For travelers from the Gulf seeking a destination that blends world-class luxury with a sense of familiarity, Beverly Hills stands out as an effortless choice. The city’s signature mix of privacy, exclusivity, outstanding hospitality, and culture-driven experiences resonates strongly with GCC visitors who value both indulgence and ease. From Arabic-speaking staff at the city’s top hotels to bespoke shopping appointments, halal-friendly dining options, family-focused services, and concierge teams who understand the expectations of Middle Eastern guests, Beverly Hills has long perfected the art of personalized hospitality.
It is also a destination that mirrors the GCC’s appreciation for refinement and innovation. The city continues to evolve with newly renovated hotels, award-winning dining concepts, discreet wellness sanctuaries, and some of the most prestigious retail experiences in the United States. And with Los Angeles preparing to host major global moments in 2026 – from the FIFA World Cup to the centennial of Route 66, Beverly Hills is poised to welcome more travelers from the region looking to combine relaxation, entertainment, and luxury under the California sun.
Against this backdrop, Julie Wagner, CEO of the Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau, shares ten unforgettable ways to experience the city at its most iconic.
10 UNFORGETTABLE THINGS TO DO IN BEVERLY HILLS BY JULIE WAGNER
Few places capture the imagination of Middle East travelers quite like Beverly Hills – a place where luxury isn’t performed, it’s perfected. Here, every palm-lined street feels alive with a blend of golden-era charm and contemporary allure, every boutique exudes style, and every hotel feels like a private sanctuary. Whether you’re visiting for a sun-soaked long weekend or a stateside shopping escape, this iconic city delivers an experience that’s indulgent, cinematic, and effortlessly chic.
Long admired for its timeless glamor, Beverly Hills is also in the midst of a dynamic new era. The latter half of 2025 has brought a wave of hotel transformations, culinary debuts, and flagship retail openings, reaffirming the city’s magnetic appeal for world-class talent and global brands. And with 2026 on the horizon – when neighboring Los Angeles takes center stage as a host city for the FIFA World Cup and the 100th anniversary of the iconic Route 66 highway – Beverly Hills is excited to welcome new and returning visitors with its signature blend of sophistication, creativity, and hospitality.
From private shopping salons to rooftop dining and serene gardens, here are ten unmissable ways to experience Beverly Hills at its most luxurious – with an extra touch of sparkle for those visiting during the festive season.
- Stroll the Sparkling Streets of Rodeo Drive
At the heart of Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive remains a pilgrimage for lovers of fashion and beauty. Every season brings something new, but it’s particularly enchanting now as palm trees and façades shimmer with Rodeo Drive’s “Enchanted Holiday Dreams” décor, inspired by The Nutcracker Ballet. Mid-November marks the start of a magical festive period – when the world’s most famous shopping street transforms into a glittering movie set.
Beyond the holidays, Rodeo Drive’s mix of timeless maisons and cutting-edge designers remains one of the most elegant open-air retail experiences anywhere in the world. Nearby, Beverly Drive and Brighton Way are evolving too, with chic flagships from L’Agence and Veronica Beard joining a wave of fashion-forward newcomers redefining the city’s style map.
- Stay in Iconic Luxury
The great hotels of Beverly Hills are as much a part of its story as the palm trees and sunshine themselves. The Beverly Hills Hotel, affectionately known as “The Pink Palace,” has been a glamorous hideaway for generations, where palm-shaded pathways lead to private bungalows and endless stories. At The Peninsula Beverly Hills, understated elegance meets true discretion – think rooftop cabanas, butler service, and that rare sense of being completely looked after. For a contemporary touch, Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills pairs soaring views with polished modern luxury.
Recent transformations across the city’s hotel scene include Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, debuting a next-generation spa that blends wellness innovation with timeless indulgence, and L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, which now welcomes guests with a newly redesigned lobby, restaurant, and rooftop escape.
Each is finely attuned to the preferences of Middle East travelers, from Arabic-speaking staff and spacious family suites to halal-friendly dining and absolute respect for privacy. Whichever you choose, your hotel is reason enough to linger a little longer in Beverly Hills.
