The glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, California, seems a million miles away from the day to day routine of our everyday lives. And thats exactly why you should visit this amazing city of nearly 4 million people. Undoubtedly one of the cultural centres of the world and an economic powerhouse in its own right, LA has immeasurable influence on society today. Much of this influence comes from the established traditions of movie making - this is where all the worlds biggest blockbusters are created. Home to many of the biggest stars and also to the biggest movie production centres in the world, LA is where cinema comes to life. See the giant Hollywood sign and go star spotting trough the streets where the celebrities live! One thing you will need is a rental car, because the attractions of LA are notoriously badly serviced by public transport. Heres a few ideas of places you can visit in your rental:

1. Hollywood

An unmissable spot in LA, and possibly the worlds most important centre of the entertainment industry. To experience the movie industry take a tour of one of the major studios such as Universal or Paramount. You can also visit suburbs such as Beverley Hills or Malibu and enjoy an (expensive) meal while keeping an eye out for famous people. Hollywood is famous for its three boulevards - Sunset Blvd, Hollywood Blvd and Melrose Ave, so be sure to give these a look.

2. Mulholland Drive

A drive along this popular tourist route in your hire car is essential. Winding along the top of the mountains it offers beautiful views of LA and of Hollywood. It is a fabled road that has become something of an icon in popular culture, so no visit to LA is complete without ticking it off your list. Some of it is unpaved and not open to cars, and this part is popular with bushwalkers and cyclists.

3. Dodgers Stadium

Downtown LA is where you will find this large stadium, home to the Los Angeles Dodgers Major League Baseball Team. Historically significant in that it is the oldest on the West Coast, it is the atmosphere of this stadium that rally gets people talking. The LA locals really get behind their team, and a game watched at this stadium will be a fun and thrilling experience.

4. The Getty Centre

This showpiece of LA is worth a visit for its beautiful gardens, stunning architecture and all-encompassing views of the city. It is home to the J. Paul Getty Museum, which has five galleries that host some of the most important pieces of artwork in the modern world. Glass tunnels and terraces connect the galleries, giving the museum a very open and airy feel that allows one to appreciate the magnificent views.

5. El Pueblo (Olvera Street)

Fancy a bit of Mexican cuisine? Why not fully immerse yourself in the Mexican culture with a drive to El Pueblo, which historically is the centre of the city. An old mission established there actually gave the city its name, and you are able to visit the cities oldest building here. It is a part of town with strong Mexican traditions, with plenty of restaurants and shops which allow you to experience a bit of this extraordinary culture.

Gavin Wyatt