Beverly Hills is undoubtedly the capital of luxury, wealth and glory, a city that is part of the "Golden Triangle", which also includes its neighbors Bel Air and Holmby Hills.
It gained fame in the 1920s, when it began to become the "headquarters" of the residences of movie stars and celebrities (the city was also inspired by the French city Cannes). Today, tourists can visit it and be amazed by the brightness and luxury of the city.
There you can see majestic condominiums (many of them hidden behind large gates), powerful cars, eccentric artifacts, and lots of luxury. Many elements found in many movies and series, with which tourists are fascinated. Come learn more about the city of stars with Happy Tours!
Is it possible to visit Beverly Hills, California?
Yes, it is entirely possible that you will get to know the much-talked-about Beverly Hills, and it is entirely permissible to walk through its streets full of celebrity mansions and American millionaires.
Beverly Hills is a small town of less than 14.79 square miles. The town has stores, churches, restaurants, and beautiful homes, however, there is no hospital or cemetery in town, so there is a common comical saying about it: nobody is born or dies in Beverly Hills!
On the city streets, you can see more limousines, Mercedes-Benz and Ferraris parked on the beautiful city streets, something that is uncommon anywhere else in the world.
As it has always been inhabited by many celebrities, since the 1920s it has developed with strict rules. Therefore, from the color, the size of the houses, the street signs to the pedestrian crossing are regulated and follow a standard.
For example, it is forbidden to walk through the neighborhood if you are not a resident, but it is possible to drive through it, as long as you respect the speed limit and do not stop in front of the houses.
Between Wilshire and Sunset Boulevards, you will find what is called "The Golden Triangle," which is bounded by Canon Drive, Santa Monica Boulevard and Wilshire Boulevard.
There is a 7-street shopping district with many shops and restaurants, known as Rodeo Drive, the fabulous shopping street of Beverly Hills.
We are talking about an extremely beautiful city with streets lined with palm trees, sycamores, and oak trees. The houses are beautiful and perfectly aligned, and the architecture is reminiscent of European city neighborhoods with a touch of Victorian style and bolder colors.
Without a doubt, it is the city that most people in the world would want to live in if they could afford it. Among the many celebrities who have lived in Beverly Hills are names like: Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, Elvis Presley, Walt Disney, Tom Cruise, and Humphrey Bogart.
How to get to Beverly Hills? How to visit it?
Beverly Hills is located west of Los Angeles and southwest of Hollywood, and is bounded by Bel Air and Westwood (to the West), the Santa Monica Mountains and West Hollywood (to the North), Hollywood and Fairfax (to the East), and West LA and Century City (to the South).
The best way to get there and visit the city is to rent a car. If you have not yet booked one, we recommend that you read our post about car rental in the USA!
From Hollywood & Vine, drive 2 blocks south to Sunset Boulevard, then turn right (west) and drive for approximately 4 miles until you reach Little Beverly.
You'll know you're in Beverly Hills when the scenery changes from concrete sidewalks to beautiful green lawns. Head west along Sunset Boulevard past the Beverly Hills Hotel, then turn south toward the residential area of Rodeo Drive.
This route will give you the chance to see some of the stars' mansions before arriving at the famous Rodeo Drive central shopping area. From West LA you need to get on the San Diego Freeway (405) towards Wilshire Boulevard or Santa Monica Boulevard and drive northeast for approximately 2 miles until you reach Beverly Hills.
Take advantage and check out the car options you can book with Happy Tours USA at Burbank airport (the closest airport to Beverly Hills): car rental in Burbank Bob Hope (BUR)!
After all, what to do in Beverly Hills?
There are many things you can do if you decide to visit the city when you are on a California trip. We have separated the main attractions for you to see:
The famous Rodeo Drive
When we talk about Beverly Hills, there is no failing to mention the famous Rodeo Drive, an area full of luxury boutiques and impeccable sidewalks that is considered one of the "most expensive streets in the world".
The street, in fact, is a small luxury conglomerate of a few streets in the city. In the 1970s, the area began to attract many luxury brands, such as Chanel, Hermès, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Louis Vuitton, which set up store in beautifully elegant stores.
At the Sidewalk of Style on Rodeo Drive, you will pass by a sidewalk a series of plaques with signatures of big names in fashion and entertainment.
The House of Bijan
The House of Bijan is, quite simply, considered the most expensive store in the world! The store, with more than 40 years of history, sells rare men's fashion items, perfumes, and exclusive high-end jewelry; there, a pair of socks costs $100 and apparel starts at $25,000.
