Beverly Hills – History, Markets and Events

Beverly Hills brings together historic buildings, an expansive green space, markets and events. If you’re looking for a hotel in Beverly Hills, you can shape your travel plans around these different highlights. Some offerings follow a set schedule, such as weekly market dates or weekday tours; other events take place in specific months or on holidays. Both the program you’re interested in and your travel dates are therefore relevant to your choice. For time-specific offerings, check the exact dates before your visit.

History, Architecture and the Stage

Greystone Mansion & Gardens was designated Beverly Hills Local Historic Landmark No. 4 in 2013. The Wallis adds another chapter of architectural history: the restored building incorporates the original Beverly Hills Post Office, built in 1934. That post office is home to eight monumental WPA murals. The ensemble is one of only two surviving mural ensembles in California’s entire federal building system. Beverly Hills is therefore home to several different historic landmarks: Greystone’s local landmark designation and the story of a former post office, together with its murals, at The Wallis.

The Wallis offers historical tours exploring the story of the original Beverly Hills Post Office, which was converted into a center for the performing arts. Tours last 35 minutes and take place on weekdays. They start Monday through Friday at 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00; reservations are not required. As the schedule may change, check tour times before your visit.

The Goldsmith is a 500-seat venue suited to musicals, dramatic theater, dance and music. This makes it different from the 35-minute history tour at The Wallis: here, the focus is on stage productions, while The Wallis tour covers the history of the former post office. If you’d like to focus your stay on culture, you can choose between a historical tour and a venue for various performing arts.

Green Space and a Market Visit

Beverly Gardens Park was established in 1907 and covers 23 city blocks, or 1.9 miles of green space. These two figures convey the scale of the park; its history offers a different perspective on Beverly Hills than its buildings and cultural venues. This means you can also consider green space as a distinct theme when planning your trip, without equating it with a single building or tour.

The Beverly Hills Farmers' Market is a weekly certified open-air market. It offers fresh, seasonal California fruits and vegetables, juices, bread, specialties and other products. A Kid Zone with arts and crafts activities adds to the program on the third Sunday of each month. The market’s weekly schedule and the Kid Zone’s monthly date are two separate planning points: if you’re interested in the arts and crafts activities, the third Sunday of the month is the date to keep in mind.

Events and Travel Dates

The Beverly Hills Art Show takes place every year in May and October. Rodeo Drive Celebrates events are held annually in August and October; exact dates may vary from year to year. October is therefore the month shared by both event series, while May is associated with the Art Show and August with Rodeo Drive Celebrates. Comparing these dates can help you choose a travel period based on the event months listed. Before planning your trip around one of them, check the date of the specific event.

The Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration is a free public holiday tradition featuring live entertainment, festive decorations, an appearance by Santa Claus and a fireworks display. It offers another occasion, distinct from the May, August and October events on the annual calendar. If this celebration is important to your plans, check the specific event date.

Route 66 in Beverly Hills

Historically, Route 66 ran along North Santa Monica Boulevard and then continued through Beverly Hills. Beverly Hills also has two Route 66 bicycle route signs: one pointing east and one west. The information about the signs refers to their respective directions; it does not place them on North Santa Monica Boulevard. If you’re looking for the signs, check the current signage, as infrastructure can change.

Discover more destinations: Diamond Bar, Compton, Pasadena, San Marino, San Dimas, El Monte, Commerce, Glendora

Return to the main travel overview: Los Angeles.