You’ve probably seen the zip code on a hundred TV shows. Maybe you think you know the vibe already—oversized sunglasses, tiny dogs in purses, and palm trees that look too perfect to be real. Honestly? It's easy to dismiss Beverly Hills as a giant, open-air jewelry box. But if you actually spend time here, you realize the "glitz" is just the top layer of a very old, very weird, and surprisingly lush onion.
There is more to the 90210 than just expensive handbags.
If you are looking for things to see in Beverly Hills CA, you have to look past the velvet ropes. Sure, go to Rodeo Drive. Get it out of your system. But then, go find the house that looks like a witch lives in it, or the garden where an oil tycoon’s son met a tragic end.
The Iconic Basics (And How to Actually Do Them)
Look, we have to talk about Rodeo Drive. It’s the law. But most people do it wrong. They walk the three blocks of the "Golden Triangle," take a selfie in front of the yellow Rolls Royce usually parked outside the House of Bijan, and leave.
If you want to feel the real energy, head to the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style. It’s like the Hollywood Walk of Fame but for fashion. You’ll find plaques honoring legends like Tom Ford and Grace Kelly. It’s subtle. It’s classy.
The Beverly Hills Sign and Lily Pond
This is the classic "I was here" photo op. Located in Beverly Gardens Park, the sign is 40 feet long and sits behind a lily pond that looks spectacular in the late afternoon sun.
The park itself is nearly two miles long. Most tourists stick to the sign, which is a mistake. If you keep walking, you’ll hit the Cactus Garden and the Rose Garden. In 2026, the city has doubled down on its public art installations here. You’ll see massive sculptures that feel like they belong in a museum, just sitting there on the grass for everyone to enjoy.
The Weird Side: The Witch's House
Few things to see in Beverly Hills CA are as jarring as the Spadena House.
Imagine a neighborhood of pristine, multi-million dollar Mediterranean villas. Now, drop a lopsided, crumbling-on-purpose fairytale cottage right in the middle of them. It has a jagged roof, tiny windows, and a moat. It was originally built in 1921 as a film studio office in Culver City and moved here in the 30s.
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It’s a private residence. Don't go knocking on the door. But standing on the sidewalk of Walden Drive and looking at it feels like you've slipped into a Tim Burton movie. It’s a reminder that even in a place this polished, there’s room for a bit of eccentricity.
The Estates You Can Actually Enter
Most of the "Celebrity Home Tours" are a bit of a scam. You sit in a van, look at a tall hedge, and someone tells you that maybe Leonardo DiCaprio lives behind it. (He probably doesn't).
Instead, visit the estates that are open to the public.
Greystone Mansion & Gardens
This is the "Doheny Estate." It’s 46,000 square feet of Tudor Revival architecture. In 1928, it was the most expensive home in California. It’s also the site of a famous unsolved murder-suicide involving the owner's son and his secretary.
The gardens are free to wander. You’ll recognize the staircase and the courtyard from movies like The Big Lebowski, Spider-Man, and The Social Network. It’s haunting. It’s beautiful. It’s the best view of the city you’ll get without a helicopter.
Virginia Robinson Gardens
This was the first luxury estate built in Beverly Hills. Virginia Robinson was the "First Lady" of the city, and she threw parties that would make Gatsby blush.
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Today, her six-acre estate is a botanical wonderland. You need a reservation for a tour, but it’s worth it. You get to see the Italian Terrace Garden and a palm forest that houses the largest collection of King Palms outside of Australia. It’s a quiet, green lung in a city of concrete and glass.
Where to Eat Without Needing a Movie Contract
The food scene here is intense.
Spago is the heavyweight. Wolfgang Puck basically invented California cuisine here. If you want to see someone famous, this is the place. But it’s not just for show; the smoked salmon pizza is actually that good.
For something more low-key, go to Nate 'n Al. It’s a Jewish deli that has been around since 1945. It’s where the power brokers of Hollywood meet for matzo ball soup in their tracksuits. It’s unpretentious. It’s loud. It’s a piece of history.
If you’re visiting in 2026, keep an eye out for the pop-up events at the Beverly Hills Farmers' Market on Sundays. It’s on Civic Center Drive. You’ll see chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants picking out tomatoes next to families and their golden retrievers.
The Cultural Pulse: The Wallis
The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is a masterpiece. They took an old 1933 post office and turned it into a world-class theater.
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Even if you don't have tickets for a show, the architecture is worth seeing. The way they blended the historic Italian Renaissance post office with the modern Bram Goldsmith Theater is incredible. It’s the heart of the city’s "Golden Triangle" and offers everything from Shakespeare to modern dance.
Making the Most of Your Trip
Beverly Hills is smaller than you think. It’s only about 5.7 square miles. You can walk most of the "flats," but the real hills require a car or a very sturdy pair of legs.
- Park for free. The city-run garages offer two hours of free parking before 6 PM. It’s one of the few bargains in town.
- Visit the Library. The Beverly Hills Public Library is surprisingly beautiful and sits right next to the grand City Hall.
- Sunset on Mulholland. If you have a car, drive up to Mulholland Drive at dusk. The view of the Los Angeles basin lighting up is something you won't forget.
- The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills. It’s a local legend. Go in, talk to the cheesemongers, and let them give you a sample of something you’ve never heard of.
Basically, the best way to see Beverly Hills is to treat it like a museum of human ambition. People came here to build their dreams, and whether those dreams were a 50-room mansion or a weird witch house, they’re all still here, standing side-by-side under the California sun.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Calendar: Before you go, look at the City of Beverly Hills official calendar for "Music in the Mansion" dates at Greystone. These concerts sell out fast but offer a rare chance to see the inside of the house.
- Book Your Tour: If you want to see Virginia Robinson Gardens, you must email
visit@robinsongardens.orgat least a week in advance; they do not allow walk-ins. - Download a Parking App: Use the "ParkMe" app to find the specific city garages with the 2-hour free window to save yourself a $30 valet fee.