Rodeo Drive

The center of one of the most famous shopping districts in the world, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is well known for designer labels, haute couture fashion, and high end boutiques along three blocks of one the most luxurious retail areas in Los Angeles.

Located between Santa Monica Boulevard, Canon Drive and Wilshire Blvd., Rodeo Drive is part of the Golden Triangle. A array of commercial streets that encompass the business district of Beverly Hills.

Rodeo Drive is the Golden Triangle’s focal point, filled with the flashy flagship stores of Tom Ford, Valentino and Cartier. The shopping district caters to the extremely wealthy of Beverly Hills and the affluent of nearby Brentwood, Holmby Hills, Bel-Air and the Hollywood Hills.

The prestigious retail area attracts shopper from around the world for its luxury goods and some of the most enviable merchandise offered by Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
Drive is home to what some consider the most expensive store in the world, The House of Bijan, where a leather jacket will set you back $ 15,000. This is not a place for bargain hunters, asking about the price. Few of us can afford the merchandise on display, but it is a great place for window shopping.

Rodeo Drive is often crowded with tourist walking pass ultra-luxurious boutiques hoping to catch a glimpse of someone famous. You probably will not see too many celebrities in these boutiques as there are special VIP shopping lounges for those looking for a little privacy during their shopping excursions.

On the edge of the Golden Tiangle along the avenues of Beverly Drive and Canon Drive are a collection of local boutiques, gourmet restaurants and open air cafes. These smaller boutiques and establishments make up most of the retail and business of the area.

This is where affluent Angelenos meet for leisurely meals, power lunches and beauty treatments. There are excellent eateries within the shopping district. With more than 20 outstanding restaurants to satisfy your appetite.

When California was part of Mexico, the Portola expedition traveled up California and arrived in the area in August of 1769. The Spanish reached a swamp, a Cienega in Spanish and met the Tongva people living in the area.

After Don Jose Gaspar de Portola became the governor of the California province, the widow of a Spanish soldier, Dona Maria Rita Valdez de Villa was granted a deed to the area in 1838. She operated a rancho until selling its deed to Benjamin Wilson and Henry Hancock for $4000 in 1854.

Burton Green and other investors purchased the property in 1906, for real estate development subdividing the property with it’s main street named Rodeo Drive. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the shopping area centered by the star driven boutique Giorgios developed into an exclusive shopping district and now a major tourist attraction.

Giorgio Beverly Hills was a luxury goods store established in 1961. It was the first swanky boutique to open on Rodeo Drive. Gucci, Tiffany and other high end retails stores would follow, opening shops in the 1970s. These ultra-luxury stores attracted Hollywood’s biggest stars with clientele included Natalie Wood, Princess Grace, Ronald Reagan, Diana Ross and Elizabeth Taylor.

The cobblestone walkway of Two Rodeo Drive is a charming outdoor mall with a European style. During the Christmas holiday season there are festive decorations and carolers with live music for visitors to enjoy.

To enrich the cultural lives of its residents and visitors, Beverly Hills has a number of public artworks on display showcased on city grounds. The city’s Fine Arts Commission continually collects a wealth of world class art. More than 70 pieces of art adorn the city landscape which you can find along public areas.

Street artist Mr. Brainwash sculpture Beverly Hills is Beautiful is set in the Beverly Canon Gardens just outside The Maybourn Beverly Hills. Mr. Brainwash’s Life is Beautiful is located on Rodeo drive.

Just north of Rodeo Drive along Santa Monica is Beverly Gardens Park. This green strip between the residential area to the north of the commercial area and the Golden Triangle holds hundred year old cypress and ficus trees, gardens and sculptures. It features the Beverly Hills Sign along with public art by such artist a Barry Flanagan, and Tony Smith.

The streets of The Golden Triangle are full of wonderful restaurants and upscale stores and fashion. Window shopping is free, so enjoy a nice meal in one of the surrounding restaurants.

The Golden Triangle is one of the most famous shopping districts in the world, an international hub of fashion, dining and entertainment. Rodeo Drive is a must see attraction. Renowned for more than half a century as one of the world’s most glamorous destinations, Well worth the visit.