Why you Should Skip a Single Trip to LA and add it to a Twin-Centre Instead.

We're back with another USA blog as part of our FIFA World Cup 26 series, and this week we're heading over to California.

Los Angeles was home to the incredible Spain vs Belgium showdown, which gives us the perfect excuse to talk about one of America's most famous cities (although, let's be honest, we never really need an excuse to talk about LA).

Because Los Angeles is one of those destinations that feels familiar before you've even arrived.

Hollywood. The palm trees. The Hollywood Sign. Beverly Hills. Santa Monica Pier.

You've probably seen it hundreds of times without even realising it. It's been the backdrop for countless films and TV shows, which means when many visitors finally arrive, there's this strange feeling that they've already been there before.

But here's the thing...

Los Angeles is probably one of the most misunderstood cities in America.

It isn't like New York, where you can walk out of your hotel and immediately find yourself surrounded by famous landmarks. It isn't like Las Vegas, where everything is concentrated along one famous Strip.

LA is SERIOUSLY spread out.

It’s less about trying to tick off every attraction, and more about driving with the roof down, stopping when something catches your eye, and being the lead in your own film.

Travel Guide

Is LA Worth Visiting?

Absolutely.

But as travel agents, we probably wouldn't recommend it in exactly the same way we'd recommend New York or Las Vegas.

Instead, we think Los Angeles is one of the best additions to a bigger USA adventure.

A few nights before Las Vegas. A stop before Hawaii. The beginning of a California road trip. A stay before a cruise from Los Angeles.

It fits perfectly into a twin-centre or multi-centre holiday. Why not on it’s own? There’s just too much more incredible things to see and do in the area! And, with its location it just makes the perfect layover spot!

And rather than giving you another generic list of "top things to do in LA", we did what we always do. We picked the brains of someone who has actually been to understand what you ‘actually’ need to know about the City of Angels. So, we sat down with our experienced and highly incredible travel agent Tash for her advice. Read on for everything you need to know before booking a trip to LA. 

First Things First: You Need a Car in Los Angeles

If you take one piece of advice from this entire blog, make it this.

Hire the car.

We know what you're thinking. "Can't I just use Uber?"

Technically, yes.

But Los Angeles is a city where having your own transport completely changes the experience. The distances are much bigger than people expect. Santa Monica to Hollywood might look close on a map, but depending on traffic, it can easily take 40 minutes to an hour. Malibu, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach and Downtown LA all have completely different vibes, and getting between them takes time.

See a viewpoint? Pull over.

Spot a beach you like? Go explore.

Driving along the coast and want to grab a coffee? No problem.

But, it’s not just about the destination, in LA it’s about the journey too (corny, we know!). Tash hired a convertible Mustang during her trip, and honestly, it sounds like the perfect LA experience. "We loved having the Mustang. Half the fun was just driving around with the roof down. We'd recognise places from films, stop somewhere random and just explore. It felt like part of the holiday rather than just getting from A to B."

Road Trip: Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive

Roof down. Music on. Wind in your hair exploring Beverly Hills. Such an LA thing to do, right?

Our mini road trip idea? Cruise through streets lined with palm trees. Check out some of the millionaires houses, where celebrities supposedly live. Then head to Rodeo Drive.

Even if luxury shopping isn't your thing, it's worth visiting just for the atmosphere. Think designer shops, perfectly maintained streets, expensive cars parked outside. It feels exactly how you'd expect Beverly Hills to feel.

And if you've watched Pretty Woman?

Well...

You can't visit Rodeo Drive without thinking about Vivian's famous shopping scene.

Also, can we just acknowledge that Pretty Woman is now over 35 years old? We're not sure how that happened.

Practical Car Hire Tips

• Car hire in Los Angeles usually starts from around $45-$70 per day, depending on the season and vehicle type.
• A convertible will naturally cost more, especially during peak summer months.
• Parking is available at most attractions but is rarely free.
• Expect to pay around $10-$30 for parking depending on where you are.
• Always factor traffic into your plans. Google Maps saying "30 minutes" doesn't always mean 30 minutes in LA.

Where should you stay in Los Angeles?

Now, this is where we might surprise you. And, this is where we are using our actual travel agent experience (and not relying on the very generic ChatGPT). 

Most first-time visitors immediately look at Hollywood hotels. And whilst Hollywood is iconic, it probably wouldn't be our first choice for a base.

If you came into our shop and asked where we'd stay in Los Angeles, we'd point you towards Santa Monica. This was exactly where Tash based herself, and it quickly became one of her favourite parts of the trip.

"It honestly felt like I was living in a TV show. We'd walk down to the beach in the evening, watch the sunset and just enjoy being there."

