Celebspotting in Los Angeles
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Celebgawking
When you live in Los Angeles you are going to see celebrities. Even after a few years in Tinseltown, it never ceases to amaze me that I still get excited upon celeb spotting. There have been times when I've walked by someone and felt a familiar pang but just couldn't place it till 20 minutes later when I had that "a-ha" moment. Remember though, A-list actors and celebs live their life just like everyone else. They take out the trash, they walk their dog, pick up their dry cleaning and go out to eat with friends. This is my ode to celebrity hangouts, places I would tell visitng friends that they would most likely see stars from A-list to D-List.
The Ivy 113 N Robertson Blvd (310) 274-8303
You've seen the familiar restaurant on trendy Robertson Blvd on shows like E! Entertainment and TMZ whe they catch celebs entering and exiting. It's smaller than you'd think but the white picket fence patio has been enclosing Hollywood royalty in the entertainment industry for a long time. Many a power lunches have unfolded here. When certain celebs want to make sure they are seen they head here as paparazzi is always present, vying for valuable sidewalk space where valets rush to greet incoming Bentleys and Maybachs. A warning: a simple lunch here will cost you. On a recent visit 2 salads, 2 ice teas and 2 coffees brought upon a $75 bill, tip not included. A small price to pay for some though as it's a chance to possibly sit in the same seat occupied by Lindsey Lohan or Jennifer Aniston.
Kitson 115 S Robertson Blvd (310) 859-2652
A few doors down from The Ivy is the infamous clothier called Kitson. If you don't want to come put of pocket for a super expensive meal, heading to Kitson is a nice alternative. Especially if you are a shopaholic like Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan or Britney Spears. Designer denim, crystal studded tank tops and well known handbag lines are all carried here. If you are the type to peruse the fashion sections of People or INtouch Weekly, more often than not you can find those designer duds here. And maybe spot a celebutante or two.
The Stairs in Santa Monica 4th Street & Adelaide Drive
For a particularly grueling workout, celebs and us normal folk head here. Set amidst the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Palisades with views of the Pacific, the 183 stair trails here are a small price to pay for such amazing surroundings. You'll also see personal trainers working out clients on the grass. But what you may also find is some of your favorite celebs sans make up and hair as they sweat out the stair trails alongsdie you. I've seen entire casts of television shows working out here during the week when it's less crowded (The Stairs can be mobbed on weekends).
The Getty Center 1200 Getty Center Drive, LA, CA (310) 440-7330
So perhaps you're on vacation and you feel the need for some cutlure in your diet. The Getty Center has a few cool things going for it. First is the Getty Center's location up high above the 405 in the Santa Monica Mountains, with amazing 360 degree views. Second the architecture is gorgeous. Third, admission is free. Yes you heard correctly it won't cost you a penny to enter (it is however $8 to park). And last but not least you will always see one if not two or three celebs here.The Getty Center has been a spot for playdates with A-lister children, the setting for magazine interviews with high profle industry types and first dates for the single celeb scene.
Whole Foods anywhere in LA
Stars and celebs try eat healthy, they have diets and watch their weight just like you. And Whole Foods has everything they need form expensive organic wine to local farmers market produce. The one located in Brentwood is where I saw Reese Witherspoon.
STK 755 N. La Cienega Blvd 310-659-3535
LA's newbie to the hot scene emphasizes a modern twist for a steak joint. It's super expensive here but super cool in both it's decor, crowd and cocktails. This is a place not just to put down a Porterhouse in one sitting but to also catch glimpses of people you've watched or read. One encounter had me next to a Victoria's Secret model at the bar while another night I saw E! Host and comedian Chelsea Handler.
Dodger Stadium www.dodgers.com
It's baseball, need I say more? Sure there are plenty of Lakers fans in Hollywood but in the stands at Dodger Stadium, tucked underneath a baseball hat you'll find just as many A-listers catching a game.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 445 Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills
When you are a freelancer you are always looking for good coffee spots with outdoor patios in LA in which you can set up shop and work outside. I lived right around the corner from this great street nestled between Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. The enormous patio and perfect people watching spot has enabled me to waste many a late afternoon as I diligently tried to work next to someone famous. It's close proximity to The WIlliam Morris Agency means it also is home to power coffee breaks and meetings between uber agents and their clients.
Urth Caffe 267 S Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills
This organic, quick serve style eatery has several locations. The Melrose Avenue spot is often filmed as a backdrop to shows like Entoruage and the Main Street spot in Sana Monica plays haven to beachgoers in nearby Venice. But this is my favorite spot as it's where I spotted Jessica Alba days before her quickie wedding to Cash Warren. Expensive sunglassed diners park a spot on the terrace patio and so can you for the price of a Chai Latte.
Bar 1200 (formerly the The Whisky Bar) at Sunset Marquis Hotel, 1200 N. Alta Loma Rd
It's not the Bar Marmont or The Standard or The Viper Room but I love The Whisky Bar and apparently so do celebs. Maybe the reason both celebs and myself love it is it's super exclusivity. Musicians, rockers and actors are the only ones allowed in without having to be guests of the hotel. It's an intimate spot and if you are lucky enough to gain entrance you are bound to see someone.
Runyan Canyon Franklin and Fuller Ave
Celebs love their pets and their workouts so it makes sense that you'll find them at Runyan Canyon. There are trails and steep hikes found here and it's free to enter. Parking can be tough and it can be busier on weekends but why not sneak in a workout while you sneak in some celeb spotting?
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Comments
Great hub, I have never been to Hollywood, but when I do, I will check out some of your suggestions.










LA Wannabe says:
2 years ago
I'm going to check out these places when I finally move out to Hollywood next month.