You’ve probably driven past it a hundred times if you’re cruising down Sunset Boulevard. It’s that lush, green triangle sitting right across from the iconic pink facade of The Beverly Hills Hotel. Most people mistake it for the hotel's private lawn, but it's actually Will Rogers Memorial Park Beverly Hills, the city’s very first municipal park.
It’s small. Only about five acres. But man, does it pack a punch when it comes to weird history and pure, unadulterated relaxation.
Don't confuse this with the big State Historic Park over in Pacific Palisades where the hiking and polo matches happen. This place is different. It’s a pocket of "Old Hollywood" where the hedges are perfectly manicured, the koi pond is thick with fish, and the ghost of 1990s tabloid scandals still lingers around the public restrooms.
The Name Change Nobody Noticed
When it opened back in 1915, the city called it Sunset Park. Simple. Classic. At the time, Beverly Hills was barely a city—just a few years old—and this land was actually donated by Margaret J. Anderson, who owned the Beverly Hills Hotel.
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So why the change?
In 1926, the legendary humorist Will Rogers was named the "Honorary Mayor" of Beverly Hills. It was kind of a joke at first, but the guy was so loved that the title stuck. After he died in a tragic plane crash in 1935, the city eventually decided to honor him by renaming their crown jewel of a park in 1952. Honestly, it fits. Rogers was the guy who said, "I never met a man I didn't like," and this park feels like it was designed with that same friendly, open-door policy in mind.
The George Michael Incident: What Really Happened
If you mention Will Rogers Memorial Park Beverly Hills to anyone who lived through the late '90s, they won't talk about the flowers. They’ll talk about George Michael.
On April 7, 1998, the pop superstar was arrested right here by an undercover officer named Marcelo Rodriguez. It was a sting operation in the park's restrooms. While the tabloids went absolutely wild with the "public lewdness" headlines, George Michael did something pretty legendary: he didn't hide.
He basically turned the whole ordeal into a celebration of his identity. He came out as gay shortly after, released the hit song "Outside," and even featured a disco-fied public bathroom in the music video. Today, if you visit those same restrooms (which have been significantly upgraded and are now "smart" facilities), you’re standing in a spot that fundamentally changed pop culture history. It turned a moment of shame into a massive win for LGBTQ+ visibility.
What to Actually Do There
Look, you aren't going here to play football or go for a five-mile run. It’s too small for that. But if you want a "Main Character" moment in Beverly Hills without paying $30 for a salad at the hotel across the street, this is your spot.
The Margaret J. Anderson Fountain
The center of the park features a massive fountain and pond. It’s named after the woman who gave the land to the city. If you have kids—or you’re just bored—bring some fish-friendly food. The koi in this pond are massive. Like, suspiciously big. There are also turtles that sun themselves on the rocks.
Picnicking Like a Local
Because the park is a triangle, you have these long stretches of lawn shaded by massive Canary Island Palms and Dragon Trees. It's shockingly quiet despite being bordered by Sunset Boulevard and Canon Drive. You’ll see locals here with high-end blankets and actual glassware, but a sandwich from a nearby deli works just as well.
The "Smart" Restrooms
It sounds weird to put bathrooms on a "what to do" list, but the city recently installed tech-enabled "Throne" restrooms. You unlock them with your phone. They are climate-controlled and, frankly, cleaner than most people's apartments. It’s a far cry from the gritty scene of 1998.
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The Vibe and Etiquette
Beverly Hills doesn't do "casual" the way the rest of LA does. There are rules.
- No Dogs: This is a big one. Unlike the Will Rogers park in Pacific Palisades, pets are generally a no-go here to keep the lawns pristine.
- Quiet Zones: People come here to read or nap. Don't be the person with the loud Bluetooth speaker.
- No Smoking: It’s a city-wide thing, but they really enforce it here.
The park is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. If you want the best photos, show up about an hour before sunset. The way the light hits the Beverly Hills Hotel and filters through the palms makes everything look like a vintage postcard.
Why This Place Still Matters
In a city that feels like it’s constantly being torn down and rebuilt, Will Rogers Memorial Park Beverly Hills feels frozen in time. It’s a reminder of when Beverly Hills was just a dream of a "garden city." It’s also one of the few places in the 90210 where you don’t have to buy anything to belong.
Whether you’re a history buff looking for the George Michael site or just someone who needs twenty minutes of silence away from the Rodeo Drive crowds, this little triangle of grass is essential.
Actionable Next Steps
- Location: 9650 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.
- Parking: Look for street parking on N. Canon Drive or N. Beverly Drive. Avoid parking on Sunset unless you want a ticket.
- Pro-Tip: Grab a coffee at one of the cafes on Canon Drive and walk two blocks north to the park. It's the perfect morning routine.
- Check the Fountain: If the water isn't running, it's usually for maintenance on Tuesday mornings. Plan accordingly if you want that perfect fountain shot.
The park is currently open and fully accessible. While the "Throne" restrooms require a smartphone to access, they are open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Keep an eye on the city's official site for any filming closures, as this remains one of the most popular spots for commercial photography in the city.