STAR QUALITY

Los Angeles plays a starring role for RICHARD BACHE as he hits California

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A CENTURY of movie-making means nowhere blends sci-fi and reality quite like Los Angeles - as I discovered from the back of a driverless taxi - hours after seeing KITT from Knight Rider in a museum.

Seeing the steering wheel turn of its own accord was as nerve-racking as watching a London cab's meter spinning, but as the Waymo (an app like Uber, but with no driver) safely navigated the streets, it gave a surreal taste of the future.

Like anyone landing at LAX for the first time, I had plenty of preconceptions - but LA is full of surprises.

GAME FACE

LA is one of the host cities for next year's World Cup and will welcome the Olympics in 2028. For sports loving families, catching a game husring your visit is a must.

LA Clippers-owner Steve Ballmer sank £1.5billion into the Intuit Dome basketball arena and boy, can you tell. The former Microsoft CEO wanted the world's best arena for his NBA team. Befitting a tech titan's toy, it's a space-age venue.

For starters, after booking a seat online, you upload a selfie on to the Clippers' app and your face acts as your ticket. Want a drink, hot dog or jersey? Pick one up from any bar or shop and stroll away. Facial recognition is also linked to your Google or Apple Pay. Pretty cool.

I also caught the Lakers at their downtown Crypto.com Arena, it's great fun spotting which A-list celebrities are courtside.

TAKING IN MICKEY

The short trip to Anaheim to visit the original Disneyland will be on most family agendas. Mickey, Minnie and co have entertained generations there since 1955 and the park marks its 70th birthday in July.

In truth, every day at Disneyland is a celebration, particularly for younger visitors. The highlight was the incredible Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Space Mountain continues to wow and the Guardians of the Galaxy ride was exhilarating.