Travel Guide to Beverly Hills, California
Ra's Travel Guide to Los Angeles
Before the celebrity and luxury-filled city it is today, it was once a lima bean farm; the ultimate travel guide to Beverly Hills.
Travel Guide to Beverly Hills- Key Highlights
- Step into the heart of luxury shopping on Rodeo Drive, where you’ll find world-renowned flagship stores and designer boutiques.
- Wander through palm tree-lined avenues such as Santa Monica Boulevard, and spot icons like the Beverly Hills Hotel.
- Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at the Beverly Wilshire, a legendary hotel at Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive.
- Explore hidden corners like Beverly Gardens Park and savor gourmet delights at the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills.
- Discover easy ways to get around, with tips for parking, walking, and local rideshares in the city of Beverly Hills.
- Immerse yourself in a blend of Hollywood glamour, celebrity residents, and special events unique to Beverly Hills.
Introduction
Imagine setting foot in the city of Beverly Hills, where every palm tree whispers luxury and each corner promises adventure. Nestled within the heart of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills dazzles with legendary hotels, unique shopping on Rodeo Drive, and a spirit that blends Hollywood glamour with authentic Californian charm. Whether you're seeking designer fashion, historic landmarks, or simply an unforgettable stroll along Santa Monica Boulevard, this travel guide to Beverly Hills will show you how to experience Beverly Hills in style and comfort.
Discovering Beverly Hills: A Glimpse into Glamour
The golden triangle is the epicenter of luxury shopping and culture in the city of Beverly Hills. Here, haute couture boutiques, flagship stores, and iconic streets create a vibrant playground for fashion-lovers and dreamers alike. What draws so many to this famed enclave? The combination of stunning architecture, celebrity residents, and a year-round lineup of special events transforms every visit into something memorable.
Looking for more than the obvious? Beyond Rodeo Drive, you’ll uncover hidden gems and lesser-known attractions—perfect for those eager to experience the city’s quieter, yet equally enchanting, side.
The Allure of Beverly Hills for First-Time Visitors
The moment you arrive, you're greeted by towering palm trees—a timeless symbol of luxury and laid-back California living. First-timers are often swept up by the magic of Rodeo Drive, its sparkling storefronts, and the legendary Beverly Hills Hotel. The city’s energy is infectious, making even a casual stroll feel extraordinary.
Wondering about etiquette or dress code? While there's no strict requirement, Beverly Hills style leans polished and chic. It’s common to see visitors and locals alike dressed in their fashionable best, especially on Rodeo Drive. If you want to blend in, opt for smart-casual attire and comfortable shoes for walking.
Curious about must-see boutiques? Don’t miss iconic locations like the House of Bijan—often cited as “the most expensive store in the world”—along with Tom Ford, Chanel, and the Rodeo Collection. Each offers its own slice of Beverly Hills glamour, perfect for first-timers seeking the true luxury experience.
How Beverly Hills Became a Luxury Destination
Long before Beverly Hills became known for luxury shopping, it was farmland—transformed by visionaries like Mary Pickford, who, along with other Hollywood elite, made Beverly Hills their home. The arrival of Giorgio Beverly Hills in the 1960s marked a turning point, introducing New York-style sophistication to the West Coast.
Rodeo Drive’s journey to global fame began as high-end brands like Gucci and House of Bijan opened flagship stores, attracting both fashion icons and curious visitors. The collaboration between the city of Beverly Hills and the Rodeo Drive Committee helped solidify its reputation, making luxury shopping a central part of the city’s identity.
Today, Rodeo Drive shines as a beacon for trendsetters from around the world, offering a blend of historic charm and cutting-edge style. Every sidewalk here echoes tales of movie stars, world-class events, and the ever-present pursuit of elegance.
Beginner’s Guide: Planning Your First Visit to Beverly Hills
Planning your trip to southern California’s premier city is easier than you might think. Beverly Hills sits adjacent to Los Angeles, making it accessible from LAX and other city airports. Whether you arrive by taxi or rideshare, you’ll be at the heart of glamour in no time.
