America's largest natural, outdoor amphitheatre is the ultimate attraction for socialising, enjoying park-like grounds and watching epic musical performances from the best jazz, classical, Broadway and World music artists. The Hollywood Bowl is renowned for its exquisite setting and musicians who have graced its stage include Andrea Bocelli, Billie Holiday and The Beatles. Be sure to visit the free Hollywood Bowl Museum, which is open every night before concerts and features spectacular exhibitions related to music and the Bowl.
Home to an unrivalled collection of European and American art from the Middle Ages to the present, the Getty Center wows visitors with its Renaissance paintings, Baroque sculptures and 20th-century American photography. The museum is also known for its calm space and impressive architecture. Be sure to check out the awe-inspiring views of LA and don't leave without a stroll around the breathtaking Central Garden, which contains hundreds of different plants set in beautiful landscaping.
TCL Chinese Theatre is a beautiful building which houses a world-famous cinema dating back to 1927. It has been the location of thousands of movie premieres over the years and countless celebrities have left their footprints, handprints and hoof prints on the walkways of the courtyard. For Los Angeles' visitors it remains the ultimate movie palace experience. At this historic monument you can watch films, go on a VIP tour to learn the history of the theatre and spot celebrities at film premieres.
Rooftop bars are all the rage and for the finest views of Los Angeles, look no further than Skybar at Mondrian Los Angeles. The open-air, ivy-covered pavilion perched above the pool at the luxury hotel brings a fresh approach to an iconic space. Skybar appears almost to float in the clouds with a wall of strawberry plants adorning the Mexican-style oasis. At night, it is the liveliest spot around and attracts LA's most beautiful people.
One of America's largest urban parks, Griffith Park has 50 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails, a number of waterfalls and lagoons for swimming and its own attractions, such as the Los Angeles Zoo and the Travel Town Museum, making it ideal for a day out. Griffith Observatory is located in the park and is best known for its breathtaking views of the Hollywood Sign, plus it's a great spot for stargazing at night. Other must-see attractions in the 4,310-acre park include the Greek Theatre, the Autry National Center and the merry-go-round.
Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is one of Los Angeles' modern marvels and an architectural masterpiece. Inside, the spectacular concert hall hosts unparalleled visual and aural musical performances from the innovative and much admired Los Angeles Philharmonic. Take a free tour to understand the building's architectural significance and history. Enjoy fine dining at the Hall's restaurant, Patina, before a concert and be further impressed by the splendour of the striking building.
We bet you didn't know you could surf, ski and hike in LA all in one day! Although most people think of sun and beaches, Los Angeles has winters too and in the San Gabriel Mountains lies the Mountain High ski resort, where you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. Fancy a hike? Hit Elysian Park, Runyon Canyon Park and Solstice Canyon for the best treks whatever the season. And for surfing, first timers and seasoned riders can hit the waves at Zuma, Malibu, Topanga and Manhattan Beaches.
After hurtling 123 million miles through space since it first entered service in 1992, the 75-tonne space shuttle Endeavour now rests at the California Science Center in the Samuel Oschin Space Shuttle Endeavour Display Pavilion. Along with engaging, hands-on science exhibits you can see the retired NASA space shuttle at its home of California, where it was built in Palmdale. Battleship-loving kids and adults will enjoy seeing The Battleship of Presidents, USS IOWA, which has opened as a floating museum. This is situated along LA's waterfront in San Pedro
Swim, skate and shop at Venice Beach for a quintessential Los Angeles experience. Once home to LA's poets and artists, it served as a major cultural centre and today offers a variety of entertainment, sport and fun for everyone to enjoy. Relax and play on the three-mile beach, watch local skaters at Venice Skatepark and see impressive bodybuilders at the Muscle Beach Gym. Don't leave without watching the sunset with a cocktail or beer in hand at laid back rooftop lounge High at the Hotel Erwin for the best views.
Whether you want a quick bite to eat from a fast food truck or Michelin-starred dining, LA is a haven for gourmands in search of the next big thing in food. From Mexican to Japanese and afternoon tea to late-night eateries, the dining possibilities are endless. Try the seafood at The Lobster, sample Asian dishes from India to Thailand at RockSugar Pan Asian Kitchen and grab a juicy burger and fries at quintessential American diner Mel's Drive-In.