City of Angels
It may have been out of bounds for a while, but California’s Tinseltown is back with a larger than ever line-up of heavenly pleasures, says Lauren Jarvis
Day 1: Culture, sport and movie magic
Morning: Los Angeles has more museums, galleries and performing arts venues than any other U.S. city, so dive into the California African American Museum, LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art), or Grammy Museum to soak up some Americana culture. Strike a pose at the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, with six floors dedicated to the art and science of films.
Afternoon: Immerse yourself in more movie magic at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood in Burbank, where you’ll find a brand-new welcome centre, Storytelling Showcase and grand finale featuring the DC Universe, along with the chance to visit the famous Friends TV show set and have lunch in Central Perk. Or head to Universal Studios Hollywood to explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and jump on Jurassic World – The Ride, before stopping off at Griffith Park for a selfie with the infamous Hollywood sign. Evening: With seven major sports venues, LA offers the opportunity to watch world-class baseball, basketball and American football at iconic venues.
Go for a pre- or post- game supper in one of the market hall eateries at the Citizen Public Market in Downtown Culver City, or try seasonal Japanese sensations at the chic Imari in Brentwood.
Book it with... USAirtours
Stay three nights at the 1 Hotel West Hollywood in LA, two nights at the Kimpton Hotel Canary in Santa Barbara and two nights at Inn At The Pier in Pismo Beach from £2,599pp. The deal includes return flights and Hertz car hire. For travel on May 15, 2022. usairtours.co.uk
Day 2: Go green out west
Morning: West Hollywood – or ‘WeHo’ – is California’s most walkable city. Its car-free commercial district, ROW DTLA, combines creative workspaces with hip boutiques and restaurants on the repurposed historic complex of Alameda Square. Grab a coffee with the Angelenos and make like a local with a righteous fitness or wellness session. If upmarket stores are your bag, visit the Design District for luxury brands and art galleries. Afternoon: What could be more ‘LA than sipping an al fresco margarita or fresh juice while dining on zingy traditional Mexican cuisine – plant based, of course? Gracias Madre on Melrose Avenue is one of
West Hollywood’s new breed of conscious and cool eateries, where dining in style won’t (literally) cost the Earth.
Evening: Join the locals watching the sunset over the ocean at Santa Monica Pier and ride the world’s only solar-powered ferris wheel at Pacific Park. Back in West Hollywood, try the EP Restaurant for American dishes that showcase the freshest of Californian produce cooked with European flair, before continuing up to the LP Rooftop for late-night drinks with some of the best views of the Hollywood Hills, and sliding into bed at the sustainability-focused 1 Hotel West Hollywood on Sunset Strip.