CITY GUIDE: Los Angeles, USA
INTRODUCTION
Back in 1781, Felipe de Neve, Governor of Spanish California, named a settlement, El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reyna de los Angeles del Rio Porciuncula.
It would be fair to say that the City of Angels has come a long way since then. Today, it is the cultural hub of Southern California and the second most populous city in the USA.
As the home of Hollywood, the name LA is also known worldwide for its links to the entertainment industry, giving it plenty of clout on the world stage – economically and culturally. It has also held the Olympic Games twice, and will do so for a third time in 2028.
PORT VIEW
A majority of ships arrive and depart at Berths 91, 92 and 93 A/B at the World Cruise Center, at the Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro, while Carnival ships use the Cruise Terminal in Long Beach.
The Cruise Center – which was originally a passenger and freight terminal for American President Lines before undergoing a refurbishment project in 2003 – is approximately 25 miles from downtown Los Angeles, and 20 miles from LAX Airport.
NEED TO KNOW
The sun shines for most of the year in Los Angeles, although chilly temperatures at night are not uncommon.
Transport options include the subway, light-rail and buses, although road traffic can become very busy.
For those using public transport, rather than renting a car or bike, the city’s Metro Trip Planner is very useful.
WHAT WE LOVE
TCL Chinese Theatre: Opened in 1927 with the film, The King of Kings, this theatre has been, and continues to be, the home of many great film premieres. The self-proclaimed “most iconic movie palace in the world” is on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Those who are not content with just seeing the theatre from outside can book a tour to learn more about the history of the venue and the stars it has hosted.
Museums: LA has more than any other city in the USA. Exposition Park includes the likes of the California Science Center, the Natural History Museum and the California African American Museum, while a trip to Museum Row brings the LA County Museum of Art, the La Brea Tar Pits and the Petersen Automotive Museum. Plenty for visitors to get their teeth into.
LA art: There are approximately 1,600 murals dotted across LA, such as the Chandler Outdoor Gallery, in the NoHo Arts District. Other elements include the Hollywood Jazz 1945-1972 themed art on the Capitol Records building, and far more celebrity-based murals in the Hollywood area. Downtown also has its fair share of impressive sights.
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels: Opened in 2002, the cathedral is now the country’s largest Roman Catholic archdiocese. Known for its quirky design, visitors are welcomed by an eight-foot statue of Our Lady of the Angels and large bronze doors. A view that really needs to be experienced in person.
SELLING TIPS
- An abundance of fun for film buffs
- Museums on every corner
- An artistic city
