Beverly Hills CA: Stroll free on USA's most costly turf Print

Beverly Hills CA

As you drive west along Santa Monica Boulevard from Hollywood, you know you’re in LaLa Land when you cross Canon Drive. You’ll see two miles of Beverly Garlands Park on the north side, backed by some of the famously and grossly overpriced homes of Beverly Hills.

You can park for free for a couple of hours near the south side of Santa Monica Boulevard at the city center lot, then go back and pose for pictures at the famed sign. If you make your visit on a Sunday morning, you can stroll nearby through the weekly farmers' market.

Rodeo Drive boasts some of the most expensive shops in the Los Angeles area. They include Armani, Gucci, Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Valentino, Cartier, Tiffany and many others. There’s also Bijan, the most expensive menswear store in the world, where a custom suit costs $20K.

Then you can walk over to 465 North Beverly Drive and visit the Paley Center for Media. Inside, for free or a voluntary contribution, you can go into private cubicles to look and listen to selections from more than 150,000 old TV and radio shows.

When it’s time for breakfast, lunch, brunch or evening snack, stroll across the street to Nate ‘n Al deli on Beverly. Since 1945, it has been the place where locals, tourists and stars have noshed on corned beef on rye, lox and bagels, matzo ball soup and sour pickles.

For decades, Larry King has had a special private nook there for Sunday gabfests with local pals. You may also see other former and current celebrities enjoying the food at the vintage deli. For menu and other information, go to www.natenal.com