Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History of Beverly Hills
- Safety in Beverly Hills
- Arrival, Parking, and Transportation Within Beverly Hills
- Best Things to Do in Beverly Hills
- What and Where to Eat in Beverly Hills
- General Tips About Visiting Beverly Hills
- Conclusion
- Los Angeles Blogs
Introduction
Beverly Hills is associated with the rich and famous in Los Angeles. The area is synonymous with fine dining, shopping, and celebrities. Well, some of those things are true and others are more fiction. Beverly Hills is home to luxury shopping. You can find all major luxury designer stores like Cartier, Louis Vuitton, and Prada alongside the main walkway. There are also nice Instagram spots and a surprisingly good museum at the Mr. Brainwash Art Museum. This is a pleasant destination for you to explore for the day but will break most budgets if you decide to stay here too long. This blog post will cover the history of Beverly Hills, accommodation, transportation, safety, things to do, what and where to eat, and other general tips while visiting Beverly Hills.
History of Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills wasn’t always dotted with luxury shopping and palm trees. While California was still a part of Mexico, the city was a small farm. The farm of el Rodeo de las Aguas occupied the current area of Beverly Hills (that’s where Rodeo Drive gets its name!). The land was home to farm animals, barns, and streams. So, how did it get to where it is now?
Beverly Hills was later incorporated into Los Angeles in 1914. Actors Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks are credited with the initial spark in immigration to the city. Once they moved and built their massive home in 1919, other people took notice and joined them. During the 1920s, the city saw an increase in immigration to over 2,000 percent. It was then the destination for theater activity and saw a speedway nearby which further increased foot traffic. These reasons allowed Beverly Hills to flourish and become one of the most prestigious cities in Los Angeles.
Safety in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is one of the safest areas in the United States. Violent crimes are almost non-existent here, but crimes of opportunity do occur. What is a crime of opportunity? Crimes of opportunity are not pre-planned crimes, but rather when the perpetrator sees someone mess up and allows them to commit the crime. Even though smaller crimes like pickpocketing and car break-ins are still low, do not give anyone the chance to do so and keep aware of your surroundings. Beverly Hills has its own fire and police departments so you will be perfectly fine visiting. If you want more information about safety in Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Safety in Los Angeles: Complete Guide” blog post.
Where to Stay in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills contains some of the most luxurious accommodation options in Los Angeles. So it should come as no surprise that it gets really expensive. The area is home to hotels and also has some apartment rentals. There are much cheaper areas to stay, but if you want to be in Beverly Hills or don’t have a budget, this is a nice, safe area to base yourself. There are two primary accommodation options in Beverly Hills, hotels and room and house rentals, both of which will be discussed in detail below, and specific recommendations below that.
Room and House Rentals
Airbnb and Vrbo are popular rental companies and offer guests opportunities to rent private and/or shared spaces for a few days to a few weeks. If you are a solo traveler or a couple, I recommend using Airbnb as they have smaller accommodation options. Both Vrbo and Airbnb may have some options for large groups and families. All rooms and houses offered usually have many reviews, so you can look at them and see how their experience was. I’ve also noticed that since COVID-19, both companies have charged a very high cleaning fee on top of a high fee. But then again, it’s Beverly Hills, were you expecting cheap prices? Prices are usually a little cheaper than a hotel room at around $200.00 / €185.54.
Costs can vary depending on the time you go and for how long, but the prices range from $100.00 to $200.00+ / €92.77 to €185.54+. I see that most options on both sites have parking options but always double check. Generally speaking, most places have a check-in time around 3 pm and a check-out time around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but it can vary depending on the location.
Normally if you want an early check-in and/or late check-out they can accommodate you without an extra fee. Air conditioning does come in most units (sometimes at an extra fee), so if you come during summer, it should not be too bad. To check out Airbnb’s official website, click here. For Vrbo’s official website, click here.
Hotels
Almost all hotels have parking spots, so if you have a car or rent a vehicle, it should not be a problem. However, some hotels do charge an additional fee to park your car, so be sure to ask at the front desk, and they will give you a parking hanging tag or sticker for your vehicle. There are not a lot of hotels, but there are options (some recommendations are listed below).
Most hotels have a check-in time of around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time of around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but this can vary depending on the location. If you want an early check-in or late check-out you can call ahead and see if they can do anything, but in some cases, it will cost extra. Beverly Hills is where the rich come to stay, so accommodation will be some of the highest in all of Los Angeles. Average rates that I’ve seen range from $250.00 to $700.00+ / €231.97 to €649.53+ per night. Here are a few hotels in Beverly Hills that have excellent reviews, or I’ve heard great feedback from.
