The famed Playboy palace of hedonism is located in the north end of Beverly Hills just below Sunset Blvd. You can only see its grounds—including the famous grotto—by invitation.

The Playboy Mansion is the mythical estate where models and moguls engage in their ritual mating dance. Centerfolds erase their tanlines by the pool, play nude volleyball on the lawn and get into feather-exploding pillowfights on the satin sheets of a heart-shaped bed. At least, that's the reputation. In the same fantasy, Hugh Hefner strolls the grounds in his jammies, pipe and smoking jacket, nodding his approval (he still lives in the main house). Reality is a bit different, if you believe the latest tell-all by a disgruntled former Mansionette. The Playboy Mansion does host private parties, which surprisingly end up feeling like any other LA event, except with the addition of surgery-enhanced women who have appeared naked to millions. The grounds also sport secluded pools, a small menagerie and a gaming cottage. —Dan Wool