Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Beverly Hills, CA

  • Published 2022/08/05

If there is any place synonymous with wealth and fame, that luxurious paradise would have to be in California’s Beverly Hills.

Originally a Spanish ranch, the city was established in 1914 and has been Tinseltown’s residential choice for decades.

This has made Beverly Hills a highly upscale city, filled with luxurious accommodations, excellent restaurants, shopping options, and world-famous tourist attractions.

Are you interested in vacationing like the rich and famous?

These are the best things to do in Beverly Hills, California:

See the Beverly Hills Sign & Lily Pond at Beverly Gardens Park

Beverly Hills Sign & Lily Pond

V_E / Shutterstock.com

When Beverly Hills turned a century old in 2014, the Lily Pond in front of the famous Beverly Hills Sign in Beverly Gardens Park was recreated in order to celebrate this.

The pond, first built in 1907, was eventually removed in the 1970s.

Beverly Gardens Park has come a long way since becoming one of the most popular and highly frequented tourist spots in Beverly Hills.

Paved walkway at Beverly Gardens Park

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The Lily Pond is tranquil and beautiful, spreading willingly in front of the sign and covering almost a whole block.

With its 40-foot design and vintage postcard background, the Beverly Hills Sign is the perfect backdrop for your photos.

Even though it is located in Beverly Gardens Park, the sign has gained more than enough popularity to be considered a separate tourist spot.

Shop till You Drop at the Famous Rodeo Drive

Shops at Rodeo Drive

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With all its charm and fashion, the world-famous Rodeo Drive is one of the iconic attractions that define Beverly Hills.

It is a two-mile-long street, connected to Los Angeles at the southern segment, filled with amazing shops.

These shops aren’t ordinary; they are, in fact, flagship stores of designer labels and haute-couture fashion, including Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Gucci, and Dior, among others.

Road sign of Rodeo Drive

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It’ll probably be a little less appealing if you’re not a shopping lover, but there are lots of famous landmarks that will surely occupy your attention.

Rodeo Drive is where you’ll see the Torso statue, the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, the House of Bijan, and A Four Seasons Hotel, where Pretty Woman was shot!

With swinging palm trees and pop culture presence all around, Rodeo Drive is a must for your itinerary.

View of Rodeo Drive from across the street

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Have a Pamper Day at Tomoko Japanese Spa

Beverly Hills provides the best of all things, especially their world-class pampering centers.

Tomoko Japanese Spa is one of those, providing treatments to help remove all the negative energy from your body.

Founded in 1999, it’s a minimalist spa by Tomoko Kurono that focuses on providing the perfect Japanese hospitality services (i.e., Omotenashi) with the help of an accommodative cultural approach.

The spa offers a variety of treatments, which you can receive in a private room filled with all kinds of Japanese comforts, and you can even customize them.

All these treatments are accompanied by a complimentary footbath (i.e., Ashiyu), mochi, and ginger tea.

As you can see, Tomoko Japanese Spa can definitely soothe your body and soul.

Tour the Greystone Mansion and Gardens

Exterior of Greystone Mansion

Los Angeles, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you have always wondered about one particular mansion that frequently appears in Hollywood films, this is it.

A Tudor Revival Mansion, the beautiful and vintage Greystone Mansion nestles in the folds of Trousdale Estates of Beverly Hills.

It was gifted by the oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny to his son in 1928 before being handed over to the city in 1965.

Water fountain on the grounds of Greystone Mansion and Gardens

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The place stands on 16 acres of land, complete with 55 rooms, luxurious fixtures, and scenic views of Los Angeles from the southern side.

Now a city park as well as an honorary member of the National Register of Historic Places, the Mansion is a popular location for photoshoots, weddings, movies, and other private functions.

Pathway lined with trees at Greystone Mansion and Gardens

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Spend a Relaxing Day at Will Rogers Memorial Park

Welcome sign of Will Rogers Memorial Park

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Will Rogers Memorial Park is located on Sunset Boulevard.

Now, you might wonder what is so special about a public park.

