Beverly Hills & Beyond: Unveiling Top Hotels, Dining, Shopping & More

Rodeo Drive

Experience luxury shopping at its finest along this world-renowned street, home to high-end boutiques, designer stores, and luxury department stores. Live out your Pretty Woman fantasy or just go window shopping - parking is abundant (and free) and it’s an iconic location that is worth a visit.

Getty Museum

Explore breathtaking art collections and stunning architecture at this cultural landmark overlooking Los Angeles. On my most recent visit, the Getty was definitely the highlight. Starting with a tram ride you’ll be treated to beautiful views of LA. It only gets better when you reach the top and are greeted with fabulous architecture, water features, gardens, and of course incredible art. All of this is FREE - just pay for parking and book online in advance.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Enjoy thrilling rides, shows, and behind-the-scenes tours at this famous movie-themed amusement park. Out of all the rides, the Jurassic Park water ride was quite possibly one of my favorite rides of all time. They also have their infamous studio tour which is celebrating its 60th anniversary. I recommend getting VIP tickets or the express pass - you’ll be able to ride everything in a single day and skip the lines.

YouTube Theater

Catch live performances and events at this state-of-the-art entertainment venue located in Inglewood. We were lucky enough to catch the Summer Game Fest this visit. It was our first time at the YouTube Theater and let me say I was impressed! Parking was easy and able to be booked in advance online. The seats were plush and comfortable with of course top of the line sound system and displays.

The Broad

Discover contemporary art at this renowned museum in downtown Los Angeles, featuring works by iconic artists. Our favorite art museum in downtown LA and it includes the infamous infinity room installation from Yayoi Kusama. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon once again all for FREE. Just pay for parking and book in advance online.

Venice Beach

Soak up the sun, surf, and vibrant boardwalk culture at this iconic Southern California beach destination. This area is my personal favorite for shopping. I love to rock the comfy beach hoodie style and you’ll find all the classics here from Faherty to Aviator Nation.

Santa Monica Mountains

Enjoy hiking, biking, and stunning vistas in this expansive natural area offering outdoor adventures just a short drive from Beverly Hills. I’ll never get over how easy it is to transition from dense urban city, to beach, to remote mountains but just a short drive outside LA you’ll find some of the best hiking and nature trails.

The Grove

Shop, dine, and catch a movie at this popular outdoor shopping and entertainment complex.

Scent Bar

Explore a curated selection of niche fragrances at this unique perfume boutique. We love fragrance and this was my favorite stop of the trip. The best part is they sort by scent not by brand - which helped so much in finding new interesting scents that I loved!

Erewhon

Indulge in organic and artisanal groceries, freshly prepared meals, and wellness products at this upscale market. Yes, it’s a grocery store but they are well known for their hot food selection and of course smoothies. It’s expensive but it was a fantastic smoothie. I went every day and by the looks of the line - so did almost everyone else nearby. I think it was worth the wait and you will definitely get a beautiful insta worthy smoothie for your efforts.

Redbird

Savor modern American cuisine in a historic cathedral setting in downtown Los Angeles.

République

Enjoy French-inspired dishes and a bustling bakery in a charming, historic space. If only that description could truly convey how much I love this restaurant. If I lived there, I would eat there every single day. Go. Get the fresh baked baguette. Brunch is more relaxed and dinner is more formal - but just go. Do both brunch and dinner while there - we usually do! Parking can be difficult but they offer valet.

Sawtelle

Explore a variety of Japanese eateries, including Marugame Udon, bubble tea shops, and Ube desserts. This entire street is worth mentioning because there are so many options. Parking can be a challenge especially on weekends/evenings but it’s our top spot for Asian bites in the city.

Holy Grail Donuts

Treat yourself to unique, gourmet donuts made from taro root. Yes, it’s a chain that started in Hawaii but these donuts are made fresh to order and you can taste the difference. Crispy, crunchy, fresh - one of the best donuts anywhere.

The Blvd Restaurant & Lounge

Dine in style with views of Rodeo Drive, offering a menu of contemporary American cuisine and craft cocktails. Located in the Beverly Wilshire hotel it’s a great place to sit outdoors and enjoy the people watching - the food is decent but really this spot is all about location.