Be sure to stop by landmarks like the Beverly Hills Hotel and Beverly Gardens Park. When it comes to parking, the city of Beverly Hills offers affordable options, including free 2-hour parking in the Golden Triangle, making your adventure hassle-free from the start.
What You’ll Need for an Effortless Experience
Every effortless Beverly Hills experience starts with smart planning. Before you set out, consider these essentials:
- Download apps and maps for easy navigation along South Santa Monica Boulevard and beyond.
- Check local tips for the perfect spot to park, with plenty of garages and free 2-hour options near Rodeo Drive.
- Dress to impress—smart-casual is always a good choice for strolling, shopping, or people-watching.
- Bring comfortable shoes for exploring the boutiques and walking tours.
- Keep your phone charged to capture your favorite moments and check for special events.
Parking in Beverly Hills is straightforward. Many lots offer free two-hour parking before 6 p.m., especially around the Golden Triangle and Rodeo Drive. Valet services are also available for a touch of convenience, especially at upscale restaurants and hotels. With these tips, you’ll feel like a local as you wander the city’s most iconic streets.
Essential Resources: Apps, Maps, and Local Tips
Navigating Rodeo Drive and the city of Beverly Hills becomes a breeze with the right resources. The Rodeo Drive Committee’s website provides up-to-date event calendars, parking maps, and walking tour guides.
- Access official city apps for Beverly Hills, which include interactive maps and parking availability.
- Look for the Rodeo Drive Walk map, a handy companion for boutique-hopping and art-spotting.
- Ask at the Visitor Center on South Santa Monica Boulevard for brochures and local advice.
- Sign up for alerts about special events or street closures, especially during celebrity sightings or major festivities.
Cherish the freedom to explore hidden courtyards and discover that perfect spot for a selfie with the Beverly Hills sign. Embrace local tips—like taking advantage of metered parking or finding the quietest hours for shopping—and your trip will be all the more memorable.
How to Get to Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Los Angeles, known for its luxury, palm-lined streets, and glamorous lifestyle. Getting to Beverly Hills is easy, whether you're flying in from out of state, arriving from nearby cities in California, or taking a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast. Here's how to reach this star-studded destination:
Plane
Most visitors arrive via Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), located about 12 miles from Beverly Hills. From LAX, you can reach Beverly Hills in 30–60 minutes depending on traffic. Options include rideshares, taxis, rental cars, or shuttle services. Alternatively, Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is about 15 miles away and offers a quieter, more convenient arrival experience with fewer crowds and quicker processing.
Train
If you're coming from other California cities like San Diego or San Francisco, you can take Amtrak to Union Station in downtown LA. From there, it’s about a 30–45 minute ride by car or Metro bus to Beverly Hills. Though there isn’t a direct rail station in Beverly Hills (yet), it’s well-connected to LA’s public transit system.
Bus & Shuttle
Long-distance buses like Greyhound and FlixBus arrive at stations in downtown Los Angeles or Westwood. From there, you can take a rideshare, local bus, or shuttle to Beverly Hills. Some luxury hotels also offer private airport transfers and shuttles for their guests.
Car
Driving is a popular way to get to Beverly Hills, especially if you’re planning a road trip or traveling from within Southern California. Major highways like I-10, US-101, and I-405 provide access to Beverly Hills from all directions. Just be prepared for traffic during peak hours, and note that parking is well-managed but often metered or timed.
When I visited Beverly Hills, it was during my trip to LA and was actually the location of our hotel. This helped provide a quieter and centralized location between all of our points of interest in the LA area.
For convenient travel planning, cost evaluation, and exploring various transportation options, Rome2rio is a valuable tool. It offers comprehensive information, suggests routes and stops, and enables customized and well-informed travel experiences. Furthermore it allows travelers to seamlessly plan their journey and make informed decisions based on their preferences. Discover more at Rome2rio.
