Beverly Hills, California, is a glamorous destination renowned for its luxury, celebrity culture, and iconic sights. While many Californians may not be able to afford the extravagant items displayed in the upscale shops along Rodeo Drive, a day trip to Beverly Hills offers a chance to glimpse how the other half lives. Any time of year is a great time to visit, as the weather is typically sunny and pleasant year-round.
Things to Do and See Beverly Hills, CA
Rodeo Drive: Stroll this world-famous shopping street in the Golden Triangle, lined with high-end boutiques like Chanel, Gucci, and Prada. Window-shop, people-watch, or check out the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style, honoring fashion legends. The Beverly Wilshire Hotel, featured in Pretty Woman, is nearby.
Greystone Mansion & Gardens: Visit this 1927 Tudor Revival estate at 905 Loma Vista Dr., set on 18.5 acres. The gardens, with fountains and flowers, are free to explore daily (10 a.m.–5 p.m.), and you’ve previously shown interest in this historic site. The mansion was used in films like Gilmore Girls and The Big Lebowski. The mansion’s grounds are open to the public daily, and there is no parking or park admission fee. However, Park Rangers lead a guided walking tour of Greystone Mansion and Estate grounds on Saturdays.
Beverly Gardens Park: This 1.9-mile linear park along Santa Monica Blvd. features the iconic Beverly Hills Sign at the Lily Pond, perfect for photos. Enjoy rose and cactus gardens, sculptures, and the Beverly Hills Art Show (May and October). It’s free and great for a leisurely walk.
Spadena House (The Witch’s House): At 516 N. Walden Dr., this fairytale-style home, built in 1921 for a silent film studio, is a quirky photo op. The famous landmark is not open to the public, but it’s still an excellent spot to take a picture.
Virginia Robinson Gardens: Robinson Gardens is a beautiful 6.2-acre estate at 1008 Elden Way, just north of the Beverly Hills Hotel. Featuring Italian-style gardens and a historic mansion, it was once owned by Virginia Robinson, a member of the Robinson-May department store family known as the “First Lady of Beverly Hills.” Virginia transformed the estate into a tropical paradise with exotic plants, pools, and fountains. Docent-led tours last about 90 minutes and cost around $15, with reservations required. https://www.robinsongardens.org/
Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts: Located at 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., this venue, in a restored 1933 post office, hosts theater, music, and dance. Check the schedule for shows or free community events like Sunday Funday.
Beverly Hills Trolley Tour: The Beverly Hills Trolley provides a delightful and affordable way to explore the city’s highlights, although it is not a narrated tour. The trolley operates on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours during the summer and winter seasons. Each ride lasts approximately 40 minutes and covers key locations such as Rodeo Drive and Beverly Gardens Park. For schedules, visit www.beverlyhills.org.
A Brief History of Beverly Hills:
Incorporated in 1914, the town grew from a lima bean ranch into a global symbol of luxury. The 1920s oil boom, led by families like the Dohenys (Greystone Mansion), fueled its development. Rodeo Drive became a shopping mecca in the mid-20th century, and the city’s Hollywood ties—seen in films like Clueless and Beverly Hills Cop—cemented its fame. Today, it spans 5.7 square miles, blending opulent estates, cultural landmarks, and palm-lined streets.
Beverly Hills Nearby Points of Interest
Griffith Observatory: The Griffith Observatory is a historic landmark and science museum perched on Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. The Art Deco building houses a planetarium, telescopes, and interactive exhibits on space and science. Attractions include the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, the Zeiss telescope (free public viewing), and stunning views of the Los Angeles skyline and the Hollywood Sign. It’s a popular spot for tourists and locals, offering educational programs, stargazing events, and a blend of scientific exploration and scenic beauty. Admission is free.
Hollywood Walk of Fame: ~15 minutes east of Beverly Hills. Hollywood Boulevard is an iconic street in Los Angeles, California, running through the heart of Hollywood. It’s famous for the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a 1.3-mile stretch of over 2,700 terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalk, honoring celebrities in entertainment. The boulevard is a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors. The area is vibrant but often crowded, with street performers, shops, and restaurants.
The Getty Center: ~20 minutes west, a free art museum with stunning architecture and gardens. Parking ~$20. The Center is a world-renowned art museum and cultural complex perched in the Santa Monica Mountains. Opened in 1997, it was established by the J. Paul Getty Trust to house its vast art collection. Designed by architect Richard Meier, the stunning white travertine campus offers panoramic city views.
Getting around Beverly Hills is quite easy, particularly in the Golden Triangle area, which is very walkable. For free walking tour maps, visit the Beverly Hills Visitor Center located at 9400 S. Santa Monica Blvd. Parking options include metered spaces or garages, and some hotels provide valet services.