Catering to such silver screen legends as Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor, opulence comes alive at the Beverly Hills Hotel, home to cozy bungalows with outdoor fireplaces and private swimming pools. Even if you don’t book a room, you can enjoy Sunday brunch, afternoon tea or an evening cocktail at the world-famous Polo Lounge. Stroll along the three city blocks that make up Rodeo Drive and you'll pass more than 100 high-end shops, restaurants and hotels along the way. Lined with large palm trees and colorful flowers, the thoroughfare includes designer jewelry stores, shoe shops and clothing boutiques. Each Father’s Day, the street hosts Concours d’Elegance, a car show highlighting luxury automobiles.
Explore the history of broadcasting at the Paley Center for Media, home to nearly 150,000 television and radio programs and ads, many of which you can watch on private consoles. Special exhibits held throughout the year include costumes, sets and collectibles from famous shows. The museum also hosts PaleyFest, an annual festival that highlights revered television shows via cast and crew discussion panels. Retreat to the 1927 Greystone Park and Mansion, built by oil tycoon and local legend Edward Doheny, for an evening of high-brow entertainment. Get an up-close glimpse of the ornate mansion as you enjoy special events throughout the year, including classical concerts, murder mystery performances and gourmet food crafting classes. On rare occasions, the mansion provides guided tours.
Known for its swanky post-Oscar parties and its clientele of Hollywood royalty, Spago remains one of Beverly Hills’ most exclusive restaurants. Serving gourmet California cuisine and approximately 30,000 bottles of wine, the restaurant has racked up major awards over time, including two stars from the Michelin Guide in 2009 and the Wine Spectator Grand Award from 2010 to 2012. Indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to the bakery that started the West Coast cupcake craze: Sprinkles Cupcakes. The bakery serves an array of unique flavors, including triple cinnamon, salty caramel and even cupcakes for your dog. Lines run out the door throughout the day, but if you order ahead online you can request curbside delivery. If you’re in need of a sugar fix after hours, you’re in luck: Sprinkles has a 24-hour ATM that dispenses cupcakes.
While the 1911 Robinson Mansion is one of the oldest homes in Beverly Hills, the surrounding Virginia Robinson Gardens remain the 6-acre estate’s big draw. Take a leisurely stroll through the green space, home to an Australian king palm forest, rose garden and Italian terrace garden. Special events include garden lectures and craft workshops. For a change of pace, walk through the nearly 2-mile Beverly Gardens Park. The linear parkway lies just on the outskirts of the city’s residential district, providing up-close views of sprawling mansions. Take a break from the onslaught of speed walkers and joggers by escaping to the park’s cactus garden, rose garden and arbors.
