Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is a must for any visitor to Los Angeles who wants to walk the iconic streets and visit the famous storefronts that have been featured in movies since the birth of Hollywood. The road stretches for 3 blocks between Santa Monica and Wilshire boulevards and is capped off by the Beverly Hilton hotel and Beverly Hills Park. Many have called the street “the shopping centre of the rich and famous” and it lives up to that reputation.
A casual stroll down Rodeo Drive will bring you to magnificent art installations and the occasional film crew. Parked on the street are many of the world’s most exquisite sports cars, from Lamborghinis and Ferraris to Bugattis. You’ll encounter architectural marvels by famous designers like Frank Lloyd Wright and give you the opportunity to explore the European style cobblestone street of Two Rodeo Drive. Be sure to snap a photo of the famous street sign at the intersection of Rodeo & Wilshire.
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A brief history of Rodeo Drive
The surrounding area of Beverly Hills began its development in the early 1900s through to the mid-1950s and Rodeo Drive began to build prestige right from the start. In 1967, Fred Hayman developed the first luxury brand on the street, Giorgio, which has since been crowned as “the father of Rodeo Drive". By the late 1970s, several other businesses such as shops, restaurants, and even foreign brands such as Gucci, Rolex, and others followed suit. Rodeo Drive was touted as the world’s pinnacle high-end shopping destination.
The city of Beverly Hills, especially Rodeo Drive, suffered alongside the country in a financial recession. During this time, many storefronts changed hands to lower-quality brands or closed entirely. But they were repurchased years later and the street was rebranded to represent the legacy it had always embodied.
In the early 2000s, several million dollars were allocated by the city to make the street more accessible and visitor-friendly. Walking areas were made broader and plaques were placed in designated areas so that visitors can learn the rich history of the iconic street.
The famous “Torso” sculpture was installed directly in the centre of the street and has since become a global symbol of the city. No symbol of Rodeo Drive, however, is more recognised than the landscaping modifications that resulted in both sides of the street being lined with towering palm trees – the image of which can be found in almost every movie representing Los Angeles.
Where to shop on Rodeo Drive?
The Rodeo Collection is a 45-store shopping mall with high-fashion outlets located on the nearby area of the Street. There are around 75 shops in the area, each one competing to be the most luxurious. Two Rodeo is an outdoor shopping area. The cobblestone pavers and tightly packed storefronts will make you feel as if you’re walking the streets of Europe.
If you were searching for fashion and accessories, there’s no better place in Los Angeles than Rodeo Drive. The street features the world's most prestigious brands such as D&G, Brooks Brothers, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Cho, and Prada, to name a few. Stay on the strip in style at The Beverly Wilshire, Sofitel, or Elan Hotel.
Where to eat on Rodeo Drive?
When it comes to dining, it’s no surprise that Rodeo Drive offers nothing but the finest. You can find spots serving French desserts alongside Italian ice cream shops, and you can enjoy a full-course meal at notable restaurants such as a Mr. Chow, the Il Fornaio Beverly Hills, The Cheesecake Factory, and South Beverly Grill.
Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills
Location: Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, USA