Watch Vista Point: Los Angeles

Los Angeles is synonymous with Hollywood, and Beverly Hills is its famous suburb with neat parks and blossoming flower beds. There's also the Sidewalk of Fame, Mann's Chinese Theater and Rodeo Drive, the most exclusive shopping mile in the world. Everything in Hollywood is different, including a cemetery of the famous. Even in the funeral hall with its larger-than-life religious figures it is as though it is all part of a fantastic film set. Universal Studios is the largest and most active film and television studio in the world as well as a popular family day out being one of the most successful amusement parks in the USA and its many famous film sets are instantly recognizable. Since its opening in 1955, Disneyland has become a worldwide phenomenon. The world's original and longest surviving theme park provides an enchanting mix of shows, attractions and well known cartoon characters and the journey through Toontown on its bumpy tramway is a stimulating experience for both young and old. At weekends, those who want to see but, above all, be seen, make for Venice Beach. The sandy beach is relaxing and its many pavements are popular with joggers and roller skaters alike. Even by Los Angeles standards, the performers on Muscle Beach are quite outrageous and while some body-builders lift thousands of kilos, others shamelessly display their supreme egos by strutting like conceited peacocks! Built in 1908, Santa Monica Pier is reminiscent of the hazy lazy seaside resorts of the 1920's. Extending into the water some 300 meters, the pier's amusement park is constantly bursting with life, with its big wheel, swings and richly- decorated carousel. Once the most celebrated residential area of the rich and famous, today Sunset Boulevard is a busy main traffic artery.