Top Vacation Destination

What is the first word that comes to mind the moment someone says ‘Los Angeles’? Hollywood? Beaches? More likely than not. But did you know it is a city steeped in history? Los Angeles, which is Spanish for ‘angels’, was part of the Spanish colony from 1781 till 1821 when it became annexed to Mexico. It became part of the United States in 1848, subsequent to the Mexican-American War. Californians are intensely proud of their capital, it being a major center in terms of world trade, culture, and technology.

The moment you get off the rather enormous Los Angeles airport, you will be completely overwhelmed by the magnitude of the city’s attractions and activities. The nearest point is the Howard Hughes’ Promenade which is a smallish mall but serves an outlet for the latest brands in clothing. If you are hopping between flights and have little time, Howard Hughes’ serves as a pretty nice stopover. But if the break lasts the entire day and you have time hanging heavy on your hands, we strongly suggest you take the Lot C shuttle to the Farmer’s Market where you can sample California’s fresh fruits, wines, its assortment of cheeses, and ice creams. You might also want to visit a shopping district called The Grove replete with high ranking stores and restaurants. If you have time, you might like to go to the theatre here.

If you are staying on for a while well then, you’ll be surprised at the sheer number of things you can do and the sights you can see. But where would you like to start? If you’d like to sample European hospitality in a US setting, we recommend the rather quaint Alpine Village hailed for its music festivals including the greatly-celebrated Oktoberfest, sumptuous European cuisine, and beer.

One in Los Angeles, or LA, as it is more popularly called, how can you go away without visiting Hollywood? Tour operators will only be too glad to book a studio tour for you. You will never forget the historic visit to Sunset Strip, Melrose, Rodeo Drive, etc. Visit the famed Hollywood Boulevard to get a feel of the ‘celebrity’ aura that pervades Hollywood. Do bear in mind, however, that the tour needs to be booked at least 72 hours in advance.

Certain places in LA present a happy amalgam of shopping with outdoor activity. One such place is Catalina Island where you can go on exciting boat-rides, moonlit walks and also swim in cool, clear sea-waters. You can also go shopping for electronic goods and jewelry. The art-minded might also like to visit the Catalina Art Gallery located in the gorgeous Casino Building.

Very high on the popularity list of tourists’ interest is Disneyland and its sister park known as California Adventure. You might also want to visit the Knott’s Berry Farm which is not too far away. This is an amusement park which is hailed for its ‘Wild West’ theme.

Going around the city is quite easy as the public transport system is pretty nifty. Yet you are best advised to rent a car so that you can visit far-flung areas without worrying how to get back. Good luck with your trip to good old LA!