Book a VIP Tour of Universal Studios Hollywood:

The most civilized way to explore Universal Studios is by booking the VIP Experience—a special tour that takes you and only 14 other guests behind-the-scenes to areas “off-limit” areas. Created as a perk for Celebrities and business groups and visiting royalty (no joke) the elite experience includes an elegant continental breakfast at a VIP Lounge,  unlimited food service at favorite theme park locations and the piece de resistance, front line passes to attractions as “Revenge of the Mummy” and “Jurassic Park—The Ride.”

Other perks include special peeks inside the famous 100,000 square foot, three story Prop House which was built in 1915 and is the largest in the world, behind-the-scenes tour of the Studio’s Sound Department for a look at techniques used in dubbing, sound mixing, ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) and Foley sound effects. You also get a chance to get off the trolley and walk around movie sets such as: War of the Worlds,” “Bruce Almighty,” “Evan Almighty,” “Back to the Future,” “Spartacus,” “Psycho,“ and  “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, as well as sites for such horror favorites as “Frankenstein,” “Dracula,” The Wolf  Man, “and eat until your heart’s content at a number of fun restaurants. The cost is $199 per person and can be obtained for you through our concierge. Please contact us at concierge@hotelbelair.com or by calling 310-909-1616.  “VIP Experience” gift certificates can also be purchased.

Visit the Walt Disney Concert Hall:

Los Angeles’ multi-million dollar baby and home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, this awe inspiring, Frank Gehry-designed architectural wonder is a cultural paean housed in 9,000 panes of wavy, stainless steel sheathing. Lovely to look at any time of the day, the structure is at its most dramatic at night when lighting dances off it shiny steel façade. The over-the-technology-top Concert Hall inside is the real draw with its state-of-the-art acoustical sound enhanced by a curved ceiling and fluid walls. Boldly perched on a 3.6-acre parcel, the facility also boasts a community garden filled with 45 trees, plants, flowers, and a Delftware rose-shaped fountain. Guided tours are offered. Call 213-972-7211, or visit www.LAPhil.com or www.musiccenter.org.

Take A Hike:

Stay in shape and breathe in the scenery at a number of stunning trails tailored to all fitness levels, from strollers to power-hikers.

Will Rogers State Historic Park: Practically around the corner from Hotel Bel-Air, this 187-acre, chaparral-swathed playground provides a host of outdoor options from picnicking to hiking. While you’re there be sure to check out the original home (1924-1935) of the famous humorist/writer/entertainer where you can pick up Rogers memorabilia, and his private polo field where weekend matches are still held from April to October.

Malibu Creek State Park: Fun for families or couples, this 5,000-acre recreational center sports 30 miles of trails shared by furry creatures such as foxes, rabbits, and bobcats. It is also the site of the original set of the hit TV series, MASH (just at the edge of Malibu Lake near Rock Pool and Century Lake). Drive down Sunset Blvd to Pacific Coast Highway and exit at Las Virgenes. Call 818-880-0367.

Dearing-Fryman Loop: This magical three-mile circle trail heads up 500 feet to a shaded hilltop overlooking the East San Fernando Valley. Take Sunset to Beverly Glen north to the intersection of Mulholland and Laurel Canyon, turn north on Laurel and left on Fryman Road into Wilacre Park.

Runyon Canyon Trails: Popular with high energy, early-rising industry types, this bucolic, legendary estate once belonged to old time movie star John McCormick, a bon vivant famous for throwing wild parties at his mansion. The Hollywood mystic lives on with the assortment of celebs and behind-the-scene moguls who flock here, most with dogs in tow. Besides the youthful, scantily clad eye candy hikers, the area provides super views of Catalina Island, Pacific Palisades, and downtown L.A. Take Sunset to Beverly Glen up to Mulholland; make a sharp right (east) about half a mile until you see the parking lot—easy to spot with all the SUVs, Porsches, Mercedes, BMWs, and even a few Bentleys.

