Page 82 - 2025-2026 Travel Guide to California

TOP CITIES
Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Burbank, Santa
Monica, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Venice,
Redondo Beach, Marina del Rey, Lancaster,
Torrance, Long Beach
INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX),
19 miles (31 km) from downtown LA
DOMESTIC GATEWAYS
Long Beach Airport (LGB), 24 miles (38 km)
from downtown LA; Hollywood Burbank Airport
(BUR), 16 miles (26 km) from downtown LA
TOURISM WEBSITES
discoverlosangeles.com
discovertorrance.com
visitwesthollywood.com
lovebeverlyhills.com
downtownla.com
visitpasadena.com
redondochamber.org
visitmdr.com
santamonica.com
destinationlancasterca.org
VisitLongBeach.com
POPULATION
9,940,000
LOS
ANGELES
COUNTY
80 LOS ANGELES COUNTY
A place for reinvention and big dreams
B Y J A C Q U E L I N E Y A U
Los Angeles has always been a city of dreamers, and even after
the worst wildfire disaster in recent history, that spirit hasn’t
dimmed. From the beachside communities to the hills, Ange-
lenos are coming together, showing resilience in every way possible.
Neighbors are helping neighbors, local businesses are stepping up,
and the creative energy that fuels this city is now driving a massive
effort to rebuild. The skyline may have been scarred, but the heart of
LA remains as vibrant as ever.
Rebuilding isn’t just about restoring what was lost—it’s about
coming back even stronger. Architects and city planners are already
working on sustainable designs, while volunteers and local heroes
continue to lend a hand wherever needed. Restaurants, boutiques,
and beloved landmarks are reopening with a renewed sense of pur-
pose, proving that LA’s unstoppable energy can’t be extinguished.
The City of Angels is the land of reinvention. Los Angeles County
continues to attract seekers, dreamers, hustlers and wannabe
actors/screenwriters/directors. Most come from somewhere else and
are looking for a better life. Persistent optimism and self-expressive-
ness permeate the air.
The Nation’s Largest County
By last count pre-wildfires, Los Angeles County was the most populous
county in the nation. With nearly 10 million residents, Los Angeles
County comprises 88 cities with around 200 languages spoken within
2025-26 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA
SEAN PAVONE/SHUTTERSTOCK. OPPOSITE:MAKS ERSHOV/SHUTTERSTOCK