9. Los Angeles
Why now: Through the end of March, the Los Angeles County of Art Museum is presenting Robert Mapplethorpe: XYZ at LACMA, while the Getty Center is showing In Focus: Robert Mapplethorpe, its own collection of works by the famed gay photographer.
Where to stay: Until the new Ace opens this fall, stick with The Standard
Where to eat: The 2 Michelin-starred Providence
Where to drink: Pretty-peopled West Hollywood ultra-lounge ELEVEN
Side trip: The sun-baked modernism wonderland of Palm Springs
Image by maveric2003