- Experience Michelin-Star Dining
Beverly Hills is home to a constellation of Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrity chefs. From the legendary Spago and CUT by Wolfgang Puck to Jean-Georges Beverly Hills, where elegant California cuisine is served beneath the stars, every table tells a story of taste and artistry.
The city’s dining scene is evolving rapidly, too – with acclaimed newcomers like Marea Beverly Hills, 88 Clubby Top Chef winner Mei Lin, and Pura Vida joining the mix, alongside global favorites like Levain Bakery and All’Antico Vinaio. Halal-friendly and bespoke menus can easily be arranged through hotel concierges, reflecting the city’s warm, intuitive hospitality towards Middle Eastern guests.
- Discover the City’s Artistic Side
Beyond the glossy surface, Beverly Hills nurtures a deep creative spirit. Take a stroll through Beverly Gardens Park and you’ll encounter an impressive collection of public art that fuse sculpture, architecture and nature, or catch a performance at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.
Adding to the cultural mix, the recently opened Paley Archive at the Beverly Hills Public Library, gives visitors access to over 160,000 historic television and radio programs – a fascinating window into the evolution of media and storytelling.
- Enjoy Private Shopping and Exclusive Access
In Beverly Hills, shopping is a refined art form. Alongside couture houses on Rodeo Drive, boutiques offer private salons and by-appointment experiences for discerning clients. Concierge teams can arrange pre-arrival previews, trunk shows, and after-hours access – ensuring a seamless blend of exclusivity and discretion.
Luxury retailers continue to invest in the city’s prestige, with new flagship openings from GEARYS Rolex and Patek Philippe, plus refreshed spaces from Tory Burch and Grand Seiko. It’s no wonder Beverly Hills remains a magnet for the world’s most sought-after brands.
- Relax in World-Class Spas
After a day of exploration, retreat to one of Beverly Hills’ serene sanctuaries. The La Prairie Spa at Waldorf Astoria offers indulgent, caviar-infused facials, while Tomoko Japanese Spa delivers meditative treatments rooted in ancient healing rituals. For pure modern calm, Ciel Spa at SLS Beverly Hills provides private wellness suites and bespoke therapies designed to restore balance.
- Take in the View – Beverly Hills by Supercar
Beverly Hills is made for driving. Hire a Rolls-Royce, Bentley, or Ferrari and cruise beneath palm trees and sunlit boulevards before winding up into the hills for sweeping, panoramic views. For the ultimate California moment, time your drive for golden hour – when the sky blushes pink over the city skyline, casting a warm glow across the streets below.
As 2026’s global sporting calendar approaches – with events including the FIFA World Cup and NBA All-Star Game – Beverly Hills will be the ultimate base for fans and VIPs alike, offering tranquility, sophistication, and easy access to the region’s most exciting moments.
- Dine Al Fresco, California-Style
Few places capture the art of outdoor dining like Beverly Hills. The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel remains an iconic spot for people-watching over brunch, while Il Pastaio brings a lively, Mediterranean vibe beloved by Arab guests. New arrivals such as The Rooftop by JG and 88 Club reflect the city’s flair for turning fine dining into a social occasion — elegant, elevated, and always sunny.
- Wander the Hidden Gardens
Step away from the boutiques and discover the city’s greener side. Beverly Gardens Park – home to the famous Beverly Hills sign – is perfect for morning walks or family strolls. Nearby, Virginia Robinson Gardensoffers a lush private estate filled with exotic blooms and historic charm. These calm corners provide a peaceful counterpoint to the city’s sparkle, ideal for quiet reflection or a golden-hour photo.
- Capture It All in Style
Immortalize your Beverly Hills story with a private photographer who knows how to frame the city at its best – from Rodeo Drive’s grandeur to the rooftops at sunset. Many hotels can arrange bespoke shoots that feel natural, personal, and glamorous — the ultimate souvenir of your Californian escape.
Whether you come for a festive getaway or a spontaneous mid-Winter escape, Beverly Hills promises an experience where every sunrise feels cinematic, every detail feels considered, and every moment feels like yours alone.
