Ten ways to see LA at its best

Ten ways to see LA at its best Discover Los Angeles

Famed for its glittering lifestyle and uber-stylish locals, Los Angeles offers just as much culture and history as it does shopping, nightlife and adventure. It's not known as the entertainment capital of the world for nothing, after all.

In fact, entertainment is on tap in LA. You certainly won't want to miss the legendary attractions, such as the spectacular Hollywood Bowl, the striking TCL Chinese Theatre and seeing the Hollywood Sign for the first time from Griffith Park.

But as well as the well-known sights, be sure to delve into LA's surprising side. Did you know you could ski as well as surf here? Or that the region is home to every type of ethnic cuisine imaginable?

Art in LA is huge too. The Walt Disney Concert Hall is an architectural masterpiece, the Getty Center is a wonderful retreat with an impressive collection of antiques, sculptures and paintings and at the Hollywood Bowl you'll find music-inspired art to browse in the museum.

Below, we've chosen our top ten things to in Los Angeles, whether you're a culture vulture, gourmand, beach bum or an adventure seeker...

Endless entertainment LA-style

Experience outstanding music at the Hollywood Bowl
 America's largest natural, outdoor amphitheatre is the ultimate attraction for socialising, enjoying park-like grounds and watching epic musical performances from the best jazz, classical, Broadway and World music artists. The <a href="http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/" target="_blank">Hollywood Bowl</a> is renowned for its exquisite setting and musicians who have graced its stage include Andrea Bocelli, Billie Holiday and The Beatles. Be sure to visit the free Hollywood Bowl Museum, which is open every night before concerts and features spectacular exhibitions related to music and the Bowl.
Explore the amazing art collection at the Getty Center
 Home to an unrivalled collection of European and American art from the Middle Ages to the present, the <a href="http://www.getty.edu/index.html" target="_blank">Getty Center</a> wows visitors with its Renaissance paintings, Baroque sculptures and 20th-century American photography. The museum is also known for its calm space and impressive architecture. Be sure to check out the awe-inspiring views of LA and don't leave without a stroll around the breathtaking Central Garden, which contains hundreds of different plants set in beautiful landscaping.
Watch a film at an iconic cinema
 <a href="http://www.tclchinesetheatres.com/" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;" target="_blank">TCL Chinese Theatre</a> is a beautiful building which houses a world-famous cinema dating back to 1927. It has been the location of thousands of movie premieres over the years and countless celebrities have left their footprints, handprints and hoof prints on the walkways of the courtyard. For Los Angeles' visitors it remains the ultimate movie palace experience. At this historic monument you can watch films, go on a VIP tour to learn the history of the theatre and spot celebrities at film premieres.
Sip cocktails at a rooftop bar with views
 Rooftop bars are all the rage and for the finest views of Los Angeles, look no further than <a href="http://www.mondrianhotel.com/en-us/" target="_blank">Skybar at Mondrian Los Angeles</a>. The open-air, ivy-covered pavilion perched above the pool at the luxury hotel brings a fresh approach to an iconic space. Skybar appears almost to float in the clouds with a wall of strawberry plants adorning the Mexican-style oasis. At night, it is the liveliest spot around and attracts LA's most beautiful people.
Spend a day outdoors at Griffith Park
 One of America's largest urban parks, <a href="http://www.laparks.org/dos/parks/griffithpk/" target="_blank">Griffith Park</a> has 50 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails, a number of waterfalls and lagoons for swimming and its own attractions, such as the <a href="http://www.lazoo.org/" target="_blank">Los Angeles Zoo</a> and the <a href="http://traveltown.org/" target="_blank">Travel Town Museum</a>, making it ideal for a day out. <a href="http://www.griffithobs.org/" target="_blank">Griffith Observatory</a> is located in the park and is best known for its breathtaking views of the <a href="http://www.hollywoodsign.org/" target="_blank">Hollywood Sign</a>, plus it's a great spot for stargazing at night. Other must-see attractions in the 4,310-acre park include the <a href="http://www.greektheatrela.com/" target="_blank">Greek Theatre</a>, the <a href="http://theautry.org/" target="_blank">Autry National Center</a> and the merry-go-round.
Enjoy the art of a world-famous orchestra in an architectural wonder
 Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, the <a href="http://www.laphil.com/" target="_blank">Walt Disney Concert Hall</a> is one of Los Angeles' modern marvels and an architectural masterpiece. Inside, the spectacular concert hall hosts unparalleled visual and aural musical performances from the innovative and much admired Los Angeles Philharmonic. Take a free tour to understand the building's architectural significance and history. Enjoy fine dining at the Hall's restaurant, Patina, before a concert and be further impressed by the splendour of the striking building.
Surf, ski and hike in LA!
 We bet you didn't know you could surf, ski and hike in LA all in one day! Although most people think of sun and beaches, Los Angeles has winters too and in the San Gabriel Mountains lies the <a href="http://www.mthigh.com/" target="_blank">Mountain High</a> ski resort, where you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. Fancy a hike? Hit Elysian Park, Runyon Canyon Park and Solstice Canyon for the best treks whatever the season. And for surfing, first timers and seasoned riders can hit the waves at Zuma, Malibu, Topanga and Manhattan Beaches.
Be impressed by two national treasures
 After hurtling 123 million miles through space since it first entered service in 1992, the 75-tonne space shuttle Endeavour now rests at the <a href="http://www.californiasciencecenter.org/MainPage.php" target="_blank">California Science Center</a> in the Samuel Oschin Space Shuttle Endeavour Display Pavilion. Along with engaging, hands-on science exhibits you can see the retired NASA space shuttle at its home of California, where it was built in Palmdale. Battleship-loving kids and adults will enjoy seeing The Battleship of Presidents, <a href="http://www.pacificbattleship.com/" target="_blank">USS IOWA</a>, which has opened as a floating museum. This is situated along LA's waterfront in San Pedro
Soak up the sunshine on Venice Beach
 Swim, skate and shop at Venice Beach for a quintessential Los Angeles experience. Once home to LA's poets and artists, it served as a major cultural centre and today offers a variety of entertainment, sport and fun for everyone to enjoy. Relax and play on the three-mile beach, watch local skaters at Venice Skatepark and see impressive bodybuilders at the Muscle Beach Gym. Don't leave without watching the sunset with a cocktail or beer in hand at laid back rooftop lounge <a href="http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/losangeles/erwin" target="_blank">High at the Hotel Erwin</a> for the best views.
Tuck into the diverse culinary scene
 Whether you want a quick bite to eat from a fast food truck or Michelin-starred dining, LA is a haven for gourmands in search of the next big thing in food. From Mexican to Japanese and afternoon tea to late-night eateries, the dining possibilities are endless. Try the seafood at <a href="http://www.thelobster.com/index.html" target="_blank">The Lobster</a>, sample Asian dishes from India to Thailand at <a href="http://www.rocksugarpanasiankitchen.com/" target="_blank">RockSugar Pan Asian Kitchen</a> and grab a juicy burger and fries at quintessential American diner <a href="http://www.melsdrive-in.com/" target="_blank">Mel's Drive-In</a>.