Beverly Hills has more to offer than just high-end retail shops. The city is filled with landmarks, great restaurants, a lively health and fitness scene, and the possibility of running into a celebrity.
For the best view in the city, make sure to visit the Stahl House. Located above Los Angeles, this glass house designed by Pierre Koenig offers stunning views of the Los Angeles skyline. Guests are encouraged to make a reservation far in advance as photography is allowed but filming is not. The sunset views are known to be incredible.
The Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel, is a great location for those looking to stay in Los Angeles. Located in Beverly Hills, it gives visitors easy access to the historic streets of Hollywood.
For those who love wine, Wallys on Canon Drive is a must. This wine cellar, wine bar, and restaurant contains over 2,500 wines and an extensive cheese selection. With a focus on organically sourced food, this is the kind of restaurant where ordering a glass of California Pinot Noir can be considered an accomplishment.
In Los Angeles, working out is a way of life, and running is done at all hours, and workout studios line the streets. Soulcycle in Beverly Hills is a prime example of the spectacle that is indoor cycling. They have an ultra-modern, and fully advertised, cycling sweat session that will leave riders drenched. Because this studio gets tons of celebrity clientele, you need to book far in advance if you want to attend a class.
For a more natural sweat, make your way over to the Hollywood Hills for a workout in the great outdoors. The trails are a unique way to see Los Angeles and offer a visual experience beyond what a typical car ride can do. You will encounter great views of the city along with the tranquil vibe created by other nature lovers. All you need is a comfortable outfit and maybe you'll even spot a celebrity!
Those looking to experience a bit of Hollywood history need to make a reservation at Mr. Chow. The son of an esteemed Chinese opera master, Michael Chow, founded the restaurant and it has served countless celebrities since it opened. If you enjoy mingling with the elite, this is definitely the place to go. The restaurant has an Andy Warhol painting above the entrance, and you may encounter one of the many famous patrons as you dine. The price of your meal is not exaggerated by the quality of the food.
If you want a quick meal during the day, try Sweetgreen. This restaurant allows you to build your own salad and offers many healthy, organic drinks. The environment is clean and refreshing, and the interior has a modern design. It offsets the other restaurants in the neighborhood, which offer richer food.
CUT at Beverlry Wilshire is the more compelling option if steak is the main focus. Partnering chef Wolfgang Puck with architect Richard Meier created CUT, a Michelin star steakhouse with elegant interiors that change with the time of day. The menu features classic American and Japanese Wagyu steaks, with the restaurants stellar reputation built off the meticulous technique applied when cooking each cut of meat.
Visiting a farmer's market is one of the more enjoyable ways of gaining a true understanding of Los Angeles beyond the glitz and glam and Santa Monica is no exception. The market is stocked with produce sourced from the organic farms of surrounding California. This is the best place to experience the regions farm to table culture. Buy some produce in the morning and cook it for lunch to realize that the food and dining experience of LA starts much earlier than the restaurants.
Another Beverly Hills institution is Wolfgang Puck's flagship restaurant Spago, which holds two Michelin stars and is in high demand. The meals become almost theatrical in nature and dining here is dressed up occasion. The restaurant is known for having the most difficult reservations and the atmosphere is expected to be quite posh. The white-truffle pizza is one of the most overpriced dishes in LA, while CUT remains the superior option for steak.
Naturally, Beverly Hills also encourages shopping. With large high-end brands as well as smaller boutique designer stores, the area can easily fill a few days, especially if you have a rental car and an urge to explore. However, the best shopping moments may not be the most expensive. Watching the city from a Modernist masterpiece, running early in the hillside, grabbing a market breakfast, and dining at a place that embodies Los Angeles at its most self-assured.
