Los Angeles began as Mission San Fernando in 1797. It’s a very different story today; now a sprawling city, Los Angeles is a metropolis of smaller cities and neighbourhoods, each with its own personality, from the affluent Beverly Hills to laid-back Venice Beach and historic Downtown.

You'll be lured to Los Angeles by the bright lights of Hollywood and the glittering beaches in Malibu and Venice. You'll also find two of the world's finest amusement parks, Disneyland and Universal Studios. Arrive early and spend the entire day at either with rides, attractions and adventures for kids of all ages or take in icons of the Silver Screen at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which commemorates the best actors of film and television.

For pure entertainment, go to Venice Beach, known for its musclemen, bikini-clad skaters, jugglers and hot-dog vendors. You'll need a full wallet and credit card or two to shop on pricey Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive, home to numerous exclusive boutiques.

For a taste of the fine arts, Downtown is the place to go. Don't miss the Getty Centre’s vast collection of European paintings and sculpture. Or opt for MOCA, The Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles, with extensive art collections.

With year round sunshine and boasting 81 miles of beaches stretching from Malibu to Long Beach, Los Angeles really is impossible to beat!