Rocks in Joshua Tree National Park illuminated by sunset,Mojave Desert,California.

Ten years ago I would have said ‘no way’ to this. Now it feels amazing

At several points during a desert “sound bath”,I feel completely disconnected from my body. My friend,meanwhile,feels like she is being abducted by aliens.

  • byRob McFarland
Venice Beach,LA..

Port guide:Los Angeles,USA

Welcome to LA:capital of consumerism,city of freeways and fashionistas,home to movie wannabes and Hollywood stars.

  • byBrian Johnston
Aerial view of Santa Monica Pier and its amusement park,ferris wheel and roller coaster.

Why this enchanting place captured so many Hollywood hearts

California beach life,Hollywood history and plenty to see for free – base yourself in Santa Monica and you might find it’s all the LA you need.

  • byAmy Cooper
Mammoth Lakes

An expert expat’s tips for Mammoth Lakes,California

Stu Brown spent 36 straight winters chasing the alpine lifestyle before settling in Mammoth Lakes and is now the mountain town’s parks and recreation director.

  • byBelinda Jackson
Invitation only ... The Magic Castle.

It’s magic:How I got into LA’s most exclusive address

To gain entry,you need to be invited by a member,pay for a stay at the Magic Castle Hotel nearby or become a member yourself – by practising magic.

  • byJenny Hewett
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Dive back in time:the funky Palihotel,Hollywood.

Motel revival hits Hollywood with Sunset Boulevard property’s revamp

This kitschy 1958 Hollywood overnighter sensation has been thoroughly renovated to become the cute and cool Palihotel Hollywood.

  • byJulietta Jameson
Knott’s Berry Farm was California’s first theme park.

California’s original theme park is no Disneyland

Disneyland might claim to be ‘the happiest place on Earth’,but you won’t find a frown at nearby Knott’s Berry Farm either.

  • byKatrina Lobley
The Barbie camper.

Plastic fantastic:You can now enter the life-sized world of Barbie

Before the much-anticipated Margot Robbie film’s release,fans in LA can immerse themselves in the world of the record-breaking toy.

  • byJulietta Jameson
Barrio Logan

One of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods has overcome a bad reputation

For many years the San Diego neighbourhood of Barrio Logan was perceived as being on the wrong side of the tracks.

  • byTim Richards
The former Sir Francis Drake Hotel has been given an extensive renovation without compromising its old-world style.

Beacon Grand,San Francisco review,USA:Historic Californian stay's breathtaking restoration

Staying here also feels about as cool a place you'll find in 2023.

  • byCraig Tansley