Beverly Hills Travel Guide—History, Rodeo Drive & Hotels

Why Do the World’s Celebrities Flock to Beverly Hills?

Best known as the luxurious enclave where Hollywood A-listers and global elites make their homes, Beverly Hills is also a favorite backdrop for countless movies and TV shows—so it’s no wonder the area intrigues so many visitors.

Today, let’s explore why Beverly Hills continues to enchant celebrities and discover the must-see spots that make this glamorous city shine.

1. What Exactly Is Beverly Hills?

Beverly Hills is a glittering enclave of lavish mansions owned by Hollywood stars and other A-listers, ringed by shopping streets packed with the world’s most exclusive luxury brands.

Located about 17 miles (27 km) north of LAX—roughly a 25-minute drive—the city covers just 5.7 square miles (14.8 km²), an area comparable to Tokyo’s Meguro Ward.

Compared with many other American cities, the roads are pristine, the boulevards are lined with manicured palms, and everywhere you look there’s an unmistakable air of high-end sophistication.

2. History

Long before it became “Beverly Hills,” this fertile area was home to the Tongva (Gabrielino) people, who thrived here for centuries.

Three canyons—Franklin, Coldwater, and Benedict—channeled fresh streams through the foothills, creating an abundance of precious water. The native population considered the site sacred and called it, in Spanish, El Rodeo de las Aguas (“the Gathering of Waters”).

After Europeans arrived in 1769, outbreaks of foreign diseases (such as smallpox) and brutal treatment by settlers devastated the indigenous communities and their way of life.

In 1838, the Mexican governor of Alta California granted the land known as El Rodeo de las Aguas to the widow María Rita Valdez Vila. She developed it as a ranch and farm, and over time the property changed hands several times.

In 1900 oilman Burton Green and his partners acquired the tract, hired landscape architect Wilbur D. Cook Jr. to lay out a garden-suburb community, and christened it “Beverly Hills.”

The name was inspired by Beverly Farms in Massachusetts.

By 1907 the city’s landmark streets—Rodeo Drive, Canon Drive, Crescent Drive, and others—were already taking shape.

The iconic Beverly Hills Hotel opened in 1912, luring wealthy travelers and celebrities with its opulent rooms and first-class service.

As the motion-picture industry boomed nearby in Hollywood, actors, directors, and producers began settling in Beverly Hills.

One turning point came in 1919, when the era’s most famous screen couple—Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford—bought a lavish estate here, signaling to other stars that Beverly Hills was the place to live.

From then on, mansions for movie royalty dotted the hillsides, and Beverly Hills cemented its reputation as a haven for the rich and famous. Today the city continues to flourish as both a celebrity enclave and a world-class luxury shopping destination.

3. Rodeo Drive

Rodeo Drive is a dazzling shopping strip lined with the world’s most prestigious luxury brands.

Wandering past the chic, architecturally refined storefronts instantly puts you in a celebrity frame of mind—perfect for soaking up that Beverly Hills glamour.

The combination of towering palms and blue California sky is the quintessential SoCal backdrop!

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4. Beverly Hills Sign

The Beverly Hills Sign is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

It sits near the center of Beverly Gardens Park, where visitors from around the world line up for the obligatory photo in front of the famous arch and reflecting pool.

You can spot the sign in the Instagram carousel above—be sure to check it out before you go!

5. Will Rogers Memorial Park

This is said to be the very first public park established within the City of Beverly Hills.

It opened in 1915 as Sunset Park, but was renamed in 1952 to honor Will Rogers—actor, humorist, and the city’s first honorary mayor.

6. A Line-Up of Iconic Luxury Hotels

Long before Beverly Hills was officially incorporated as a city, The Beverly Hills Hotel opened its pink-palmed doors in 1912 and quickly became an institution for Hollywood royalty.

Another standout is the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel—famous as the primary filming location for the 1990 classic Pretty Woman—along with several other five-star properties that draw celebrities, business leaders, and travelers in search of first-class service.

7. High-End Grocery Store: Erewhon

Erewhon is a hugely popular market renowned for its organic produce and wellness-focused products.

With several locations across Los Angeles—including one within easy walking distance of Rodeo Drive—it’s the perfect place to swing by during your Beverly Hills stroll.

Their signature smoothies and ready-to-go meals make a great refuel stop while you explore. For a closer look, check out the Instagram reel below!

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8. Final Thoughts

Beverly Hills is a world-famous enclave of luxury homes and designer shopping that draws Hollywood’s brightest stars!

Make sure to visit at least once and treat yourself to a taste of the celebrity lifestyle!

We feature even more recommended spots on Instagram, so be sure to check them out!

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