The best neighborhoods to drive through in Beverly Hills are Mulholland Drive, Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Drive, Trousdale Estates, and Coldwater Canyon. Each one shows you a different side of the city: ridge-line views, estate frontages, palm-lined flats, and canyon architecture.
Here’s what matters. These five routes cover the range in about 90 minutes of driving. Start high on Mulholland for the panorama, drop into the flats along Sunset and Beverly for the estate density, then climb Trousdale and Coldwater for the modern hillside stock. The rest of this page breaks down each route: what you see, when to go, and where to stop.
Iconic Routes and Attractions
Mulholland Drive
Mulholland Drive runs the ridge of the Santa Monica Mountains and delivers the widest views in the city: the Los Angeles Basin to the south, the San Fernando Valley to the north. Best light is the hour before sunset. Official overlooks at Jerome C. Daniel and the Universal City vista give you a place to stop without blocking the road. The road is narrow and winding: drive it slow, use the pullouts.
Sunset Boulevard
The Beverly Hills stretch of Sunset Boulevard is the estate corridor. From the Beverly Hills Hotel west toward Bel-Air, the frontages widen and the gates get taller. This is the route for scale: deep setbacks, mature landscaping, and some of the most expensive residential land in Los Angeles. Mid-morning traffic is lightest.
Beverly Drive & Rodeo Drive
Beverly Drive and Rodeo Drive are the flats: flat, walkable, palm-lined, and the most photographed streets in the city. North of Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Drive turns residential and quiet; south of it, you’re in the retail core. Rodeo Drive is three short blocks of luxury retail, best seen on foot after you park.
Trousdale Estates
Trousdale Estates sits above Sunset on the old Doheny land. It’s the address for mid-century and modern architecture in Beverly Hills: single-story lines, flat lots, and unobstructed views because the neighborhood’s covenants protect them. Drive Loma Vista and Hillcrest for the strongest run of design-forward homes.
Coldwater Canyon
Coldwater Canyon connects Beverly Hills to the Valley and shows the hillside stock: contemporary builds stacked into the grade, tighter lots, canyon light. It’s a working commuter route, so traffic moves. Take the side streets off Coldwater for the architecture; stay on the main road for the drive-through.
Tips for a Memorable Drive
Based on my countless drives through Beverly Hills, here are some tips to make your experience unforgettable:
- Timing is everything: Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to drive. The light is softer, making everything look more beautiful, and traffic is generally lighter. I once started a drive at dawn and watched the city come to life as the sun rose, it was magical.
- Don’t rush: Beverly Hills is meant to be savored. Take your time, drive slowly, and really soak in the atmosphere. I often set aside a whole morning or afternoon for a leisurely drive through the neighborhoods.
- Be respectful: Remember, these are residential areas. Avoid stopping in front of homes or being too obvious about taking photos. I once saw a tour bus cause quite a stir by lingering too long in front of a celebrity’s home, it’s important to maintain a respectful distance.
- Combine your drive with some on-foot exploration: Beverly Gardens Park on Santa Monica Boulevard is a great place to stretch your legs and see the famous Beverly Hills sign. I like to park near the park and take a stroll before continuing my drive.
- Consider a guided tour: While I love exploring on my own, I’ve taken a few guided tours over the years and learned fascinating tidbits about the area’s history and famous residents. Companies like Starline Tours offer informative drives through Beverly Hills.
- Stay flexible: Some of my best experiences have come from spontaneous detours. If a particular street catches your eye, don’t be afraid to explore it. You never know what hidden gems you might discover.
- Time your visit with local events: Beverly Hills hosts several events throughout the year, like the Concours d’Elegance car show. Timing your drive with one of these events can add an extra layer of excitement to your experience.
Driving through Beverly Hills is more than just sightseeing – it’s an experience that engages all your senses. The smooth roads beneath your wheels, the scent of jasmine in the air, the play of light and shadow as you wind through tree-lined streets – it’s a symphony of sensations that captures the essence of this iconic neighborhood.
Remember, each drive through Beverly Hills is unique. To find the best neighborhoods to drive through in Beverly Hills can be challenging. The changing seasons, the time of day, and even your own mood can all influence how you perceive these famous streets. That’s why I never tire of exploring this area, there’s always something new to discover.
So, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time Angeleno like me, I encourage you to take a drive through Beverly Hills. Each time I do, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with this city in the first place. Happy driving!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the best times to drive through Beverly Hills for a scenic experience?
A. In my experience, the best times for a scenic drive through Beverly Hills are early mornings (around 7-9 AM) or late afternoons (4-6 PM). During these hours, the light is softer and more flattering, creating a beautiful glow over the city. Additionally, traffic tends to be lighter, allowing for a more relaxed drive.
Weekends are generally less congested than weekdays. However, if you’re looking for that quintessential Beverly Hills buzz, a midday weekend drive can be quite lively, especially along Rodeo Drive. I once drove through on a Saturday afternoon and the energy was palpable, sidewalks bustling with shoppers, convertibles cruising by, and outdoor cafes filled with people-watchers.