Be a Beach Bum for the Day:

Order a picnic from room service, grab a pink and white beach towel, and head to Zuma Beach for the day. Splash in the crystal clear ocean, stroll along the soft sand, play volleyball, work on your tan, and enjoy the unique solitude.  Just the scenic drive along Pacific Coast Highway is worth the effort. There’s plenty of parking, food, showers, and restrooms. While you’re in the area check out Zuma Canyon Orchids where you can see and buy prize-winning plants from around the world. (5949 Bonsall Drive, 310-457-9771), or stop for a bite at Zoom Sushi (29350 Pacific Coast Hwy, 310-457-4131).  For surf reports, call 310-457-9701.

Or, head to Manhattan Beach, a trendy, upscale seaside community, 19 miles southwest of Los Angeles, where volleyball rules the beach year-round with competitive amateur and pro AVP matches in progress on any given sunny day. By far the biggest event is the annual Manhattan Beach Open that attracts record-breaking crowds when the games begin in mid-August. Of course there are other aquatic diversions available along its 2.1-mile stretch of sandy beach like swimming, surfing, snorkeling or diving, and strolling.

Out-of-towners who can’t live without their fix of star-gazing can find celebrity spotting ops along Malibu Beach — a coveted expanse of seashore inhabited by entertainment industry moguls, mavens, and movie stars who can afford multi-million dollar beach cottages or mega-million dollar homes. While you’re in the area, check out the Malibu Pier—a historic structure (circa 1906) which has long provided backdrops for moviemakers and is now available to rent for special events or occasions. Call 323-456-8031 and ask for Mark Zuckerman.

Spend a Day on Catalina Island:

Hop a helicopter or speedy Catamaran and head 22 miles across the sea to this charming island getaway. Bustling, yet still quaint and pastoral with misty green mountaintops peeking up from the sea, winding streets, homes topped with red tiled roofs and abundant wildlife that inhabit its undeveloped areas. You can spend the day exploring, browsing boutiques, eating, hiking, or enjoying nautical pleasures.  Go solo or book any of a number of guided excursions from companies such as Discovery Tours (310-510-2000, 800-322-34340, Catalina Safari (310-510-2888), or visit www.catalina.com. Stop for a bite of authentic Italian fare at Ristorante Villa Portofino (111 Crescent Avenue, 800-346-2326, www.villaportofino.com) or enjoy perfectly prepared fresh fish al fresco at Armstrong’s Seafood Restaurant (300 Crescent Avenue, 310-510-0113). Another dining option is the Santa Catalina Country Club, where the chef infuses New American and International cuisines. There’s live jazz on Thursday nights and a super Champagne brunch on Sundays (310-510-7404). A visit to the Casino is a must; there’s no gambling but the historic 1928 building houses a movie theater, grand ballroom, and works of art. 1 Casino Way, 310-510-0550.

Getting there:  Island Express helicopter service offers 14-minute scheduled and charter flights from Long Beach and San Pedro. 310-510-2525, www.islandexpress.com. Catalina Express operates high-speed catamarans from Long Beach with special Captain’s Lounges that accommodate eight passengers and provide privileges such as priority boarding, snacks, free Champagne, and more spacious seating. 310-519-1212, 800-622-2419, www.catalinaexpress.com.

Go Getty:

Two options await arts and antiquities aficionados at The Getty Center in nearby West Los Angeles and the Getty Villa in Malibu. The Getty Center, just a stone’s throw from Hotel Bel-Air, is an absolute must-do. The billion-dollar art haven features stunning low-rise geometric shaped pavilions devoted to an era.  There’s a nice restaurant and café with al fresco dining. Do wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking a lot.  1200 Getty Center Drive, 310-440-7300, www.getty.edu). The Getty Villa, now a replica of the Villa dei Papiri, after a $275 million restoration, is set on 64-acres of lavish landscaping above the Pacific Ocean. The facility houses 28 galleries filled with 44,000 Roman, Etruscan, and Green antiquities along with 1,200 art pieces. There’s also a 250 seat auditorium, 450-seat theater and educational center. Admission is free but tickets are required. Private tours available. 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy., 310-440-7300; www.getty.edu.

