Overview

Founded in 1781, Los Angeles became part of Mexico in 1821 and was incorporated as an American city in 1850. Today, it is the largest city in California and the second largest city in the United States. Commonly referred to as L.A., it is also known as The City of Angels. It covers almost 500 square miles of Southern California and is home to approximately 3.8 million people.

Activities & Attractions

There are hundreds of places to visit in Los Angeles spread out over the different regions of the city. Some of these include the San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, and Hollywood. You can take tours of the big movie and televisions studios that fill Hollywood or stick to places such as the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

One of the most popular destinations in Los Angeles is Universal Studios Hollywood, which has rides, shows and plenty of entertainment. You can also be part of a number of different television studio audiences if you secure your free tickets well in advance. Other popular activities include dinner theater, cruises, wineries and comedy clubs.

If you like admiring sea life, head down to Newport Landing to see the best nature has to offer. To taste fresh sea food in a variety of restaurants, make sure to check out the world famous Los Angeles Farmers Market.

Lodging

Those looking for lodging in Los Angeles will have several choices. You can stay in expensive luxury hotels with beachside views or opt for inexpensive accommodation befit for the budget-minded traveler.

Los Angeles also has several pet-friendly hotels, as well as a number of hotels that have been featured in motion pictures. The most inexpensive way to stay in L.A. is in hostels, which are designed with student travelers in mind. The Web sites found below in the resources section can provide you with more information.

Transportation

Six airports serve Los Angeles, the biggest being LAX. After reaching the city you can rent a car, take a taxi, ride in a limousine or board a bus. Getting around the city isn't difficult or expensive thanks to its Metro Rail and Metro Bus systems. Los Angeles also has Flyaway Buses and a DASH Fleet that make frequent trips from downtown to airports and popular commuter destinations. For more information, visit the Los Angeles Department of Public Works.