Welcome to Los Angeles: California’s City of Angels
Los Angeles, the glittering heart of California, is a city where dreams come alive. From its world-renowned entertainment industry to its sun-drenched beaches, the so-called City of Angels offers the ultimate experience for those looking to explore the American West. No trip to Los Angeles is complete without experiencing Hollywood’s glitz and glamour. Drive to the Hollywood Hills and visit the Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city and the iconic Hollywood Sign. Head down to Hollywood Boulevard and stroll along the Walk of Fame, where you'll find stars dedicated to the biggest names in film and music. Park nearby to see the TCL Chinese Theatre, where the handprints of legends are immortalised in concrete. Whether you're a fan of art, film, or simply want to soak in the laid-back Southern California atmosphere, this sprawling metropolis has something for everyone. The best way to uncover all the wonders of Los Angeles is with a hire car at your disposal. Los Angeles is, without a doubt, best explored on four wheels. With its extensive freeway network and wide boulevards, having a car gives you the freedom to discover everything from the iconic Hollywood Hills to the pristine beaches of Santa Monica. Upon landing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), your adventure begins. Pick up your hire car and hit the road to explore LA’s best attractions and surrounding natural wonders. As you cruise down wide streets lined with palm trees, you’ll feel the distinct energy that only LA can offer. From the glamour of Beverly Hills to the artistic enclave of Silver Lake, LA’s diversity is best appreciated when you have the freedom to explore at your own pace. While the roads are wide and the freeways busy at times, they are quintessential to the LA driving experience. If you're craving sun and surf, your hire car makes it easy to reach LA's famous beaches. Start at Santa Monica, where you can park near the pier and ride the Ferris wheel, watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Just a little further south, Venice Beach offers a lively boardwalk and vibrant street performers. For more serene views, head to Malibu, where Zuma Beach offers pristine sands and dramatic cliffs. At LAX, you'll find a variety of hire cars, each suited to your travel plans. If you plan on staying within the city limits and visiting iconic locations like the Walk of Fame or Rodeo Drive, a compact car will navigate through LA’s traffic with ease. If you're venturing beyond the city to explore the rugged landscapes of California, consider renting an SUV or 4x4 for more comfort and handling on varied terrain. Your hire car unlocks access to some of California’s most breathtaking landscapes. Just 2.5 hours east, you'll find Joshua Tree National Park, a desert wonderland famous for its unique rock formations and iconic Joshua Trees. A bit further north, Yosemite National Park offers giant sequoias, majestic granite cliffs like El Capitan, and towering waterfalls. Both parks are perfect for day trips or longer excursions, offering hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.
Driving in Los Angeles
The city of Los Angeles is the perfect base for exploring other Californian gems too. Head south to San Diego for a laid-back beach city with a world-famous zoo, Balboa Park, and beautiful beaches. Alternatively, head east to Palm Springs, known for its mid-century modern architecture, luxury resorts, and surrounding desert landscapes. From the Indian Canyons to golf courses and spas, Palm Springs is a desert oasis perfect for relaxation and adventure. Driving in LA can be different from other cities. Traffic, especially on the freeways, can be heavy during peak hours, so plan your journeys accordingly. Be prepared for parking challenges in popular areas like Hollywood or Santa Monica. It’s best to use parking structures or metered spots, and always have quarters on hand for the meters. Remember that California has strict laws about using your phone while driving, so set up your directions before hitting the road.
But Los Angeles and the surrounding towns and cities offer much more than just urban landscapes—its surrounding areas are home to stunning geological features, diverse wildlife, and dramatic terrain. Just beyond the city limits itself, the landscapes change dramatically, offering unique opportunities for exploration and adventure. For birdwatching enthusiasts, the region is rich in avian life. The wetlands of the Ballona Creek and the Santa Monica Mountains provide sanctuary for a variety of species, including herons, pelicans, and the colourful Western Bluebird. In these areas, you might also spot coyotes, bobcats, and foxes roaming the hills. The vast wilderness areas of the Angeles National Forest offer a glimpse into Southern California’s diverse wildlife, including mule deer and the elusive mountain lion.

Beyond the city, the terrain becomes more rugged and breathtaking. The San Gabriel Mountains offer dramatic views and challenging hiking trails. In areas like Malibu Creek State Park, the rock formations and deep canyons provide perfect scenery for outdoor photography. The landscape changes dramatically as you venture towards the desert regions of California, where the Joshua Trees stand tall against a backdrop of orange-red sunsets. Wildflowers are another seasonal attraction, with fields of poppies and lupines blooming during the spring months in places like Antelope Valley. Along the roadsides, you’ll find native plants like sagebrush, buckwheat, and chaparral, which thrive in the arid climate and contribute to the region's extraordinary natural beauty. Los Angeles may be known for its glamour, but its natural surroundings are equally captivating, offering a wealth of experiences for those willing to explore. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, geological wonders, or simply soaking in the serene beauty of the desert, the outskirts of Los Angeles are waiting for you to discover them.
Tips and FAQs
With golden beaches, iconic landmarks, and breathtaking natural beauty, Los Angeles is a city that’s best discovered at your own pace. With a hire car, the whole of Southern California opens up before you—so buckle up and enjoy the ride!
Los Angeles
USA Population: Around 10 million (Los Angeles County)
Annual Visitor Figures: c50 million international & domestic visitors
Average Summer Temperatures: 29°C (84°F)
Average Winter Temperatures: 15°C (59°F)
Time Zone: GMT -8 (PST), GMT -7 (Daylight Saving Time)

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