A drive through the streets of Los Angeles is a drive through the nooks and crannies of the world, as it's often said that greater Los Angeles is likely the most culturally diverse city in the universe. I lived in various locations in greater Los Angeles and neighboring Orange County for seventeen of my adult years, and today, my heart still "catches" when I see the sea of lights as my plane descends to land at LAX International Airport. Not even the span of lights of Paris, London, or New York can mimic the beauty of the "City of Angeles."
Once your plane has landed, you'll need to rent a car as public transportation in Los Angeles is almost nonexistent, and distances to all of the cultural areas and ethnic neighborhoods require something beyond "on foot" transportation. Worried about the LA freeways? Sure they are crowded (even late into the night), but you'll find them well marked with exit signs, speed zones, and lane markers. And, you'll find that California drivers are some of the most experienced and courteous in the United States. Just invest in a map and figure out your route before you start as there's no time to consult a map as the exits are whizzing by.
An alternative to driving yourself is to take the airport shuttle to your hotel and then use guided bus tours for getting around the city. Taxis are available, but if used for all your travels can get expensive. Better to get a public bus route map and use that mode of transportation.
In downtown LA, have a brunch of dim sum under the watchful eyes of painted dragons and red-winged pagodas soaring high above the bustling streets of Chinatown. Walk a few blocks from Chinatown and you'll think you're in another country as the youthful Taiko drummers create constant resonant vibrations in the area called Little Tokyo. The new Japanese American National Museum focuses exclusively on Japanese American culture. There are old Buddhist temples to visit, shops galore, and delightful places to stop for tea.
In the heart of downtown, don't miss the fun of taking a ride on the Angel's Flight railway, an historic tribute to days gone by, and the shortest train ride in the world. Nearby is Olvera Street where you'll be greeted by mariachi bands, vendors selling Mexican pottery, wooden and woven goods, hand-crafter silver jewelry, and paper-mâché piñatas.
From there go to the Fairfax district where you find the world famous Farmers' Market. Wander around the hundreds of stalls and buy some fruit to have as a late-night snack back in your hotel room.
Since you're only blocks away, do forget to travel a bit further towards the north to Hollywood Boulevard. Hard times have fallen hard on this area, but the Mann's Chinese Theatre, home of movie premiers and the handprints and footprints of stars past and present, is worth the effort. From there, travel west onto Sunset Boulevard, then south on La Cienega Boulevard to Beverly Boulevard. Turn right and you'll soon be in Beverly Hills and the famous Rodeo Drive, one of the chicest places to shop in the world.
Further to the west is the Pacific Ocean with its many lovely beach cities, including Santa Monica and Venice, both outstanding for their surfing and a leisurely stroll along the shore as the brilliant red ball in the sky dips into the ocean.
Little Saigon in Westminster (just north of LAX) is like a visit to Vietnam, California-style. Further north, through the Sepulveda Pass is Ventura Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley. Here you'll find shops and restaurants from Iranian and Indian to Kosher.
You'll want to schedule a whole day and evening at Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park where the great moments from movies and television come to life before your eyes. New there is the reality-shattering, all-new Terminator2: 3D, starring the cast of Terminator 2. You can also feel the thrill of riding to the moon with E.T., see a live sea war in Waterworld, or realize your worst nightmare when a man-eating T-Rex attacks you on Jurassic Park--The Ride. As their slogan says, "You're in Hollywood Now!" -- a world of fantasy, romance, and excitement.
Californians are a health conscious society so you'll have no problem in finding heart-healthy food to eat in L.A. Since so many restaurants are available and frequently are booked up to six months ahead, consult with the concierge in your hotel for specific suggestions and making reservations. For us a trip to Los Angeles wouldn't be complete without a visit to Wolfgang Puck's Spago and his wife's Barbara's Chinois (they have been dubbed the Bogie and Bacall of the restaurant world). One of our favorite Italian restaurants is Alto Palato on La Cienega Boulevard where their ravioli with arugula is legendary. Split a terrific toasted rock shrimp club sandwich at Woodside on San Vicente Boulevard in Brentwood. From there, drive north up the coast to see the famous Malibu beach area.
Just remember that even when you're on vacation, your diet is not. Stick to your meal plan, adding extra carbo snacks to keep blood sugars up if you're doing a lot of walking, and you'll feel better during and after your vacation. Take your prescribed medications on time, and enjoy the lights, sights, sounds, and flavors of L.A. to the fullest.
