Discover a vibrant, diverse Los Angeles far beyond Tinseltown
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Think of LA and you might think of silhouetted palm trees against a pink Santa Monica sunset – or perhaps rolling hills with views over a glittering cityscape, or maybe even the bustling beachfront where skaters and rollerbladers and bodybuilders go to show off their skills – not to mention the glamorous Hollywood credentials.
That’s the great thing about this sprawling city: you’ll never be short on things to see, do and discover. From iconic cultural sites to a mouth-watering foodie scene, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy.
With British Airways operating several direct flights to Los Angeles every day, it's never been easier to visit. And with a wide choice of hotel and car hire options available to book through British Airways Holidays, you can create an LA break to suit you.
Live life like an Angeleno
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When it comes to enjoying LA to the maximum, there’s no better way to soak it all in than by simply getting out to explore.
The legendary Venice Beach is a great place to start, it’s a people-watcher’s heaven – and watch impressive skateboarders in action; it is the birthplace of modern skateboarding culture after all. Then, why not head to Venice Canals nearby for a different side to the district? Hiring a bike is another great option – an easy, flat route means you can enjoy the sights in the process.
Close-by, you’ll find Abbott Kinney Boulevard – a must-visit for anyone who considers an afternoon of shopping, good coffee, and delicious food to be the perfect itinerary.
Head further along the coast to the Santa Monica - the charming beachside spot boasts glorious sand and a bustling pier.
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To get active in true LA style, add a hike to your schedule. A great way to enjoy sunny weather and take in gorgeous views, it’s a pastime beloved by locals and celebrities and will allow you to see yet another side to the multi-faceted city.
Runyon Canyon is a popular spot, with a moderate route option that takes approximately an hour and a half, while the Mount Hollywood Trail (a 2.5-mile round trip from the Griffith Observatory) provides impressive views of the Hollywood sign.
A foodie paradise awaits in Los Angeles
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One challenge you may have when it comes to LA’s foodie offering is being bamboozled by the sheer range of choice of high-quality restaurants, cafés and street food around you.
From Michelin-star institutions to queue-worthy food trucks, there’s something for all tastes and budgets. British visitors are sure to experience Mexican food they could have only dreamed of, while the city’s salad scene will change everything you thought you knew about healthy eating.
Booking with British Airways and British Airways Holidays
- British Airways is the only UK airline to serve all three gateway airports into California: Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. All flights depart from London Heathrow with a daily flight, or multiple flights per day
- All British Airways Holidays packages are ATOL protected, keeping you and your money safe
- All package bookings include flexible payment options, with deposits from just £75 per person with no balance due until seven weeks before travel for long-haul*
- All British Airways Holidays packages include 23kg baggage allowance included per person, along with a 24-hour dedicated support helpline during your trip
- British Airways Executive Club members can use their Avios for part-payment on holiday packages. For more details, visit ba.com/holidays
- British Airways Holidays offers a range of hotel options to suit all budgets. From budget friendly to 5* luxury, there’s something for everyone
- Partnering with Avis, British Airways Holidays offers fly-drive holidays across the state. When booking flights and car hire together, all mandatory charges are included, and you’ll benefit from roadside assistance and 24-hour customer support.
- All hotels and car hire are committed to British Airways’ high safety standards
*Based on two adults sharing. Full balance due seven weeks before departure. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply
The cuisine on offer is truly global: expect delicious Korean, Thai, Indian, Italian, Lebanese, Greek, and much more. There are even street food trucks devoted solely to desserts!
Discover art and culture at fascinating museums
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At the Getty Center – home to J. Paul Getty Trust's extensive collection and free to visit – you can peruse a huge selection of art before exploring the pristine gardens and taking in the panoramic views of the city. As well as masterpieces from European greats including Van Gogh and Rembrandt, the museum is also home to the Department of Photographs, where you’ll find a vast collection dating back to the medium’s invention and works from the likes of Nan Goldin and William Eggleston.
In the heart of the city in Miracle Mile, you can find the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), home to more than 150,000 works of art from ancient to modern with pieces from movements across the globe. There are kid-friendly galleries, too, including the Boone Children's Gallery which, during the week, has activities to get the little ones’ creative juices flowing.
Hollywood history and theme park thrills
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Other places to visit for culture and curiosity include the California Science Center and the Natural History Museum, especially for children, and of course the unmissable Hollywood Museum.
Film buffs can explore the latter’s collection of over 10,000 items. Memorable artefacts include the boxing gloves worn in the Rocky movies, the Superman costume worn by Christopher Reeve, Elvis Presley's bathrobe, Judy Garland's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, and Marilyn Monroe's white halter dress from The Seven Year Itch.
Thrillseekers will want to make time for one (or more) of the city’s theme parks: there’s Universal Studios Hollywood - where you’ll find everything from Super Nintendo World™ to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter; Six Flags Magic Mountain, home to 19 adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters; and Warner Bros Studio Tours.
Trips to take from LA
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Consider it a destination where you’ll be able to tick multiple things off your bucket list.
Where to stay: Los Angeles
Hollywood Roosevelt
Get your fix of retro Tinseltown glamour at the Hollywood Boulevard hotel that hosted the first-ever Oscars. Relax by the David Hockney-painted pool in a 1950s-style cabana with a view of the Hollywood sign.
The Garland
This stunningly stylish four-star boutique hotel in Studio City is a short walk from Universal Studios, yet it has the feel of a rustic retreat from the glitz of La La Land.
Moxy Downtown Los Angeles
A stylish hotel offering vibrant, modern accommodation, trendy dining options and a rooftop bar, all set in the heart of Los Angeles’ bustling downtown area, perfect for urban explorers and business travellers alike.
To book your holiday to Los Angeles, please visit ba.com/losangeles