Things to Do in Beverly Hills: A Valley Local's Guide

Beverly Hills is only a drive over Coldwater Canyon from Studio City, where I live and work, and a lot of my clients spend time on both sides of the hills before they decide where to buy.

Beyond the famous shopping, Beverly Hills is a city of parks, gardens and quiet residential streets. Whether you live here, are visiting, or are weighing Beverly Hills against the Valley, here are some of my favorite ways to spend a day.

1. Walk the Gardens at Greystone Mansion

Greystone Mansion & Gardens, at 905 Loma Vista Drive, is one of the best free outings in the city. The mansion was built in 1928 for the son of an oil baron, and it sits on 18.5 acres of city-owned parkland.

You can stroll the formal gardens with their fountain and the pool and courtyard area, and admission to the grounds and parking are free. The park occasionally closes for filming or events, so check before you go.

2. Find the Beverly Hills Sign at Beverly Gardens Park

Beverly Gardens Park stretches nearly two miles along Santa Monica Boulevard. It's home to the famous Beverly Hills sign and lily pond, along with a cactus and succulent garden, rose garden, fountains and a long walking promenade.

It's a perfect place for a morning walk, and the classic spot for a Beverly Hills photo.

3. Spend Sunday Morning at the Farmers Market

The Beverly Hills Farmers Market runs every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the 9300 block of Civic Center Drive, between Third Street and Santa Monica Boulevard.

Expect seasonal produce, flowers, prepared food and a relaxed neighborhood crowd. Hours can change, so check before you go.

4. Bring the Family to Roxbury Park

Roxbury Park, at 471 South Roxbury Drive, covers 11 acres with two playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, sand volleyball, lawn bowling, picnic areas and plenty of open lawn.

It's one of the parks families ask me about most when they're thinking about the streets south of Wilshire.

5. See a Show at The Wallis

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, at 9390 North Santa Monica Boulevard, brings theater, dance and music to the heart of the city. Its lobby is the restored 1933 Beverly Hills Post Office, which makes the building worth a look even before the show starts.

6. Tour Virginia Robinson Gardens

Built in 1911, the Virginia Robinson estate was the first estate in Beverly Hills, and its gardens are a peaceful step back in time. Visits are by guided tour and reservation only, so book ahead.

7. Window-Shop Rodeo Drive

No list would be complete without Rodeo Drive and the Golden Triangle. Even if you're not shopping, it's fun to walk, and the nearby streets are full of restaurants and cafés for a long lunch.

8. Drive Home Over Coldwater Canyon

Coldwater Canyon is the route many of my Studio City and Sherman Oaks clients already know. It's the quickest way to feel how close the Valley and Beverly Hills really are, and why so many buyers look at both.

Thinking About Living in Beverly Hills?

Beverly Hills is its own city, with its own schools and rules, and some 90210 addresses are actually in the City of Los Angeles. If you're weighing Beverly Hills against the Valley, I'm always happy to help you compare what each side offers.

Learn more on my Beverly Hills neighborhood page, or reach out for a short conversation about your plans.