Travel – US
Extravagance and Culture Combine for the Perfect Vacation Destination
Author Alexine
By Barbara Wade © 2010, All Rights Reserved
There’s more to Los Angeles than movie premiers and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. A playground for the rich and famous, LA boasts world-class shopping, art and the finest weather on the West Coast. A vacation to southern California provides entertainment for the whole family, no matter what their individual tastes. Plan your trip around a stay in a Los Angeles luxury hotel for the ultimate in extravagance and you’ll get a first-hand glimpse of the riches this great city has to offer.
Art and Culture
Los Angeles is known as the “creative capital of the world” and with good reason. Artists, writers, dancers, actors and musicians make up a large percentage of the population, and for visitors, that means ample opportunity to experience art and culture.
The city and surrounding areas are home to more than 800 museums, including the world famous J. Paul Getty Museum. The Getty Museum boasts such famous artists as Van Gogh and Rembrandt, while the Museum of Contemporary Art is home to thousands of creations in all media, all produced after 1940. And the Los Angeles County Museum of Art houses more than 100,000 pieces spanning virtually all of art history from around the globe. Whether you fancy the classics, or prefer to interpret art in your own way, you’ll find plenty of famous – and not so famous – works to admire.
On the campus of UCLA is the Armand Hammer Museum, where fine art and free concerts combine to provide a truly varied cultural experience. Impressive art collections, informative lecture series and musical performances are just some of the ways the museum, together with UCLA, enriches the lives of locals and tourists alike.
Music aficionados won’t want to miss seeing the world-renowned Los Angeles Philharmonic. The symphony performs in the Walt Disney Concert Hall, where a wood-paneled main music hall provides stunning acoustical quality. Even if you don’t attend a performance, be sure to stop by for a look at the complex. Dramatically curving stainless steel panels make this venue a work of art both inside and out.
Sun, Sand, and Shopping
For beach lovers, Los Angeles is a true paradise. From the surfing hotspot Manhattan Beach to picture-perfect Paradise Cove to funky and fun-loving Venice Beach, Los Angeles has no shortage of sand and surf. The sub-tropical climate means every season has the potential for beach weather, but the hottest activities take place in the summer months. Volleyball tournaments, fireworks, surfing and live music are just some of the entertainment options available on the many beaches of Los Angeles.
Of course you can’t hang out at the beach without the proper attire. And in Los Angeles, there are plenty of places to buy yourself a new bikini – or whatever else you desire. Perhaps the most famous shopping district in the world, Rodeo Drive sports many high-end boutique shops catering to celebrity clientele. In the three short blocks between Wilshire and South Santa Monica Boulevard, you’ll find designers from Armani to Versace, jewelry by Cartier and Tiffany, and shoes by Jimmy Choo.
Whether you choose to stay on the beach, downtown, or near UCLA, hotel accommodations are as plentiful as the attractions. Beaches, shopping, amusement parks, museums and more await you in Los Angeles, and in true Hollywood fashion, your vacation will be anything you dream it to be.
Author Bio
Barbara Wade writes for Hotel Palomar, a Los Angeles luxury hotel near the UCLA campus. Visit them online at http://www.hotelpalomar-lawestwood.com.
Top US Cities for a Family Vacation
Author Alexine
Taking a vacation with your family this summer can be lots of fun and you do not have to travel far away from home. There are many different cities all over the Unites States that would be wonderful destinations. Here are some of the best cities to take your family for a vacation.
San Diego, California
There are plenty of beautiful hotels all over San Diego where you can stay on your visit. However, the best thing about San Diego is all the activities to do. You can take your family to the San Diego Zoo, swim at the beautiful beaches and take part in the activities going on throughout the year.
Honolulu, Hawaii
This tropical paradise has lots of great activities to do with your family. You can hike in the jungle, tour museums and lounge at the beach. There is a lot of history in the area and touring around is sure to give you a little taste of the past. Don’t forget to snorkel or take a surfing lesson if you love the water.
San Francisco, California
Another Californian city that is great for a family vacation. One of the best outings in San Francisco is the bay aquarium where you can view thousands of different ocean plants and animals. You can also take your family to the Presidio National Park where they have hiking trails and historical architecture.
Chicago, Illinois
This city is great if you like to get outside and walk around as there are over twenty nine miles of lakefront walking paths all over Chicago. The other attractions for your family would be a day at the Lincoln Park Zoo looking at exotic animals or Navy Pier where your children can ride the Ferris wheel.
Seattle, Washington
This is a beautiful city to visit as there are luscious green tones everywhere. With Seattle Center just a monorail or bus ride away from the city you can easily take your children on some carnival rides and to the Experience Music Project. Another fun day trip is to the Seattle Aquarium and Pike’s Place Market.
Denver, Colorado
If you are looking for adventure then Denver is the city for you. With whitewater rafting, rock climbing, hiking and mountain biking there is a sport for everyone to try. On another note you can go horseback riding which is a fun way to see the beautiful landscape. Don’t forget to check out the old west too.
Charleston, South Carolina
This city is full of water parks which are a great way to spend the day with your family. With plenty of other outdoor activities you can enjoy some time off out in the fresh air. Renting bikes or canoes are a great way to see some of Charleston. All you have to do is pack your bags and make a hotel reservation.
Boston, Massachusetts
As one of the oldest cities in the country there is plenty of history in Boston. From the swan boats on Boston Common to the Duck Tours that take you all over the city, you can get around in many different ways. Check out the Boston Aquarium and Museum of Science for fun day trips.
Austin, Texas
As one of the fastest growing cities in the country, Austin is full of surprises. There are plenty of shops to indulge in and lots of music and outdoor activities throughout the summer months. Just like Boston, Austin has a great Children’s Museum and fun Duck Tours. Experience a little Texas by visiting Austin with your family.
Orlando, Florida
With Universal Studios and Walt Disney World within your reach there is plenty of fun for your whole family in Orlando. On your down days you can take day trips to the beautiful white sand beaches and go swimming in the warm water. Don’t forget to pack lots of sun screen and your bathing suit.
Plan Away
While any of these cities would be great for the family there is usually a desire to take part in certain activities on your vacation. Choose the most economical location based on where you live if money is a factor. Do not feel bad if you travel to a city within your own state as there is plenty of fun in each of the cities above. All you have to do is make sure every family member enjoys themselves.
Posted in Travel - US, Travel with Kids | 
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