Los Angeles, the USAs second largest city after New York, sprawls along the Pacific coast of southern California.

Much of Los Angeles lives in a bubble - one where it is always sunny and nothing will stop the Angelenos determination to work hard and live a rich life. The city is really a mosaic of diversity with areas known for specific cultures. Looking at a map of sprawling Los Angeles, first-time travellers are sometimes overwhelmed. Where to begin? What to see first? Begin by setting your priorities — movie and television fans should first head to Hollywood, Universal Studios, and a taping of a television show. Beach lovers and outdoorsy types might travel out to Santa Monica or Venice Beach or Malibu, or spend an afternoon in Griffith Park, one of the largest city parks in the country. Those with a cultural bent should probably make a beeline for the twin Gettys (the centre in Brentwood and the villa near Malibu), the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), or the Norton Simon Museum. Family groups would head to Anaheim to visit the theme parks of Disneyland and California Adventure. And urban explorers might begin with downtown Los Angeles.

Los Angeles has much to offer the traveller, whether its wining and dining, culture, film, theatre, shopping, fun parks, this city has it all.

When to travel to Los Angeles

The peak season in Los Angeles is July/August, when every day is sunny and hot. If you prefer smaller crowds the shoulder seasons (March to May and September to November) are a good bet. On average, Los Angeles enjoys 292 sunny days each year, cooled by gentle ocean breezes and little rain.