Where to Find Art, Nature, and Quiet Luxury in Beverly Hills—Without a Celebrity’s Budget

Feeling the post-summer blues? In Southern California, the season goes on despite what the calendar says, so why not cheer yourself up with a weekend getaway? And make it somewhere posh—like Beverly Hills—for the full uplifting effect. In a compact area of less than six square miles, you can find museums, designer shops, department stores, restaurants, and plenty of picture-perfect green space.

The Mr. Brainwash Art Museum, set in the former Paley Center of Media, now displays the work of Thierry Guetta, aka Mr. Brainwash, known for his street art, murals, sculptures, and pop-culture commentary. From there, continue your cultural journey at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, just three miles east, where you can spend a few hours or an entire day enjoying paintings, sculpture, jewelry, and more from around the world. If there’s time, put the Getty Center on your itinerary. The stunning travertine-clad hilltop museum offers art, gardens, dining, and panoramic vistas from above Los Angeles.

Speaking of views, don’t miss the better than bird’s eye perspective from The Rooftop, 12 stories above the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, where you can look out over the city with a cocktail in hand or enjoy an all-day menu or weekend brunch. It’s one of many Beverly Hills eateries that combines exceptional food with potential celebrity spotting. Consider Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, Mr. Chow, or Massimo Bottura’s Gucci Osteria on the rooftop of the Gucci store on Rodeo Drive.

The iconic three-block stretch of the world’s most celebrated designer stores, Rodeo Drive is home to more than 100 luxury brands. Even if your budget limits you to window shopping, a stroll along the palm-fringed street is an unforgettable experience. Browse a bit and marvel at the beauty of the buildings and the window displays. Of course, there’s people watching and maybe a splurge or two on something irresistible. If you’re the shop-’til-you-drop type, you can find upscale department stores along Wilshire Boulevard and more retailers a few blocks away in the South Beverly Drive area.

An exotic car driving past the shops of Rodeo Drive.

Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau or Love Beverly Hills

Need an afternoon pick-me-up after shopping or museum browsing? A cookie from Levain or a Sprinkles cupcake will provide some tasty sugar-fueled energy, and you can get your cupcake from an ATM for a novel experience (and a photo, of course). If you’re looking for a relaxing sit-down break with your sweets, visit The Pie Room, helmed by chef Curtis Stone of Michelin-starred steakhouse Gwen.

The beautiful scenery of the Beverly Gardens Park.

Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau or Love Beverly Hills

You don’t need a celebrity-sized budget to enjoy Beverly Hills, despite the city’s opulent style. Spend a few hours in Beverly Gardens Park where you can stroll among sculptures, visit the rose garden and cactus garden, and take a photo of the lily pond and Beverly Hills sign. The Sunday morning farmers market is a great way to start the day, and for more exploring, visit the Greystone Mansion & Gardens, the setting for many films and television shows. The mansion’s hillside location features a lush, gothic-inspired landscape and stunning views.

What’s a weekend getaway without a few photos to post on Instagram? You’ll want one with the classic shield-shaped Beverly Hills sign, so stop by the Visitors’ Center, one of the most convenient spots for a photo. There’s also the bright pink Beverly Hills is Beautiful sculpture by Mr. Brainwash, located in Beverly Cañon Gardens, and Ringo Starr’s Peace & Love, a six-foot tall polished stainless steel hand flashing the peace sign in Beverly Gardens Park.