LOS ANGELES a metropolis, which spans across a thousand square miles of the great desert basin, mixed together with congested freeways that run between the ocean and the mountains.

LA is still considered a young city. In the mid-nineteenth century, it was a community of white American immigrants, poor Chinese laborers, and wealthy Mexican ranchers, with a population of less than fifty thousand. Definitely, a difference from what it is now. LA is known for it shopping malls, palm trees, and swimming pools. The celluloid self-image of Los Angeles is known all over the world.

The first-time visitor to Los Angeles may well find it to be thrilling and threatening in equal proportions. It is a very fast-paced city and it will pick you up and sweep you along whether you want it to or not. While Los Angeles has many fine-art museums, California cuisine and a few old-fashioned urban plazas, what people really come here for is to experience the city that has come to epitomize the American Dream. This is where teens come to try to become actors and stars.

Recommendation for first time visitors is to visit places such as Universal Studios, Mann's Chinese Theatre, Venice Beach Boardwalk, Watt's Towers, Melrose Avenue, Rodeo Drive, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and let us not forget about the amusement parks such as Knott's Berry Farm, Magic Mountain, and Disneyland.

With all the entertainment available in Los Angeles, you are sure to see a Celebrity or two while you are out and about. There are many things to do in LA, how about just hanging out at the beach and relaxing or surfing in the Pacific Ocean. Many things are within driving distance from LA as well.

Check with your local travel agency for excellent packages to the Los Angeles area.