Holiday rentals in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the world’s most sprawling cities, where each neighbourhood is distinct and a destination in its own right. Make the most of California’s entertainment capital by taking a Hollywood studio tour and seeing where some of your favourite films were made. Embrace the vibrant live music and comedy scene and catch a show at one of its more than 200 theatres. The cuisine in L.A. is famously diverse too, which isn’t surprising given the city’s population hails from over 140 countries and speaks over 220 languages.

If you love the great outdoors, you’ll revel in the 70-mile coastline dotted with world-famous sandy beaches, not to mention countless iconic landmarks, and picturesque hiking trails in the heart of the city. And all of it can be enjoyed under famously sunny skies. For the truly ambitious traveler, Los Angeles is the only place in the world where you can ski, surf, and visit a theme park all in one day.

Air quality in this bustling city tends to be best from March to May, and between September and November. These are good times for booking L.A. villas or other vacation rentals in Los Angeles, and discovering the outdoor attractions and experiencing the sights from the streets. Outside these times, the oceanside neighbourhoods are popular choices. It rarely gets cold or wet in L.A., but it’s worth packing an umbrella in the first months of the year, as this is when rain is most likely. For entertainment, any time is great, with weekdays outside the summer less busy for theme parks, which offer festivals all year long. Outside school breaks and major holidays, many beaches are uncrowded, especially in spring and fall.

Griffith Observatory

On a clear night when the planets are aligned just right, you can spot Mars, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and even Saturn from the Griffith Observatory. Featured in several classic movies, this is a landmark that even the locals love to visit, and it’s free. Whenever you choose to go, the Art Deco styling of the main building looks superb from both outside and within. There are many permanent and temporary exhibitions to explore, plus live performances in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium.

Runyon Canyon Hike

Located near West Hollywood, this three-mile loop trail takes about 90 minutes to complete. Accessible year round, it’s popular with hikers, walkers, and runners alike, and dogs are allowed, too. As well as great city views, including the iconic Hollywood Sign, there’s often a chance of spotting a celebrity or two on the trail.

La Brea Tar Pits

Formed from natural asphalt that’s bubbled up from the ground for many millions of years, the tar pits have preserved the remains of trapped animals. Archaeologists continue to excavate the site, with interesting finds almost daily. Inside the museum, fossils plus animal and plant remains are showcased, with saber-toothed tigers, woolly mammoths, and dire wolves among the most striking exhibits.