Who would have thought that a Spanish ranch that grows lima beans will now be one of the dream destinations for people from different parts of the world? Yes, Beverly Hills has grown tremendously; from a quaint ranch to a city of fashion and luxury. It is now recognized for Rodeo Drive, parks and recreations, high-value real estate, fine dining restaurants, world-class hotels, and multiple references in television and film. If you are traveling to Beverly Hills, here are some places you should check out:
#1 – World of Illusions
At 6751 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, you can find an Instagram-ready spot: World of Illusions. It’s a huge house that transforms you into a world of imagination and fantasy. You can check it out together with Upside Down House and Smash. It opened its doors to the public on January 1, 2018. It’s a two-story gallery featuring illusion-themed artworks. If you are fond of this kind of art, feel free to come over and let it take you to a different kind of experience. It is an experience for the books, especially for children and kids at heart. The experience is truly interactive and immersive. The 3-D exhibition will take you to a different dimension, leaving you in awe. Once you’re there, you will realize why it’s one of the favorites of locals. Move to the next!
#2 – O’Neill House
It’s a Gaudi-inspired house located at 507 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills. truly an architectural gem in the heart of Beverly Hills. It is not as popular as other spots in the city but is truly worth checking. Hence, if you are in Beverly Hills, make sure you don’t let the chance of visiting O’Neill House pass you by. Aside from the fact that it is a Gaudi-inspired home, another reason for visiting O’Neill House is that it has been the location of some of Hollywood’s famous films and television shows like Beverly Hills 90201, Dr. Seuss, and Breathless (the American remake). It is called O’Neill House in honor of the owner, Don O’Neill, who decided to turn his guest house into an Art Nouveau-style home.
#3 – La Brea Tar Pits & Museum
The only active urban Ice Age excavation site is located at 5801 Wilshire Blvd, the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum. The best fossils, plants, and animals are showcased inside the Page Museum. Another must-experience during your visit to La Brea Tar Pits & Museum is the Ice Age Encounters show, where you get to experience the Ice Age coming to life. It’s a treat, especially if you are a fan of the movie Ice Age. Outside the museum, you’ll see the La Brea Tar Pits. It’s a sight to see, the tar is still bubbling, and of course, there are active fossil excavation sites.
#4 – Jerome C. Daniel Overlook above the Hollywood Bowl
If you are feeling bored and want to de-stress but don’t want to spend money on shopping and dining out, your best resort is the Jerome C. Daniel Overlook above the Hollywood Bowl. It’s at 7036 Mulholland Dr, Hollywood. It’s a spot where you get to inhale some fresh air and be able to see the beauty of Hollywood. From your spot, you will enjoy the beautiful view of DTLA and the Amphitheater, the Hollywood Sign, and Griffith Park Observatory. It’s, without a doubt, a splendid view. You’ll appreciate the view all the more at night. It’s quite a drive going there, but it’s certainly worth it. More about it here!
#5 – AC Hotel by Marriott Beverly Hills
The AC Hotel by Marriott Beverly Hills is conveniently located at 6399 Wilshire Blvd, right in the heart of the city. It’s a good place to rest and relax after a tiring day of getting around Beverly Hills. The staff is polite, friendly, and professional. They give every detail you need to conveniently explore the beauty and wonders of Beverly Hills. The hotel’s ambiance is inviting, clean, and modern. There’s nothing much in terms of designs—just simple lines and colors, which are pleasing to the eyes of people who prefer minimalist structures. The location is just perfect, near the Chinese Theater, LACMA, Griffith Observatory, and Lake Hollywood.
#6 – The Horseman – John Wayne Sculpture
John Wayne is a part of every childhood for people who grew up in the 1950s and 1960s era. It is conveniently located at 8484 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills. The Horseman is an iconic American cowboy display and a tribute to John Wayne. It’s a bronze statue created by Harry Jackson. It’s an eye-catching masterpiece in front of the Great Western Savings and the building of the Loan Bank. The location is there because John Wayne did TV commercials for the bank. However, as time passed, the bank moved out, but the sculpture was still there, and the new building owner took ownership of it. The youngsters don’t have much idea about the sculpture and what it represents. Despite that, it is still a must-see site because it’s a part of Beverly Hills’ history.
#7 – Takeaway Sculpture (Beverly Gardens Park)
In Beverly Gardens Park, you will find the Takeaway Sculpture, a 14-foot-tall stainless steel sculpture of a man with takeaway boxes on his head. It is a masterpiece by Tom Friedman. The sculpture brings smiles to passersby. It definitely is the power of art when you are able to transcend feelings of awe and joy to people who see it. The Takeaway Sculpture has the ability to entertain, enhance, and stimulate.
#8 – Unconscious Sculpture
The Unconscious Sculpture, located at 9465 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, is a masterpiece of Franz West. It comes with three built-in seats that look inviting to passersby. It’s like inviting you to just sit, rest, and contemplate. It allows your mind to navigate without boundaries. The sculpture is 18-foot tall and made from aluminum. It is adorned with orange ribbon-shaped bands that terminate into three seats, which invite conversation, socialization, and physical contact between passersby. It’s a weird sculpture, but pretty interesting.
#9 – Buena Vista Cigar Club
The Buena Vista Cigar Club at 9715 Santa Monica Boulevard offers a wide array of carefully chosen tobacco products. It has a spacious and comfortable lounge where guests can indulge in their favorite tobacco fragrance. And, oh, there are music and television screens covering major sporting events for a more convenient and relaxing experience. It’s a perfect spot for an after-dinner drink and cigar. The owner is Mr. Fernandez, and he’s there every single day, welcoming you with arms wide open. If you bring cigars with you, there’s a $25 cigar fee. The best option is to buy cigars from them. The prices of their cigars are a bit higher than usual, but that’s okay because you are in Beverly Hills in the first place.
#10 – Bar Nineteen 12
It’s an iconic, quaint bar inside the Beverly Hills Hotel. Its old charm captivates guests who want to enjoy and relax. It comes with a patio, which is a great place to hang out in small groups. It doesn’t have music, which is likely unusual for a bar, but it does have plenty of drinks, cocktails, and food selections. Most of their food selections are from Polo Lounge, but you don’t need to get out of the bar to order your food. The waiter will take care of it. Bar Nineteen 12 specializes in old-fashioned cocktails. Bartenders take pride in their skills and crafts. Watch the bartenders prepare your drinks right before your very eyes.