The introduction of the westside la began a few years ago as a great marketing tool for travelers seeking experiences that encompass the best of LA's upscale, beach, dining, shopping and resort lifestyle in a vacation.  Upon formation, many of us in the travel industry were delighted that they put this packaging together to create the best of L.A. But for those who don't live in the region, and don't fully understand the beauty of this concept, let's dig further into the picture and see what this westside (sounds like New York) thing is about.

The westside might as well begin with a place that includes "west" in its name. Edgy, gay-friendly, and art & gallery trendy all mix with rock & roll to make up Weho. When you talk about West Hollywood, what image is conjured up? If you are a rock fan, you'll probably think of The Roxy, Whisky a Go Go, or other music club.

What if you're planning a trip to Beverly Hills from West Hollywood. You'll be glad to know that Santa Monica Boulevard connects these two destinations that often just seem to blend from one to the next. Go only a minute's drive west to access the clothing, jewelry and services district that caters to the celebrity and wealthy crowd.  Do you think of Rodeo Drive, night clubs and expensive digs? Lots of people believe that Beverly Hills is beyond their pocket books. But just ask this travel writer (living on a writer's budget) if she could afford a stay. The answer is, "yes!"

Now continue on Santa Monica Boulevard for a short 3 mile drive past West L.A.'s UCLA campus and arrive in Santa Monica, the beach destination of this quad-city formula.  Popularly-recognized for its beaches, pier and 3rd Street Promenade, you'll find a very metropolitan look and feel with the quaint charm of a small town. As you gaze out to the ocean and see the Santa Monica Mountains around the bend, you recognize why tourists are drawn to this beach city more than others in Los Angeles. The hotel options are wide-ranged in price, amenities and beach access. With all there is to see and do, you'll wonder why you'd need another beach city to round out the westside la picture. But the one thing missing is the harbor. With that in mind, head south on Pacific Coast Highway five minutes or 3 miles to Marina del Rey.

Marina del Rey may mean nothing at all, but to those who fly into Los Angeles International Airport regularly, it is the closest upscale beach city around. And to those who sail, it is L.A.'s premier pleasure craft marina, many believe. Quality hotels are plentiful in Marina del Rey, dining is extensive and the harbor is fantastic. You can actually ride a bicycle on a beach cruise from Santa Monica beaches, past Venice, to Marina del Rey.

With four reasons to do westside, you now have a vacation plan to tie together beaches, shopping and entertainment in one trip that lets you punch your card so you can say that you did L.A.!