A Perfect Day in Los Angeles

There are few more iconic sites in LA than the Hotel Bel-Air — a Golden Age institution where the likes of Grace Kelly, Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe, and Audrey Hepburn have all rested their heads. A canyon retreat that’s still close to urban culture, the Hotel Bel-Air is an ideal base from which to explore this sun-soaked city.

8:30 AM

From the Hotel Bel-Air's terrace overlooking Swan Lake, rise and shine with an appetizing breakfast of cold- pressed juice and huevos rancheros. Then prep for the day by donning a sun hat and packing plenty of water.

Hotel Bel-Air

701 Stone Canyon Road, Los Angeles, CA, United States

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10:00 AM

Your first stop is the Getty Villa, transporting you from California to the Mediterranean coast. Perched on a hillside with azure ocean views below, this architectural wonder was inspired by Italy's Villa dei Papiri (famously buried during the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79) and houses artifacts dating back some 4,000 years. Take in the Greek and Roman art, gardens, colonnaded walkways, and reflecting pool, before a light lunch in the villa's cafe.

1:00 PM

Next you're headed to Venice Beach for some retail therapy along one of the country's coolest boulevards: Abbot Kinney. This mile-long stretch of excellent boutiques, galleries, and restaurants has something for everyone, including a location of Salt & Straw - grab a scoop of Cold Brew Coffee Cashew Praline ice cream if you're in need of an afternoon pick-me-up. Afterwards, make your way down toward the water to admire the talent at the Venice Beach Skatepark.

3:00 PM

On your way back to the hotel, stop in at Farmshop, a Brentwood institution that showcases high-quality culinary products from around California. Pick up local artisan treats like cold-pressed olive oil, award-winning wines, and Rancho Gordo beans as gifts to give from your trip (or to keep for yourself).

4:00 PM

It's time for some poolside R&R. Surrounded by towering palms, the Hotel Bel-Air's distinctive pool (formerly a horse-riding ring for the hotel's stables) was a favorite of Marilyn Monroe - she even shot one of her Vogue magazine covers here.

7:00 PM

Before heading back to the city, grab a few seats at the hotel bar for cocktails and live music from performers at the grand piano.

9:00 PM

The rest of your evening is spent in Hollywood at highly- lauded restaurant Mother Wolf. Reservations are hard to come by, so make sure to ask your advisor to arrange a table for you. Dine on tender squash blossoms, wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta - and more - by Evan Funke, a chef known for his exceptional Italian fare made with California's bounty. To drink, be sure to start with a Negroni Vesuvio - the perfect end to your day.

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