Beverly Hills, known worldwide for its glitz, glamour, and cinematic allure, is a city steeped in cinematic history. With its palm-lined streets, iconic landmarks, and luxurious mansions, Beverly Hills has been the backdrop for many unforgettable moments in film, television and literature. Whether you’re a cinephile, a TV buff, or an avid reader, this comprehensive guide to Beverly Hills will take you on a journey through the city’s most famous filming locations, the TV shows set in this glamorous enclave, the animated films that have brought its streets to life, and the books that have immortalized its charm.
10 Famous Films Shot in Beverly Hills
The city of Beverly Hills has made numerous appearances on the silver screen, playing itself or standing in for other glamorous locales. Let’s explore 10 famous films that have made Beverly Hills their cinematic playground:
- Beverly Hills Cop (1984): This iconic action-comedy film, starring Eddie Murphy as a freewheeling Detroit cop who arrives in Beverly Hills to solve his best friend’s murder, features many Beverly Hills landmarks, including the famous Beverly Hills City Hall and the luxurious Beverly Hills Hotel.
- Pretty Woman (1990): This beloved romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere showcases the lavish lifestyle of Beverly Hills. Iconic scenes were filmed at the opulent Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Rodeo Drive, and the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
- Clueless (1995): This cult classic comedy-drama film showcases the life of wealthy teenagers living in Beverly Hills. Many scenes were filmed at local high schools and shopping centers, including the Westside Pavilion.
- The Graduate (1967): This classic drama, starring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft, includes several scenes shot in Beverly Hills, most notably at the historic Beverly Hills Hotel.
- Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008): This family-friendly comedy about a pampered Chihuahua lost in Mexico features beautiful shots of Beverly Hills’ grand mansions and wide, palm-lined streets.
- The Player (1992): This satirical film about Hollywood features several scenes shot in Beverly Hills, including the iconic Greystone Mansion, which is often used as a filming location.
- The Beverly Hillbillies (1993): Based on the popular 1960s TV series, this comedy film about a poor family who strikes oil and moves to Beverly Hills showcases the city’s luxurious lifestyle.
- Less Than Zero (1987): This drama film, based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis, offers a stark portrayal of the dark underbelly of Beverly Hills’ glitz and glamour.
- Shopgirl (2005): This romantic drama, based on Steve Martin’s novella, includes several scenes shot in Beverly Hills, particularly along the luxurious shopping district of Rodeo Drive.
- Troop Beverly Hills (1989): This comedy film about a wealthy woman who becomes the leader of a local Girl Scout troop was filmed in several Beverly Hills locations, including the Beverly Hills Hotel.
5 TV Shows Set in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills has not only been a favorite location for filmmakers but also for TV producers. Here are 5 popular TV shows that have brought the city’s charm and glamour to the small screen:
- Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990-2000): This iconic teen drama series, which follows the lives of a group of friends living in the upscale, star-studded community of Beverly Hills, was largely filmed in the city.
- The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (2010-present): This reality TV series offers a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of several women living in Beverly Hills.
- 90210 (2008-2013): This spin-off of the original “Beverly Hills, 90210” series was also filmed and set in the city, showcasing its luxurious homes and high-end boutiques.
- The Beverly Hillbillies (1962-1971): This classic sitcom about a poor rural family who moves to Beverly Hills after striking oil was filmed in various locations in the city.
- Richie Rich (2015): This comedy series, based on the character from the Harvey Comics, is set in Beverly Hills and showcases the extravagant lifestyle of the titular character, the world’s richest kid.
5 Animated Films Set in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills’ charm has also been captured in animation, serving as a colorful backdrop for a variety of animated films. Here are 5 animated films that have used the city as a setting:
- Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008): This family-friendly comedy about a pampered Chihuahua lost in Mexico features animated scenes set in the luxurious city of Beverly Hills.
- Tom and Jerry: The Movie (1992): In this animated musical comedy film, the famous cat and mouse duo find themselves lost in Beverly Hills and embarking on a grand adventure.
- The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019): Although mostly set in New York, this animated comedy film features a scene where the character Pops takes a trip to Beverly Hills.
- Beverly Hills Teens (1987): This animated television series follows the extravagant lifestyles of a group of wealthy teenagers living in Beverly Hills.
- Rugrats in Paris: The Movie (2000): While most of the film is set in Paris, the opening scenes are set in Beverly Hills, where the Rugrats and their families live.
Famous Books Set in Beverly Hills: 3 Classic and 3 Contemporary
Beverly Hills’ allure has also found its way into literature, with numerous books set in this glamorous city. Here are three classic and three contemporary books that offer a literary journey through Beverly Hills:
Classic Books:
- The Day of the Locust by Nathanael West: This classic novel provides a gritty portrayal of the American dream gone sour, set against the backdrop of Hollywood and Beverly Hills in the 1930s.
