Dreaming of living as if you were a VIP? Why not indulge in a few luxuries on your next escape? With so many celebrities and other wealthy residents, gorgeous palm-lined beaches, and ocean views, Southern California is one of the best places in the world to enjoy life’s most luxurious offerings. Whether it’s shopping at high-end designer stores or renting a classic car to see the sights, you’re sure to find luxurious things to do in Southern California.
Shop Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills
What Is It? Rodeo Drive is the place to go to shopping like a celebrity and you might run into a few of them too.
Why Do It? It’s been featured many times on-screen, in movies like “Pretty Woman” and “Beverly Hills Cop.” Just a few blocks long, the famous stretch is between Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards and it looks like a film set.
Good to Know: You’ll need a credit card with a high limit or a wallet full of cash as it’s a place for serious spenders. Stroll the European-like cobbled walkway Two Rodeo and capture some memorable photos, from the famous sign to some of the expensive luxury cars parked at the curb.
Have a Drink Where Celebrities Go at Chateau Marmont
What Is It? Chateau Marmont is an iconic Hollywood fixture that attracts some of the biggest names, with practically everyone who’s anyone staying here at some point. This includes Natalie Wood, Lucille Ball, and Bette Davis, who reported nearly burned it down on two separate occasions, to more recent names like Lindsay Lohan, Lana Del Rey, and Lady Gaga.
Why Do It? You don’t have to spend the night to get a taste of the luxurious life here, Bar Marmont is an attraction in itself as the quintessential Hollywood bar. A famous L.A. hangout, get dressed to the nines, grab a drink and enjoy people-watching.
Good to Know: Even if you don’t see a star, you’ll feel like one and the classic 20s ambiance and décor make it worth your while
Dine at Nobu Malibu
What Is It? Malibu is one of the most famous beach enclaves, filled with opportunities for luxury, from high-end resorts to upscale shops and restaurants, including Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s.
Why Do It? He’s been luring in A-listers and foodies from across the globe since 1987 with signature Japanese delicacies from black cod with miso to monkfish pate.
Good to Know: The Malibu beachfront outpost has been around since 2012 and has a dining room that spills outside, dreamily floating above the Pacific.
Rent a Classic
What Is It? Public transport isn’t great in Southern California, as it was really built for cars so you’ll probably want to rent one, and why not a classic?
Why Do It? Immerse yourself in the Golden Age, perhaps with a 1957 Ford Thunderbird. A convertible is perfect for a drive along the coast on Highway 1 through Santa Monica with its famous pier and the incredibly scenic stretch through Malibu. Keep traveling north, between Oxnard and Santa Barbara the views are dazzling too, with the Channel Islands offshore.
Good to Know: Another option is to drive through the Hollywood Hills with the winding roads revealing countless magnificent mansions, many of which are home to the rich and famous.
Go Sailing From Newport Beach
What Is It? Newport Beach is the heart of Orange County, as seen on TV series like “Arrested Development” and “The OC.” And, on the Balboa Peninsula you can rent a boat to go sailing through Duffy Electric Boat Rentals.
Why Do It? There’s no experience required to put on your captain’s hat as the outfitter says they’re “as easy to drive as a golf cart” with a top speed of 5 mph. The only requirement to rent one is a minimum age of 21 years old. You’ll get a detailed map of the harbor, instructions on how to operate it, what the boundaries are, and information on the popular routes.
Good to Know: Once out on the water enjoy a fun evening with your friends, perhaps tying up at one of the waterfront eateries to have dinner delivered right onboard.
Go to Opening Day at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
What Is It? Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is the venue where Seabiscuit ran in 1938 and was a favorite haunt of Hollywood elite.
Why Do It? Today it’s still exciting and it’s not just about fast horses and betting, it’s about celebrating the racing season in style. Take advantage of the excuse to buy one of those fancy, over-the-top hats or a new suit. Opening Day here draws tens of thousands of people dressed to impress from head to toe thanks to the annual hat contest.
Good to Know: You might even help make up for all the money you’ve been spending by winning a share of the cash prizes in one of four different categories: Most Glamorous, Best Racing Theme, Best Flowers, and Best Fascinator.
Take a Hot-Air Balloon Ride
What Is It? Temecula, located about a 90-minute drive from Los Angeles, is not only picturesque but also offers plenty of ways to splurge.
Why Do It? Enjoy everything from wine tasting and antique shopping to hot-air balloon rides that deliver an incredible bird’s-eye view over Temecula and the entire valley with its many vineyards. There are multiple options, including Grape Escape Balloon Adventure which offers sunrise take-offs.
Good to Know: Once back on the ground you’ll enjoy a picnic-style continental breakfast with orange juice and champagne at the Europa Village winery.
Get Pampered at a Luxe Spa
What Is It? There are many spas throughout Southern California, but one of the best you’ll find is at Hotel Bel-Air.
Why Do It? You don’t have to be a guest to take advantage of the many decadent treatments here. It sits deep within the property’s spectacular canyon setting and has a serene indoor-outdoor vibe.
Good to Know: The prices are steep but worth it for those who can afford it, with world-class facials, body treatments, massage, and more that are sure to melt every last bit of stress away.
Deluxe Los Angeles 5-Hour Limo Tour with Drinks Included
What Is It? There are plenty of luxury tours to take, including a personally customized limo tour with your driver/guide Michael Raines who has not only served as a driver/bodyguard to big celebrities but he’s starred in survival shows and has had a number of other TV and film roles.
Why Do It? As he takes you around you’ll get to hear lots of stories about those he’s worked with, riding in a Lincoln town car that comes complete with a bar setup.
Good to Know: Wine, beer, liquor with mixers, nuts, and chocolates are all included and there’s a Bluetooth stereo for your phone’s playlist.
Chauffeured San Diego Winery Tour
What Is It? The best way to go wine tasting is with your own chauffeur so there’s no worry about sipping and getting behind the wheel.
Why Do It? You can be picked up right from your San Diego hotel to visit three different family-run wineries that are within 30 minutes of downtown in the Ramona, Highland, or San Pasqual valleys.
Good to Know: It includes 18 different wine varieties, a fruit and cheese platter, a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the winemaking process, and even an early dinner with a view overlooking a winery.
Take a Helicopter Tour
What Is It? If you’re looking for over-the-top romantic luxuries, this helicopter tour is sure to fit the bill.
Why Do It? You and your date will enjoy a ride for two over the California coast and popular L.A. sights, including the Hollywood sign, Beverly Hills, and Bel Air.
Good to Know: It even includes a 30-minute landing on a secluded mountaintop in Malibu where you’ll enjoy a private Champagne toast and dessert while taking in the views. Adding to the romance factor, roses are included too.
Drive a Real, Full-Size Race Car
What Is It? If you want to feel the thrill of racing, that’s a possibility. The Andretti Driving Experience is offered at the Auto Club Speedway, a large, two-mile, D-shaped oval superspeedway with 14 degrees banking in the turns.
Why Do It? You’ll drive a full-size, open-wheel Indy-style race car with options to choose from anywhere from five- to 48-minutes of track time, with brief pit stops every eight minutes.
Good to Know: It’s billed as the “World’s Fastest Driving Experience,” and allows even novice drivers to reach speeds up to 180 mph.
