Friends of mine – well, some of them – assure me Los Angeles is quite straightforward. I believe them. It’s just, um, I can’t pull the place together in my head. Don’t get me wrong: I always like being there; it's a ridiculously easy place to enjoy. But it’s huge and fragmented; a giant jigsaw. I’ve bussed across it (not recommended), driven across it (don’t ask) and walked through parts of it. I still can't see how it all adds up.
Photo by 4x4jeepchick
It's because there are so many sides to the place. Most cities have an easily recognisable centre, whereas LA seems to have any number of them. So (and this is a personal opinion), the best way to tackle it, like any other jigsaw, is piece by piece.
Pick a part to match your interest, and find a hotel inside that part. Don’t aim to view the overall picture; you’ll be disappointed unless you’re staying a reasonable length of time. If you’re there for a 
stopover, keep things simple. Choose Anaheim for Disneyland, Beverly Hills or Hollywood for star-gazing and film studios, and so on. Then perhaps add a couple of sightseeing tours to other areas. Just take it one day at a time. This much is certain: LA isn’t the kind of place you can set off on foot to explore, and its public transport isn’t the greatest.
Photo by thelastminute
If you've already "done" Anaheim, Beverly Hills and Hollywood, here are a few more interest-specific ideas:
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If all you
want to do is shop, stay in Downtown LA for its
fashion district. But ...if all you can
afford to do is windowshop, you might as well go the whole hog. Base yourself in Beverly Hills, cut up your credit card and hit Rodeo Drive (pictured below).
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If you want the beach and a bit of outdoor exercise, there’s Santa Monica. There’s Venice Beach (pictured above). There’s Malibu.
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If you’re a true blue Aussie explorer, you probably want to do something different. Here are some
one day LA getaways; though it’d be wise to read the comments before you make up your mind.
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If you absolutely can't live without sport, it's the LA Dodgers' 50th birthday this year. Look on it as educational. The stadium is a mile north of Downtown. Check out
Discover Los Angeles for some more information on this.
Never let me hear you say I don’t have your best interests at heart. And enjoy Los Angeles.
Photo by John Beagle
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