Think fame, fortune, films and dreams. Beautiful people, beaches and shops surrounded by hectic freeways and urban sprawl. If the thought of this surreal way off life appeals to you and you are not afraid to live the dream, then Los Angeles is the place for you.

The essence of LA is, of course, Hollywood. Just catching a glimpse of the famous sign high on the hill turns the dream into reality.

Start along Hollywood Boulevard at one of the most famous and popular attractions - Gruman's Chinese Theatre. The area leading up to the entrance of the theatre itself is home to many famous hand and foot prints of stars such as Arnold Schwarzenegger threatening, 'I'll be back' and Jim Carrey, set in cement. Make your way even further down Hollywood Boulevard where you can do the Walk of Fame and pick out your favourite idol from the 2000 pink stars that are laid down on the pavement for miles.

There are many guided tours available, most of which leave from Gruman's Chinese Theatre. This way, even if you don't bump into your screen god or goddess, you'll at least be bombarded with a stream of anecdotes about them from your guide. If you tour Beverley Hills you can even see the homes of the rich and famous in the flesh and get a glimpse at how the other half really live.

Rodeo Drive, just about the most famous shopping street in the world and also in Beverly Hills, is a must. Immortalised in the film 'Pretty Woman', just about every renowned fashion designer has an outlet here. It has everything from traditional brands to fancy boutiques - a shopaholic's dream.

However, LA is not all about maxing out your credit card. Venice Beach offers plenty of bargains and has a certain carnival touch to it due to the abundance of street entertainers and buskers. If you are looking for a more chilled atmosphere with a larger beach then head up to Santa Monica.

LA is host to some top theme parks. The traditional Disneyland is still a favourite www.disneyland.com and also the more recently opened Disney's California Adventure Park, both of which boast a variety of exciting rides. Universal Studios www.universalstudios.com is a fantastic movie studio featuring thrilling rides and attractions for all the family.

If you are still stuck for things to do, seats at the Hollywood Bowl are remarkably inexpensive. For minimal cost in the amphitheatre's upper section concert fans can picnic under the sky while enjoying the show. Also, The Hotel Bel-Air, the most romantic spot around, is an oasis of exotic flora and fauna and Old Hollywood elegance. Try dining under the bougainvillea at The Terrace and meander round its wondrous Swan Lake.

Practically everybody drives a car in LA and it may be cost effective if you need to accommodate the whole family. Visit our car rental page to check out the best deals. However, if you cannot stretch to a car, there is a reliable Metro service, which runs daily from 5am until midnight. In addition, there are plenty of trains and buses meaning you should always be able to get around.

If you want to find out what more is on offer once you arrive there, get a copy of LA Weekly www.laweekly.com to keep up to date with all the news and events.

If you want to know more about accommodation in the area, then www.los.angeles.hotelguide.net is a useful site.

For more information in general, the Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau www.lacvb.com can hopefully answer any queries you may have.

Be warned, LA is quite an experience and does not satisfy the tastes of everyone. If you are not easily shocked and are prepared to take the life out there with a pinch of salt, then what are you waiting for? However, if you are wanting a more historical or relaxing holiday, I am sure one of the other 49 states has just what you are looking for!