Lori Trimble, chef concierge at SLS Beverly Hills, shares her favorite ways to explore several neighborhoods in less than 24 hours, including the best option to travel from destination to destination, and notable views along the way.
Beverly Hills
“From downtown to Malibu, one can spend an entire day soaking up the sights of LA from the comfort of their own vehicle,” Trimble says. “I would suggest renting a luxury convertible. Nothing screams Angeleno like cruising down the streets of Beverly Hills in an exotic convertible.” Beverly Hills Rent-a-Car offers several models for visitors to choose from, including a Ferrari 458 Italia Spider and Bentley Continental GTC. (9732 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills; 310-274-2669; bhrentacar.com)
Warner Bros. Studios VIP Tour
“Start the day with a Warner Bros. Studios [VIP] Tour,” Trimble says. “They offer an amazing two-hour, behind-the-scenes tour of their backlot, [which] begins as early as 8:15 a.m.” Visitors will have a chance to walk the set of popular TV shows and films, and browse costumes, scripts and props in the Warner Bros. Museum during the tours. (3400 W. Riverside Dr., Burbank; 877-492-8687; vipstudiotour.warnerbros.com)
Sunset Strip
“Afterward, make your way back ‘over the hill’ and cruise the Sunset Strip,” Trimble suggests. “Continue your journey down the winding streets of Sunset Boulevard and gawk at the beautiful mansions in the hills of Beverly, Bel Air and Pacific Palisades until you finally make your way to Malibu. One of the beautiful things about Malibu is driving up the coast and taking in the ocean view. If you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll spot Cher’s house about halfway up the coast. Hint: It’s the one with all the palm trees.”
Nobu Malibu
“You cannot visit LA and not sit near the ocean. You also cannot visit LA and not have sushi,” Trimble says. “Knock out two birds with one stone and stop by Nobu Malibu for a light bite and a cocktail.” Diners can order signature dishes by Nobu Matsuhisa or try a new item created exclusively for the Malibu eatery by Executive Chef Gregorio Stephenson. (22706 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu; 310-317-9140; noburestaurants.com)
Santa Monica and Venice Beach
“Santa Monica and Venice Beach are just a few miles back down PCH,” Trimble explains of the next stop of the day. “Make sure to park and walk the boardwalk in Santa Monica; watch the sunset from the Ferris wheel at the pier; catch a street performer or two in Venice; and then make your way back into Beverly Hills.” (Santa Monica Pier: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica; 310-458-8901; santamonicapier.org) (Venice Beach Boardwalk: 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice; laparks.org)
The Grove
“Spend the rest of your evening at The Grove, [an outdoor shopping center],” Trimble says. “If the day’s activities have tired you out, eat a casual (but delicious) dinner at Umami Burger and catch the latest blockbuster at … Pacific Theatres. Make sure you look around—you never know which one of Tinseltown’s hottest celebrities are taking in a flick right next to you.” (189 The Grove Dr.; 323-900-8080; thegrovela.com)
