Day Trip to Greystone Mansion Beverly Hills: A Peek into History

Greystone Mansion, officially known as the Doheny Greystone Estate, is a historic landmark in Beverly Hills, California. It is a serene place to visit, especially during the week when you can enjoy the estate with fewer visitors. It tends to be quiet on weekends unless a wedding or special event occurs. Here are some key points to keep in mind when visiting this historic property:

Greystone Mansion History

Greystone Mansion, a gift from oil tycoon Edward Doheny to his son, Edward “Ned” Doheny, Jr., and his family, holds a significant place in history. Construction on the property began in the late 1920s and was completed in 1928. A tragic incident occurred in 1929, just a year after the Mansion was completed, when Ned Doheny was murdered within its walls. Over the years, the Mansion has had several owners and is currently managed by the City and Parks Department.

Architectural Features

Greystone Mansion is a sprawling 46,000-square-foot estate with 55 rooms, 14 bedrooms, and 16 bathrooms. It blends Tudor and Gothic Revival styles and exudes a castle-like charm. Equipped with modern amenities like elevators and a pipe organ, it originally covered 18 acres and now houses formal gardens, woodlands, and a large park-like setting.

Film Location and TV Shows

Greystone Mansion is used as a filming location, wedding venue, or place to hold special events.  Greystone Park may be closed on days when weddings or events occur. The list of movies and TV shows at the Mansion is extensive, including three Spider-Man films, Star Trek Into Darkness, The Witches of Eastwick, Dark Shadows, Ghostbusters II,  Murder, She Wrote, and hundreds more.

Visiting Greystone Mansion

Access to the Mansion’s grounds is open daily from dawn to dusk. The Mansion’s interior can be visited during special events or scheduled tours, depending on its use for filming or other private events. To schedule a tour or visit the interior, it’s best to contact the City and Parks Department or check the official website for availability. Visitors are welcome to walk around Greystone Mansion Park free of charge. You can peek inside the windows, stroll around the grounds, and enjoy the fantastic views of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles.

Weddings at Greystone Mansion

Weddings and events are coordinated from the Greystone Estate Gatehouse. During regular business hours, you can schedule appointments to discuss details, tour the site, and apply for permits. Weddings can be held in several areas of the Mansion, each offering unique charm and stunning views. With its elegant architecture, the inner courtyard, the pool area surrounded by lush greenery, and the terrace, which offers panoramic views of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, are popular for wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Location and Hours

Greystone Mansion Park is free to visit, has free parking, and has public restrooms. However, the mansion is only open for public tours one day each month, so advance tickets are a must. The mansion is at 501 Doheny Road, Beverly Hills, California, and the park entrance is 905 Loma Vista Drive. If you plan to visit or learn more, check the official city or Mansion website for current access policies and events.

Nearby Points of Interest

Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a famous landmark in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. It features over 2,700 five-pointed stars made of terrazzo and brass, embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street. For more information and to explore the stars and their stories, visit the official Hollywood Walk of Fame website.

Griffith Observatory & Planetarium

The Griffith Observatory and Planetarium is located in Griffith Park on the southern slopes of Mount Hollywood. It offers panoramic views of Los Angeles, including downtown LA and the Hollywood Sign. Because of its popularity, particularly on clear nights, it tends to attract large crowds. For the best experience, consider arriving early or visiting during off-peak times.

Koreatown, Los Angeles, California

Koreatown, Los Angeles, is renowned for its Korean BBQ and restaurants offering traditional Korean cuisine, such as bibimbap, kimchi, and various stews. It also has a burgeoning scene of fusion and international cuisine. While predominantly Korean, Koreatown has a diverse population, including a significant Latino community, making it one of LA’s most culturally rich areas.