For photography enthusiasts, the golden hour just before sunset can create stunning lighting conditions. I’ve captured some of my best Beverly Hills photos during this time, with the warm light bathing the palm trees and mansions in a golden glow.
Q. Are there any guided tours available for driving through Beverly Hills?
A. Yes, there are several guided tours available for those who want a more structured experience. I’ve taken a few over the years and found them to be quite informative. Companies like Starline Tours and LA City Tours offer driving tours of Beverly Hills and surrounding areas. These tours often include a knowledgeable guide who can provide historical context and point out landmarks you might miss on your own.
On one tour, our guide was a former film location scout who shared fascinating stories about movies filmed in the area. It gave me a whole new perspective on streets I thought I knew well.
However, if you prefer a self-guided experience with some added information, there are also audio tours available. Apps like GyPSy Guide offer GPS-triggered audio tours that you can listen to as you drive, providing commentary on the sights you’re passing. I’ve used this a few times when showing out-of-town guests around, and it’s a great way to learn while maintaining the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Q. Can you park and explore on foot in these neighborhoods?
A. While Beverly Hills is primarily designed for driving, there are certainly opportunities to park and explore on foot. However, it’s important to be mindful of parking restrictions. Many residential streets have permit-only parking or time limits.
Here are some areas where I’ve found it’s possible to park and explore:
- Rodeo Drive: There are public parking structures nearby where you can park and then walk along this famous shopping street. The structure at 345 N. Beverly Drive is centrally located and offers two hours of free parking.
- Beverly Gardens Park: Street parking is available along Santa Monica Boulevard. From here, you can walk through the park and see the famous Beverly Hills sign. I love strolling through the cactus garden and rose garden within the park.
- Greystone Mansion and Gardens: This historic estate offers free parking and is open to the public for walking tours. The gardens are particularly beautiful in spring when the flowers are in bloom.
- Will Rogers Memorial Park: This small park on Sunset Boulevard offers a nice spot to stretch your legs and has some street parking available. It’s a hidden gem that many tourists overlook.
Remember to always check parking signs carefully and respect private property. Beverly Hills has strict parking enforcement, so it’s best to err on the side of caution. When in doubt, I recommend using one of the public parking structures in the downtown area and exploring from there.
Q. What’s the best route for a comprehensive Beverly Hills driving tour?
A. Based on my numerous drives through the area, here’s a route I’d recommend for a comprehensive tour of Beverly Hills:
- Start on Sunset Boulevard, heading west from West Hollywood.
- Turn south on Beverly Drive, which will take you through the heart of Beverly Hills.
- Make a right on Santa Monica Boulevard to see Beverly Gardens Park and the Beverly Hills sign.
- Turn left on Rodeo Drive for the quintessential Beverly Hills experience.
- Head north on Rodeo and then west on Sunset Boulevard again.
- Take Benedict Canyon Drive north to connect with Mulholland Drive.
- Follow Mulholland Drive east, stopping at various viewpoints.
- Return via Coldwater Canyon Drive, which will bring you back to Beverly Hills.
This route covers most of the iconic areas and offers a good mix of city streets and scenic drives. Remember to drive safely and enjoy the journey!
Q. Are there any lesser-known scenic spots in Beverly Hills worth checking out?
A. While the famous streets get most of the attention, there are some lesser-known spots that I find equally charming:
- Doheny Road: This winding residential street offers beautiful views and impressive homes without the traffic of more famous routes.
- Franklin Canyon Park: Located on the eastern edge of Beverly Hills, this park offers hiking trails and a serene lake. It’s a great place to experience nature within the city.
- Beverly Hills Hotel Crystal Garden: While the hotel itself is well-known, its hidden crystal garden is a peaceful oasis that many visitors overlook.
- The Electric Fountain: Located at the intersection of Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards, this Art Deco fountain is especially beautiful when lit up at night.
- Virginia Robinson Gardens: This hidden gem is one of the first estates built in Beverly Hills. While you need to book a tour in advance, it’s well worth the effort for garden enthusiasts.
Remember, part of the joy of exploring Beverly Hills is discovering your own favorite spots. Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path, you never know what you might find!
For sports enthusiasts, the Beverly Hills Tennis Club offers a glimpse into the city’s active lifestyle. Classic car aficionados might be interested in the Beverly Hills Auto Club, which showcases some of the most impressive vehicles in the area.
Safety is always a priority in Beverly Hills, and the Beverly Hills Fire Department plays a crucial role in maintaining the community’s well-being. For those interested in equestrian activities, the Beverly Hills Polo Club offers a unique experience.
Finally, if you’re a pet owner, you’ll be glad to know that the Beverly Hills Small Animal Hospital provides excellent care for your furry friends. These local institutions contribute to the rich tapestry of life in Beverly Hills, making it more than just a place to drive through, but a vibrant community to explore and appreciate.
