My family and I recently made a one-hour pitstop in Beverly Hills with kids during our California road trip. Though we’d visited before sans kids, this was our first time exploring the area as a family. With only a short time to spare before our next destination we managed to squeeze in a glimpse of Rodeo Drive. Of course, some much-needed ice cream for the kids as well!
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Rodeo Drive: A Brief History
Rodeo Drive, located in Beverly Hills, California, began as a residential street in the early 20th century. Over time, it evolved into a renowned shopping district, especially in the 1960s. With the introduction of high-end boutiques and designer stores, it quickly gained international recognition, attracting affluent shoppers and celebrities. Today, Rodeo Drive is synonymous with luxury and glamour, representing the elite lifestyle associated with Beverly Hills. It remains a premier shopping destination, celebrated for its exclusive boutiques, upscale dining options, and iconic status in popular culture.
One Hour in Beverly Hills With Kids
Jamie and I reminisced about our previous visits to Beverly Hills over a decade ago when we lived in Santa Monica. This time, however, our focus was on showing our kids a brief glimpse of this iconic area. Our next destination for the evening was the Griffith Observatory, leaving us with limited time to spend in Beverly Hills. So this is how we did Beverly Hills with kids in one hour…
Parking in Beverly Hills
After some circling and a failed attempt at a “free” parking garage, we found street parking on Brighton Way. Our street parking spot was near Il Pastaio, a favorite restaurant of ours in Beverly Hills. (Though too fancy for this family outing, it’s perfect for a date night.) From there, we embarked on an easy walking tour to N Rodeo Drive—the heart of Beverly Hills.
Our Walking Route of Beverly Hills
Parking near the intersection of N Canon Dr. and Brighton Way we headed West to N Rodeo Dr. From there we headed south on Rodeo until we ended at the famous pedestrian street of Via Rodeo which is at the intersection of Rodeo and Dayton Way. We took the pedestrian street of Via Rodeo to Wilshire Blvd before backtracking Rodeo and heading to N Beverly Dr for ice cream.
Rodeo Drive: A Peek into Luxury
As we strolled along the pedestrian street of Rodeo Drive, we couldn’t help but marvel at the luxury boutiques lining the boulevard. While we didn’t dare venture inside these high-end shops with the kids, window shopping provided an interesting glimpse into the luxurious world of Beverly Hills. Stores here include names like Cartier, Rolex, Prada, Gucci, Tiffany’s, and Porsche. But let’s be honest, shopping here wasn’t on our agenda nor was it in our budget—ice cream was!
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: A must with Visit in Beverly Hills With Kids
Before heading back to our car, we made a much-needed stop at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams on N Beverly Dr. This sweet treat fueled us for the next leg of our journey towards Hollywood.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Address is: 445 N Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
A Refreshing Stop in Beverly Hills With Kids
While Beverly Hills might not be the first choice for a family outing, it served as a convenient and enjoyable pitstop on our road trip. If you find yourself passing through, take a moment to stroll along Rodeo Drive and indulge in some window shopping. If you do one thing in Beverly Hills, you’ll probably want it to be Rodeo Drive. It’s a nice, clean contrast to the hustle and bustle of nearby Hollywood, offering a glimpse into a world of luxury and glamour.
For more information on Beverly Hills, see their official website here.