Well, this particular park has a lot of things that make it worth visiting.

Built in 1912, it was first called Sunset Park before acquiring its current name in 1952.

Water fountain at Will Rogers Memorial Park

Zigzig20s, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The renaming was done in honor of Will Rogers, who was the first “Honorary Mayor” of the city and loved to visit the park with his family.

Spread over five acres, this triangle-shaped park features some large lawns, a beautiful pond with a fountain, and rose gardens, all of which are surrounded by swinging palm trees.

The park is a delight to visit with a rich history and even richer atmosphere.

Tall palm trees at Will Rogers Memorial Park

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Fall in Love with the Flora and Fauna at the Gottlieb Native Garden

How can someone’s private garden be a tourist attraction?

The answer lies in the Gottlieb Native Garden.

Susan and Dan Gottlieb have nurtured this Native Garden on their one-acre private property, which has been declared one of the best private gardens in the state.

It is open to the public mostly on special occasions, such as the annual Theodore Payne Foundation Annual Garden Tour that takes place in the spring.

What is impressive about this garden is its whopping collection of flora and fauna, creating a lively and thriving atmosphere to experience.

The garden has been declared a National Wildlife Federation-certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat and even has a book written about it called The Gottlieb Native Garden: A California Love Story.

Enjoy Authentic Japanese Cuisine at Tempura Endo

If you are looking for a bar serving Japanese cuisine in Beverly Hills, then Tempura Endo is the place to go.

Located on the Santa Monica Boulevard, the tiny bar features a small dining room.

The restaurant serves authentic Japanese tempura, along with the fixed menu of a seasonal appetizer, hashiyasume, sashimi, a rice dish, and a salad.

The drinks selection is especially fascinating, including Japanese drinks like hot and cold sake and imported beer.

Wines and non-alcoholic beverages are available as well.

If that’s not up to your tastes, you can always go for the a la carte menu.

A piece of the Orient in the Western world, Tempura Endo is a remarkable place to have a meal.

Shop for Local Goods at the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market

Shoppers at Beverly Hills Farmers Market

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Whether the sun is shining or the clouds are thundering, the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market never stops working.

What makes it impressive is that it is a certified farmers’ market featuring products from local vendors and farmers, live music performances, and even a petting zoo.

Here, you will find the finest locally-grown fruits and vegetables, specialty items, baked items, and delicious coffee and juices, among others.

Fresh fruits at Beverly Hills Farmers' Market

Chris Mann / Shutterstock.com

The market also provides a way to keep your little ones occupied as you shop, with child-sized carts, a petting zoo, pony rides, and frequently organized activities.

Open every Sunday, the farmers’ market is also known to host special events all year long.

The market is definitely the best place to spend your Sunday, don’t you think?

Vendors at Beverly Hills Farmers' Market

Walter Cicchetti / Shutterstock.com

Spot Celebrity Homes along Mulholland Drive

The road of Mulholland Drive

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Society is always excited to know everything about celebrities, right from their favorite food to where they live.

At least the latter can be answered since Beverly Hills’ Mulholland Drive is where many Hollywood celebrities live.

It is a 21-mile long street stretching from the Santa Monica Mountains to the Hollywood Hills, with picturesque views chasing you on the drive, including that of the iconic Hollywood Sign.

Various tour companies organize frequent tours to Mulholland Drive, narrating the mesmerizing history of the place and even pointing out which celebrities lived—or still live—there.

Mulholland Drive has become so synonymous with Beverly Hills that any trip to the city is now considered incomplete without visiting this celebrity lane.

Lounge Like a Star at The Beverly Hills Hotel

Welcome sign of Beverly Hills Hotel

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The world-famous Beverly Hills Hotel stands tall on Sunset Boulevard.

Established way before the city came into being, the hotel is a glamorous place splashed with elements from Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Spread over 12 acres of land, it comes with more than 200 guestrooms and bungalows and is painted with its signature pink and green shades.

