Best Places to See Celebrities in Los Angeles

So you're going to L.A. and you want to see celebrities? Well, pretty much all you have to do is keep your eyes open - they're everywhere! Of course, the hardest part might be recognizing them, since they often wear hats, large sunglasses or sloppy clothes to try to remain anonymous. But because you probably want more specific advice than that, I've composed a list of five places where you might be likely to spot famous folks, based on my time in L.A. and conversations with other friends who live there. One note - I've left off places like Hyde Lounge, an exclusive nightclub where you are certain to see celebs, but your chances of getting past the velvet rope are virtually nil. This list focuses on easily accessible locations that everyone can visit. In no particular order, here are five great celeb-watching spots.

Newsroom Café

Located on Robertson Blvd., the Newsroom Café is a place to grab a tasty vegetarian meal for less than $20, while also keeping your eyes peeled for stars. On my last visit, Magic Johnson was eating lunch, just one day before the start of the 2009 NBA Finals. Jessica Alba, Sheryl Crow, Tobey Maguire, and Woody Harrelson are a few of the many stars who have been spotted here. Another nearby option is Ivy, but expect to pay far more for your meal there.

Runyon Canyon

This park in the Hollywood Hills is a haven for the neighborhood's celebrity residents, many of whom bring their pets to take advantage of the park's off-leash dog trails. The list of stars who frequent the park is extensive: Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Zac Efron, Jason Bateman, and many more. It's a great place to get your workout in while searching for celebs.

Kitson

Just down the street from Newsroom, this upscale shopping boutique in Beverly Hills sees the likes of Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan pass through its doors on a regular basis. You may not be able to afford even one blouse from this store, but there's no crime in browsing around for a while.

Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood

West Hollywood contains a number of shops that are popular among celebs, and you'll often see them walking down the sidewalk in this neighborhood. Grab an outside table at one of the many restaurants, and keep your eyes open for people like Perez Hilton, Kathy Griffin, and Drew Barrymore.

Santa Monica Beach

Any of the beaches near L.A. are good for celeb-watching. Matthew McConaughey is one of the many stars often spotted at Santa Monica, and the beaches in Venice and Malibu also see their fair share of stars. Even if you don't see anybody famous, you'll probably have fun hanging out at the beach, so why not give it a shot?

The best time for seeing celebrities seems to be weekday mornings, as they typically avoid the weekend crowds. Good luck!

Sources:

http://www.guidespot.com/guides/hiking_trails_los_angeles

http://www.shopkitson.com

http://www.seeing-stars.com/Dine2/SilverSpoon.shtml