KITT and caboodle

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 science fiction 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 spin 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 no driver) safely navigated the streets, it gave a surreal taste of the future.

And like any traveller landing at LAX for the first time I had plenty of preconceptions. But no matter if your movie taste is more Barbie than Blade Runner, LA is full of surprises.

Angels’ delight

Thought the City of Angels was too big or busy for your little angels? Think again. It has entertainment for kids of all ages. Even big kids like me in their mid-40s.

Ironically the home of the silver screen is perfect for a screen break, as it offers enough stimulation for even TikTok-addicted teenagers to put phones away.

Game face

LA hosts the World Cup next year and the Olympics in 2028. For sports-loving families, catching a game while in LA is a great option.

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 is completely space-age.

For starters, after booking a seat online, you upload a selfie on to the Clippers' app and your face acts as your ticket you literally just walk in. 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 the downtown Crypto.​com Arena. Murals of late Lakers' legend Kobe Bryant can be found all over LA and there are always A-list celebrities courtside.

Taking in Mickey