The words Beverly Hills bring to mind images of wealth and luxury. Most people associate Beverly Hills with the rich and famous, and for decades this posh area has been known as a celebrity stomping ground. Beverly Hills is quintessential Southern California, lined with palm trees and bathed in sunshine, and it has a lot to offer both tourists and residents alike. Nestled beneath the Hollywood Hills, in the shadow of the Hollywood sign, Beverly Hills is a kind of urban paradise. Living in Beverly Hills isn’t cheap, but for those who can afford it, it is well worth the money. Beverly Hills cost of living puts it beyond the reach of people with an average income, but you don’t have to live there to enjoy all it has to offer. Every year, tourists flock to this world-famous locale because there are plenty of fun things to do in Beverly Hills.
Retail Heaven
Rodeo Drive is a shopper’s paradise. The establishments on Rodeo cater to an upscale clientele and carry the most prestigious designers and popular brands. Fashion is king on Rodeo, so if you want to look and feel like a movie star, Rodeo Drive is the place to go. Buyer beware, though. Price tags on items sold along rodeo tend to be on the high side and aren’t especially budget friendly. Retail on Rodeo is one of the best luxury things to do in Beverly Hills and it will certainly appeal to those that are fond of the best retail experience.
Starstruck
There is a reason Beverly Hills is known as the playground of the rich and famous. Hollywood really is home to a number of movie stars, because there are so many neighborhoods that can be considered the best place to live in Beverly Hills. Each neighborhood boasts its own special brand of luxury. There are several different tour companies offering guided tours around the city with stops at the homes of your favorite celebrities.
History
Hollywood isn’t all sunshine and movie stars. The history of Los Angeles has its share of sordid chapters, and like all metropolises, the city’s formative years are packed with drama and intrigue. Several sites throughout the City of Angels played a role in the evolution of LA, and it would take more than one article to outline all of them. Visitors to Beverly Hills, however, will find themselves near one of the most well known of these sites thanks to the big screen. The movie Mulholland Falls is based largely on true events, and visitors to Hollywood/Beverly Hills can check out the real Mulholland Drive, a 21 mile stretch between Hollywood and Santa Monica that figures prominently in the film. Guided tours are available for history buffs looking to increase their knowledge of Los Angeles’s past.
The Greystone Mansion and the Beverly Hills Hotel are two other locations with interesting histories and tales to tell. Ned Dohne and his wife, Lucy, are responsible for construction of the sprawling 55 room manse known as Greystone Mansion, which today appeals to tourists with its beautiful architecture and impressive grounds. For fans of the paranormal, the historic Beverly Hills hotel has a rich history and is rumored to have several resident spirits.
Culture
Though the bulk of LA museums are in West LA and West Hollywood, Beverly Hills isn’t without its own art and culture. The Frederick R Weisman Art Foundation has more than 400 public exhibits on display, showcasing a variety of modern and contemporary art. The Paley Center for Media is another location for those seeking technology and culture in the Beverly Hills area.
Outdoor Fun in the California Sun
Beverly Gardens Park is scenic and iconic. Take a stroll through SoCal flora and snap a selfie in front of the Beverly Gardens sign as a personalized souvenir. The weather is warm and dry almost all year round, so any day is a good day to get outside in Beverly Hills and soak up some California sun.
Beverly Hills is tucked beneath the rolling Hollywood Hills, known for being crowned by the famous Hollywood sign. Adventurous types might enjoy a guided hike or horseback ride up into the hills to appreciate LA from above. Although it might not seem like it, LA does have wildlife, and taking to the trails above Beverly Hills is the best way to get close to it. Redtail Hawks, rabbits, coyotes, and several species of reptile call the Hollywood Hills their home, but be careful, as Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes are not uncommon in the area.
With so much to see and do in Beverly Hills, it is no surprise that it continues to be one of the most popular locations for living the high-class LA lifestyle. If you’re thinking about making the move, then feel free to contact us and we will be happy to guide you through the process.
