Los Angeles

Home to Hollywood movie stars, a sprawling urban landscape, a diverse set of cultures and residents, Los Angeles is anything but ordinary. In one corner of this massive metropolitan terrain is the lovely beaches of Malibu along the Pacific Ocean coastline, another corner is home to downtown LA with its skyscrapers and interesting architecture. The Hollywood sign perched above the city in the Hollywood Hills watches over the bustling city below. Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, Santa Monica and Pasadena — all are unique in their own ways and are connected by dozens of other neighborhoods that make up the pieces of the puzzle known as Los Angeles.

LA is the most populous city in all of California and only ranks behind New York City as the most populous city in the nation. Home to millions of people from a vast variety of countries and cultures, it's hard to pinpoint just one way to describe this often mythical locale. The city is also often referred to as the Entertainment Capital of the World for its legendary history with movies, television and music.

The city is inviting for all types including those looking to visit Disneyland in Orange County and Universal Studios in Hollywood, surfers looking for the beaches all along the long coastline, shoppers in search of the most trendy and upscale boutiques, those hoping to catch a glimpse of a celebrity, or even foodies wanting to try out some of the country's most acclaimed eateries.

Cultural landmarks are not to be missed. One of the best is the Getty Center, perched high in the hilltops with its marvelous architecture. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California Science Center and the Los Angeles Museum of Tolerance are all standout centers of culture, science and history. Beyond the booming entertainment industry that this city is known for, those looking to be entertained will not fall short for options. Movie screenings, comedy shows and live concerts all abound on a nightly basis in the performance-crazed city.