LA Holidays



LA Holidays

Combine urban skylines, with rustic mountainscapes and golden beaches that stretch for miles -, and LA might just have the perfect recipe for an unforgettable holiday. Nestled comfortably in southern California, this star-studded city oozes glitz and glamour with the lively atmosphere of a bustling city, but with all the benefits of lush, natural surroundings. From café-lined streets and high-class boulevards to winding roads fringed with towering palms, LA is full of scenes that look as though they’ve been plucked straight from a movie – because they probably have been! If you’re looking for a beach break that has it all, then it might be time to tick the famous La La Land off your list.

Why holiday in LA?

LA is the place where small-town dreamers come to take their place centre-stage, and surfers flock to the beaches to ride those famous ocean waves. It’s the city where charming neighbourhoods back onto plush stretches of sand, and majestic mountains unfold beneath sprawling blue skies. Tempted yet?
If you’re looking for something a little more special for your next getaway, then why not soak up the Mediterranean climate whilst also immersing yourself in some Hollywood glamour? With glittering A-list attractions, thrilling theme parks and an endless golden coastline, whether you plan to travel with the kids or simply a backpack, LA has something to welcome every holidaymaker.

Beach holidays

When it comes to beaches, LA has one for every occasion. If you’ve seen any films or TV shows set in Los Angeles then chances are you’ve caught a glimpse of the captivating coastline already. Venice Beach is undoubtedly the most popular stretch of shoreline, serving up three impressive miles of soft sands dotted with swaying palms, a range of sports and the famous Boardwalk, lined with tarot-readers, street vendors, artists, jugglers and break-dancers.

If you’re looking for a family day out then we recommend Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach with its faux beach and enclosed, shallow waters perfect for little paddlers, as well as waterslides, fountain features and a diner for grabbing a bite to eat after all of the splashing around. Travelling with young children in tow? Give Marina Beach a try, appropriately nicknamed ‘Mother’s Beach’ after becoming popular with LA mums. Boasting a peaceful 12-acre lagoon, a playground and sheltered picnic tables, this is a great place to keep the little ones occupied whilst making the most of the glorious LA sunshine.

Got a different family member in mind to bring along on your trip? Rosie’s Beach located along Ocean Boulevard has a dedicated ‘dog zone’ at certain times of day, where you’ll find dogs of all sizes and breeds playing in the water and basking in the sea breeze, so whether you’ve got a furry guest in mind or you’re simply a dog-lover, this beach is sure to put a smile on your face.

If this all sounds a little too busy for you, then don’t worry – there are some great lesser-known coves in LA where you can set up camp for the day. Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is a hidden treasure, home to two beaches – Abalone Cove and Sacred Cove. The park offers a scenic trail with tidepools and a rustic shoreline – perfect for a quieter beach day!

What to eat and drink

From potentially predictable avocado-toast brunch spots to tempting sushi bars and cheese-loaded burger joints, food in LA is undoubtedly world-class. Don’t eat meat? Don’t worry! LA’s modern menus are no stranger to some delicious plant-based cuisine, from falafel burgers and vegan mac and cheese to veggie tacos. Dining venues here cover the full scale - ranging from celebrity-run restaurants along stylish boulevards, to humble food trucks set along the sands. You can explore some more international flavours with mouthwatering ramen or spicy fish tacos, or you can tuck into some All-American favourites, including brioche burgers with a heaping side of fries, LA pizza or the classic chilli cheese dog. Speaking of which, if you’re a hot dog fan then Pink’s Hot Dogs joint is a must-visit during your stay in LA. Paul and Betty Pink started as street vendors in 1939, serving up highly-acclaimed chilli dogs that stole the hearts of the locals. Now, over 80 years later, Pink’s is one of the most popular food joints in the city, offering a whole menu of hot dogs with unique toppings, such as swissSwiss cheese, coleslaw, sour cream, pastrami and sauerkraut.

It doesn’t always have to be about those rich, calorific plates though (although we love them). There are plenty of spots to grab a quick bite or something to drink during your explorations. Cupcake shops and bakeries fill street corners with sugary-sweet aromas, whilst the array of coffee shops proves convenient, so you can stay fuelled for your trip. You can grab and go or find a cosy caffeine spot to unwind away from the hustle and bustle with a warm pastry treat. You might recognise familiar menu items like espressos and flat whites, but some of the more modern blends that have crept onto menus include matcha lattes with turmeric - don’t knock it ‘til you try it!

Visiting Los Angeles

Whether LA is the setting for your extra-special family beach break, a romantic couples’ escape or a solo adventure, there are plenty of things to see and do.

An obvious choice would be to explore the sights of Hollywood. Griffith Observatory is a must for some of the best views in town of the oh-so iconic Hollywood sign. There’s also a planetarium where you can catch a show, whilst eager explorers might prefer to head to Griffith Park for a hike. There are trails for a range of abilities; some are even dog-friendly and suitable for families with push-chairs, so don’t be put off if you don’t have extensive hiking experience! Of course, LA is also a great place to do some star-spotting - and no, we don’t mean in the sky. Take a stroll down the famous Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame to spot the names of your favourite stars on the pavement, or head to the luxurious Rodeo Drive for high-end stores where you might just bump into some familiar faces. Don’t worry if you don’t though - you can always head to Madame Tussauds to make sure that you definitely get some celebrity snaps to remember your trip by!

With glitz and glamour comes gorgeous shopping malls with everything from familiar brands to bakeries and luxury fashion boutiques. If you’re seeking gifts for loved ones or simply fancy a treat for yourself, then be sure to hit up one of the popular malls so that you can shop ‘til you drop.

Need something to keep the kids entertained? Lazy beach days go without saying, but one of the most popular family attractions in LA is of course Disneyland. Little kids and big kids alike will have a field day exploring thrilling rides, beautiful walkways, the iconic Disney castle and even meeting their favourite characters. Film-lovers on the other hand might prefer to take a detour to Hollywood’s Universal Studios - home to more themed rides, 3D experiences and behind-the-scenes insights. It’s a true crowd-pleaser!

Important information for visiting

Direct flights to Los Angeles Airport from the UK take just over 11 hours, giving you plenty of time to tuck into a novel, plan what you’d like to do on your trip or simply get some shut-eye before you land. The currency in LA is US dollars, and English is the most regularly spoken language, however, Spanish is also widely spoken in this city.

The local time in LA is 8 hours behind the UK which means that when you land you’ll have even more time to explore this glamorous city.

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