This guide to Los Angeles – what to do and see and where to stay offers a versatile listing for first-timers in the City of Angels. The most populated city in California has an eclectic mix of high end and bare bones accommodations. Depending on personal preferences, guests could find themselves among priceless artworks or in the front row of a live performance.
Accommodations
Luxury- Shutters on the Beach (shuttersonthebeach.com) sits in walking distance of the Santa Monica Pier. Designed along the lines of an intimate boutique hotel, each room has floor to ceiling windows and a balcony where guests can sit and enjoy views of the city. An in-house restaurant serves American entrees and the hotel spa offers a wide range of body treatments. In true California style, the hotel has a small swimming pool.
Moderate- Sheraton Universal Hotel (sheraton.com) is the go-to spot for staff members and guests of Universal Studios. Situated close to the Hollywood Bowl and Universal Studios Theme Park, the hotel plays host to a number of conferences and conventions. For an additional fee, guests have access to concierge services and afternoon hors d’oeuvres.
Budget- Cal Mar Hotel Suites (calmarhotel.com). Beach dwellers cannot get enough of Cal Mar, located two blocks from the ocean. Apartment-style accommodations feature pullout couches, a separate bedroom and full kitchen with utensils. The heated outdoor pool is available for guest use during cooler California weather.
Attractions
Cultural
The Getty Center (getty.edu.) continues to delight long time residents and new arrivals with pieces from American and European artists. Photographs, sculpture and manuscripts line the halls. During pleasant weather, throngs congregate in the central garden area to order a bite at the café.
Watts Towers took artist Simon Rodia over 30 years to create. The massive structure consists of 17 individual works and sits in an area known for riots during the late 60s and early 90s. Guests should visit the site during daylight hours for safety reasons.
Fitness
Los Angeles is known for its beautiful people. Adventurous types are more than welcome to take in a workout at Venice Beach. Skateboarders and bodybuilders come to take in fresh air. Couch potatoes can enjoy a little people watching.
Los Angeles Conservancy Walking Tours (laconservancy.org) combines two great activities: sightseeing and cardiovascular workouts. Guests enjoy trekking through downtown all the way to nearby San Pedro. Reservations are required due to the tour’s popularity.
Shopping
No trip to L.A. would be complete without shopping. Rodeo Drive houses high-end boutiques. The only shopping complex designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright sits mere footsteps away. Santee Alley, known as The Alley, features outdoor merchants offering reasonably priced goods. Jewelry, clothing and toys are all available for purchase.
Nightlife
Bar Marmont (chateaumarmont.com), located inside legendary Chateau Marmont, offers excellent people watching. Well-heeled patrons enjoy cocktails and gastro-pub cuisine. The Woods offers a slightly more relaxed environment, enhanced by its location inside a Hollywood strip mall. Drink specials are on tap until 10:00 p.m.