Entrance to the Beverly Hills Hotel

Eric Glenn / Shutterstock.com

Apart from being known as the first choice for Hollywood celebrities, it is also famous for its heavenly Polo Lounge—a legendary place where celebrities and famous personalities are often found enjoying their Sundays under a canopy of flowers.

The Beverly Hills Hotel offers the whole package, that’s for sure!

Exterior of Beverly Hills Hotel

photo by Alan Light, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Catch a Glimpse at the Spooky Spadena House

Exterior of Spadena House

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Beverly Hills actually has a Witch’s House—but thankfully, no witch inhabits it!

This is the Spadena House, located at the intersection of Walden Drive and Carmelita Avenue.

It is a storybook house characterized by intentionally ramshackle structure and distinctly enchanting vibes.

It was constructed in 1921 by Harry Oliver, a famous Hollywood art director, for Willat Studios in Culver City, as a place to house its offices and dressing rooms.

When the studio closed down, however, the Spadena family claimed the house and moved it to its present location.

Thanks to its fairy tale features, it has also been called the quintessential Hansel and Gretel House.

Tours of the house are not allowed since it’s private property, but you can view it from the streets and sidewalks.

Visit the Beverly Hills City Hall

Exterior of the Beverly Hills City Hall

Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock.com

Standing tall on the North Rexford Drive is the Beverly Hills City Hall, a historic façade in the middle of swinging palm trees.

The City Hall, designed in a type of Spanish Revival architecture, was opened in 1932.

When it was renovated in 1982, it went from 49,000 square feet to 67,000 square feet, and its entrance was moved from North Crescent Drive to North Rexford Drive.

Entrance to the Beverly Hills City Hall

Elliott Cowand Jr / Shutterstock.com

Its eight-story towers, gilded cupola, and marble walls have led the City Hall to become one of Beverly Hills’ most impressive landmarks.

The City Hall holds the city administration, including the Mayor’s office; along with that, it also houses Gere Kavanaugh’s Municipal Gallery.

Charmingly capturing the city’s history and administration, this place is a must-visit.

Aerial view of the Beverly Hills City Hall

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Explore the City with Beverly Hills Trolley

The Beverly Hills Trolley on the road

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Beverly Hills is a lively and vibrant city packed with many fascinating and renowned elements.

Since experiencing the whole city is not possible in just one go, Beverly Hills Trolley was established.

This initiative features a trolley bus, which takes you around Beverly Hills to give a 40-minute-long narrated tour.

It is operational all year round, but only on weekends.

The tour informs visitors about the city’s rich history as well as appealing modernity, with the help of art, architecture, and amazing areas, including the world-famous Rodeo Drive.

Exploring any city on your own is what every tourist has to do.

However, Beverly Hills Trolley provides a fun and unique tour to give you a headstart on your city expedition!

Have a Celebrity-Approved Meal at Tagine

Beverly Hills is blessed with fantastic restaurants—and Tagine is no exception.

Located in the heart of the city, this Moroccan restaurant is the brainchild of actor Ryan Gosling and his partners, Chef Ben Benameur and Chris Angulo.

It is designed as a hideaway, which is apparent in its secluded location and the quiet and mysterious ambiance.

The restaurant is peppered with candles, plush pillows, and Moroccan artifacts.

The food and drinks menus are simply amazing, with the chefs constantly whipping up lip-smacking dishes from Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisines.

People are always impressed by every aspect of Tagine, may it be the dark coziness or even the excellent service rendered for the guests—and when you visit the place, you’ll agree, too.

Explore and Appreciate the Views at Franklin Canyon Park

Cedar trees by the Franklin Canyon Park lake

Noah Sauve / Shutterstock.com

The park, which spans 605 acres and features chaparral, meadows, oak woods, lakes, and hiking paths, is situated between San Fernando Valley and Beverly Hills.

The park has almost five miles of hiking paths, a 3-acre lake, and a duck pond.

Everyone can explore Franklin Canyon Park due to the sheer park accessibility, varying degrees of difficulty on the trails, and abundance of simple loops.

