|
Woven into the lyrics of countless songs and portrayed on the silver screen hundreds of times, Beverly Hills is one of Los Angeles' most popular destinations for locals and tourists alike. The land of stars, dreams, great food and expensive shopping, this affluent nook of Southern California is the real-life version of the quintessential LA glitz and glam so often seen in movies. It was on Rodeo Drive where Julia Roberts had her famous Pretty Woman shopping spree, and it was at an upscale café called Kate Mantilini where Robert De Niro and Al Pacino made their legendary first on-screen appearance together in the movie Heat. Beyond some of the most famous Hollywood moments, Beverly Hills is also known for an abundance of lavish estates and beautiful architecture. Visitors to LA can see the largest mansion ever built in Los Angeles, Greytone Mansion. Greystone Mansion has been used in many popular films, such as Indecent Proposal. With all there is to see in this SoCal dreamland, guided tours often come in handy.
Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, CA
Rodeo Drive, between Santa Monica Blvd. and Wilshire Blvd in Beverly Hills, is a world famous three block long stretch of Los Angeles' best shops and boutiques. It is one of the most expensive shopping districts in the world and its shop owners have paid a hefty price tag for real estate there. This Los Angeles business district is not only a shopping district but also a tourist attraction. Many of Hollywood's biggest stars shop on this street as well as coming to enjoy the many restaurants and boutiques. Bijan, at 420 Rodeo Drive, is actually the single most expensive shop in the world. Appointments have to be made to shop there and items range from a $50 pair of socks to $50,000 suits. There is also the Two Rodeo center, located at the northeast corner of Wilshire and Rodeo. Two Rodeo attempts to re-create a romantic version of an old European avenue. There are 2 restaurants, a sidewalk café its tenants include Tiffany, Cartier, Charles Jourdan, Valentino, Christian Dior and Jose Eber.
|
Greystone Mansion
905 Loma Vista Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210
There are many mansions throughout Beverly Hills, but Greystone Mansion is the largest to have ever been built in the city. Oil-tycoon Edward Doheny built this beautiful property in 1928 as a gift for his son. The mansion boasts over 46,000 square feet of living space, and while it may resemble a modern mansion, it has the traditional feel of an old historic castle complete with limestone walls, stone courtyards and heavy wooden doors. This residence has been used over the years in dozens of Hollywood movies, including Indecent Proposal, X-Men, The Big Lebowski, Rush Hour, Spiderman, Ghostbusters and Austin Powers: Goldmember. Even though the home is now empty and closed for visitors, people wanting to get a closer look are welcome to drive through the wrought iron gates and walk the grounds of this beautiful historic Los Angeles estate. Throughout the year some classical (chamber music) concerts are offered, which are held in the large living room of the mansion. The park grounds are open daily from 10am - 5pm and until 6pm in the summer time.
|
Paley Center for Media
465 N. Beverly Hills Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Formerly the Museum of Television and Radio, the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills is committed to the idea that many of the television programs viewers have enjoyed over the years are works of art that need to be preserved for posterity's sake. Instead of being like a typical museum filled with artifacts, this museum is mainly filled with screening rooms, including two full sized theatres. There are more than 120,000 television and radio programs available in the museum's library and during each visit viewers can select and watch up to four television shows at an individual console. There are shows that date back as far as 1948 and radio programs dating back to the 1920's. At this Los Angeles museum, an on-site gift shop features unique collectibles and other items for nostalgia buffs and video collectors. Also, recordings of frequent seminars and interviews with people from the industry are available for viewing. The main goal of the Paley Center for Media is to illuminate “the immense and growing impact of media on our lives, culture, and society.”
|
|
