Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills

Rodeo Drive: it's where one of the world's most exclusive extravaganzas of shopping and star-studded sightseeing is. Based in upscale Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive is a three-block district celebrated all over for its high couture fashion and posh salons. The road runs north from Wilshire Boulevard to Santa Monica Boulevard, into a classy residential area. Rodeo Drive as most know it though, is the commercial section that houses big-time designer names like Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Tiffany & Co. and Chanel.

Attracting not just the wealthy and the famous, Rodeo Drive is also a popular tourist spot. Its latest addition, Via Rodeo, is an elaborately designed complex made to resemble classic European architecture. On the corner of Rodeo and Wilshire Boulevard, Via Rodeo provides a quaint scene with its wrought-iron lamps, cobblestones, arches, fountains, balconies and facades of stone and marble. Via Rodeo is said to be the most common setting for the “I've been to Rodeo Drive!” picture.

Chic boutiques and Hollywood stars aren't the only interesting sights on Rodeo Drive. Several elegant restaurants and hotels have earned repute as well. The Beverly Wilshire Hotel has attained legendary status as the site of the 1991 Richard Gere and Julia Roberts flick, “Pretty Woman,” while the Beverly Hills Hotel was the popular “Hotel California” on the Eagles' album cover. Palate-pleasing places such as Mastro's, Spago Beverly Hills, La Dolce Vita, Mr. Chow's and Nate 'n Al Delicatessen are known not just for five-star cuisine, but as frequent haunts of celebrities as well.

Daytime on Rodeo Drive may seem like nothing more than the storefronts lining the streets, but come night and especially at Christmas, it becomes a sea of twinkling lights and holiday decorations. Father's Day in June is also a good time to visit Rodeo Drive, as the annual “Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance” takes place. A car show open to the public, featuring vintage classics and with the participation of some notable personages, it's an addition to Rodeo Drive's reputation as one of The Places To Be.