San Diego

Los Angeles is California's largest city and the heart of Southern California, known worldwide as the home of the American entertainment industry. Its blend of beaches, mountains, sunshine, historic neighbourhoods and creative energy gives the city a distinctive, sprawling character.

The city's past stretches from its founding in 1781 to its role as the centre of global film and television production. Landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, Walt Disney Concert Hall and the historic El Pueblo de Los Ángeles reflect layers of Spanish, Mexican and modern American influence.

Neighbourhoods and districts give Los Angeles much of its variety. Santa Monica and Venice Beach offer coastline and boardwalks, Hollywood is tied to cinema and nightlife, Downtown LA mixes historic theatres with museums and restaurants, and areas such as Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and Koreatown each add a distinct local character. Museums like LACMA and The Broad sit alongside outdoor attractions such as Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon.

Los Angeles is also a major centre for business, innovation and international trade, with strong entertainment, aerospace, technology and logistics industries and one of the busiest container ports in the Americas. Its food scene spans street tacos, food trucks, farmers markets and acclaimed restaurants, while concerts, film premieres, sports and year-round events keep the calendar full.

For travellers, Los Angeles combines leisure appeal with business infrastructure, offering beaches, culture, entertainment and a wide range of hotels, venues and transportation options across one of the world's most visited urban regions.