5 Favorite Celebrity Hangouts
It is Award Show Season here in LA which means celebrities from all over are flocking to the City of Angels so they can see and be seen during this season that celebrates their achievements in film, television and music. This also means it is prime time to visit LA and hopefully run into one of these illustrious stars. Now, we are in LA which also means that you always have a chance of running into a celebrity, but during this time of year, your chances are greater. Here are some of our favorite places that you might be able to spot someone you might recognize:
Runyon Canyon
Probably one of the most well known hiking trails here in LA, given that it is a celebrity favorite. You can walk the main loop o this 160-acre park or enjoy the numerous dirt hiking trails. While there, you will likely see many celebrities (and their trainers!) working up a sweat or just taking Fido for a walk (their off-leash policy is incredible). Some of our favorite celebrity sightings there include Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Charlize Theron, Matthew Morrison, Ashley Tisdale and Hayden Panettiere. Don’t see celebrities? You can still enjoy people watching as well as the views of the stunning million dollar mansions all around as well as views of the Hollywood Sign, Sunset Strip and LA Basin.
The Ivy
If you want to catch sight of a celebrity or two during your stay here while grabbing a bite to eat, then you will want to make a reservation at the Ivy. Located on Robertson Blvd., the Ivy serves nouvelle American cuisine and is a favorite of celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, the Kardashian family, Jessica Simpson, Patrick Stewart and Tom Hanks among others. If you aren’t hungry for more than a celebrity sighting, then hang out on Robertson for a day and you will likely have your wish fulfilled. From the extremely popular boutiques such as Kitson, Lisa Kline, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren and Tory Burch Robertson Blvd is a celebrity mecca. It is also a huge hangout for paparazzi looking to get a shot of celebs dashing in and out of Robertson’s many stores or walking out of its most famous restaurant.
Chateau Marmont
Chateau Marmont was originally built in the 1920s as Los Angeles’s first earthquake-proof apartment building. Architect Arnold A. Weitzman modeled it after the Chateau D’Amboise in the Loire Valley in France. From the beginning, the Chateau was a place where celebrities flocked and scandals abounded. Secret romances were conducted there and there was always someone causing mischief of some sort. It was in 1982 that this castle-like apartment turned hotel became notorious when John Belushi died of an overdose of cocaine and heroine. It is also where Lindsay Lohan lived and was eventually barred from. And where Britney Spears displayed some very odd behavior. While many former employees say that there are too many stories to tell, one reason Chateau Marmont is so popular with the elite is that they are fiercely protective of their guests, especially celebrity ones. Even if you don’t want to get a room here, you can still stop at the Bar Marmont for a drink and probably spot someone famous. Celebrities who have hung out there include Leonardo DiCaprio, Sandra Bullock, Robert De Niro, Keanu Reeves, Jude Law, James Franco, Lady Gaga, Kit Harington, Lana Del Rey, Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan and many others.
Nobu
Undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles, Nobu is known for its exquisite Japanese fusion cuisine. Try the Kaba ribeye or the fresh sushi and sashimi and you will go home very happy. To top off this experience, have one of their unique cocktails. And while you are there, look around and you will likey, on most nights, see one of your favorite celebrities grabbing a bite to eat. Be forewarned – you need to make a reservation and it is on the pricier side of town, so come prepared. However, you won’t mind planning ahead for the experience once you are nestled in the atmosphere of either their LA location or seated at one of the tables in Malibu where the restaurant is located along the beach. Celebrities enjoy eating at the patio in Malibu and you might find one hanging out in the back room (that has a curtain , of course) in Los Angeles. Recent sightings include Drake, Pau Gasol, Natalie Portman, Eva Longoria, Justin Beiber, Mary J. Blige, Renee Zellweger, Hayden Panettiere and Megan Fox. It was also prominently a part of the story when Kawhi Leonard agreed to join our LA Clippers — coach Doc Rivers was very nervously eating here waiting news of Leonard’s decision, and loudly celebrated in the restaurant when he learned he was coming.
Malibu Country Mart
If you didn’t already love Malibu for its sweeping views and beautiful beach, you will definitely love it for the Malibu Country Mart. Don’t be fooled by the name. It’s definitely more city than country. Part outdoor mall, part entertainment center, part foodie heaven, you will find a variety of things to do while hanging out there. There is a great playground for the kiddies and a fun outdoor dining area. You will find high end retailers from Ralph Lauren and John Varvatos to Planet Blue and Chrome Hearts there. And you can eat at some yummy restaurants such as Nobu, Taverna Tony’s or local favorite John’s Garden. Celebs spotted at the Malibu Country Mart include Pierce Brosnan, Cindy Crawford, Patrick Dempsey, The Kardashians, Adam Levine, Tori Spelling, Simon Cowell and many others.
Come explore Los Angeles with LA Insider Tours and you might see a celebrity or two and have a fantastic experience discovering this city filled with stars. Email us or call 800-549-6625 today to make a reservation!