- The Loved One by Evelyn Waugh: Set in a Beverly Hills pet cemetery, this satirical novel offers a humorous and biting critique of the film industry and American culture.
- The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler: This classic detective novel features a wealthy Beverly Hills family and provides a vivid portrayal of the city in the 1930s.
Contemporary Books:
- The A-List series by Zoey Dean: This bestselling young adult series follows a group of wealthy and glamorous teenagers living in Beverly Hills.
- The Second Wives Club by Jane Moore: This contemporary novel is set in Beverly Hills and revolves around four women who are second wives to wealthy and powerful men.
- Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan: While primarily set in Singapore, this contemporary novel features scenes set in the opulent homes of Beverly Hills.
Exploring Beverly Hills’ Filming Locations: Where to Go
With its iconic landmarks and glamorous streets, Beverly Hills offers a wealth of filming locations for film enthusiasts to explore. Here are some must-visit filming locations in the city:
- Rodeo Drive: This world-famous shopping strip has been featured in numerous films, including “Pretty Woman” and “Beverly Hills Cop”. It’s a must-see for any film lover.
- The Beverly Hills Hotel: Known as the “Pink Palace”, this iconic hotel has been a filming location for many movies, including “The Graduate” and “Beverly Hills Cop”.
- Greystone Mansion: This historic mansion and park have been used in films like “The Player” and “The Big Lebowski”. It’s open to the public and offers stunning views of the city.
- The Witch’s House: This whimsical house, also known as the Spadena House, has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including “Clueless” and “The Beverly Hillbillies”.
- The Beverly Wilshire Hotel: Featured prominently in “Pretty Woman”, this luxurious hotel is a Beverly Hills landmark.
- The Beverly Hills City Hall: This impressive building has featured in numerous films, including “Beverly Hills Cop” and “In the Line of Fire”.
Where to Sleep in Beverly Hills: 3 Cheap and 3 Luxury
Beverly Hills offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Whether you’re seeking the ultimate luxury experience or a budget-friendly stay, you’ll find something to suit your needs in this glamorous city.
Luxury:
- The Beverly Hills Hotel: Known as the “Pink Palace”, this iconic hotel offers luxurious accommodations, a beautiful pool, and a chance to spot celebrities.
- The Beverly Wilshire: Featured in “Pretty Woman”, this Four Seasons hotel offers opulent suites, fine dining, and a world-class spa.
- The Montage Beverly Hills: This luxury hotel offers elegant rooms, a rooftop pool, and a prime location near Rodeo Drive.
Budget:
- The Beverly Terrace Hotel: This boutique hotel offers affordable rates, comfortable rooms, and a convenient location near Beverly Hills’ top attractions.
- The Crescent Hotel: This budget-friendly hotel offers stylish rooms in a historic 1920s building.
- The Hotel del Flores: This budget hotel offers basic, comfortable rooms in a great location near Rodeo Drive.
Where to Eat in Beverly Hills: 3 Budget and 3 Luxury
Beverly Hills boasts a rich culinary scene, with a wide range of dining options to suit all budgets. From high-end restaurants to budget-friendly eateries, here are some of the best places to eat in Beverly Hills:
Luxury:
- Spago: Owned by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, this high-end restaurant is a Beverly Hills institution, known for its inventive Californian cuisine.
- The Polo Lounge: Located in the Beverly Hills Hotel, this iconic restaurant serves up classic American cuisine in an elegant setting.
- Jean-Georges Beverly Hills: Located in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, this fine-dining restaurant offers a menu of French-American cuisine created by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Budget:
- Nate ‘n Al: This classic deli has been a Beverly Hills staple for decades, known for its delicious sandwiches and friendly service.
- Urth Caffé: This popular café offers a wide range of affordable and healthy options, from salads and sandwiches to pastries and coffee.
- The Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market: Open every Sunday, this market offers a wide range of food stalls, from fresh produce to prepared foods.
Detailed Itinerary Day by Day
To help you make the most of your film-themed trip to Beverly Hills, here’s a detailed three-day itinerary that covers the city’s most iconic filming locations, dining spots, and accommodations.
Day 1:
Start your day with breakfast at the Beverly Hills Hotel’s Polo Lounge, a favorite hangout of Hollywood stars. After breakfast, take a stroll down Rodeo Drive, a famous filming location for movies like “Pretty Woman” and “Beverly Hills Cop”. Visit the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, where “Pretty Woman” was filmed, and do some window shopping at the high-end boutiques along the street.