Where to Stay in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills offers a range of accommodations for every kind of traveler, from high-end luxury seekers to those on a more modest budget. Whether you want to stay steps from Rodeo Drive, in a quiet residential enclave, or tucked inside a boutique hotel full of charm, Beverly Hills has something for everyone. Here’s where to stay by accommodation type and neighborhood.
Luxury Hotels: The Golden Triangle & Sunset Boulevard
If you're looking to experience Beverly Hills in its most iconic form, the Golden Triangle—bounded by Rodeo Drive, Wilshire Boulevard, and Santa Monica Boulevard—is where the luxury magic happens. Stay at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, famously featured in Pretty Woman, or enjoy top-tier service at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, with sweeping views and a rooftop pool. The Peninsula Beverly Hills is another 5-star gem known for its personalized service and elegant rooms.
Boutique & Stylish Stays: South Beverly Drive & Robertson Blvd
For travelers seeking charm and character, head a few blocks south to neighborhoods like South Beverly Drive or Robertson Blvd. Here, you’ll find stylish boutique hotels like the Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills, offering retro-chic vibes and a quieter location while still being close to the action. SIRTAJ Hotel is another stylish pick just a short walk from Rodeo Drive.
Mid-Range Comfort: West Beverly Hills & Century City Adjacent
For a balanced stay that’s upscale without breaking the bank, look just west of central Beverly Hills or near Century City. Beverly Hills Marriott provides modern amenities and a great location for shopping and sightseeing. Maison 140 is a boutique-style mid-range option known for its French-Asian decor and cozy atmosphere.
Budget-Friendly Options: Pico-Robertson Area & Nearby LA
Beverly Hills itself doesn’t have many budget hotels, but you can find more affordable accommodations in nearby neighborhoods like Pico-Robertson or West LA. Try Hotel Beverly Terrace, which offers comfortable rooms and a rooftop deck without the luxury price tag. For even more savings, consider staying just outside Beverly Hills in West Hollywood or Mid-City, where you're only a short rideshare away.
Extended Stays & Vacation Rentals: Residential Beverly Hills
For longer stays or a more homey experience, opt for a vacation rental or extended-stay hotel in the residential areas north of Santa Monica Boulevard or around Coldwater Canyon. Airbnb offers a range of stylish apartments and luxury villas with private pools and outdoor gardens. You can also look into AKA Beverly Hills, which provides furnished apartments for longer visits with hotel-style amenities.
As mentioned above, we opted for a hotel in Beverly Hills during our visit to LA. We were concerned about safety and prioritized a quiet neighborhood for our stay.
Guides to California
Getting Around Beverly Hills
Car
While traffic in the LA area can be a headache, driving in Beverly Hills itself is relatively calm and manageable. If you have a rental car, be prepared for metered parking in the downtown area and read signs carefully—many streets have strict parking restrictions. Public parking garages and lots are plentiful and often offer the first one or two hours free.
Public Transit
Though Beverly Hills doesn’t have a Metro Rail station (yet), you can still use LA Metro buses to get in and out of the neighborhood. Bus routes like Metro 4 and Metro 704 connect Beverly Hills to Hollywood, Santa Monica, and downtown LA. It’s not the fastest method, but it’s budget-friendly and reliable for those without a car.
Bike & Scooters
Biking is becoming more popular in Beverly Hills, especially with bike lanes expanding along Santa Monica Boulevard. You can rent bikes through services like Bikes & Hikes LA or use electric scooters from companies like Lime and Bird for quick rides across short distances. Just be sure to follow local laws and avoid riding scooters on sidewalks.
Guided Tours and Shuttles
If you're short on time or want a curated experience, consider taking a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus or a private tour. Many tour companies operate in Beverly Hills, offering rides through scenic streets, celebrity neighborhoods, and nearby attractions. These options are perfect for first-time visitors who want to see a lot without navigating on their own.
