Los Angeles Celebrity Spotting
Los Angeles is probably the most active center for motion picture and television production in the world. Celebrities of every kind flock here to live and work, and the city caters to these people immensely. From designer boutiques and elite nightclubs to top-notch workout areas and trendy, expensive restaurants, this is the truly the city of the stars. While vacationing in LA there is a good chance you might just spot a well-known face, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled. Knowing where to look greatly increases your chances of celebrity spotting, however, so here's your chance to don your best duds and try to mingle with the Hollywood royalty.

To spot celebs picking up loads of swanky clothes, try wandering around the famed Rodeo Drive and Golden Triangle areas. These streets are packed with designer boutiques, including Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Gucci, Tiffany, Versace and Saks Fifth Avenue. This shopping area is rumored to be a favorite of Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts and Madonna.

LA is home to some great eateries, and by choosing a restaurant or cafe in the right location chances are you'll see some celebrities. Chez Nous in North Hollywood is one of the most delicious (and expensive) French restaurants in the LA area, and its location near many recording studios makes it a hotspot for well known musicians. Takao is a great Japanese restaurant on San Vincente Blvd., where Tom Hanks is often seen having a bite of sushi. Buzz Coffee, at the Virgin Megastore, is next to a popular workout area that Tom Cruise often frequents, and he's known to stop in for a coffee after spending his time buffing up.

Nighttime can be one of the best times to catch the famous out on the town, and Wednesday and Thursday nights tend to be when they most frequent LA's bars. Be forewarned however, that getting into some of LA's trendy nightclubs can be both extremely difficult and extremely expensive. Dress in your best, act like you own the place, be polite but confident with the doorman, and be sure to carry some much-needed cash if you plan on doing any drinking.

Actor Johnny Depp owns the trendy Viper Room bar (www.viperroom.com), which features great live music and is often frequented by celebrities. Forty Deuce on Melrose Avenue is a sexy, classy lounge which often caters to Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in the VIP lounge. White Lotus is a blend of both nightclub and restaurant, and this is one of the places to see and be seen in LA, if you can get in that is. Britney Spears and Leonardo DiCaprio are favored guests here, and Hugh Hefner is even known to make the occasional appearance.