It has been said that Hollywood isn’t a place, but a state of mind. And that if it did exit anywhere, you’d find it in Beverly Hills .

Locals know that it’s here, not Hollywood that stars live, dine, shop, and go about their daily lives. Within the city’s six square miles, you’ll find only luxury homes and boutique stores, and the famous Golden Triangle: an even smaller grid of posh commercial streets nestled between Wilshire and Sunset Boulevards. And it is here that the stars come out to play. Car buffs will want to stay awhile to count the numerous Ferraris, Maybachs, and Lamborghinis…

But Beverly Hills isn’t all celebs and diamonds; amidst the grandeur you’ll find pockets of normalcy, in parks, the farmer’s market and top class restaurants. Because everyone needs to eat, and what is a city without a park?

To get situated, I always suggest that any visitor hop aboard the fun Beverly Hills trolley tour for a 40-minute narrated adventure of art, architecture, historical and renowned areas of the city. It’ll give you a sense of what you’d like to explore further, plus there’s never a dull moment!

After a meander at the Beverly Hills Farmer’s Market, browse some of my favorite boutiques, before people-watching over a glass of cold white wine at any of the bustling cafés along North and South Beverly Drive. In the summer, make sure to gather to groove to the sounds of live music – from rockabilly to jazz – in Beverly Canon Gardens. And while LA and Beverly Hills are, of course, synonymous with film, one of our best hidden secrets is the vibrant theater scene. Head to the historical Wilshire Theater, to see the latest show.

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