Recommendations:
- The Beverly Hills Hotel ($$$)
- The Beverly Hilton ($$$)
- Beverly Wilshire, A Four Season Hotel ($$$)
If you want more information about accommodation in Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Where to Stay in Los Angeles Guide” blog post.
Arrival, Parking, and Transportation Within Beverly Hills
- Arrival
Arriving to Beverly Hills is very easy and straightforward. Driving is the simplest and really the only way to get here. There are plenty of parking spaces but expect it to be crowded with a bit of traffic. You can also use ride-sharing apps but since there tends to be a lot of traffic throughout most of the day, I don’t think it’s the best option. City buses also go to Beverly Hills from all over Los Angeles, but they shouldn’t be used or used as a last resort.
- Transportation Within Beverly Hills
Contrary to the normal rules of traversing Los Angeles, the best way to see Beverly Hills is by walking. As a tourist you are primarily going to be staying in Downtown Beverly Hills, and it’s pretty small. Rodeo Drive is only about two miles / 3.6 kilometers long. That coupled with Beverly Hills’ safety makes for a very walkable environment. The next best option would be using a ride-share application or city buses but since everything is so close together, that won’t be necessary.
- Parking in Beverly Hills
If you decide to park in Beverly Hills, two parking lots have free two-hour parking which you should definitely take advantage of. There is a parking lot called Brighton Public Parking and another at the Beverly Hills Library. The Brighton Public Parking charges $3.00 / €2.78 after the first two hours for every thirty minutes, up to a maximum of $22.00 / €20.42 for the day. After 6 p.m. / 18:00, there is a flat rate of $5.00 / €4.64.
The Beverly Hills Library charges $1.00 / €0.92 after the first two hours for every thirty minutes, up to a maximum of $16.00 / €14.85 for the day. For the Beverly Hills Public Library, there is no entry fee after 5 p.m. / 17:00 but check the hours here. Keep in mind that the Beverly Hills Public Library is located a little bit further away, but offers cheaper prices, so I think it’s worth the extra 5-minute walk. If you want more information on transportation in Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Arrival and Transportation Within Los Angeles” blog post.
Best Things to Do in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is one of the most popular areas in all of Los Angeles. There are a pretty good amount of things to do, and Rodeo Drive is one of the top five most visited places in Los Angeles. This is by no means a complete list but rather highlights I recommend. In no particular order, these are the top things I recommend you do in and around Beverly Hills.
Walk on Rodeo Drive
This is on everyone’s list when they visit not only Beverly Hills but Los Angeles. Rodeo Drive is known for one thing, shopping. Rodeo Drive is located in Downtown Beverly Hills and is two miles / 3.6 kilometers long. Along the street, you’ll see over 100 stores, many of which are luxury retailers, which most of us can’t afford. Although most of Rodeo Drive is shopping, there are other things to do. You can grab a coffee or tea and walk around, admiring the shops and posh culture. It’s also fun being able to people-watch and see the expensive cars and different people who come to Rodeo Drive to shop and just walk around. I feel like many people expect to find celebrities in this area due to its extravagant culture, but that is highly unlikely. Celebrities know how popular the area is and try to avoid it. If they do go, they are excellent at hiding themselves. Just don’t expect to see anyone famous here.
Window Shopping
Window shopping is a popular activity to do on Rodeo Drive since many of us can’t afford its prices. Window shopping is when you stand outside looking at what’s on display at the windows. Many people do this, imagining being able to afford shoes that cost thousands of dollars. If you do plan on shopping here, there is security everywhere. They will ensure that you are safe to enter and sometimes can buy something. Not everyone can enter these luxurious shops.
See the Beverly Hills Sign
This is a very famous spot in Beverly Hills and a must-visit for many people wanting that Instagram picture. The sign is easy to find as throughout the main part of Downtown Beverly Hills, signs are directing you to the infamous sign. The sign itself is very basic as it’s just a sign with a nice lily pond in front of the sign. Keep in mind that if you go during a busy time, you may need to wait in line for a picture right in front of it. The sign is not too out of the way, so it is worth a visit if you are walking in the downtown area.
