The Rough Guide to Los Angeles & Southern California

Book excerpt: This definitive guidebook to Los Angeles and Southern California features hundreds of reviews of the city's restaurants, hotels, nightlife, shops, and cinemas. Along with a thorough look at LA's top tourist areas, from Hollywood and Beverly Hills to Santa Monica and Disneyland, the guide explores more obscure but no less deserving sights, from Downtown's arts district to Santa Catalina Island. Additionally, the book covers the broader Southern California region, including San Diego, Palm Springs and Santa Barbara. A full range of practical information for the visitor includes city transport and tours to costs and currency, while an in-depth contexts section details the region's colourful background, from its landmark architecture to the rise of the Hollywood film industry. Finally, individual sections highlight the region's top sights, as well as its beautiful beaches, and there are plenty of maps to help you plan your trip to this free-spirited American metropolis. Originally published in print in 2011. Now available in ePub format.