Check out the Pacific Design Center:

Affectionately called the Blue Whale for its behemoth size, this remarkable 1.2 million-square-foot, glass and steel geometric structure hosts 130 upscale showrooms showcasing everything from high-tech kitchens and bathroom to linens and beyond. This is the perfect place to find home decorating tips and ideas from decorators, architects and manufactures such as Pierre Deux, Brown Jordan, Design Bath, F. Schumacher & Co, International Down & Linen, Innovations and more. There are two worthwhile cafes to grab a bite, WP (a Wolfgang Puck Café) and the Design Café. There’s also the MOCA Gallery, a 3,000 square-foot exhibition facility filled with high-end works of art. 8687 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, 310-657-0800, http://www.pdclacworldnett.att.net.

Power Shop Melrose, Montana, & Rodeo:

Check out the cutting edge boutiques and shops where L.A.’s fashionistas go to stay in vogue. Begin on Melrose Avenue, which runs three miles east and west of Fairfax Boulevard, where you’ll find a combination of contemporary, funky, and vintage style clothing, jewelry, shoes, and accessories. Check out the unique Indian designs at Spirituali at 7928 Melrose. The devil with paying a lot for Prada; get more for less at Miu Miu at 8025 Melrose.  Can’t get to London this year? Head to London Boots (7400 Melrose) for cool imported footwear. Stock up on string bikinis, skin-tight jeans, and accessories from South America at Via Brazil, 7374 Melrose. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the way to keep you fueled for your spending spree.

On Montana, between Brentwood and Santa Monica, the mood switches to Laura Ashley, upscale chic, sedate little linen shops, clothing stores, and jewelry vendors.  The pink and white striped South Beach-style Cabana at 1511a Montana is a must-stop for Lilly Pulitzer couture and accessories or shoes by Trish of Capri, Eliza Gray handbags and belts, and bling by Sophia & Chloe. And bring the kids. They can watch children’s shows on the flat-panel television while you try on clothes.

Rodeo Drive: For people who prefer Prada, Armani, Gucci, Versace, Hérmes, Cartier, Chanel, or Harry Winston (or just about any top fashion name in the business), this is your place. A short hop from Hotel Bel-Air (Sunset Blvd. east to Rodeo, turn right), Beverly Hill’s “Golden Triangle” stretches several walkable gilded blocks north and south. Pedestrian friendly with wide sidewalks, day spas, galleries, restaurants, and cafes, this landmark street attracts visitors from all over the world.  Many go more to catch glimpses of celebrities as they arrive at the door of their favorite tog shop in stretch limousines.

Hit The Wine Trail to Santa Barbara, Santa Inez, and Beyond:

One of our favorite getaways is just 2½ hours from the hotel. Rent a convertible, put the top down, and head north on Route 101, a scenic freeway that hugs Southern California’s jagged coastline. Your first stop will be Santa Barbara where your options are endless. Hit the urban wine trail with virtual tours to Cellar 205 Winery & Marketplace (205 Anacapa St., 805-698-5016, www.cellar205.com), a hip joint offering a variety of boutique labels; Santa Barbara Winery (202 Anacapa St., 805-963-3633) where you can taste award-winning Syrahs; Jaffurs Wine Cellars (819 East Montecito St., 805-962-7003, www.jafurswine.com), and more. You can also wander around working wineries like Fess Parker’s in the heart of picturesque Los Olivos, where the strapping movie star’s vineyard produces mighty fine wines (6200 Foxen Canyon Rd., Los Olivos, 805-688-1545). Firestone Vineyard, Byron Vineyard, or any of four dozen others, for additional info call the Santa Barbara Vintners Association at 800-218-0881, or visit http://www.sbcountywines.com.

Continue your drive through the seductive Santa Inez Valley to historic Solvang; park the car and take a stroll around the quaint town.  Then drive a few miles on Highway 246 to Buellton and make a stop for a bowl of soup at Pea Soup Andersen’s, aptly named for the dish that made this historic landmark famous (51 East Highway 246, 805-688-3216). Still hungry? Stop for a great meal at Mattei’s Tavern, a 100-year-old landmark carved from a stagecoach stop serving bistro style food and lots of ambiance. The food is remarkably superb and a perfect companion for wine tasters. 2350 Railway Ave., 805-688-4820.

