Century City
Century City is marked by condos, sleek high-rise hotels, and offices that surround The 20th Century Fox Studios. Power-lunching entertainment industry executives choose from chic New American restaurants, Italian bistros, and casual cafes. Westfield Century City is a sprawling, modern outdoor shopping complex with upscale retailers. Exhibits at the intimate Annenberg Space for Photography are free.
Beverly Hills
Another of L.A.’s famous cities, Beverly Hills is a shopaholic’s dream. You’ll find Rodeo Drive here as well, a two-mile-long street complete with luxury, fashion, and entertainment, and one of the top Beverly Hills attractions. You can also see famous monuments such as the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, the statue “Torso,” and the House of Bijan. Here you will find stores dedicated to Dior, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., and many others.
Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades
Palisades Park offers striking views of the ocean and Santa Monica Mountains. If you want to see more, steer clear of the tourist section by the Santa Monica Pier and instead keep walking towards the Pacific Palisades-adjacent end, past the stately concrete sculpture at Wilshire and the colorful totem pole at San Vicente.
Santa Monica State Beach is usually crowded and has a festive, summer-holiday feel to it. Its big attraction is the Pier and has biggest crowds follow in its wake and keep in mind to distance yourself from either side if you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe.