The California Club: a seriously handsome historical landmark and a seriously intimidating Downtown institution.

Founded in 1888, the club, designed by architect Robert Farquhar, has counted former mayor Richard Riordan, journalist Charles Fletcher Lummis, and real estate developer H. Gaylord Wilshire (that’s right, THAT Wilshire) among its members. It did not count minorities or women among its members until 1987.

Established as a social club in 1895, the Jonathan Club spent a lot of time combating its long and stuffy history. It underwent a hip makeover in 2013 and relaxed its dress code in the hope of attracting a younger crowd. (Since 1987, it also allows non-white-male members.) Henry E. Huntington, the railroad magnate, was a member.

Since 1927, Jonathans have had access to this imposing, ivy-covered private beach club, ”cradled in the rolling bluffs” along the shore. Access to the beach club costs a little bit more, but it’s probably worth it. The club’s interiors were recently redone by Studio Collective.

Wilfandel, founded in 1945, is the oldest black women’s club in Los Angeles, and was once a ”hub of high society” known for its high-class parties and equally high-class guest lists. It’s housed in the stately Wilfandel House, built in 1922 by silent film star Ramon Novarro as a home for his brother. The club requires new members to be highly civic-minded and to get approval from two active members.

Founded in 1921, this club is connected to a worldwide network of adventurous fellows that has carried on the traditions of the first group of “soldiers, sailors, hunters, trappers, travelers, journalists, authors and scientists” who started the group.

Women are not allowed, except on special occasions, but those do include some of the best lectures, like the upcoming “Storm Chasing and Image Mastery.”

Founded in 1903, the Women’s Twentieth Century Club reportedly “applied for a Carnegie Grant to establish our first library”—now the Center for the Arts in Eagle Rock—“and also began the origins of the Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society.” The civic-minded ladies organization has dues of only $40.

Are you a magician? Do you know a magician? No? Then get out. This mansion on Franklin is the home of the Academy of Magical Arts, and is an exclusive club by and for practitioners of magic and their guests.

With an invite from a member, non-magicians can attend a magical brunch or dinner inside this magnificent Victorian lair. You really haven’t lived until you’ve had a mimosa and an omelette followed by a heavy dose of close-up card tricks.

Opened in 2010, the West Hollywood “house” of the London-based chain has been so successful, it’s planning to open a second LA location in the Arts District (though it’s a bit behind schedule). Membership dues for this location are estimated to be around $1,800.

Soho Warehouse is the future Downtown LA outpost of the members-only club Soho House, which has locations worldwide, including those in West Hollywood and Malibu. Originally planned to open in 2016, the current projection is that the renovated warehouse will open sometime this year.

Once complete, the Warehouse will hold a “public market” with a restaurant and bar on the ground floor, 16 hotel rooms, a gym, a bar, a restaurant, a rooftop pool, and a screening room.

This club taking over the former Redbury Hotel in Hollywood is a transplant from England. The club aimed at creatives will include a traditional English tea room, a rooftop restaurant, a pool, a co-working space, and 36 hotel-style bedrooms available to both club members and the public. It’s planned to open in early 2019, a representative for the club tells Curbed.

Another British import, this location of the Arts Club is backed by Gwyneth Paltrow and her business partner. The classy and slightly prudish establishment—swearing is strictly forbidden—would replace a West Hollywood commercial building that houses the Sunset Strip Hustler store. The club would be housed in a nine-story structure with retail and creative office space occupying the lower levels.

Club amenities will include private restaurants, bars, and lounges; a supper club; a pool; screening rooms; a fitness center and spa; and 15 guest rooms for members of the club. The Arts Club is expected to open in 2020.

Founded by Alphonzo Edward Bell Sr. (the namesake of Bel Air, and developer of both the Bay Club and the Bel Air Country Club), this club officially opened in 1927. Raymond Chandler supposedly hammered out his classic Farewell, My Lovely here; he used it as inspiration for the Belvedere Beach Club in the novel.