Since the 1920s, Beverly Hills has housed the Sophisticated, Elite, Famous and those that wish to be pampered...
Rodeo Drive Shopping and Dining
Famous Rodeo Drive is just steps away. Travellers from around the world have been coming to Beverly Hills to shop at famous stores like Chanel, Prada, Harry Winston & many more. Adjacent Beverly Drive and Canon also offers ample shopping and dining for travellers. Beverly Hills has such renowned restaurants Crustacean, Spago, Ruth's Chris & The Cheesecake Factory. From the divine to the simple, Rodeo Drive has an option for any traveller. From beauty salon to coffee shop, everything can be found in the Beverly Hills Shopping district. For more information on shops and hours, contact the concierge or Beverly Hills chamber of commerce.
Beverly Hills Farmer's Market
The Beverly Hills Farmer's Market is a certified market offering the finest of California-grown, fresh, seasonal fruits and vegtables, juices, breads, speciality items and so much more in a festive, outdoor street setting in the heart of the city. Located at the 200 block of North Canon Drive, the market is open each Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Century City
Westsiders looking for a pleasant shopping experience know to visit this outdoor shopping centre, which features more than 140 high-end shops like Abercrombie & Fitch, Godiva, Banana Republic, Victoria's Secret, Hugo Boss, Bloomingdale's, and Macy's. Upscale and full of energy, yet comfortable and unpretentious, Century City easily bests any indoor mall, as scores of well-heeled shoppers, who flock here daily, will no doubt attest. Just minutes from Raffles L'Ermitage, complimentary courtesy car service is available. Call the concierge for more information.
The Beverly Centre
A sleek interior and an array of exclusive shops render this elegant shopping centre one of Beverly Hills' most fashionable. The Beverly Centre houses 160 distinctive boutiques and restaurants and offers such singular choices such as Papyrus, Louis Vuitton, L'Occitane en Provence and Ann Taylor. More standard venues can also be found, along with dinning options that offer either counter or table service. A 13-screen movie theatre is located here as well. Just minutes from Raffles L'Ermitage, complimentary courtesy car service is available. Call the concierge for more information.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Always anxious to pat itself on the back, the city of Hollywood conceived the Walk of Fame in 1960. Since then, more than 2000 sidewalk stars have been awarded to some of the biggest (and not-so-biggest) names in the business. Clark Gable and Cary Grant are neighbours at 1608 and 1610 Vine Street. Audrey Hepburn is a little further down the way at 1652 Vine Street. And the very first star awarded, for Joanne Woodward, is at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard.
On a street filled with legendary landmarks, the sidewalk itself actually becomes something of a thrill; notable names jump out one after the other, mixed in with the names of obscure individuals whose faded celebrity status is a reminder that fame is indeed fleeting. But don't forget to look up, otherwise you'll walk right past sites like Mann's Chinese Theatre, the Capitol Records building and, of course, Frederick's of Hollywood.
Hollywood Sign
The 50-foot-tall sign was born in 1923 as an oversized ad for the new Hollywoodland housing development. The 'land' suffix disappeared early on (it's unclear as to how), leaving the sign as we recognise it today. Once covered Vegas-style with 4000 light bulbs, the sign has stood for nearly eight decades, becoming one of the most cherished and endearing landmarks in America. In addition to at least three facelifts, the sign has endured controversy (a disillusioned actress jumped to her death from atop the 'H'), neglect (deteriorating and fallen letters) and vandalism.
The Grove
One of LA's newest shopping mecca's, The Grove was opened in 2002 as an extension to the Historic Farmers Market located at Fairfax and 3rd. With over 45 shops and restaurants, the Grove offers an outside and fresh experience to shopping in Los Angeles. Open seven days a week, call the concierge to check the schedule for live entertainment or movies playing at the 14-screen Pacific Theatres. The Grove also offers an onsite concierge service to assist with shopping information, theatre ticket purchases and restaurant reservations.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood puts you so close you can hear the cameras rolling. Take a revealing inside look at the sets and uncover the behind-the-scenes secrets of today's biggest films.
Plus, visit Universal CityWalk, featuring LA's hottest entertainment, dining and shopping.
Getty Centre
The Getty Centre is the current home of the J. Paul Getty Museum as well as a research institute, conservation institute, grant program and leadership institute. Designed by architect Richard Meier, its design has a feng shui influence, a seven-story deep underground parking garage and sits high enough that on a clear day, it is possible to see the snow at Big Bear Mountain or the shoreline of the Pacific Ocean. The museum collects and exhibits classical sculpture and art, European paintings, drawings, manuscripts, sculpture, decorative arts and photographs. Located at 1200 Getty Centre Drive, off the 405 freeway. The Getty Centre is open from Tuesday to Sunday and closed on most major holidays.
Los Angeles Zoo
More than 100 acres of mammals, reptiles and amphibians draw city dwellers to this Griffith Park attraction for a taste of the wild life. The Animal Encounters programme allows visitors to interact with animals ranging from pythons to bunnies. During the school year, the zoo is often mobbed by bus-loads of excited kids on field trips. Mornings and late afternoons are the best times to visit, as the sun is less intense.
Catalina Island
Unusual local flora and fauna, big-game fishing, a yacht harbour, nature hikes and camping offer mainland tourists a respite from the hustle and bustle of modern city life. About 200 bison roam the preserved pastures, descendants of a herd brought to the island in 1925 for the filming of The Vanishing American, based on the book by Avalon resident Zane Grey.
The island's largest settlement is the town of Avalon, a square-mile gem of pretty Mediterranean and Moorish houses skirting a natural harbour. A gorgeous casino, overlooking the bay, is actually a restored art-deco ballroom with murals by John Gabriel Beckman. Swing dances and other events are often held there. Cars are restricted on Catalina (there's a ten-year waiting list for a permit), so most people travel by foot or golf cart.
