With her breakout role as Donna Martin on the hit ’90s teen drama Beverly Hills, 90210, Tori Spelling made a name for herself as an actor with a warm and quirky comedic flair. She put those skills to great use later on in films and TV movies such as Trick, The House of Yes, and Mother, May I Sleep With Danger?
In addition to getting her kicks on the 33rd season of Dancing With the Stars, Spelling’s kept busy through the years, headlining a string of reality series, penning several memoirs, and launching The BFF Collection of lifestyle products on QVC with her 90210 co-star and pal, Jennie Garth. The Hollywood icon and busy mom is now also entertaining fans with her popular iHeartRadio podcasts, misSPELLING and 90210MG, the latter of which she co-hosts with Garth.
Here, Spelling opens up about her L.A. roots and the joy she gets from sharing Golden State delights with her kids.
Where do you live? I live in Los Angeles, right in the heart of the city. It’s where I grew up, where my family’s roots are, and where so much of my life story has unfolded. I can’t imagine living anywhere else—L.A. just has this magic. Plus, there’s never a dull moment here, with all the creativity, history, and beauty wrapped into one city.
Why there? L.A. is home. I was born and raised here, and it’s where I feel the most connected to my family and friends. I love the energy, the opportunities, and, let’s be honest, the weather! I can’t resist the combination of sunshine and palm trees. It’s also where my kids have their roots now too.
Who or what is your greatest California love? Oh, that’s easy—Malibu. There’s something about the beaches there that just speaks to my soul. I grew up going to Malibu with my family, and now I take my kids there. The sand between your toes, the sound of the waves, the sunsets—honestly, it’s pure California bliss. If I need to recharge, that’s where you’ll find me.
What is the biggest misperception about Californians? I think it’s that we’re all just focused on looks and superficial things. Yes, we love taking care of ourselves, but there’s so much more depth here. Californians are creative, passionate, and driven. We’re not just about the surface; we’re about the hustle and the dream. Trust me, it’s a lot more than green juice and yoga pants!
What is the stereotype that most holds true? Honestly, the love for health and wellness. It’s true that we’re all about living our best lives, whether that’s through fitness, clean eating, or just soaking up some Vitamin D. You can’t go anywhere in L.A. without hearing about a new workout class or the latest healthy café, but I love that about us. We’re always striving to feel good and look good.
What is your favorite Golden State splurge? Vintage shopping in Palm Springs! I have such a love for all things retro, and Palm Springs is like a treasure chest for vintage finds. Whether it’s home decor or fashion, you can find the coolest, most unique pieces there. Plus, the vibe in Palm Springs just makes the whole experience even better—it’s like a little time warp in the best way possible.
Time for a road trip—where are you going? I’d pack up the car and head straight to Big Sur. That drive along the coast is unbeatable—the cliffs, the ocean, the redwoods—it’s like driving through a postcard. We’d stay at the Post Ranch Inn because it’s so peaceful and just so “California.” I’d make sure we’d stop at Nepenthe for lunch with that stunning view, then hike through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to see the waterfall. It's the kind of place that reminds you why California is so special.
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? It’s gotta be tacos from a food truck! California just knows how to do tacos right. I think it’s something about the fresh ingredients, the creativity, and, of course, the fact that you’re usually eating them outside in the perfect weather. Whether it’s a classic carne asada or something with a California twist like fish or vegan tacos, it’s the ultimate casual-yet-gourmet experience.
What is your favorite way to play in California? I love exploring the outdoors with my kids. Whether it’s hiking in Griffith Park, riding bikes on the Venice boardwalk, or just having a beach day in Malibu, there’s always something to do outside. California is this huge playground with so many adventures waiting around every corner, and I love showing my kids all the beauty the state has to offer.
Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? I’d definitely start on Rodeo Drive for the full-on luxury experience—there’s nothing like strolling those streets lined with designer boutiques. But you’d also find me on Melrose, especially on Sundays at the Melrose Trading Post for some vintage and thrift shopping. It’s one of my favorite places to score unique home finds, plus fun clothing, shoes, and accessories that you just won’t find anywhere else. Some of my go-to boutiques are right there on Melrose—Reformation for those eco-friendly, stylish pieces I love, Dolls Kill for that bold, edgy vibe, and Marc Jacobs for timeless fashion with a twist. The vibe on Melrose is so cool and creative—there’s this energy in the air, and you never know what amazing pieces you’ll discover. It’s such a perfect mix of high-end and quirky, which is exactly why I love it!
Best California song? “California Love” by Tupac. I mean, can you even talk about California without thinking of that song? It’s such an anthem for the state, and it just captures the energy of living here. When you hear it, you feel that California pride. It’s the ultimate feel-good, windows-down, driving-on-PCH song. It’s iconic for a reason.
How would your California dream day unfold? I’d start with a sunrise hike up Runyon Canyon—there’s something magical about L.A. in the early morning when the city is still waking up. Then I’d head to Joan’s on Third for breakfast—their avocado toast is perfection. After that, I’d take the kids to Malibu for a beach day. We’d have a picnic, play in the surf, and just soak up the sun. For lunch, we’d hit up Nobu Malibu (because who doesn’t love sushi with a view?). The afternoon would be spent vintage shopping in Silver Lake, and then I’d wrap up the day with a rooftop dinner at the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills, watching the sunset over the city. Perfect, right?
