A guide to Rodeo Drive stores and attractions

Billed as the “Gateway to Rodeo Drive,” this European-style, open-air walkway juxtaposes Old World charm with modern luxury. Thanks to a steep $200-million renovation, visitors can walk along a picturesque faux cobblestone path lined with high-end retailers like Versace, Tiffany & Co., Porsche Design and Jimmy Choo, as well as restaurants like all-day bistro 208 Rodeo. Stretching from the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive to Dayton Way, this movie set-like shopping destination is a great introduction to the zip code’s famed retail haven. Even if you’re not intending to shop ’till you drop, it’s worth taking a stroll for some prime photo opportunities—the most popular being by the fountain and grand steps.

It’s no surprise that one of the most expensive stores in the world resides on the most exclusive and prime real estate in Beverly Hills: Rodeo Drive. Since its inception in 1979, the luxury retailer has drawn countless high-profile clientele for its custom and limited edition attire, which over the years has included both political and sports power players like Michael Jordan, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Prince Charles. High quality luxury doesn’t just stop at the clothes. A custom yellow Bugatti Veyron and Rolls Royce Phantom (both collaborations with Bijan) are often parked curbside. Inside, you’ll find a grand cystal chandelier made of 1,100 Bijan perfume bottles, Euro antiques and a Fernando Botero painting entitled The Rich. 

For serious design envy and interior inspiration, head to Ralph Lauren’s expansive 22,000-square-foot flagship. The lantern-lit, arched pathway entrance makes you feel like you’re entering a grand estate (there’s even an entry fountain to boot)—and the inside lives up to that vibe. Inside, the brand’s men’s and women’s collections (including an interactive custom handbag salon) hold court on the first floor, while a wrought-iron staircase brings you to the showroom-style home collections on the second level. To add to the luxury shopping experience, you’re also offered complimentary beverages and bites—like a soiree is about to start in the grand estate.

The three-story Gucci flagship store, which opened on Rodeo Drive in 1968, has since been reimagined by creative director Frida Giannini in 2014 to exude futuristic luxury. It recently underwent another major facelift with an illuminated, green marble-detailed exterior that has likely appeared on your Instagram feed. The sleek 22,000-square-foot space carries the full men’s and women’s collections, including ready-to-wear, jewelry, handbags, shoes, children’s apparel. Even those not browsing the racks for a wardrobe upgrade can gawk at the two-story LED wall displays and polished exterior. It’s a paradise for the Gucci obsessed. Plus, you might spot A-listers heading to the VIP third floor and terrace space for custom tailoring and red carpet fittings (after all, you’re in L.A.).

Located at the corner of Dayton Way and Rodeo Drive, this head-turning, Peter Marino-designed flagship store draws customers (and window shoppers) for its men’s and women’s ready-to-wear collections, shoes, accessories, leather covetables and overall striking interiors. Inside the expansive three-story boutique, you’ll also find a space dedicated to monogramming, luggage painting, custom shoes and belts, and an intriguing travel selection.

For spring 2019, the store’s window display is especially striking with a giant, technicolor mannequin figure and a faux yellow brick road leading up to the storefront that makes for a whimsical photo backdrop. The design is a nod to designer Virgil Abloh’s The Wizard of Oz-inspired spring 2019 menswear collection.

Tucked between Dayton Way and Brighton Way, the three-story shopping complex is a 1952 design from iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Of all his vast projects—from the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York to the Fallingwater home in Pennsylvania and countless other residential marvels like the Hollyhock House—Anderton Court is the only shopping mall he ever designed and the last of his nine total projects in L.A. Architecture enthusiasts can appreciate the central spire and angular ramp, while shoppers are drawn to six boutique shops inside. Though some minor changes have been made to the original design, it’s still a worthy pit stop on your Rodeo Drive tour.

Art lovers can flock to Rodeo Drive's only fine art gallery, which showcases museum-worthy paintings, drawings and prints from artists like Picasso, Rembrant, Dalí, Matisse and Chagall. Since opening in 1979, gallerist Michael Schwartz has lent his curatorial eye to the 12,000-square-foot space and filled it with great works from 17th-century European Masters to present day artists. Drop a pretty penny on a new piece of fine art for your collection or simply browse and admire this hidden gem on your walk down Rodeo.

The Walk of Style is Rodeo Drive’s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, honoring fashion world luminaries who have transformed the industry. As you walk along Rodeo, look for the bronze plaques set into the sidewalks with names such as Giorgio Armani, Tom Ford, Cartier and Donatella Versace, among others. At some point, you’ll come across the symbol of the Walk of Style, Torso. It would be hard to miss this 14-foot aluminum sculpture of a nude female torso by artist Robert Graham. If you’re lucky enough to be an honoree, you get to take home a miniature version of the scultpure (move over, Oscar).

Designed by Rem Koolhaas of Dutch architecture firm Office for Metropolitan Architecture, the 24,000-square-foot space contrasts a simple, box-like exterior with white and black marble, aluminum, glass and retro green accents. Sure, the main draw are multi-thousand-dollar handbags, eyewear, shoes and apparel for men and women, but Prada's “Los Angeles Epicenter,” as the brand calls it, is also a spectacle of innovative design. The grand staircase, which forms a hill dotted with mannequin displays, also makes for an impressive entrance. Shop Prada’s high quality collections or step in just to marvel at the unique design.

With three stories full of state-of-the-art timepieces, fine and rare jewelry, and bridal offerings, the estate-like Harry Winston salon on Rodeo Drive is the brand’s largest to date. When you’re done ogling the stunners in the glass displays, move your attention to the antique bronze furnishings, grand chandeliers and third floor terrace with views of the 90210. Now, about those price tags: Let’s just say if you’re ready to drop bills on, say, a Harry Winston engagement ring, he or she must really be the one.

With its gas lamps, cobblestone driveway and 1920s exterior, the Beverly Wilshire is easily one of Beverly Hills’ most recognizable—and certainly most historic—luxury addresses. Opt for the hotel’s luxe all-day dining spot The BLVD with views out to Rodeo Drive across the street, or Wolfgang Puck’s Michelin-starred restaurant, CUT. Housed in a grand Italian Renaissance building from 1928, with rich decorative scenes carved on the building’s stone facade, this hotel (seen in Pretty Woman) has a history and grandeur that’s palpable. The full-service spa, personal shoppers and private helicopter tours (not included in the rate) attract all sorts of A-listers and heads of state.