Taxi
Services like Uber and Lyft are widely used in Beverly Hills and are a convenient option for getting around, especially if you’re heading into the hills or want to avoid the hassle of parking. Taxis are available but less common, and rideshare apps tend to offer quicker and more affordable service for most travelers.
Walking
Beverly Hills is a walkable neighborhood, especially in the central areas like Rodeo Drive, Beverly Gardens Park, and the Golden Triangle. Strolling the palm-lined streets offers a leisurely way to take in the city’s charm, from luxury storefronts to stunning art deco architecture. Many attractions, shops, and restaurants are close together, making walking a scenic and practical way to explore.
What to Do in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is more than just glitz and glamour—it's a legendary destination filled with style, history, and cultural charm. While it’s often associated with celebrity sightings and luxury shopping, this iconic LA neighborhood offers something for every kind of traveler, from serene gardens and art galleries to world-famous streets and historic landmarks.
Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive is synonymous with high-end fashion and luxury shopping. Whether you’re browsing designer boutiques like Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton or simply window-shopping along the palm-lined street, this area is an essential stop. Even if you're not there to splurge, the experience of walking down one of the world’s most iconic retail avenues is unforgettable.
Beverly Gardens Park
This 1.9-mile linear park is a green escape right in the heart of Beverly Hills. It’s home to the famous Beverly Hills sign, making it a popular photo op. Take a walk along the beautifully landscaped paths, admire the rose gardens and cactus collection, or just relax by one of the park’s many fountains.
Beverly Hills Hotel
The “Pink Palace,” as it's affectionately known, is a Hollywood legend. Even if you're not staying at the Beverly Hills Hotel, you can visit the historic lobby, enjoy a drink at the Polo Lounge, or grab brunch at the Fountain Coffee Room. The hotel’s lush grounds and iconic striped decor make it a must-see.
Greystone Mansion & Park
Tucked away in the hills, this historic estate offers a peaceful escape from the city's buzz. The gardens are free to visit and feature sweeping views, fountains, and manicured lawns. It's a popular filming location too—recognize it from movies like The Social Network and X-Men?
Celebrity Homes Tour
Beverly Hills is known for its star power, and many companies offer guided tours of celebrity neighborhoods and homes. While you won’t get too close to the actual residences, these tours are a fun way to see lavish mansions, learn about Hollywood history, and cruise through scenic streets.
The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
Known simply as "The Wallis," this contemporary venue hosts everything from theater and dance to classical concerts and film events. Located in a beautifully restored 1933 post office building, The Wallis is a cultural hub that brings world-class performances to the heart of Beverly Hills.
Virginia Robinson Gardens
Step back into old Hollywood glamour at the Virginia Robinson Gardens, one of the city's hidden gems. The estate’s lush gardens feature tropical and subtropical plants, a rose garden, and a historic mansion that once hosted legendary guests. Tours must be booked in advance, making it a peaceful and exclusive experience.
Mr. Brainwash Museum
This vibrant, street-art-inspired museum by contemporary artist Mr. Brainwash (of Exit Through the Gift Shop fame) brings an explosion of color and pop culture to Beverly Hills. The immersive space features thought-provoking installations, massive sculptures, and bold murals, perfect for art lovers and Instagrammers alike.
Beverly Hills Public Library
This beautiful and quiet library offers more than just books. With a modern interior, cozy seating areas, local art exhibits, and a tranquil courtyard, it’s a serene spot to unwind, read, or catch up on some work while surrounded by culture and calm.
Spadena House
The whimsical Spadena House looks like something out of a fairy tale. With its slanted roof, uneven shingles, and crooked windows, it’s known locally as "The Witch’s House." Though it’s a private residence and not open to the public, it's a must-see stop for fans of quirky architecture and fantasy charm.