Visit the Mr. Brainwash Art Museum
Mr. Brainwash Art Museum is an art museum in Beverly Hills. The museum is by French street artist Mr. Brainwash and showcases his detailed and playful art. In my honest opinion, this was a top 10 museum in Los Angeles. The entire museum presents itself as a giant playground. There are massive sculptures, painted instruments, and original takes on famous pieces of art. This museum was very fun and interactive, and one I cannot recommend enough. The museum isn’t very long, only taking about an hour to get through it, but worth a visit.
Visit the Beverly Gardens Park
The Beverly Hills Gardens Park is a 1.9 mile / 3.05-kilometer strip of gardens that is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Rodeo Drive. There is a lovely desert landscape with cacti and desert flowers, and also a rose garden that blooms gorgeous during spring. There are also interesting public art installations that reflect the beauty of Beverly Hills and give a glimpse into life in this small part of L.A. The Beverly Hills Sign is also located here but this park is so much more than just the sign. The entire park is right next to Rodeo Drive, so it’s easily accessible from the main touristy part.
Visit the Greystone Mansion and Gardens
In 1976, the Greystone Mansion and Gardens was listed as of historical importance in Los Angeles and is a popular destination for people visiting Beverly Hills. The mansion has been used in many Hollywood movies and is a gorgeous place to relax and take in the beautiful mansion and surrounding gardens. There is parking on-site, and it is free, but the mansion is not located next to Rodeo Drive or Downtown Beverly Hills, so don’t think you can use the parking for the main shopping areas. The grounds are open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. / 10:00–17:00 but may be closed during holidays and other important dates. Please note, that you cannot enter the mansion unless you are attending a special event.
Visit the Getty Center
The Getty Center is one of the best museums in Los Angeles and is located pretty close to Beverly Hills. The museum showcases art from around the world and displays it in one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. It is a 15-minute drive (without traffic) from the Beverly Hills Sign and well worth the drive. The museum is located atop a hill overlooking Brentwood. The entry is free (although it requires a reservation) but the parking is not free. The parking fee is pretty high at $25.00 / €23.29, but if the traffic is low, you can always take a ride-sharing app.
Visit Miracle Mile
Miracle Mile is a small part of Los Angeles located about 12 minutes west of Beverly Hills. Miracle Mile is famous for its four well-known museums: the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, the Peterson Automotive Museum, and the Academy of Motion Pictures Museum (discussed in detail below). In no particular order, the museums in Miracle Mile are
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
Opened in 1961, The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is the biggest museum in California and the largest art museum on the entire west coast. The size of this museum is not to be underestimated. There are three floors of sculptures, galleries, and art pieces. My favorite part of the museum was the Arab section, which had a replica of a Moroccan-decorated room. I will say, that if you are not into art, I wouldn’t recommend you purchase a ticket to go inside since it truly is an art museum in that respect. You can walk around outside and free sculptures and art displays. The outside section, which is free, is where you will find the Instagram famous ‘Urban Lights’ public artwork.
The LACMA does offer parking at the Pritzker Parking Garage for $21.00 / €19.56. However, I would recommend you park at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum (discussed below) parking lot, located right next door. It costs $18.00 / €16.76 for all-day parking. It is a short 5-10 minute walk but is a nice walk as you get to see the infamous tar pits.
The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is one of the best museums in the city. The actual museum is located on active tar pits. These tar pits are the very same ones that mastodons and smilodons were stuck in. And as you’re walking around, you can see archeologists excavating the tar pits and cleaning bones! There are five fenced-in pits around the area, and they are all free to explore. Everything outside is free to enjoy as well and provides a nice walk and lovely scenery.
The museum itself is well done, informative, interactive, and very interesting. It discusses the animals that inhabited the area 50,000 years ago, with complete fossils and accurate replicas. There is on-site parking (some of the best in the area). It costs $18.00 / €16.76 for all-day parking and is right next to the museum.
The Peterson Automotive Museum
Opened in 1994, the Peterson displays almost any car you can think of. They have old and new, but most impressively they have dozens of famous cars used in Hollywood movies. They have the Mystery Machine from Scooby-Doo, the Batmobile, and even the Terminator bike. If you are a car fanatic or a fan of classic movies, this is a cool museum to wander around in. The Peterson has the best parking in the area if you are visiting the museum. It costs $17.00 / €15.86 with museum validation. You can use this as a base for the area and visit other museums or points of interest in the area.
The Academy of Motion Pictures Museum
Now, this is a museum you know belongs in L.A. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a museum that highlights the Academy Awards that take place in the Dolby Theater on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This is a new museum opening in 2021 and features three levels of amazing exhibits all centered around cinema. One of my favorite sections was an exhibit focusing on the Academy Awards’ most memorable acceptance speeches. I stood there for almost 40 minutes, listening to everyone’s speeches. There is also an Oscars Experience where you can hold an actual Academy Award at an additional cost.
