In Los Angeles, celebrity spotting is a routine occurrence. While jetting off to Southern California may be one way to catch a glimpse of a movie, television or reality star, it's certainly not the only way. From coast to coast and throughout Mexico and Europe, there are plenty of places celebs have been known to frequent.
Las Vegas is a top playground for celebrities, according to VIP hosts Jenna Phillips and Mike Henderson, co-owners of The Vegas Primer. "Not only do celebs get contracted to perform or make appearances at the day and night clubs here, but they also come just to have a good time," said Henderson. Visit on a holiday for the best chances of a sighting. Olympian Michael Phelps has been seen at Encore Beach Club, while Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift and the cast of the TV show "Empire" have all been spotted at Hakkasan Nightclub.
Each May Louisville, Kentucky hosts the Kentucky Derby. And every year the colorful event, brings out numerous celebrities, says Lia Garcia of Practical Wanderlust and a Louisville native. In recent years Tracy Morgan, Jeff Bridges, Debra Messing and Harry Connick Jr. have all been spotted trackside.
When not working with a personal trainer, celebrities can often be spotted hiking on the many scenic trails throughout Los Angeles. Comedy writer Rick Rosner, who has lived in the city with his wife Carole for 29 years, says, "My wife hikes Fryman Canyon four times a week. She's been waved at by [George] Clooney and Hillary Clinton."
Home to one of the prettiest beaches on the planet, the tiny Mexican village of Tulum attracts its fair share of celebrities, says Nate Hake, of the site Travel Lemming. "Tulum's white sand beaches and crystal clear water have recently made it a trendy destination for celebrities," said Hake. Famous visitors include Justin Bieber, Leonardo DiCaprio, Drew Barrymore, Al Pacino, and Richard Gere.
When in Charleston, celebrities gather at 5 Church Charleston. The restaurant is owned by "Top Chef" contestant Jamie Lynch, and is located in the historic downtown district. Among the glitterati who have dined here are Ed Sheeran, Mary Louise Parker, Jason Segel, and Madison Hildebrand, says publicist Deja Knight.
Thanks to its location near New York television studios, Ocean Prime New York is a frequent stop for celebs after talk show appearances. Angela Bassett was recently spotted noshing there with two friends, and additional high-profile diners include Cecily Strong from "Saturday Night Live," Helen Hunt, and Leslie Jones.
The mansion-filled island of Martha's Vineyard has long been a celebrity hotspot. Not only was it a regular vacation destination for the Obamas and the Clintons, but numerous movie, television, and music stars have summer spreads on the island. Famed homeowners include Oprah Winfrey, Jake Gyllenhaal, Reese Witherspoon, Morgan Freeman, Lady Gaga, and David Letterman.
Each year the Sundance Film Festival turns Park City, Utah into a mini-Hollywood. The largest film festival in the country, it would probably be easier to mention who has not been spotted here than who has. During the 2018 festival Audrina Patridge, Idris Elba, and Brody Jenner were seen at Tao Park City, while Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jessica Williams, and Alia Shawkat showed up at Café Artois and Bella Thorne was seen at Chase Sapphire on Main.
When stars need a quick escape or want to show their kids a good time, they often head to Disneyland. The Instagram account Disneyland Celebrities is devoted entirely to documenting the appearances of high-profile personalities. Kobe Bryant, Kim Kardashian, and Vince Vaughn have all been snapped while walking around the park.
The Studio City Farmers Market has become a trendy celebrity hotspot, but its association with celebrities goes back decades. It's been said James Dean had his last breakfast here before the car crash that ended his life. More upbeat (and recent) sightings have included Will Ferrell, Luke Perry, Woody Harrelson, Phil Collins, Belinda Carlisle, and Beverly D'Angelo.
