Incredible sight on one of America’s most iconic streets
It’s one of the most famous streets in the world, but it’s got a secret weapon that makes it unlike any other city.
Rodeo Drive is undoubtedly one of the most famous streets in the world, and standing on it on a sunny December morning is a sensory overload.
Shoppers laden with bags of luxury goods weave through tourists on the footpaths, million-dollar cars roll past and everywhere, Christmas lights sparkle.
But there’s one sight that is wholly unexpected – in the middle of the street, on every corner, unapologetically, there are hundreds of security cameras.
In fact, Beverly Hills is now the most electronically surveilled city in the US, with more than 2000 cameras ensuring virtual police officers can patrol every inch of the mini-metropolis in real-time.
But far from being creepy, this sight is the reason there’s never been a better time for Aussies to visit.
While greater LA’s crime rate is frighteningly high, and the US generally seems like a dangerous place to visit right now, Beverly Hills is one of the safest places in the world, in no small part thanks to its ferocious battalion of cameras.
All these outposts feed into the Real Time Watch Center in the heart of the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD), which has seen a 21 per cent drop in crime since it was established in June, 2022.
The Watch Center’s secrets have so far been closely guarded, but I was one of a small group of journalists given an exclusive sneak peek.
Inside, three to four virtual patrol officers sit in front of an array of screens, scanning the footage beaming in from the cameras in real-time. They’ve got so good at their jobs, they can often spot a crime before it happens, and have already called for back-up and are recording when the criminal strikes.
“You get to know what’s normal, and what’s not, pretty fast,” an officer on duty tells me, his eyes never leaving his screens.
“People walking too slowly, or too fast. Cars stopped mid-block. After a few weeks, you can pick it a mile away. I’ve seen so many crimes happen live, because I noticed something unusual, and zoomed in, right as the crime happened.”
The Watch Center is also home to the BHPD’s massive Hawkeye drone, which can be anywhere in the city in 90 seconds.
Flown by a qualified pilot, the drone is the city’s first responder, providing valuable back-up to officers on the ground, getting eyes on any potential incident and gathering intelligence in a way that has previously been impossible.
Hawkeye can read a number plate from 1.6km away, see in the dark and enter dangerous and hard to access areas police previously have been barred from.
Combined with automatic number plate scanners, these measures mean Beverly Hills has fast developed a reputation as a place to avoid, if you’re up to no good.
Violent crime has dropped the most, and the fastest, with a 27 per cent reduction since the Watch Center opened.
At a time when many people might be reluctant to visit the US for fear of violent crime, it makes Beverly Hills a safe haven for Aussies looking to soak up all the city has to offer, without the risk.
Here’s how you could pass your time in Beverly Hills:
DO
Polo Lounge, Beverly Hills Hotel
This effortlessly cool location, steeped in Hollywood history, is a must-see on any trip to the city. Nestled in the star-favourite Beverly Hills Hotel, the storeyed Polo Lounge has been a celebrity haunt for decades. Brunch here is an event, and one to be savoured. The steak tartare, mixed to your specifications tableside is a highlight, the crab cakes are sublime, the chicken parmesan something I still dream about daily, and the piece de la resistance, the famous Polo Lounge souffle, was worth every cent, and more. The only real shame is phones are strictly banned to protect the privacy of famous guests, so your Instagram grid will have to go without.
Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula
Fun fact: I’ve never seen more Birkin bags in my entire life than I saw in two hours at afternoon tea at The Peninsula Hotel. I strongly believe this is where the housewives of Beverly Hills who are too rich to go on the infamous reality show spend their days. The room is opulent, the service brilliant, and the tiers and tiers of finger sandwiches, scones and patisserie other-worldly. And the people watching – my God, the people watching.
The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills
If you’ve ever fancied yourself a foodie, you can’t visit the city without a trip to The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills. Everything you’ve ever dreamt of, can be bought in this store, which receives daily deliveries of delicacies from all over the world. The deli sandwiches are off the chain, and there’s enough gourmet foodstuffs to buy souvenirs for all your friends and a bag of stuff for you too.