There is also a fun exhibit where you can see costumes used in dozens of movies, including Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Aliens, and Edward Scissorhands. Upon your ascent up the museum, you cross the Barbra Streisand Bridge to reach a wonderful open area with great views of Los Angeles. This museum does not offer on-site parking so, I’d recommend you use the La Brea Tar Pits Parking located nearby. It costs $18.00 / €16.76 for all-day parking and is a 15-20 minute walk.
This Academy of Motion Pictures Museum utilizes an app called Bloomberg Connects. This free app has online museum guides and informative videos that can give you a somewhat virtual tour, help guide you throughout the museum, and provide additional information. Bloomberg Connects has online guides for 15 institutions in Los Angeles, including the Academy Museum.
This app also has almost every major language included which is very useful since most museums in L.A. only have information in English, with a few having Spanish. Although some guides on Bloomberg Connects have audio tours, the Academy Musuem does not, so there is no audio. Click here to go to the Bloomberg Connects website to learn more and download the app for both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Hike in Franklin Canyon Park
Hiking is one of the most popular things for locals to do in Los Angeles. Beverly Hills has Franklin Canyon Park which is about 603 acres / 244.05 hectares located on the outskirts of the city. The park contains a duck pond that can have ducks, geese, and turtles depending on the time of year and 3.6 miles / 5.7 kilometers of hiking trails. There is wildlife and lush foliage right next to the busy city. Parking can be a bit tight (as is everywhere in Los Angeles), so please make sure you park in the correct areas. The Beverly Hills Police monitor the hiking areas religiously and WILL ticket you. And even the tickets are expensive in Beverly Hills, sometimes over $100.00 / €92.43!
What and Where to Eat in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills’ grandeur expands to its cuisine as well. As you can imagine, it is very expensive to eat in Beverly Hills. Many people choose to bring outside food and have a picnic or eat in other areas of Los Angeles. I have not eaten in Beverly Hills, although I know the food is expensive costing up to $50.00 / €46.21 per plate. There isn’t a type of food that is unique or popular in Beverly Hills, but rather fine dining. If you go to certain restaurants here, there may be a dress code in effect or encouraged. Please dress for the event as these places are very posh. In no particular order, here are a few recommendations that have excellent reviews or some of my friends have given great reviews.
Recommendations:
- Crustacean Beverly Hills (Seafood)
- The Boiling Crab (Cajun Seafood)
- Beverly Bar (American)
- 85 Degrees Bakery (Café)
- Il Pastaio (Italian)
General Tips About Visiting Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is a small section of Los Angeles, one of the 88 cities that make up the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. Although some of the information overlaps, some are unique to different areas. In no particular order, here is a list of tips I’d recommend you follow before you visit Beverly Hills.
Wear Your Best Clothes
One of the first times I visited Beverly Hills, I had just finished hiking earlier in the day. I was not covered in dirt or looked like I just ran a marathon, but I was not dressed the best. I have never felt so judged in my life. People were staring and I ended up leaving early. I even caught a young woman taking a picture of me on Snapchat (probably because I was dressed in hiking pants and a bright shirt). When I returned, I noticed how nice everyone dressed. You don’t have to dress in designer but try to wear your best clothes. I would say this rule is more restricted to Beverly Hills and should not apply in most areas of Los Angeles.
Bring Water and/or Snacks
If I haven’t said it 20 times, I haven’t said it enough, Beverly Hills is expensive. If you are walking and get a little peckish or thirsty, you are paying a lot of money for something that’s incredibly marked up. You will find bottles of water that you’ve never heard of or a brand that comes from one specific glacier in Switzerland. Get some water, Gatorade, and snacks from a store in Los Angeles, and use them while you are wandering around Beverly Hills.
Watch the Parking Signs
Parking can be very expensive, but it can be much more expensive if done incorrectly. Many parking spots near restaurants, retail, and department stores will have signs displaying “Parking only for (insert name here) customers. Violators will be towed.” Do not park in these spots unless you are in their designated spots. It is very possible that you can be towed, which is not something you want on your vacation. Beverly Hills has many valet parking options, so individuals do not have to worry about finding a parking spot.
