What the Super Rich do for Fun in CA

If money is no object, there are some incredibly awesome things to do and see in California, like golfing the most elite courses, yachting off the pristine coastline or watching the World Series in a private suite at Dodger Stadium.  Here are just a few ways the ultra-rich keep themselves entertained in the Golden State.

Golf the Most Renowned Courses

Golf has long been considered a rich man’s sport.  Many a high-powered business deal has been sealed during a friendly round and California is home to some of the most famous golf courses in the world.  On any given day, you can find some of California’s most rich and powerful hitting the links at these picturesque and sometimes private clubs. Courses with the most sought-after tee-times include the Lodge at Torrey Pines (where Tiger Woods pulled off his 2008 US Open win in sudden death), Omni La Costa, Monarch Beach Resort, The Resort at Pelican Hill, Riviera Country Club (a private club that boasts members like Mark Wahlberg, Adam Sandler and Dennis Quaid) and of course, Pebble Beach.

Collect Expensive Things

The ultra-rich in California are constantly looking for ways to invest their money and many turn to things like art, wine, and cars.  Some of the most expensive real estate in CA has amenities like state-of-the-art wine cellars, complete with wine collections worth, in excess of, hundreds of thousands of dollars.  While much of the art in the US is owned by families and their foundations on the east coast, people in the west have some pretty formidable collections as well. Eli Broad is a California multi-billionaire and the foundation created by his wife owns more than $2 billion dollars’ worth of art.  And then there are the cars! Rich people in California love to collect cars. Fast cars, classic cars, motorcycles, and there is plenty of open roads to drive them on. Many collectors have multi-car garages for storing and displaying their vehicles. Jay Leno, who currently resides in Beverly Hills, owns a car collection worth over $50 million dollars.

Dine at the Most Expensive Restaurants

California is home to multiple fine-dining establishments, some of which make the list of the most expensive in the world.  Addison in the Grand Del Mar just earned it’s first Michelin Star and offers a 10-course tasting menu for $265 per person with optional tableside cheese and wine pairings, which are highly recommended.  Urasawa on North Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills has long held the crown for the most expensive restaurant in Los Angeles. They are known for their 30-course (yes, you read that right) menu, starting at $395 per person.  Saison, located in the SoMa district in San Francisco serves New American fare and boasts 3 Michelin Stars. Saison offers a tasting menu starting at $398 per person, so a date night typically will run you well over $1000 after drinks and gratuity, which is just a drop in the bucket for the wealthiest Californians.

Shop for Custom & Designer Clothing, Shoes, and Jewelry

From custom-tailored designer suits to couture bridal gowns, the rich in California are always dressed to kill.  With Los Angeles being a fashion hot spot, there is easy access to designer fashion and designers especially love to dress the Hollywood elite. On any given awards night, you can spot Harry Winston diamonds dripping off the hottest new starlet and almost every established designer, think Gucci, Versace, Tom Ford, Jimmy Choo, Stella McCartney, and Ralph Lauren represented on the red carpet.  As you can imagine, high-end beachwear is also a staple in the wardrobe of California’s ultra-rich, who love to lounge on the decks of their private Malibu estates, soaking up the sun. 

Charter Private Yachts

Or better yet, they own their own.  What better way to take advantage of the stunning Pacific, then to spend time exploring it on a multi-million-dollar yacht.   And rich people know how to yacht. There is always a private chef on board to create spectacular meals for the guests. There is a wait staff to ensure there is never an empty glass.  There are all the high-end comforts of home, like luxurious sleep accommodations, multiple decks for sun-bathing and partying and plenty of water toys for entertainment. Yachting is not just for the Amalfi Coast, the rich in California know how to do it right.  And when the yachts aren’t being used, they are docked at elite yacht clubs like Point Loma Yacht Club, San Diego Yacht Club, Coronado Yacht Club, California Yacht Club, Del Rey Yacht Club and Marina Yacht Club.

Attend Sporting Events in Style

You will not find California’s rich and famous tailgating in the parking lot before kick-off.  If it’s baseball season, they will be being waited on in a luxury box. Petco Park in San Diego, Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Dodger Stadium in LA and Oracle Park in San Francisco all have their own version of the private suite.  The views are spectacular, the catering is 5-star, the bar is open and there is room to host a party or just a date. Once summer starts to wind down and football season is upon us, wealthy 49er fans can experience what is currently the newest and most high-tech stadium in California, Levi Stadium.  In 2020, the Los Angeles Stadium at Hollywood Park is projected to be finished and will be the home of the Los Angeles Rams. The LA Rams have already proven to be the football team to the stars, so you can bet the high-end accommodations will be nothing short of the best. Let’s not forget about basketball.  The Golden State Warriors have built a dynasty to rival all dynasties and there is still no ticket more sought after than floor seats at a Lakers game. The ultra-rich don’t hide out in sky boxes at basketball games. They pay big bucks to watch Steph Curry and LeBron James up close and personal (think Jay-Z and Beyoncé).

Jet-Set Throughout California

The wealthy don’t have to be concerned with TSA lines and stuffy commercial planes.  They simply charter a private jet or hire a pilot to fly their own private plane, to whatever destination they desire, whenever they get the urge.  If there is a concert at the Hollywood Bowl or a World Series Game at Oracle Park, there are no worries about traffic or other delays. If there is an anniversary weekend in Santa Barbara or a family vacation to San Diego, California’s ultra-rich just pack their bags, hop on the private plane, and go.  This luxury leaves the door wide open to have any kind of fun imaginable in one of the most beautiful and diverse places in the world.