Food walking tour of Rodeo Drive
Walking tours are boring. Food walking tours, on the other hand, might just be my new favourite holiday pastime. Brian Rodda’s LA Food Tours provides highly curated walking tours that take in the historic sights and best bites of Beverly Hills, with absolutely zero bad vibes, because you’re walking it all off.
Drinks at the Pretty Woman hotel
Many famous films have been shot in Beverly Hills, but none are more memorable than Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, which was shot in and around the Beverly Wilshire. It still has the bench in the lift where Vivian scandalised the hotel-goers, which is a fun selfie opportunity, and The Blvd Lounge is a great place for a glamorous nightcap. Missing this would be a big mistake. Big. Huge.
EAT
Mastro’s Steakhouse
If you want to feel like a Hollywood exec closing a huge deal over dinner, Mastro’s Steakhouse Beverly Hills is the spot for you. The bustling restaurant just off Rodeo Drive is packed with tables of businessmen tucking into some of the world’s best steaks, all cooked to perfection by the expert team.
All the steaks on offer are exceptional but you can’t miss the lobster mashed potatoes on the side, or the mouth-watering range of all-American desserts, including key lime pie, pecan pie and a variety of butter cakes you will be dreaming of months later.
Avra
This upscale Mediterranean seafood restaurant is so popular, it’s packed to the brim by 5.30pm every night. Serving up fresh and vibrant dishes you’d expert to see in a tiny seaside taverna in Greece, Avra Beverly Hills was an instant hit when it opened in 2018. Order the saganaki, branzino and the famous Avra chips, crispy, more-ish pieces of zucchini dusted with herbs and salt.
Dante
Anecdotally the location of the most proposals in Beverly Hills, Dante is a romantic and perfectly-designed rooftop bar and restaurant famous for its aperitivos (and owned by an Aussie!). The range of cocktails and bar snacks is impressive, the vibe impeccable and the views to die for – and to top it all off, there’s a $10 Martini Hour from 3pm-5pm daily.
Wally’s Wine
It doesn’t sound like you could cram top class restaurant into a cheese, wine and spirits store but Wally’s Wine Beverly Hills does just that, flawlessly. Dine at intimate tables sandwiched between racks of rare wines or grab a drink at the bar. Wally’s is the home of everything delicious and an absolute A+ date night location.
The Hideaway
This Mexican steakhouse part-owned by actor Ryan Phillippe is tucked away into a quiet pocket just off Rodeo Drive, but feels like its miles away from the hustle and bustle. Serving high quality and simple fare, cooked perfectly, The Hideaway is the perfect spot for brunch of a long lunch. Try the Prime New York steak and three cheese chorizo mac & cheese, and make sure you leave room for the chocolate cake for dessert, trust me.
Costa Covo Osteria at L’Ermitage
The highly curated wine list on offer at the Costa Covo Osteria is enough of a reason to visit, but if you need more, let me tell you about the simple Italian cuisine that has become its hallmark. The restaurant, entered off the lobby of L’Ermitage, serves coastal Mediterranean food at its finest. Make sure you try the stracciatella, hamachi crudo, crispy artichokes and any of the handmade pastas.
STAY
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
When it comes to a truly luxury hotel experience worthy of a glamorous city like Beverly Hills, it’s hard to look past the award-winning Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills.
Perfectly located on the tip of the famed “Golden Triangle”, this ultra-luxe property boasts absolutely enormous rooms and suites created by noted interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. Each room has a private balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows, a cavernous bathroom and impressive technology that means you never have to so much as touch a light switch, it’s all voice-activated.
There’s also a rooftop pool that is said to be the best in the city, a legendary spa, and numerous dining options, which makes it easy to see why it’s the favourite accommodation option for so many A-listers.
You can walk anywhere in Beverly Hills from the hotel, but when there’s a complimentary Town Car, and said car is a brand new Rolls Royce Phantom, it’s hard to see why you would. There’s no more indulgent experience than rolling around town under the signature Rolls Royce starlit roof.
If you’re looking for other options, The Maybourne is a funky younger option with an incredible late-night bar, while The Peninsula offers a calm and private oasis and lots of character.
FLY
The largest airline in the world, United flies direct from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to LA daily.
The journalist was a guest of the City of Beverly Hills.
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