The Top 10 Free Things To Do In Beverly Hills

Over the years I’ve found that Beverly Hills is home to high-end boutiques and multi-million-dollar real estate, but I’ve learned that doesn’t mean everything here has to come with a high price tag. In fact, Beverly Hills offers some great things to do that are free.

Beverly Hills measures less than six square miles, making it a truly walkable city within greater Los Angeles. I found that it offers a vast collection of public art, extraordinary architecture, beautiful parks and gardens, and many community events. Whether it’s a self-guided tour along Rodeo Drive, a museum visit, or a movie screening, Beverly Hills can be explored without spending a dime. And, of course, window-shopping doesn’t cost a dime.

The Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive, the only hotel on Beverly Hills’ most famous shopping street, has its own list of Top 10 Free Things To Do In and Near Beverly Hills without breaking the bank. The following are its Top 10 freebies in Beverly Hills:

1. Check out a screening in the Paley Center for Media (formerly the Museum of Television & Radio) or peruse the library of more than 140,000 radio and television programs. This cultural institution is dedicated to the discussion of the cultural, creative and social significance of television, radio and emerging platforms.

2. Wander the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market, a weekly certified market which hosts more than 60 farmers and vendors who provide the finest California-grown, fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, juices, breads, specialty items and much more, in a festive outdoor setting. Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

3. Take a self-guided walking tour of the various public art sculptures an spectacular art galleries around town. Maps are available at Beverlyhills.org.

4. The Getty Center — The stunning Richard Meier-designed facility presents the Getty’s collection of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present, against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens and breathtaking views and coastlines. The center also offers many free family events and programs.

5. Greystone Mansion and Park — Originally the largest family estate in Beverly Hills, the grounds once covered 425 acres with a large brook and a cascading waterfall. Today, it is a filming location backdrop for numerous films, such as Spiderman, Air Force One, and Indecent Proposal. The views are not to be missed.

6. The Cactus Garden — One of the world’s largest collection of cacti filling an entire city block.

7. Franklin Canyon — An outdoor gem administered by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy that’s directly adjacent to Beverly Hills offers free short hiking trails and Outdoor education programs.

8. Museum Row — Clustered on a three-block stretch of Wiltshire Boulevard are museums offering different kinds of collections. The California Craft & Folk Art Museum, George C. Page Museum/LaBrea Tar Pits and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art all offer free admissions on select days.

9. Santa Monica Pier — Visit the famous pier with its iconic Ferris Wheel and illustrious local fisherman. Walk along the boardwalk at the beach and check out he beach bum surfers, bikini-clad glamorous-gal volleyball players, daredevil rollerbladers, lively street performers and some of the best sunsets along the California coast.

10. Hollywood Walk of Fame – Stroll the iconic walk with its more than 2,000 stars or plan a visit during an induction ceremony which is open to the public. Go to hollywoodchamber.net for ceremony schedules.

Actually, The Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive is the only hotel on the world-famous Rodeo Drive, in the heart of Beverly Hills. The Luxe is rated as an upscale small luxury hotel that combines the style, glitter, and prestige of the locale, beautiful views with unique access to all the glamour of Los Angeles and located in the center of Beverly Hills, just 10 miles from Los Angeles International Airport. It is also just a short drive to the Beverly Hills Hotel Lounge where you can find Robin Williams holding court. The Patio at the Bel Aire Hotel is another favorite lunching spot where I spotted John Travolta And Anthony Hopkins. But my thanks to the Luxe for their Top 10 Free Money Saving Suggestions.

Copyright by Marcia Abramson