The store welcomes, among some regular customers, names like Tom Cruise, Michael Jordan, Vladimir Putin, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
A very rare luxury super car is parked in front of the store, and can sometimes be used to escort VIPs of celebrities who have purchased some product from the store.
Greystone Mansion
Greystone Mansion is a splendid Tudor-style work that was built in 1928 as a gift from oil magnate Edward L. Doheny to his son. Today, the residence with no less than 55 rooms (and 4200 m²) is empty and cannot be visited, however, entrance to the mansion's gardens is free.
Greystone Mansion is now used to host events of all kinds (weddings, parties, proms, etc.) and also filming for movies and TV. It has often been used in movies (it has been used in films, such as Bodyguard, Indecent Proposal, Batman & Robin, X-Men, and others) and also in TV series, such as Mac Gyver.
Its gardens are open for visitation from 10:00 am to midnight (or until 5:00 pm in summer).
Address: 905 Loma Vista Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Beverly Gardens Park
This park stretches along the famous Santa Monica Boulevard and is located on the border between the residential and commercial sides of the city.
And we have no doubt you'll want to stop in front of the "Beverly Hills" sign for a photo (or several). There is also a collection of public art in the park, including the famous Electric Fountain, another much-photographed monument.
During the months of May and October, the park usually hosts the Beverly Hills Art Show, a festival that attracts many tourists and locals to the area.
Beverly Hills City Hall
This building was inspired by the Spanish Renaissance style, a work envisioned and designed by architect William Cage in the year 1932. The 8-story building with a golden mosaic dome on top has become one of the wonders of the urban landscape of little Beverly.
And, despite the wear and tear of the weather and some seismic tremors that have already occurred in the region, the City Hall remains standing firm, in all its splendor.
In 1982, the building was given a renovation project and the work was completed in 2008, with the development of a huge green space in front of the new entrance, which visitors can register.
Address: 455 North Rexford Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.
Will Rogers Memorial Park
This is the first park opened in the city, in 1915, under the name Sunset Park. It is perfect for a break, where you can enjoy several palaces and luxury stores.
However, when, in 1926, the movie star, Will Rogers, becomes honorary mayor of the city and the park is renamed after the artist as a tribute.
The classic television series Barred at the Prom - New Generation (called 90210) had many scenes filmed at the Will Rogers Memorial.
Address: 9650 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.
The Gardens of Virginia Robinson
Botanical garden presented in thematic forms, with thousands of types of plants: magnolias, camellias, gardenias, azaleas, palm trees, roses, and herbs.
Visiting the Virginia Robinson Gardens is an excellent opportunity for you to admire the first residence built in Beverly Hills, in the best Mediterranean style from 1911.
You can schedule a guided tour by appointment, Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and admission costs around $11, and there are discounts for seniors, students, and children.
Address: 1008 Elden Way Beverly Hills, California 90210.
Beverly Hills Hotel
Built in 1912 and nicknamed the Rose Palace, the famous hotel is located at 9641 Sunset Bld. With 5,000 m² and more than 200 rooms and suites, this hotel has beautiful gardens that are a real treat for the eyes. It is well worth a visit!
Regent Beverly Wilshire
If you are a fan of film and television, the facade of the Regent Beverly Wilshire looks familiar. That may be because this is the glamorous (5-star) hotel from the classic movie Pretty Woman. The television series Entourage was also partially filmed there.
John Lennon and Elvis Presley also lived for a time in the hotel, which was built in 1928 and is located at 9500 Wilshire Boulevard at the south end of Rodeo Drive.
Hotel Bel Air
This hotel is a discreet palace in lush vegetation with small waterfalls. The Spanish Revival style house built in 1946 is located at the address: 701 Stone Canyon Blvd. We also believe it is worth the visit!
Hollywood stars' neighborhood: "the VIP area
Those who want to get closer to the "Hollywood stars' neighborhood" can even find organized tours and also addresses and maps with one of the stars' homes on the Internet.
But should you decide to visit the area, you need to be aware that you cannot go beyond the fences and that you will see little more than living fences protecting the houses.
Also, it is not recommended to park in front of these houses or stand for too long so that security guards or local authorities are not called to find out why you are there.
So, what did you think of the attractions available in Beverly Hills? Are you thinking about traveling there? Check out the car rental options available at Happy Tours USA at the airports closest to the city of stars:
- Car rental at Burbank Bob Hope Airport;
- Car rental at LAX Los Angeles airport;
- Car rental at LGB - Long Beach Municipal Airport.
See you next time!
