at Norah, try out Marcel Vigneron's new Melrose establishment, Wolf or treat your tastebuds to LA favourite, The Ivy.
9. Head out on the town
Photo credit Getty/PFE
It wouldn't be a trip to LA without experiencing Tinseltown's nightlife. Fans of live music should check out the line up at Viper Room, while cocktail enthusiasts will love the likes of Highland Park Bowl and The Fiscal Agent. Hit the dance floor at Avalon Hollywood and make sure you round the night out with a quick snack from Pinks Hotdogs, a post-partying establishment amongst LA locals.
10. Go see a game
No matter what time of year, there'll be a sporting match worth catching in Los Angeles. Check out the Lakers sink hoops at Staples Center, the Dodgers hit home runs at Dodgers Stadium or the Rams scoring touchdowns at the soon to be completed, Los Angeles Stadium.