Atlanta has quietly become one of the top filming locations in the country over the past decade. The city is known as the Hollywood of the South, and many A-listers now have homes in the city. The popular ATL dive bar Clermont Lounge has attracted the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Morgan Freeman, and Lady Gaga. The trendy restaurant STK has hosted Vince Vaughn, Denzel Washington, Selena Gomez, Zac Efron, and Jessica Alba. Celebs such as Elton John and Jennifer Lopez have also turned up at the Georgia Aquarium, too.
With so many of their beachfront homes perched along the coast in Malibu, celebrities are everywhere in Malibu -- even the grocery store. When their housekeepers or personal assistants aren't picking up sundries for them, stars can be spotted at the Ralphs in Malibu. Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts, and Halle Berry have all been seen in the store.
Each summer countless New York-based celebrities head to the Hamptons, known for its high-priced real estate and stunning beaches. Matt Lauer had a manse here for years, which is now on the market. The best bet for spying a star is at a restaurant. Alec Baldwin and his wife Hilaria are known to frequent Nick and Toni's, and even Paul McCartney was spotted there. Sag Harbor is also a favorite celeb spot (Billy Joel is a homeowner). The town's restaurant Dopo La Spiaggia has served Sarah Jessica Parker.
Celebrities looking for a less high-profile vacation are increasingly choosing Nantucket. Traditionally the retreat of industry titans and politicians, everyone from Kourtney Kardashian to Woody Allen have turned up here. James Franco has also been spotted grabbing a snack at Pi Pizzeria.
These hardcore spin class studios located throughout New York City and around the country are guaranteed to get you in top form, with an occasional famous classmate along the way. The classes are so popular there are often waitlists. Kelly Ripa, Brooke Shields, Katie Holmes and Jake Gyllenhaal have all been spotted at these classes.For best results, try the Soul Cycle in New York's Union Square.
Fashion Week in Paris is a major celebrity event. Consider hanging out near the George V hotel, even if you can't afford to actually stay there, to catch sight of a stars like Rita Ora and Cara Delevingne. The runway events center around Opera Garnier, so expect to see at least a few celebs rushing to their front row seats. Want to keep tabs on the latest celebrity sightings in the City of Lights? Check out the Twitter account Celebrities in Paris.
Another popular playground for the rich and famous, Miami is a great place to hit the beach, shop, dine and simply be seen looking fab. Many celebs have shown up at the seriously upscale Bal Harbour Shops -- Martha Stewart, Cindy Crawford, Kate Hudson and Tyra Banks have popped up at independent bookstore Books and Books. Want to party like a star? Check out Liv. The Kardashians, Drake, Eva Longoria, Cuba Gooding Jr. and others have attended bashes here.
One of the best ways to spot a famous face in London is to dine in the right place. The Chiltern Firehouse (created by Chateau Marmont owner André Balazs) has drawn David Beckham, Kate Moss, Simon Cowell, Bradley Cooper, and Orlando Bloom. Regular diners at Kensington's Kitchen W8 include Tom Cruise, Giorgio Armani, and the Duchess of Cambridge.
A hotel that's famous in its own right, having made appearances in "Gossip Girl" and "Sex and the City," The Carlyle is also legendary for attracting stars. John F. Kennedy had an apartment here during his presidency, while celebrities ranging from Billy Joel to Mariah Carey and Bono have all bunked at the swank hotel.
While spending extended periods of time at an airport may not be fun, LAX is a favorite target of the paparazzi hoping to snap the countless famous people passing through while jetting in and out of Los Angeles. Consider booking a flight layover through this airport the next time you're planning to fly.
Because Central Park is a sprawling 1.3 miles of park land, spotting a celebrity here might take time -- but don't lose faith. Dozens have been spotted running, walking, and otherwise enjoying Manhattan's largest green space. Chris Noth, Heidi Klum, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Mark Ruffalo have all been spotted.
One of the most legendary haunts of the entertainment industry is Chateau Marmont. For decades the Art Deco hotel has attracted luminaries, including James Dean and Greta Garbo. More recently, stars like Joaquin Phoenix, Charlize Theron, Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, and others have been spotted.
