Greater Los Angeles is larger than life and it’s packed with wondrous places to explore, sights to see and interesting people to rub elbows with. Its five-county area covers 34,149 square miles, has 88 incorporated cities and is home to one of the world’s most culturally diverse populations. The region’s landscape reaches from posh desert oases and alpine recreation areas to the Pacific Coast with its 81 miles of pristine beaches. The climate is ideal throughout the year and many of the state’s and country’s most familiar icons are found here.

Los Angeles is the ideal destination for a hub and spoke itinerary. There are 27 major freeways which crisscross the region and travel over 600 miles. By selecting a favorite home base, groups can easily take daily excursions that are within reasonable driving distances and be able to spend a full day sailing to Catalina Island, golfing in Palm Springs, “star"-gazing in Hollywood or culture shopping at NOHO.

If it is a group’s first visit to the area, you may want to highlight a selection of the area icons that include a trip to the beach, a tour of a film studio, sightseeing in the star’s homes neighborhoods, a visit to some of the region’s art museums and high profile area attractions.

Check out the neighborhoods of Los Angeles. The area is divided into seven large districts that encompass a collection of smaller neighborhoods. Each has its own distinctive personality, icons, and attractions, areas of interest, accommodations, dining and shopping options. Follow the special interests of your travelers and

scope out each of the districts for the right combination of itinerary features.

This is the heart of Los Angeles and the center of the region’s commerce, city and country government and historic roots. It is also a lively theater, entertainment and dining center, and a hub forshopping, ranging from boutique to retail centers. Also downtown are the LA fashion district, Flower Market and Grand Central Market.

This district has “star power" and is a center for art and design. The film industry is celebrated at the Hollywood & Highland Entertainment Complex, home of the Academy Awards. There are the classic Egyptian and Grauman’s Chinese Theaters, the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and the Hollywood Entertainment Museum. Also here are the Sunset Strip, Avenues of Art and Design which include the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Pacific Design Center and more than 30 art galleries.

Many of LA’s most exclusive residences are here, as well as several ethnic communities including Korea Town, Thai Town and a hub for African- American culture. In this district you find the Museum of Tolerance, CBS studios filmings, the historic Farmers Market, Peterson Auto Museum, LA County Art Museum and the La Brea Tar Pits. Westwood is home to UCLA and the Armand Hammer Museum of Art and Culture and in Brentwood is the 110- acre Getty Center and the Skirball Cultural Center.