A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
From misty Northern California redwood forests to sun-kissed Southern California beaches, the enchanted Golden State is a dream destination. Combining bohemian spirit and high-tech savvy, California embraces contrast and contradictions.
Tacos are a Southern California way of life, and for many Angelenos, the search for tacos is a love affair, often leading to a quest to sample as many varieties as possible.
From the indescribable west coast sunsets at El Matador Beach to the fun and vibrant electric energy in Venice Beach, Los Angeles is home to some of Southern California’s best beaches.
Los Angeles is a city exploding with new eateries. Brave chefs and hospitality workers have been knocked down over and over the last few years. Many had to reinvent their menus to survive.
Travelers who journey between Los Angeles and San Francisco can get ready to kiss congested traffic and airport security lines goodbye.
In Los Angeles, you have beaches, palm trees, endless sunshine, and, of course, the entertainment industry. For decades, its art-focused industries and beautiful cityscape have attracted LGBTIQ+ visitors from around the globe. Many end up making LA their home. Its progressive and open-minded residents have seen the LGBTIQ+ community thrive here, with West Hollywood becoming the city’s center of queer culture.
Los Angeles is an international city whose population rivals most US states. With more than 33,000 restaurants to choose from, condensing the list to the very best is a daunting task. Get (re)acquainted with “La La Land” and make the most of your vacation with some of these inspiring meals.
When you think of your ideal Los Angeles vacation, what comes to mind? If beaches, palm trees, and spectacular sunsets are must-haves on the agenda, then plan on spending at least a couple of days on LA’s Westside. The area’s popular neighborhoods – including Santa Monica, Venice, and Malibu & the Pacific Palisades – offer miles of shoreline, a thriving local food truck scene, only-in-LA workouts, drinks with a view, and the chance for celebrity sightings in the wild as you dine, shop, and people-watch in hip neighborhoods.
Virtually every restaurant inLos Angelesoffers at least some vegan options, but with over 250 vegan specialty restaurants around the county, LA shines for the surprising spectrum of world cuisines in plant-based form. If you envision vegan eateries as earthy and rustic, fear not! Many of these establishments are as fashion-forward as LA itself. Here are some standouts to explore.
While both Los Angeles and South Bend share a fervent passion for USC and Notre Dame football, this tale of two cities couldn’t be more different. LA, the sunny Southern California capital of the Good Life (population 19 million), is the Goliath to South Bend’s David, a small Midwestern town (population 102,000) in Northern Indiana, irrevocably connected to its rich and storied Catholic university.
Downtown Los Angeles, once considered a no-go zone, is experiencing a remarkable transformation, illuminated by the historic allure of neon signs. This revitalization is a testament to the hard work of individuals passionate about preserving this iconic aspect of LA culture. Here’s an overview of the Los Angeles neon renaissance:
Dionne Warwick called Los Angeles a great big freeway, while John Lennon called the city a big parking lot. Daily gridlock remains the norm in this sprawling behemoth; however, an ever-improving public transit system means exploring the city with just a TAP card is actually easier than you may think.
From Santa Monica to San Gabriel, Pasadena to Palos Verdes, Los Angeles is in the midst of a restaurant renaissance. With just a reservation and some cash, you can sample everything from high-flying gourmet extravaganzas to ethnic feasts.
So you’re planning a visit to the City of Angels, and you’re a bit daunted. We hear you. At about 4,000 square miles, LA County is larger than some US states, and with over 10 million inhabitants in the greater metro area, it’s far and away America’s most populous county. There are more people here than in many European countries, all packed into a space one-quarter the size of the Netherlands.
In Los Angeles, a handful of beloved hotels—some relative newcomers, others dating back to the glory days of Old Hollywood—are woven so deeply into the social fabric, you couldn’t imagine the sprawling city without them.
During World War II, the city’s neon signs were extinguished due to fears of a Japanese attack, and most were never turned back on. However, 25 years ago, Havana-born Adolfo Nodal, then working in LA’s cultural affairs department, decided to change that. He undertook the monumental task of reviving Los Angeles neon signs after over half a century of darkness.
Editor’s Note: Travel might be complicated right now, but use our inspirational trip ideas to plan ahead for your next bucket list adventure. Hotels were chosen based on late summer/early fall 2020 dates and rates are subject to change.
Look no further for fun things to do in LA.
Discover the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do in Los Angeles with this highly curated guide to the city.