A Beginner's Guide To Beverly Hills

Forbes

2 days ago

In the heart of Los Angeles County, the palm-lined city of Beverly Hills might be compact at just 5.7 square miles, but its cultural cachet looms large. Beverly Hills was officially incorporated in 1914 and quickly transformed into a glamour magnet for Hollywood royalty, with stars like Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks building palatial homes here and iconic destinations like the Beverly Hills Hotel shaping its identity. Today, it remains an enduring symbol of luxury that feels both polished and performative, but spend a few days here, and you'll also find a place that's filled with charm, artistry and history.
Palm Tree-Lined Street Overlooking Los Angeles at Sunset
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Beverly Hills is no stranger to spectacle, and there's plenty to gawk at beyond celeb sightings. Start at the Mr. Brainwash Art Museum, an audacious fever dream of a gallery helmed by French street artist Thierry Guetta (a.k.a. Mr. Brainwash). Housed in a former Paley Center building on North Beverly Drive, this museum is less a traditional art space and more an immersive pop-art fantasia, with full-sized painted pianos stacked atop each other and a rooftop installation. Guetta became internationally known through the Banksy documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop, and he's actively involved in curating this ever-changing space.
Rolls-Royce Phantom on Rodeo Drive
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For a change of pace, head north into the hills to discover Greystone Mansion & Gardens. Tucked into a landscaped 18.5-acre estate, this grand Tudor Revival residence looks like the set of a period drama, and it has indeed played that role in countless films and TV shows. Built in 1928 by oil baron Edward Doheny for his son, the manor and its cascading gardens offer views of the city and a quiet respite. The grounds are free and open to the public most days.
No trip to Beverly Hills would be complete without at least a stroll down the immaculate Rodeo Drive, even if just for window shopping. The three-block stretch between Wilshire Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard is a shrine to luxury retail, housing flagship boutiques for Dior, Chanel, Gucci and more.
Beverly Hills is a solid destination for foodies, whether you're indulging in old-school glamour or want a hotspot for a cold drink. The Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel is arguably the most iconic restaurant in the city, with its green-and-white striped booths playing host to everyone from Frank Sinatra to modern-day film moguls. Still a power-lunch favorite, the menu is California classic with tuna tartare, crab cakes and cobb salad. Sip a martini on the Italianate patio, and you'll feel like you've stepped into Hollywood's golden age.
The Beverly Hills Hotel is a hotel on Sunset Boulevard
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For something fresher, try the recently opened Bacari, a modern-Med spot for shareable small plates housed in what used to be Lisa Vanderpump's Villa Blanca. Expect fantastic vibes and even better food. Another place that's always packed is The Hideaway on Rodeo Drive. A modern Mexican restaurant in a sunken courtyard, The Hideaway's menu is punchy and bold with killer carnitas, tomahawk ribeyes, and magaritas with a tropical twist.
If you're after something a little more homespun, try The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills, a neighborhood institution. With walls lined with wheels of Parmigiano, tins of fish and imported mustard—plus epic sandwiches, it's the perfect spot to grab essentials for a picnic in Beverly Gardens Park.
For a more immersive food experience, book a tasting tour through LA Food Tours, which has a Beverly Hills walking tour that serves everything from handmade chocolate to the latest gossip.
In a city saturated with five-star options, L'Ermitage Beverly Hills remains a good choice for those looking for privacy and polish, alongside a location that balances calm with convenience. Situated on a leafy (but busy) stretch of Burton Way, this all-suite hotel has long been a favorite among in-the-know guests.
Recently, the hotel underwent a comprehensive renovation: Guest suites are now outfitted with plush, modernist furnishings in soft, sand-and-stone hues, with balconies that catch the sun-drenched L.A. light. Bathrooms with private dressing areas are clad in marble and generously proportioned.
The new rooftop pool area at L'Ermitage Beverly Hills
L'Ermitage Beverly Hills
The star of the show is the revamped rooftop pool deck, with panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills and new cabanas and a spruced-up bar serving mezcal cocktails and seasonal small bites. Downstairs, the restaurant has shifted toward California-Mediterranean cuisine, drawing a steady local crowd for power breakfasts. There are no velvet ropes or influencer setups here, just polished hospitality and a kind of grown-up cool that feels both comfortable and still definitively Beverly Hills.