Place to see: Beverly Drive, Los Angeles, California, United States

About this place:

Land as a tourist on Beverly Drive on the edge of Beverly Hills, and you’ll find yourself sauntering along like a regular, or at least like someone who has friends with money. This is a street where the locals live, but with laid-back and unpretentious flare.

There are plenty of cafes offering casual outdoor seating among the boutiques and artisan shops. Want a massage – step into a neighborhood spa. A local bookstore will give you an idea of what everyone is reading. Fast food here consists of an upscale hamburger joint or flavorful vegetarian fare at one of the modern chrome cafes. Mercedes and Rolls Royce are not uncommon in the street’s angled parking spots, but the smooth vibe of the street makes it a great one for walking and hanging out.

The neighborhood restaurants seem to cater to those firmly entrenched in Los Angeles, who know what’s available, and know what they want. Walk north along Beverly Drive as it connects with Rodeo Drive and you’ll pass ice cream parlors and many local restaurants offering everything from shui mai and Kung Pao scallops to Mexican food that serves up a world’s fusion of flavors. Beverly Drive is a great place to spend an afternoon and to dip your toe into the smooth sophistication of Los Angeles.