If you are parking on the street, please read all signs on your side of the street to make sure you aren’t breaking any rules. They can be kind of confusing but try to dissect the pole and read sign by sign. Again, you can and will be towed. I have heard many people park where they see cars, and that can be dangerous. Please be confident or know how to parallel park, sometimes it is the only parking spot left. Follow all the rules at a parking garage to avoid high payments. One of the most difficult places to find parking is at Franklin Canyon Park, so please don’t break any parking rules, Beverly Hills PD will give you a ticket.
Wildlife While Hiking at Franklin Canyon Park
While hiking at Franklin Canyon Park, you may encounter some of its wildlife. The wildlife is not going to be as abundant as Yellowstone or Yosemite National Parks, but it is far from barren. This section will go into the flora and fauna that you may encounter while hiking near Beverly Hills.
– Insects
Insects exist everywhere on Earth, except Antarctica. There are three that are best known for their ability to transmit some nasty diseases: fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks. All three are in and/or around Franklin Canyon Park but the diseases they transmit are not common in the area.
– Rattlesnakes
The most common animal that can cause harm while hiking in Los Angeles in general is rattlesnakes. They are most commonly found in shaded areas. There are seven different species of rattlesnakes in southern California. Although they can be fatal if bitten, the good news is that they have a rattle to let you know you are getting too close. They also hide during the day to avoid the sun. If you are bitten, do not constrict the area or try and suck out the venom.
Remain calm and call 911. Rattlesnakes are not the only snakes in the area but are the only deadly ones in the area. One piece of advice I can give you is to stick to the trails. Rattlesnakes only go on the trail to cross from one side to the other since there is no shade. For more information, click here to go to the official University of California, Davis Health website.
– Coyotes
Coyotes are small canines related to dogs and wolves. They rarely approach, let alone, attack humans. They are often found in groups and can be seen all around the mountains and around the city. Coyotes do not pose a threat but in some instances, transit rabies, so keep a safe distance and you will be fine.
– Bobcats
Bobcats are a species of feline that resembles a large house cat. They are much bigger than your average house cat and can be territorial, and aggressive. However, they stick to themselves and rarely confront humans. If you see one, clap loudly and create noise to scare them off.
– Mountain Lions
Mountain Lions are the most intimidating animals in the area, but also the most elusive. Sometimes referred to as pumas, cougars, and panthers, mountain lions are the apex predators in the areas and are found in the Angeles National Forest as well as the Santa Monica Mountains near Beverly Hills. Sightings are rare, and there has never been a recorded attack on a human in Los Angeles. If you see a mountain lion, wave your hands above your head and make noise so they get frightened and leave your area.
– Poison Oak
Poison oak can be found all around Franklin Canyon Park and can ruin your trip. Poison oak contains an oily resin (urushiol oil) that causes an allergic reaction when exposed to human skin. It is not life-threatening, but the rash can last days and ruin your trip. If you come into contact with poison oak, rinse the affected area with soap and cold water and remove any clothes that may have come into contact with the oak. If you want to learn more about prevention and treatment, click here to go to the FDA’s official website.
Use AllTrails
AllTrails is a godsend when it comes to hiking. And although Franklin Canyon Park has very straightforward and well-marked trails, it can still be useful. There is a built-in GPS mechanic that tracks you while you are hiking which is a key feature. They also have an easy-to-use search option to look up trails in Franklin Canyon Park. To visit AllTrails’ official website and download the app for both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, click here.
You (Probably) Won’t be Seeing Any Celebrities
Many people associate Beverly Hills with celebrities since Rodeo Drive is only shopped by the most elite. But allow me to be the bearer of bad news, during your visit to Beverly Hills, you will not meet any celebrities. People get this conception that when celebrities have days off, they go to Rodeo Drive and shop around. But many just want to be out of the public eye unless they have to. If someone famous does need to shop at Beverly Hills, it’s much more likely they will use one of the many valets that many designer shops have to avoid detection. You are more likely to see a celebrity hiking than shopping. But trust me, they know how to hide themselves. Just don’t walk around Rodeo Drive with the hopes of meeting celebrities, because you will be let down.
For more broad tips about traveling to Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Traveling To Los Angeles General Tips” blog post.
Conclusion
This has been a comprehensive and detailed list of everything regarding Beverly Hills including where to stay, how to get around, safety, what to do, and general tips. What has been your experience in Beverly Hills? What is your favorite thing to do in Beverly Hills? If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, feel free to post them below. Also, please check out blog posts related to Los Angeles below, or go back to the Los Angeles page to learn more about traveling to L.A.
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