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What's it really like? They say in Los Angeles 'you're only half an hour from where you want to be'. That may be a little wide of the mark in a city that sprawls itself out across the sun-drenched west coast for 460 square miles! The trouble is - LA is so vast it is best to plan and prioritise before setting foot out of the hotel. DOWNTOWN - Staying in the commercial hub of a city has its attractions but not everyone will want to feel such a part of the 9-to-5 routine as they do back home. Indeed, Downtown LA hasn't been as succesful in marrying work and play as well as other cities like New York and London. It's best to 'head-for-the-hills' (Beverly Hills that is) or Anaheim ANAHEIM - is a low-rise, palm tree-shaded paradise for thrill seekers. It is home to the original - but not the best - Disney theme park although in 2001 Disney's California Adventure and 'Downtown Disney' were born. California Adventure is seperated into 3 lands. The Golden State emulates the great outdoors with white-water rafting and similar rides. Paradise Pier is a nostalgic boardwalk zone with traditional attractions and the Pictures Backlot is a Disney version of Universal. 'Disneyland' is the older brother of Magic Kingdom' in Florida with almost identical rides and attractions. Downtown Disney is rammed with shops and restaurants. Within a short driving distance is the neighbouring amusement park of Knott's Berry Farm which is based on a western theme and just down the road, the Movieland Wax Museum preserves the images of Hollywood legends past and present. Anaheim is best suited for families who want to be close to Disney. Transport to the parks by tram is quick and cheap and kids travel free when accompanied by adults.
Other Days Out: Universal Hollywood is still a working film studio which combines a theme park and is a fascinating place to spend at least two days. Note: The latest rides like 'The Mummy' draw the biggest crowds and standing 'in line' can be exhausting in the heat. The stunts and special effects displays are awesome while the 60-minute trolley bus trip around the park is good way to see where everything is before going off to explore. Hollywood coach tours provide a glimpse of how the stars used to live - most of the living legends have moved away to escape the prying eyes of the tour buses! The tour lasts 2 hours approx. The Walk of Fame is where all the Hollywood greats have been honoured with their own named 'star' on the pavement and closeby their foot and hand prints have been cast in concrete forever. Organised trips rarely give you enough time to explore this area and it is worth considering a trip here under your own steam. For a real American experience of shopping at 'the mall' head for the Beverly Centre which is home to stores like Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Gap and Virgin, etc.
Nights out: Downtown Disney draws big crowds in the evening and the restaurants get booked sometimes days in advance. There are literally hundreds of restaurants ranging from traditional diners to a-la-carte restaurants. Children: Don't presume youngsters will want to spend ALL their time at the major attractions - they will welcome a break from the hectic pace and are sure to enjoy a look around the Walk of Fame, searching for Britney's star, etc, Dining out is also made fun and easy for the kids with restaurants totally dedicated to their dream treats like ice cream or donuts. |
