After the Jesuits built a series of missions along the coast of Alta California, the Spaniards established a port in 1781 as a supply stop for their coastal shipping routes. With the arrival of the transcontinental railroad and the discovery of oil, people began to arrive in droves. In 1923 the much-photographed giant letters were erected on the hill, and the golden age of Hollywood was born. The scale of Los Angeles, 90 miles long by 50 miles wide, defies belief.

Cabo San Lucas on Baja's southern tip offers two sides: lively, bar-and-restaurant-filled Cabo and quieter, historic San José del Cabo. Once a sleepy fishing village, Cabo now draws beach vacationers; Playa El Médano is the main draw, and Land's End has Playa del Amor and El Arco. In San José, see a 17th-century Jesuit mission, a bird-filled estuary, and the Art District's cafes and galleries.

La Paz, capital of Baja California Sur, offers a slow-paced, small-town charm amid laurels and date palms on the Sea of Cortez. This "old" Baja town has tranquil beaches, beautiful bays, and offshore islands. Spend the afternoon on its lively palm-lined boardwalk, with great restaurants, bars, and quirky shops. Nearby Isla Espíritu Santo makes a great day trip for stunning scenery and vibrant sea life, including dolphins, sea lions, and tropical fish.

Mazatlán offers palm-lined beaches and a relaxed resort pace. In Old Mazatlán, see the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with its gold ceiling, then Plaza República and its Victorian bandstand. Teatro Angela Peralta, from the 1800s, is a national landmark. "The Pearl of the Pacific" is not complete without the cliff divers at Sanchez Taboada esplanade on the oceanfront boardwalk.

An enormous sailfish sculpture dominates Manzanillo's waterfront, reflecting its status as the "Sailfish Capital of the World" for excellent sport fishing. This lush tropical destination sits on two crescent-shaped bays divided by the scenic Santiago Peninsula. Whether you want quiet coves or crashing surf, you'll find a beach for swimming, water skiing, windsurfing, or relaxing, plus beautiful golf courses with शानदार views.

Discover Puerto Vallarta's old-world charm in Banderas Bay, framed by the Sierra Madre. In Old Town, follow the bells to The Lady of Guadalupe Church, ringing every 15 minutes, and admire its carved interior and architecture. Walk cobblestone streets to the Rio Cuale, where vendors sell silver jewelry, designer clothing, leather goods, and handmade pottery. Enjoy fresh seafood, grilled meats, café de olla, and sweets.

After the Jesuits built a series of missions along the coast of Alta California, the Spaniards established a port in 1781 as a supply stop for their coastal shipping routes. With the arrival of the transcontinental railroad and the discovery of oil, people began to arrive in droves. In 1923 the much-photographed giant letters were erected on the hill, and the golden age of Hollywood was born. The scale of Los Angeles, 90 miles long by 50 miles wide, defies belief.