Cruises to L.A.

L.A. is constantly evolving.

Dynamics change, stars rise and fall, but this sparkling city remains a premier tourist destination through and through.

In terms of city escapes, you can’t get more comprehensive than cruises to L.A. Even those who have spent years exploring Los Angeles can find something new hidden between the packed highways and upmarket delis.

There’s always a challenger for the metropolitan city crown when it comes to cruise travel. Singapore, Tokyo, and New York have all been contenders for the title belt, duking it out over who is blessed with the most futuristic, the most iconic, the most epic.

But cruises to L.A. have remained constant in a sea of changing opinion. The fact is, L.A. just seems to work on every single level. And it’s all down to the finer details of what can only be described as a megacity.

Quite simply, there’s something for everybody in L.A. Yes, really. The home of Hollywood and arguably the American Dream has actual opportunities. At least for tourists.

So, with no further ado, here’s your go-to guide for getting through this urban jungle with your sanity intact. It can be a convoluted thrill ride, but the best cruise experiences always are.

Beach Cities

No cruise to L.A. would be complete without visiting at least one of the beaches. Legendary surf spots and tanned devotees are in abundance if you head toward the coast from LAX. The endless summer of the Southern California coast has its epicentre from Malibu to San Pedro.

The classic Santa Monica pier, the Third Street Promenade and the 27 miles of beachhead at Getty Villas should be first priority for beachcombers, no questions asked. Don’t even dispute it. Out of all the sun-dappled parts of L.A., this is a paradise for surfers, foodies, and explorers. All in a single metropolitan borough. Who says dreams can’t come true in Hollywood?

Pasadena

Of all the districts in L.A. , Pasadena manages to have the most distinctive architecture. This is no mean feat, as a visit to the city is sure to prove – having to compete with the super-rich in Beverley Hills deserves an accolade all of its own surely?

Regardless of the financial pedigree of its neighbours, Pasadena manages to stand out. Home to the Rose Bowl and a unusually European vibe, this garden district has perfectly manicured parks scattered all over its pristine boulevards. In fact, it’s one of the greenest spots in the whole of Los Angeles.

Not that you’ll be spending all of your time lazing on grass. There’s impeccable history to be found! Art masterpieces at the Norton Simon Museum, Japanese sculptures at the Huntington Library, and the balustrades of Gamble House…it’s all in a day’s stroll for Pasadena.

Downtown and the L.A. Metro

The heart of all cruises to L.A. is exploring the very centre of the city.

Always busy, never boring, and completely striking, downtown L.A. can create the impression that there are more attractions than people residing on the trail of the Metro. The L.A. Live entertainment complex alone features the Grammy Museum, Regal Cinemas and the ESPN Zone – multimedia titans all.

There is zero, and I mean zero chance that you’ll find yourself bored in the centre of Los Angeles. Beverley Hills might have the mansions, but you can argue its residents have to sleep sometime. Downtown has an air of fervent energy surrounding that never fades away, even at 3 in the morning.

For the artisans in all of us, make sure to visit the Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Museum of Contemporary Art and the Historic Exposition. Remember, it’s not all Lakers games and suntanned starlets. Make sure to get out there and soak up the culture – as much as you can in a city this full of it anyway.