Loving Los Angeles

Beginning our occasional series where we visit some of the world's most inspiring places, we visit the land of sunshine - Los Angeles.

If you're looking for the perfect combination of palm trees, laid-back living and golden Californian sunshine, then a trip to Los Angeles is a must. Over eighteen million people now make the Greater Los Angeles area their home thanks to its glorious climate and sunny optimism.

The sprawling metropolis is not only home to the glittering Hollywood film industry, but it also offers the traveller everything from mouth-watering Mexican food to thriving alternative music hotspots and boho-chic shopping areas.

A great place to start would be a drive down Sunset Boulevard, as this iconic road cuts straight through the city and shows you all of the highs and lows of LA life. 

Starting from downtown LA, Sunset Boulevard makes its way through the hyper-cool neighbourhoods of Silverlake and Echo Park, past the glamorous hotels such as the Chateau Marmont and finally winds up amidst the mansions of the upmarket Hollywood Hills where many of today's movie stars make their homes.

Driving is an essential part of LA life. Thankfully the roads are relatively easy to figure out, and you can soon experience the pleasures of nipping down to Melrose to check out the boutique fashion and lifestyle outlets, or even explore the weird and wonderful shops such as Wacko in Los Feliz.

Fashionistas can easily update their entire wardrobes with ease and not too much cost thanks to Los Angeles' amazing range of chic vintage clothing outlets such as Wasteland, Crossroads Trading and Hidden Treasures in Topanga Canyon.

No trip to Los Angeles is complete without a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. And the relaxed Santa Monica area offers a great way to experience how Angelenos live by the sea. This exquisite seaside town have many relaxed shopping areas and the historic pier is well worth a visit. 

A quick cycle ride down the sandy beach will take you to the vibrant beach town of Venice that is packed full of artists, musicians and assorted freaks – just be sure to grab a frozen yoghurt.

Although much of Los Angeles is relatively low-lying, if you're looking for some hi-rise living, then the burgeoning Downtown area is quickly becoming one of LA's hippest areas. 

Whether it's having a lunchtime champagne on the roof of a skyscraper, or buying a second-handbook at The Last Bookstore, Downtown can provide an eye-opening and exhilarating experience.

Those looking for a little culture amidst the urban sprawl will find many iconic music venues such as the Silverlake Lounge, The Echo and The Troubadour in West Hollywood showcasing the best in local and touring artists. 

Whereas fans for the visual arts would be well-served by a trip to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art as well as the Getty Centre that also offers incredible views over the Los Angeles area.

And finally, no mention of Los Angeles is complete without a mention of its incredible cuisine. Health foods are a big part of the LA lifestyle with numerous juice joints and vegan food outlets on every street corner. 

But if you're looking for the best fast food in town then the world-famous In-N-Out Burger is a must. Just be sure to ask about the 'secret menu'!

Special mention must also be made for LA's fantastic Mexican food heritage, as no trip is complete without a brief visit to one of Los Angeles' legendary taco trucks.

So if you're determined to get out there and see the very best of Los Angeles, be sure to start your day by fuelling up at the Brite Spot - Echo Park's best place for coffee and pancakes!

Are there any other great LA attractions, delicious food outlets or chic shops that you'd recommend?