Los Angeles — Globe Hopping with Irma

I will not be focusing as much in this city as the other four above, because as recommended earlier, if you have only ten days to explore the US, then the above four cities would already have taken up all your vacation time. However, if you have two extra days, when you are finished in San Francisco, it might be a good idea to make a 1- or 2-day stop in Los Angeles. San Francisco to Los Angeles is a 1 and half hour flight; about a 9-hour train ride including stops; and a 6-hour car drive. I find Los Angeles incredibly fun when you have children, whether they are still young or even a bit older.

Los Angeles, also referred to as the city of angels, is the second most populous city in the US, after New York City. Situated in southern California, it is well-known for its Mediterranean climate, ethnic diversity, and the largest centre of the country’s entertainment industry.

The city’s coastal area was once inhabited by the Tongva and Chumash Native American tribes thousands of years ago. The Spanish them settled in the mid 18th century, followed by the Mexican in the early 19th century. Mexican rule ended around 1847, after the Mexican-American War. In 1910, Hollywood was established in the city, and by 1921 around 80% of the world’s film industry was concentrated in Los Angeles. Today, the metropolitan area of the city has a population of more than four million people.

Airport:

Los Angeles International Airport.

Public Transportation:

Metro Buses and Metro Rail. There is a Metro Rail service from LA Airport to downtown LA.

Commuter Trains.

Taxi.

Renting a car is highly recommended.

Recommended Hotels:

Regent Beverly Wilshire (the hotel I the movies “Pretty Woman” and “Beverly Hills Cop”), Hyatt West Hollywood, Sofitel Beverly Hills, Four Seasons Beverly Hills, The Westin Bonaventure, Loews Hollywood, Sheraton Downtown, Hotel Bel-Air, InterContinental Century City, Standard Downtown and Chateau Marmont.