You’ve probably driven past it a hundred times if you’ve ever cruised down Sunset Boulevard. It’s that triangular patch of green sitting right across from the pink facade of the Beverly Hills Hotel. Most people don’t even stop. They see the towering palms and the fountain and keep driving toward Rodeo Drive or the coast.
But honestly? Will Rogers Memorial Park Beverly Hills is one of those places that holds the actual soul of the city, way more than a luxury handbag store ever could. It’s barely five acres. Small. Quiet. Kinda weirdly shaped. But it’s been there since 1912, making it the very first municipal park in Beverly Hills history. Back then, it was just called Sunset Park.
It wasn't until 1952 that they renamed it to honor Will Rogers. You might know him as the cowboy philosopher or the guy with the witty political quips, but in this neighborhood, he was the first "Honorary Mayor." He used to hang out here with his family all the time.
The George Michael Incident and the Park's Pop Culture Teeth
If you mention this park to anyone who lived through the late 90s, they aren't going to talk about the rose gardens. They’re going to talk about the "incident." On April 7, 1998, pop superstar George Michael was arrested in the park’s public restroom by a plainclothes officer for a "lewd act."
It was a massive scandal. Tabloid fuel for months.
Most celebs would have gone into hiding, but George Michael was different. He basically turned the whole ordeal into a middle finger to the authorities by releasing the song "Outside." If you watch the music video, he’s dancing in a bathroom that turns into a disco. He even had police officers kissing in it.
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It’s a wild bit of history for such a tranquil-looking place. Nowadays, the restrooms are renovated and perfectly normal, but the ghost of that 1998 headline still lingers for anyone who knows their L.A. lore.
Cinema Under the Palms
The park has some serious acting credits too. Long before the 90210 reboot fans showed up to see where Annie and Liam took a dip in the fountain, Charlie Chaplin was filming The Idle Class here in 1921.
Laurel and Hardy also shot scenes for Pack Up Your Troubles on these grounds in 1932. It’s got that classic, old-Hollywood aesthetic that hasn't really changed. The "Margaret J. Anderson Fountain"—named after the first owner of the Beverly Hills Hotel—still serves as the center of the park.
It's a frequent stop for those "Stars' Homes" tour vans, but if you actually get out of the car, you'll see it's mostly just locals and their dogs.
What You’ll Actually Find Inside
Don't expect a playground with neon plastic slides or a soccer field. This isn't that kind of park. It’s a garden. Think "European-style retreat" but with more palm trees.
- The Koi Pond: It’s surprisingly deep and full of massive fish. There are also turtles that spend all day sunbathing on the rocks.
- The Dragon Tree: Among the manicured roses and palms, there’s an exotic dragon tree that looks like something out of a fantasy novel.
- Decomposed Granite Paths: They recently swapped out the old asphalt for these crunchier, more natural walkways. It feels more expensive, which, well, it is Beverly Hills.
- The Centennial Roses: These were specifically planted to celebrate the city’s 100th anniversary. They smell incredible in the spring.
The vibe is very low-energy. It’s the place you go when you want to read a book or have a quiet conversation where no one is trying to sell you a $20 smoothie.
Know Before You Go
Parking is actually easier than you’d think. There’s usually two-hour free street parking around the perimeter on North Canon Drive and North Beverly Drive. Just watch the signs because the Beverly Hills parking enforcement does not play around.
The park is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day.
One big thing people get wrong: this is not Will Rogers State Historic Park. That’s a totally different (and much larger) place in Pacific Palisades where the hiking trails and the polo grounds are. If you show up here looking for a 5-mile hike, you’re going to be very disappointed. You can walk across this entire park in about three minutes.
Why It Still Matters in 2026
In a city that's constantly tearing things down to build glass-and-steel boxes, Will Rogers Memorial Park feels like a time capsule. It’s a weirdly democratic space. You might see a billionaire sitting on a bench next to a tourist who just hopped off a bus.
It's also one of the few places in Beverly Hills where you can just... exist. You don't have to buy anything. You don't have to have a reservation. You just sit by the fountain, watch the turtles, and maybe think about George Michael or Charlie Chaplin.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
If you're planning to stop by, skip the midday heat. The light hits the fountain perfectly around 4:00 PM, and that’s when the turtles are most active. After you've had your fill of the greenery, walk across the street to the Beverly Hills Hotel for a coffee or a drink—it’s the classic "old Hollywood" afternoon. Just remember to check the parking signs on Canon Drive so you don't end up with a ticket as a souvenir.