Conclusion
When hunger strikes, Beverly Hills’ dining scene delivers in spades. The area around Rodeo Drive is packed with options ranging from quirky cafés to fine-dining experiences. Treat yourself at the famed Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel, or indulge in gourmet offerings at the Maybourne Beverly Hills and the elegant Beverly Wilshire. For a true local favorite, stop by the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills for a delightful selection of cheeses, wines, and specialty foods.
With over 200 restaurants and cafés, the city caters to every palate—whether you’re craving Italian, Japanese, or classic Californian fare. Outdoor seating is plentiful, letting you soak up the sunshine and people-watch in style.
Culinary Highlights: Where to Eat, Drink, and People-Watch
Eating out in Beverly Hills is as much about the scene as the cuisine. Pop into a café on North Rodeo Drive or Dayton Way for prime people-watching and a chance to rub shoulders with locals and celebrities alike. For a taste of old-school glamour, try afternoon tea at the Beverly Hills Hotel’s Polo Lounge, or a decadent brunch at one of the many nearby restaurants.
- The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills: Gourmet cheeses, sandwiches, and friendly service.
- Polo Lounge: Classic cocktails and California cuisine in a lush, iconic setting.
- Maybourne Beverly Hills: Refined dining options and chic ambiance.
- Beverly Wilshire: Legendary for upscale dining and Hollywood history.
- Sidewalk cafés along Dayton Way: Perfect for coffee breaks and soaking up the city vibe.
Don’t forget to reserve ahead for the city’s most popular restaurants, especially if you want a table with a view!
Dining in Beverly Hills: Top Restaurants and Cafés Near Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills offers a unique blend of luxury, culture, and experiences that are perfect for any traveler. From high-end shopping on Rodeo Drive to savoring exquisite dining options, every corner of this glamorous city has something special to offer. Whether you're exploring iconic attractions or discovering hidden gems, planning your visit with the right resources will ensure a seamless and memorable experience. Embrace the charm and allure of Beverly Hills, and let it inspire your next adventure. If you're ready to explore in style, don't hesitate to reach out for our tailored travel tips and recommendations! Use this travel guide to Beverly Hills for a memorable visit!
Frequently Asked Questions & Information
Which Restaurants or Cafes Are Recommended for Visitors Near Rodeo Drive, California?
For a memorable meal, visit the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills or enjoy upscale dining at the Beverly Wilshire. North Rodeo Drive and Dayton Way are lined with inviting cafés, ideal for snacks, casual lunches, or soaking up the local scene between shopping adventures.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Rodeo Drive for Shopping and Sightseeing?
The best time to visit Rodeo Drive is in spring or fall, when southern California offers sunny days and pleasant temperatures. Stores often debut special events during these seasons, and the city of Beverly Hills’ golden triangle sparkles with lively crowds and outdoor festivities.
Are There Any Guided Tours Available for Rodeo Drive, and What Do They Typically Include?
Yes, guided tours offered by the Rodeo Drive Committee and city of Beverly Hills often include insights into local TV shows, luxury shopping highlights, and stories of celebrity residents. These tours usually cover architecture, art, and behind-the-velvet-rope anecdotes for a full Beverly Hills experience.
Travel Tip
Many shops in Beverly Hills require an appointment to enter and shop. Be sure to have a general idea of where you're interested in shopping in advance, and make your appointments.
My Playlist for Beverly Hills
“Beverly Hills” by Weezer
“Beverly Hills” by Zella Day
“90210” by Travis Scott
“Beverly Hills” by Migos
“Hollywood” by Madonna
Recommended Reads
Explore Yosemite National Park: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
Key Highlights Next, let’s dive into what makes Yosemite National Park an unmatched treasure of the United…
Local Favorites: What Food to Eat in California
Key Highlights Introduction California, also called the golden state, is a great place for people who love…
Discover the 20 Best Places to Visit in California Now
Key Highlights Introduction California is a place that has something for everyone. You can find natural beauty…