Last night the Los Angeles Lakers kicked off a brand new season and this year they are doing it with a touch of royalty.
Three-time NBA champion LeBron James, aka King James, signed a 4-year contract with the Lakers this year and expectations are high in the City of Angels. The whole city has been buzzing with the news all summer, and this is especially true for Brentwood, LeBron’s neighbourhood of choice.
Wondering how you as a tourist can live it up like the newest Laker? We have a few tips for exploring Brentwood in true LeBron James style, with thanks to Discover Los Angeles.
Dine Like A King
Brentwood is a dining hub where foodies will find fine-dining establishments and delicious, innovative cuisine. Some of the must-eat restaurants are Baltaire Restaurant, an elegant, California-cool steakhouse, Takao, an upscale, Omakase style sushi spot, and Tavern, the New American restaurant by Suzanne Goin and 2018 James Beard finalist Caroline Styne. You’ll also want to grab a slice at the Neapolitan pizzeria Pizzana, which recently opened in fall 2017 and was a favourite of the late Pulitzer Prize winning Los Angeles Times food critic, Jonathan Gold.
Baltaire Restaurant is a contemporary restaurant where you can enjoy lunch in the sun and dinner under the stars. (Photo Credit Baltaire)
Absorb Culture Like A King
Brentwood is home to fascinating 20th century architecture including the mid-century modern Nesbitt House built for radio personality John Nesbitt in 1942 and Frank Lloyd Wright’s George Sturges House, which was completed in 1939 and designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1993. You also can’t visit this enclave without a stop at The Getty Center, a 24-acre hilltop campus for arts, culture, gardens and an extensive collection of European, American and Asian works.
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A lovely view of Getty Center in Los Angeles. (Photo Credit Discover Los Angeles)
Shop Like A King
L.A. neighbourhoods don’t need major shopping malls to be a hotspot for browsing and Brentwood is the perfect example of this. A staple since 1948, the charming Brentwood Country Mart is an outpost for exceptional high-end goods. You’ll also want to peruse the many boutiques along San Vicente Boulevard, including Haven & Co., Moe’s Fine Wines and lululemon.
After a few nights enjoying some of the restaurants Los Angeles has to offer, BarreWorks is a good place to burn a few calories before heading home. (Photo Credit/Claire Painchaud)
Stay Fit Like A King
As a superstar athlete, LeBron loves cycling to stay fit. Take a cue from this living basketball legend and get into cycling shape at SoulCycle. Various fitness studios like BarreWorks and YogaWorks, and nearby hiking, including Madeville Canyon, Sullivan Canyon Trail and Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park are also at your disposal. After all of that physical activity, you’ll want to refresh with a healthy juice at Earthbar Brentwood.
Spot Celebrities Like A King
LeBron James isn’t the only celebrity inhabitant of Brentwood: it has always been a desirable neighbourhood, dating back to silver screen legends such as Bette Davis, Steve McQueen, Shirley Temple and Marilyn Monroe. You may just run into celebrities, at any of the above mentioned establishments or activities, which just adds to the storied appeal of the area. Modern day dwellers include Steven Spielberg, Gwyneth Paltrow, Heidi Klum and Harrison Ford. We suggest you take a Starline Hop On Hop Off Tour on the Yellow Route to increase your chances of seeing one of these famous personalities in action.
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Head for Figueroa Street in Highland Park. The block has seen the opening of the restored Highland Park Bowl, Civil Coffee, ETA cocktails and more. Meanwhile, the Highland Hotel is being renovated into lofts. When it comes to shopping, if York is for the hipster, Figueroa is for the hipster who would never admit to being one. While there is less retail on this street, the quality runs deep and some of it is quite old-school.
Kindness & Mischief Coffee offers java, tea and pastries in addition to a serene and chic space. Now dubbed as “L.A.’s oldest bowling alley” (from 1927), Highland Park Bowl was renovated following its stint as a punk rock club. The Greyhound is one of the first nightlife options in Highland Park, a sports bar with an upscale menu and some of the best specials for fans.
Bye bye Cleveland, hello Los Angeles! This is a night shot of Staples Center, the latest stop for LeBron James. (Photo Credit Discover Los Angeles)
Speaking of Sports…
The best way to enjoy Los Angeles like royalty is to see The King in his new court. Tickets will be a hot item this year but if you can get over to the Staples Center and see the Lakers play do so.
Of course, The Lakers aren’t the only game in town. The Kings of the NHL also play at the Staples Center. The NFL features two Los Angeles teams, the Rams and the Chargers. And at this time the Dodgers are just one win away from a berth in the World Series.
Featured Picture: LeBron James Hosts Dwyane Wade’s Birthday With The House Of Remy Martin At Drake’s New Pick 6ix Restaurant in Toronto. Photo by Getty Images for Remy Martin.