In the afternoon, visit the Greystone Mansion, a popular filming location for movies like “The Big Lebowski” and “There Will Be Blood”. End your day with dinner at Spago, a favorite of celebrities and a filming location for several films and TV shows.
Day 2:
On your second day, start with breakfast at Urth Caffé, a popular and affordable eatery. Then, visit the Witch’s House, a whimsical house that has been used in numerous films and TV shows. From there, head to the Beverly Hills City Hall, an impressive building that has been featured in many films.
In the afternoon, visit the Beverly Hills Hotel, an iconic filming location for many films. End your day with dinner at the Polo Lounge, a popular filming location and a favorite hangout of Hollywood stars.
Day 3:
On your final day, start with breakfast at the Beverly Terrace Hotel, a budget-friendly hotel that offers a delicious breakfast. Then, visit the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market, a great place to sample local produce and prepared foods.
In the afternoon, visit the Beverly Hills Art Show, a biannual event that showcases work by local artists. End your day with dinner at Jean-Georges Beverly Hills, a high-end restaurant known for its French-American cuisine.
Cryptid Legends and Curiosities
Beverly Hills, known for its glitz and glamour, is not without its share of legends and curiosities. One of the most enduring local legends is the existence of a network of secret tunnels beneath the city. These tunnels, supposedly built by the city’s wealthy residents during the Prohibition era, are said to connect various mansions, speakeasies, and hotels. Though their existence has never been proven, they continue to be a source of fascination and speculation.
Another local curiosity is the Witch’s House, also known as the Spadena House. This whimsical house, with its pointy, lopsided roof, tiny windows, and gnarled trees, looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. It was originally built in 1921 for a silent film and was later moved to its current location in Beverly Hills. Today, it’s a private residence and a popular spot for tourists and film buffs.
Hidden Gems in Beverly Hills
While Beverly Hills’ iconic landmarks often steal the spotlight, the city also boasts several lesser-known attractions that are worth exploring. Here are some hidden gems in Beverly Hills:
- Franklin Canyon Park: This beautiful park, located in the hills above Beverly Hills, offers hiking trails, a lake, and stunning views of the city. It’s also been a filming location for numerous films and TV shows.
- Virginia Robinson Gardens: These historic gardens, located on the grounds of the first luxury estate in Beverly Hills, offer a peaceful retreat from the city. They’re open to the public for guided tours.
- Museum of Television and Radio: This museum, located in the heart of Beverly Hills, houses a vast collection of TV and radio shows, including many that were filmed in the city.
- The Paley Center for Media: This cultural institution, located in Beverly Hills, is dedicated to the preservation of television and radio history. It hosts screenings, panel discussions, and exhibits related to media and its impact on society.
- The Beverly Hills Trolley: This charming trolley offers a 40-minute tour of Beverly Hills’ most famous landmarks and filming locations. It’s a fun and affordable way to see the city.
What to Pack for a Trip to Beverly Hills
When packing for your trip to Beverly Hills, it’s important to consider the city’s sunny, Mediterranean climate and stylish, upscale vibe. Here are some packing tips for your Beverly Hills trip:
- Clothing: Pack light, breathable clothing for the warm, sunny days, and a light sweater or jacket for the cooler evenings. Beverly Hills is known for its fashion-forward residents, so don’t be afraid to pack your most stylish outfits.
- Footwear: Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the city on foot. If you plan on dining at upscale restaurants or attending any formal events, be sure to pack some dressier footwear as well.
- Sun Protection: Beverly Hills is known for its sunny weather, so be sure to pack plenty of sun protection, including sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Camera: With its beautiful landscapes and iconic landmarks, you’ll want to capture plenty of photos during your trip to Beverly Hills.
Transportation Tips
Beverly Hills is a compact and walkable city, but it also offers several public transportation options for getting around:
- Walking: Many of the city’s most famous landmarks, shops, and restaurants are located within a short walk of each other, making this an ideal way to explore the city.
- Biking: Beverly Hills is a bike-friendly city with numerous bike lanes and bike rental shops.
- Public Transit: Beverly Hills is served by several bus lines that can take you to most parts of the city.
- Car: If you prefer to drive, keep in mind that parking can be expensive in some parts of the city. Be sure to check parking signs and regulations.
- Ride-Sharing: Services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Beverly Hills and can be a convenient way to get around.
Whether you’re a film lover, a TV buff, or a bookworm, Beverly Hills offers a wealth of attractions to explore. From its iconic filming locations to its hidden gems, this glamorous city offers a truly cinematic experience. So pack your bags, put on your sunglasses, and get ready to explore the star-studded streets of Beverly Hills.