Planning a Hollywood vacation? We’re here to help!

Los Angeles is an intoxicating mix of old-world glamour and a never-ending supply of new stores, venues and locales to hang out in, all set against a sunny Californian backdrop. All this adds up to a vacation where it’s impossible to be bored. There are many areas to visit, but for a true L.A. experience, consider making Hollywood your home base. From scenic drives to cutting-edge culinary thrills, Hollywood is a great place to be any time of the year.

Hollywood nestles against Beverly Hills, and the iconic Rodeo Drive, a regular feature on many top ten shopping lists. Head there for a dose of high-end designer heaven, with stores by Gucci, Hermes, Saint Laurent, Tiffany, and Harry Winston to name a few. Close by is The Grove, a shopping destination for all the family. There you’ll find Barneys New York, Coach, J.Crew and more. While you are there make sure you swing by the Original Farmers Market. Established in 1934 and open seven days a week, it sells fresh, local produce, as well as delicious takeout meals.

Vintage fashion lovers will be pleased to know there is a thriving vintage scene in L.A. Make a beeline to Resurrection Vintage on Melrose Avenue, stocking high-end vintage designer duds, it is sure to inspire and delight. For those that love nothing more than a trawling through all the wares, a flea market has to offer on a weekend, make time to visit the Rose Bowl Flea Market. Held at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, this enormous market has over 2,500 vendors and takes place on the second Sunday of every month.

There is a thriving food scene in L.A. so whatever your taste, there is a restaurant or eatery to suit it. Fine dining doesn’t get much better than Dialogue, a new Santa Monica restaurant, with chef David Beran at the helm. The tasting menu is drawing the crowds who love dishes such as king crab with popcorn, orchid and earl grey tea.

Over in Beverly Hills, the recent opening of Italian restaurant Cal Mare is making waves for its classic-with-a-twist take on pizza and pasta dishes. Majordomo, in North Chinatown, is the first Westside opening from David Chang of Momofuku fame. The Korean inspired menu is a real treat and well worth making a trip for.

For a classic Old L.A. experience, head to Musso & Frank Grill on Hollywood Boulevard. Opened in 1919, it still serves the same traditional dishes as it did the day it started and the martinis are legendary. For nightcaps, it doesn’t get much better than a cocktail watching the night come alive from the rooftop bar at the Sunset Tower Hotel, while a drink at the bar in the Chateau Marmont is always a good idea. Bottoms up!

There are plenty of places to explore within easy reach of your Hollywood base. The beaches of Santa Monica, Malibu and Venice are only a few miles away. Go to Venice and take a walk along the Boardwalk, while checking out muscle beach plus the artisanal stalls and local boutiques. Santa Monica Pier is fun for all the family and Malibu is the go-to for surfers. You can rent a board at a variety of surf shops along the Pacific Coast Highway (or ask your concierge to arrange board rental for you). Coastal drives are a wonderful way to explore the area, too. Taking a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway through to Malibu’s Zuma beach is a must-do, as is a spin along the infamous Mulholland Drive – keep an eye out for the Hollywood sign as you go. The views of the LA basin and San Fernando Valley are breathtaking.

Where to stay - Hollywood vacation rentals

If you’re looking for a place to honeymoon in style or for a large family gathering, Luxury Retreats has a Hollywood home just for you.

Deciding to vacation in Hollywood is almost like embarking on making your own movie. It’s the perfect backdrop for all sorts of adventures, and it’s the house that determines how those adventures play out. Step forward Luxury Retreats’ selection ofurban villas in Hollywood ; the ultimate collection of over 40 state-of-the-art premises in some of the area’s most sort after zip codes.

Many are nestled in the Hollywood Hills, with panoramic views of the city. Infinity pools, cabana bars, fire pits, elevated hot tubs, and private terraces are just some of the outdoor features to enjoy during your stay. Inside, open concept living is the order of the day, with limestone flooring, oak paneling, and Spanish colonial or Hollywood Regency decor styling as standard. For those looking for seclusion and privacy, many of the homes are situated within gated communities and all of the houses are close to many of the city’s main attractions, including Sunset Boulevard, Santa Monica beach, Rodeo Drive, and many more.

Choosing aHollywood honeymoon is a decision you will never regret making. Perfect for couples who look for five-star style on their vacations, newlyweds can expect a limitless supply of thrills inside their temporary paradise, as Luxury Retreats provides penthouse apartments with 360-degree views of the LA skyline, all with expansive open plan living spaces.

Rooftop pools, wet bar, fitness center, media room, and spa with salon services are all standard, as well as airport transfers, VIP check-in, and flowers on arrival. A designated table at breakfast in the restaurant will set you and your loved one up for a day’s sightseeing or general relaxation. Just one mile from the Sunset Strip, two miles from Rodeo Drive, three miles from Hollywood Boulevard, and 13 miles from Venice Beach, the best of what L.A. has to offer is just outside your doorstep.