CALIFORNIAN ESCAPE

LOS ANGELES A CITY OF CONTRASTS

Los Angeles may surprise you! Far more than just Hollywood glitz and glamour, this diverse city offers stunning beaches and fascinating hidden neighbourhoods that many visitors never discover.

You will definitely need to hire a car, but my first tip would be to leave the car behind for one day and use the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus tours to see all the famous sites without having to worry about parking. This is what we did on our last visit. These open-topped double-decker buses will take you on various routes encompassing Santa Monica, Downtown, Hollywood & Beverly Hills and, as the name suggests, you can hop off at any of the stops, explore further and then catch the next bus along.

There are a lot of hidden neighbourhoods in the city and if I had to pick just two of them, then Little Tokyo and Olvera Street would be my recommendations. The first is typical of this city's diversity: it's full of Japanese eateries, shops and cultural attractions. Similarly, Olvera Street pays homage to Los Angeles' original Spanish heritage and is a traffic-free area full of markets, shops, restaurants and mostly free museums that you can explore at your leisure.

COASTAL & MOUNTAINS

We were feeling quite adventurous, so we drove out to the San Gabriel Mountains (about an hour or so from central LA) and completed The Bridge To Nowhere walk, which is a 10-mile moderate round trip hike with great scenery, river crossings and canyon trails.

Of course, the beaches are world-famous and Newport Beach is probably my favourite, as there is a sense of community that surrounds it, but don't miss out on a relaxing stroll along the Venice Canals which are set back from Venice Beach.

THRILLS & ACCOMMODATION

I don't think an LA guide would be complete without mentioning its famous theme parks!

Disneyland stands as Walt's original vision, while Knott's Berry Farm offers a charming slice of California's oldest amusement park history. For thrill-seekers, Six Flags Magic Mountain delivers with its impressive collection of rollercoasters and the adjoining Hurricane Harbor waterpark.

However, if you're visiting just one park, I'd recommend Universal Studios Hollywood. Unlike its Orlando counterpart, the Hollywood experience centres around genuine filmmaking - you'll discover how movies come to life through special effects and stunt demonstrations. The park offers attractions suitable for all ages, making it both entertaining and educational.

Yes, this city is a huge urban sprawl, but there is so much to see in the neighbourhoods and parks around the city, and our teenagers were never bored during our trip. We stayed at The Hyatt Regency in Orange County, which has a rooftop swimming pool, basketball court and two pickleball courts plus an excellent deli and a great range of craft beers on tap in the Vita Bar. The hotel is an excellent choice for families as it has Two Bedroom Suites and interconnecting family rooms.

California revealed itself as a land of genuine surprises – where LA's diverse neighbourhoods offer unexpected delights, and where natural beauty exists alongside urban sophistication. What struck me most was how California rewards the curious traveller who ventures beyond the well-trodden tourist paths.

I'd love to share more specific insights about this fascinating destination with you. Whether you're drawn to coastal escapes, urban exploration, or family adventures, a conversation about your travel preferences would allow me to suggest the California experiences that would work best for you.

Visit our Tunbridge Wells branch, ring me on 01892 357 500, or email tw@ashdowntravel.co.uk whenever you're ready to explore the possibilities.



Best wishes, Paul