Duck pond of Franklin Canyon Park

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Over fifty native and foreign bird species call the duck pond and lake home.

Don’t forget to stop by the Eugene and Michael Rosenfeld Auditorium, Sam Goldman Amphitheatre, and Sooky Goldman Nature Center.

Dine at the Famous Polo Lounge

For decades, all of Hollywood’s power players, politicians, and business entrepreneurs have gone to Polo Lounge for business breakfasts, laid-back Sunday feasts, and afternoon cocktails.

According to accounts, the club is decorated in peachy pink and contains dark green booths with plug-in phones along with lush carpeting.

There are three dining rooms total, as well as an outside area surrounded by beautiful shrubs and vines.

The sophisticated American and Mediterranean food does not disappoint, and the restaurant is elegant and opulent with consistently top-notch live music.

Come for the Sunday jazz brunch to make the most of the warm ambiance.

Go through Various Items at Margaret Herrick Library

Exterior of Margaret Herrick Library

Alexandra Bilham / Shutterstock.com

Scroll through the Margaret Herrick Library and see the world of motion pictures take shape before your eyes.

Visit the Margaret Herrick Library to witness the development of the movie industry firsthand.

Explore thousands of items accumulated since the turn of the 20th century.

Over 42,000 works from the Graphic Arts collection span the spectrum from recent releases to some of the earliest movies ever created.

More than ten million images, including stills, candids, and behind-the-scenes production photos, are kept in the repository.

The library’s more than 1,000 holdings include first drafts of screenplays, documentation from film production, letters, and other materials related to movie studios, production businesses, people, and professional associations.

Book a Tour at the Virginia Robinson Gardens

Beautiful flora of Virginia Robinson Gardens

Zigzig20s, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Robinson House, one of the earliest houses in Beverly Hills, California, was constructed in 1911.

The Virginia Robinson Garden is now acknowledged as a historical site as well as an exotic paradise that is open to all visitors by appointment only.

Exterior of Virginia Robinson Gardens' estate

Los Angeles, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It is normal to see famous people arriving and departing the estate, which was well known for throwing the most legendary parties in the area.

There are several beautiful gardens to explore, each with its unique design and subject.

Only guided tours are provided to view the home, gardens, and pool pavilion.

Rose garden and statue of Virginia Robinson Gardens

Zigzig20s, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Taste Delicious Food Paired with Wine at Nerano

Beverly Hills’ Nerano is a trendy, modern Italian eatery.

It debuted in 2016 and was influenced by excursions to the stunning Amalfi Coast made by founders Andy and Carlo Brandon-Gordon.

Every day, the elegant restaurant serves lunch, supper, and aperitivo hour, with delectable gourmet dishes with a Mediterranean flair.

In addition to the traditional varieties of Neapolitan wood-fired pizza, meals feature prawns, Mediterranean branzino filets, and wagyu New York strip steaks.

There is a sizable selection of Italian wines, as well as exclusive signature drinks that feature infused and small-batch liquors.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Admire Stunning Art Pieces at the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation

Exterior of Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation

JHZerbe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation is where you get your fill of impressive art.

Established in 1982, it is dedicated to Frederick R. Weisman, an amazing entrepreneur, philanthropist, and avid art collector.

The foundation has more than 400 works on display—by Picasso and Warhol, among others—an artistic amalgamation of contemporary as well as modern artworks.

These works hail from Weisman’s own astounding collection, all of which can be seen with the help of the foundation’s guided tours, also covering the foundation’s estate, along with the annex and its gardens.

Since the foundation loans its collection to art museums across the world, the displays on tour are constantly changing.

A visit here will guarantee an enriching, artistic experience.

Final Thoughts

California’s Beverly Hills is a symbol of grandeur, fame, and fortune.

Hollywood celebrities live in Beverly Hills, where they shop, dine at upscale restaurants, and unwind at spas.

One of the best things to do in Beverly Hills, California, is to take a tour of this well-liked tourist destination.

The entire globe appreciates taking a weekend or day vacation to this captivating city and its world-famous attractions.

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