72 Hours in Beverly Hills

With nearly year round sunshine, world-class shopping and dining, and some of the best hotels in the world, Beverly Hills is an ideal destination for a long weekend getaway - whether you are traveling with friends, as a couple, or just flying solo. Aside from its glamorous reputation, Beverly Hills is also conveniently located within the Los Angeles Metro area, offering a perfect gateway to other points of interest like Santa Monica, Hollywood and Downtown L.A. Known as "The Golden Triangle," the shopping and entertainment district of Beverly Hills - which includes the famed Rodeo Drive - is one of the few pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods in L.A. and packs a lot of excitement into just a few square miles.

You can plan your perfect 72 hours in Beverly Hills with some of these suggestions:

DAY 1

Arrive at the Forbes Four Star, Beverly Hilton and settle into your deluxe accommodations offering views of the surrounding Hollywood Hills. Set at the crossroads of Santa Monica and Wilshire Boulevards, The Beverly Hilton is conveniently located walking-distance from the world-renowned shopping, dining and entertainment of Beverly Hills. The hotel offers spacious accommodations, indoor and outdoor dining, a fitness center and full service spa, as well as the area's largest heated pool.

After you settle in, enjoy a glamorous lunch at Villa Blanca located in the Golden Triangle. The beautiful all-white decor welcomes you as you enjoy contemporary European cuisine. Villa Blanca is not only a known for its incredible menu but also for its famous owners, Ken Todd and Lisa Vanderpump, from the popular Bravo TV show "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."

Take advantage of the famous sunny SoCal weather and get acquainted with Beverly Hills on a narrated open-air trolley tour, departing from the corner of Rodeo Drive and Dayton Way. In under an hour you will experience some of the best Beverly Hills has to offer, including the unique beauty and glamour of Rodeo Drive and the breathtaking homes of the rich and famous.

For dinner, enjoy one of the many unique restaurants Beverly Hills has to offer, such as La Dolce Vita, an old-school Italian restaurant with a modern accent. First opened in 1966, Frank Sinatra and Ronald Reagan were frequent regulars at this hot-spot and even have booths dedicated to them. The menu offers several classic dishes, from spaghetti and meatballs to the "Steak Sinatra" (prime filet mignon with sauteed peppers in a rich Chianti sauce), made-to-order every time.

DAY 2

Dress causal and feel comfortable for breakfast or brunch at The Farm of Beverly Hills. The cozy restaurant offers innovative American Cuisine seven days a week with both indoor and patio seating.

Spend your day at one of the most beautiful and historical landmarks in Beverly Hills, the Greystone Mansion and Park. Built in 1927 and founded by oil tycoon, Edward L. Doheny, the Greystone Mansion was bought by the city in 1965. The mansion and park is open to the public to explore free of charge. You may recognize the site from several films such as: Ghostbusters, Spiderman, The Social Network and the recent Star Trek films.

For many, Beverly Hills is synonymous with shopping. Here you can find the top tier of fashion - from Armani to Zegna - on stunning Rodeo Drive, and if you still have an appetite for more, the well-known Beverly Center located on Beverly Boulevard is sure to fulfill your craving. Whatever your fashion preference, Beverly Hills can compliment it with the most up-to-date styles.

After a day of sightseeing and shopping, return to your temporary home for a late lunch at the hotel's signature CIRCA55 Restaurant offering fresh, California-inspired cuisine in an airy, pool-side setting.

In the afternoon, schedule an appointment to relax and rejuvenate at Aqua Star BABOR Beauty Spa, the first BABOR-branded spa in the United States. Indulge in the exclusive Red Carpet Ready facial. The 80-min service begins with a heated stone aromatherapy oil introduction on the back followed by a luxurious lifting experience for the face.

Spend the rest of the evening by a fire pit at the iconic Trader Vic's Lounge. Savor a classic Mai Tai - invented by Trader Vic in the 1940s - and nibble on Polynesian-inspired small plates. If you happen to visit on a Wednesday, be sure to ask your server about the selection of wines by the bottle available at 50% off. Each week, the restaurant offers a different selection of quality wines from around the globe.

DAY 3

Start the morning with some exercise while enjoying the world famous view of Los Angeles from Runyon Canyon Park. Only about 6 miles from Beverly Hills, the hike up the mountain varies in level of intensity and don't be surprised if you spot a celebrity on your way up.

On Sunday morning, visit the Beverly Hills Farmers' Market that is known for offering the finest California-grown seasonal fruits, vegetables and other fresh food. The Farmers' Market also includes an assortment of flowers and specialty stands like candles, soaps and teas and offers live music and a petting zoo. Another perk - many of the stands are credit card friendly.

For a quick and easy lunch, visit Urth Caffe. Known for their organic specialty coffees and teas, high quality meals, and delicious desserts, Urth Caffe will become an immediate favorite for the health conscious. Also, vegetarians and vegans have plenty of lunch and dessert options. Back in Beverly Hills, The Paley Center of Media offers an interactive, public archive of television and radio programming of over 150,000 programs spanning 100 years. Also, Warner Bros. Television and The Paley Center of Media have teamed up for an interactive multimedia exhibit where you will find props, costumes, original animation, and much more from iconic movies and television shows, from The Bugs Bunny Show to The Big Bang Theory, on display. Fans of Friends and Seinfeld will revel in recreating scenes on the replica sets.

Before you set off on your journey home, enjoy one last moment of relaxation and take a dip in The Beverly Hilton's famed Aqua Star Pool. Its sparkling waters have been known to tempt the bravest of Hollywood starlets. Film star Esther Williams "christened" the pool at the opening night gala in 1955 and 36 years later, actress Angelina Jolie jumped in after winning her second Golden Globe.