And we think that sums up Santa Monica perfectly.

It feels like the California you imagine. Golden beaches, palm trees, cyclists cruising along the promenade, outdoor restaurants and, the famous Santa Monica Pier.

It's relaxed, walkable and gives you somewhere enjoyable to come back to after a busy day exploring.

It's also home to the end of the famous Route 66, which is a fun little bucket-list moment for any road trip fan.

Is Hollywood Worth Visiting?

Yes.

But again, here’s where we differ from the likes of AI generated content, because we would suggest less time than your think.

Hollywood is one of those places that you simply have to see once. It would be a travesty to visit Los Angeles and not walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

We'd recommend spending a few hours ticking off the classics:

• Hollywood Walk of Fame
• TCL Chinese Theatre
• Dolby Theatre
• Hollywood Sign viewpoints
• Griffith Observatory (It’s free to visit, check out what’s on, on their official website)

But after you've taken your photos and soaked up the atmosphere, we'd probably head elsewhere.

Hollywood is famous, but it's also busy, crowded and not quite as glamorous as the films make it look.

Tash said exactly what many of our customers say after visiting. "I'm really glad we went because you have to see it, but I definitely preferred coming back to Santa Monica afterwards."

And honestly? We agree.

Hollywood is a must-do.

Just maybe not a must-stay.

Want more information on the Walk of Fame? Check out their official website here.

Malibu: The Part of LA Where You Slow Down

If Hollywood feels busy and Santa Monica feels relaxed, Malibu takes things one step further. This is where you slow down.

The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most enjoyable drives you can do around Los Angeles. The mistake many visitors make is trying to rush it. They drive straight to Malibu, take a photo and leave. We suggest slowing it down and taking your time. Stop at viewpoints, find quieter beaches, grab a coffee and simply watch the surfers.

Venice Beach: Quirky, Colourful and Completely Different

Venice Beach is one of those places where you arrive and immediately realise you've stepped into a completely different side of Los Angeles.

It's colourful, creative, and slightly chaotic. But, that’s exactly why people love it.

The promenade is packed with street performers, artists, skateboarders and people simply enjoying the California sunshine.

Then, of course, there's Muscle Beach. Yes, it is real, and yes, it is exactly what you imagine.

Now, you don’t need to plan on working out, it's one of those places where people watching becomes the attraction.

Santa Monica Pier: The Classic California Moment

You can’t visit Los Angeles for the first time and not head down to Santa Monica. The pier itself is free to walk around, but if you want to experience the rides, the famous Ferris wheel and arcade games, you’ll pay separately.

The Ferris wheel is iconic, but honestly, one of our favourite things to do here costs nothing at all — just walk along the beach, watch the surfers, grab an ice cream and enjoy that “I’m actually in California” feeling.

Official Santa Monica visitor information here.

Why We'd Add Los Angeles to a Twin-Centre USA Holiday

This is probably our biggest piece of advice. Don't think of Los Angeles as the entire holiday. Think of it as one amazing part of the holiday.

Some of our favourite combinations include:

• Los Angeles + Las Vegas - Probably the classic. Swap beaches and palm trees for bright lights, casinos and entertainment.
• Los Angeles + Hawaii  - Spend a few days exploring California before flying onwards to paradise.
• California Road Trip - Start in LA and explore places like Santa Barbara, San Francisco and San Diego.
• Los Angeles Cruise - Many cruises depart from the Port of Los Angeles, making it a great place to add a few nights before sailing.
  

Should You Add Universal Studios Hollywood?

Now, depending on who you’re travelling with, this one could easily become the highlight of your LA trip.

Universal Studios Hollywood is not just a theme park. It’s part theme park, part movie studio experience, and honestly, it feels very fitting being in the heart of Hollywood.

Unlike Universal Orlando, where the parks are much bigger and spread over multiple days, Universal Studios Hollywood is much more manageable and can comfortably be done in one day.

You’ll find classic attractions like:

• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™
• Jurassic World – The Ride
• The World-Famous Studio Tour
• Super Nintendo World™

And honestly, the Studio Tour is probably the thing that makes this park unique. Where else can you drive through real film sets, see famous movie locations and learn how some of Hollywood’s biggest productions are made?

This is one we would absolutely recommend adding depending on your style of holiday,  especially for families, Harry Potter fans, or anyone who has ever dreamed of seeing behind the scenes of Hollywood.

Useful Information

• Allow: Full day
• Ticket prices: Usually from around $109+ per person depending on dates
• Express Pass: Available if you want to skip queues (but it does come at a premium)
• Location: Universal City (around 30 minutes from Hollywood without traffic, but remember… this is LA!)

Book tickets directly through the official Universal Studios Hollywood website.