Gentle sea breezes, 3 miles of sandy beaches and caf-lined, pedestrian-friendly boulevards make Santa Monica a really lovely place to stay in LA. Spend a day or two on the white sands made famous in the TV series, Baywatch, or wander the streets on foot (take your camera, as you are bound to spot a celebrity or three around these parts). Santa Monica is famous for funky shopping. Head to 3rd Street Promenade for great outdoor shopping and for air-conditioned retail, stroll to Santa Monica Place. Montana Avenue has chic boutiques and great bars, restaurants and cafs. The famous pier, built in 1908, is the West Coast's oldest pleasure pier, with a charming Ferris wheel. Culture vultures can head to the Santa Monica Museum of Art or California Heritage Museum.

Time difference: -8 hours GMT