Los Angeles

world. Established in 1933 as a place for athletes, gymnasts and acrobats to gather, it was closed in 1959 though gymnasts and fitness buffs can still be found in the area. In 1951, further down the esplanade, Muscle Beach Venice opened, becoming the new birthplace for many famous bodybuilders including Arnold Schwarzenegger. Like many places in LA, the Venice Beach Boardwalk is another famous stretch of land. Street performers, musicians, artists, show-offs and friendly freaks fill this interesting walk and provide it with an atmosphere that is completely its own.

You can t make a trip to LA without at least half a day in the world famous Hollywood. Filled with movie stars, flash cars and self-importance, it is a bizarre land where the glitz and glam seems to almost be a parody of itself. Wander the streets, gazing in awe at the homes of the rich and famous or take a stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame in search of your favourite star Explore the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard and transport yourself into a reality that isn t quite reality. And who can forget the giant sign Hike to the areas surrounding the Hollywood sign for that perfect photo and sprawling views of the city below. The Universal Studios tour is a fun day out where you ll discover how movies are made and enjoy movie-related rides and shows at its amusement park.

Continuing with the theme of ridiculous extravagance, a trip to Beverley Hills is enough to tickle the fancy of your imagination while simultaneously instilling within you a humorous despair. Home and playground of the rich and famous, there is excessive wealth and style at every turn. Grand mansions adorn the neighbourhood, high-end fashion shops line the streets and sports cars dominate the road. Exploring the area is an exciting escape from reality and gives you the chance to feel like a celebrity for a day, albeit a D-grade one Stroll down Sunset Strip day or night for some celebrity spotting or window shop along Rodeo Drive. Take a Celebrity Home tour where you will be bussed around the neighbourhood, pausing in front of the current and former homes of celebrities of today and yesteryear.

Rediscover your youth in Anaheim - a breeding ground for theme parks and amusements parks, you re sure to find one that appeals to you, no matter what your age. The most popular of course, is the magical kingdom of Disneyland; Walt Disney s original theme park that opened in 1955 and is divided into eight extravagantly themed lands. Universal Studios, Knott s Berry Farm, Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor are all sure to keep the adrenaline pumping with their rides, slides, roller coasters and captivating attractions.

The city itself is progressive and laid-back with sense of difference. Having spawned innumerous successful musical artists such as The Beach Boys, The Doors, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Etta James, Cher and Kesha, it is also home to some of the world s biggest movies and directors. Los Angeles exhibits a creative edge that really does set it apart from many other cities around the world. It has an open and accepting view of the world where it is okay, if not encouraged, to be different. For all its faults, it still has a charm and intrigue that lures hundreds if not thousands of hopefuls with stars in their eyes to its glittering shores every year, chasing dreams of fame and success.