Two perfect December days in Los Angeles

It was the begining of December and the weather was just perfect. One more reason to love Los Angeles even after several previous visits. Although Hollywood and Hollywood stars’ spirit was all around, we found a few equally interesting places, not filled with celebrity glamour but very cool. We have never been there before.

This trip started at the Beverly Hills Four Seasons hotel which was nicely decorated for upcoming Christmas holidays. All nearby streets were aslo decorated and just calling for an irresistable Christmas shopping with 20 to 40 percent discount signs hanging on every street corner and in several stores' vitrines.

Even Rodeo was promoting a huge ”giving back.” Check it out...

Day One

Fours Seasons Hotel at Beverly Hills

The decorated lobby of the glamorous Luxury Hotel at the center of one of the most diverse and exciting destinations in the world.

This upscale contemporary hotel is 2.1 miles from Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and 5 miles from the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Rodeo drive

Rodeo drive in the heart of Beverly Hills is the center of luxury, fashion and lifestyle. Right across legendary Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire hotel, is only three blocks long stretch of the most famous shops and boutiques in America, and probably the most expensive three blocks of shops in the world. This was the filming site of ”Pretty women”...

Two Rodeo

The small but famous outdoor mall, Two Rodeo drive with Spanish steps and sparkling fountains, where most tourists pose for the pictures of Rodeo Drive.

If lucky, many celebrities may be seen here carrying a large Tiffany, Cartier, Charles Jourdan, Valentino, Christian Dior and Jose Eber bags..

Beverly Gardens is a 1.9 mile linear park that goes from "fountain to fountain - starting at Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevard and ends at Dohney and Santa Monica Boulevard. The park also features the Beverly Hills Sign which is one of the most photographed spots in the City, the historic replica sign is a favorite for both residents and visitors. The sign is 40 foot long, illuminated and has a water feature along with a variety of flora that showcase the landscape surrounding the garden area.

Day Two

The Original Farmers Market

This is a favorite destination among locals and tourists since 1934. It offers over 100 gourmet grocers, restaurants from all over the world. As an open space market type, it is a perfect get away for families with children as well as others. There are variety of small restaurant with just perfect bakery, gourmet groceries, meat, poultry, fish and produce products. Here are a few pictures....

The Grove

The Grove is a retail and entertainment complex in Los Angeles, California, built, owned, and operated by Rick J. Caruso and his company Caruso Affiliated on parts of the historical Farmers Market.

The Grove features a large center park with an animated fountain with its music-fountain show playing every hour.

Live shows are often performed there − on the grassy area by the fountains. An internal transit system uses electric-powered trolley cars to link The Grove and the adjacent Farmers Market.

Here are a few pictures....

Pasadena LA

Pasadena is a city in California, northeast of downtown Los Angeles. In the center of Old Pasadena is a shopping and dining district known for its Victorian and art deco buildings. The strikingly modern Norton Simon Museum houses notable European and Asian art, plus a sculpture garden.

The city is known for hosting the annual Rose Bowl football game and Tournament of Roses parade.

Pasadena at The Huntington Library, Art Collection, and Botanic Gardens

This was the most exciting part of our Pasadena trip. Although having all three attractions (library, art and botanic garden) at one place is a little bit unusual, the one day short visit was really remarkable.

The time spent in the library and art collection surrounded by beautiful gardens is well worth it and one could write about them for pages and pages, but the botanic gardens are stories for themselves.

There are three major gardens: The Rose garden, The Japanese garden and The Chinese garden.

The colorful roses are spread around and lead the way to the Japanese garden that then continues to the Chinese garden. Let’s have pictures do the talking...

The Rose garden

The Japanese garden

The Chinese garden

...and save the best for last......Santa Monica

It was the beautiful December afternoon and there was no better place to spend it other than at Santa Monica State Beach.

It is 3 miles long, covering 245 acres of sand along Santa Monica Bay. Residents and visitors enjoy broad stretches of sandy beach, rolling waves, biking and walking paths, and inspiring views of the Santa Monica Mountains year-round.