Suitably refreshed, head east on Rte. 246 to the picturesque, former stagecoach town of Los Olivos. Enjoy a taste of the Old West and sip premium chardonnays, pinot noirs, syrahs, and other fine wines at Fess Parker Vineyards, 6200 Foxen Canyon Rd., 800-841-1104, www.fessparker.com;  Andrew Murray Vineyards (6701 Foxen Canyon Rd., Los Olivos), Babcock (5175 Highway 246, Lompoc), Firestone Cellars (5017 Zaca Station Rd., Los Olivos), Zaca Mesa (6905 Foxen Canyon Rd., Los Olivos), and more.  For additional information, visit www.solvangca.com.

For a less hectic trip, plan to overnight. While there are many options, we recommend two little charmers. One is Fess Parker Country Inn & Spa Bed & Breakfast Hotel, a romantic sanctuary with 21 pretty rooms, each furnished with fireplaces, rustic appointments, and amenities like a bottle of Fess Parker chardonnay, wine tastings for two, and a hearty American breakfast. Be sure to book treatments at the super Spa Vigne, a sanctuary within a sanctuary and a wonderful way to enhance the relaxation. 2860 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, 800-446-2455, www.fessparker.com.

Our other top choice is The Simpson House, an adorable, AAA Five Diamond, exquisitely appointed bed and breakfast nestled among English gardens in a quiet neighborhood—a short stroll from the heart of Santa Barbara where each of its 15 stylized rooms, suites, and cottages are individual works of art. While one of the priciest B&Bs in the country, rates include several extras such as lavish vegetarian breakfasts, served in your room or on the veranda, afternoon tea and dessert buffet, an early evening spread of non-carnivorous hors d’oeuvres along with premium wines, bicycles, croquet, beach equipment, trolley passes, 24-hour hot and cold beverage service, high-speed Internet and a non gratuity policy. European in-room spa services are also available.  121 E. Arrellga, Santa Barbara, 800-676-1280, info@simpsonhouseinn.com).

Enjoy Sporting Events in High Style at Staples Center:

This peerless $403 million athletic arena/entertainment emporium takes spectator sports way outside the box.  In addition to cushy seating, events are enhanced by millions of dollars of high-tech equipment and amenities. X Games and hockey fans, and basketball buffs can watch their favorite teams battle it out in one of 2,500 ultra-comfortable premier seats or 160 luxury suites (favored by Laker fans like Jack Nicholson and Tom Hanks). The venue also hosts concerts, ice shows, and assorted events throughout the year. 111 South Figueroa Street, downtown LA, 213-741-7900, www.staplescenter.com.

Museum Crawl:

Spend a day exploring one of L.A.’s finest art houses. Begin at MOCA Grand Avenue in downtown L.A. Set in a stunning 1986 structure designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, the museum houses works by masters and new comers, changing exhibitions, a 162-seat auditorium, and a great gift shop. There’s a pretty courtyard where live performances are offered during the summer. Tours are offered daily. 250 S. Grand Avenue, 213-621-2766, www.moca-la.org.

Now head west to the Los Angeles County Museum (LACMA), in Midtown L.A. Housed in a historic building, the museum sports myriad architectural styles and diverse collections by artists such as Degas, Monet, Gauguin, and other Western masters.  There’s much to do and see here so plan to spend a few hours. Be sure to stop by the Japanese Pavilion, a remarkable structure with lighted fiberglass wall panels designed to mimic shoji screens. Located on the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue. 323-857-6000, www.lacma.org.). 

Car enthusiasts should save time to check out the Petersen Automotive Museum, which happens to be just across the boulevard from LACMA. The behemoth exhibition hall showcases the largest automotive collection in the country.  6060 Wilshire Blvd., 323-930-CARS, www.petersen.org.