Guide to West Hollywood, Los Angeles
Mingle with LA’s Party People in West HollywoodRainbow flags at the ready! Spending time in West Hollywood – or WeHo, as the locals refer to it – means embracing LGBT+ culture in all its glorious forms and partying like there’s no tomorrow in the neighborhood’s many bustling bars and clubs.
It’s not for nothing that this vibrant and creative ‘hood is known as the city’s central hub for the LGBT+ community – walking around WeHo, you can’t fail to notice the many rainbow flags flying atop bars and restaurants, or the iconic rainbow crosswalks that mark this neighborhood out as one of the most inclusive and progressive in the country. In keeping with that, West Hollywood is an area that never sleeps, thanks to the thriving restaurants, bars, clubs, boutiques, and hip hotels that call it home. Whether you’re here for one of the area’s hugely popular street festivals – which take place on Halloween and in June for Pride – or simply looking to soak up some of that vibrant WeHo energy on the Sunset Strip, there’s plenty to keep you occupied from dusk till dawn.
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West Hollywood’s Character
Known for being a haven for creatives, West Hollywood competes with the glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills through its exclusive shopping boutiques on swanky Melrose Place and its luxe five-star hotels on the Sunset Strip, while retaining a healthy dose of grit and effortless cool through its numerous live music venues, thriving bars, hip streetwear boutiques, and bustling flea markets.
Getting to West Hollywood
Once you’re in West Hollywood, you’ll find it’s a fairly walkable neighborhood, so it’s worth putting on some comfortable shoes and exploring the area on foot. Particularly walkable areas include Melrose Avenue and Melrose Place, Fairfax Avenue, and West 3rd Street.
By car – If you rent your own car, driving to West Hollywood from LAX will take you around 45 minutes, while Hollywood is just a short 10-minute drive away. Just be warned, it’s best to avoid driving in rush hour if you can, as that’s likely to double your driving time. It can be tricky to find metered parking in WeHo, so it’s worth checking whether there’s parking available at your hotel or accommodation.
By public transport – If you’d rather do without a car, there are also plenty of ways to get around WeHo using public transport. While there’s no metro rail station in the neighborhood, the area is well-served by both Metro buses and DASH buses – the specific routes and timetables will vary depending on where you want to go.
Take a Stroll Along the Sunset Strip
The world-famous Sunset Strip, the name given to West Hollywood’s stretch of Sunset Boulevard, is known for its rock ‘n roll history and legendary live venues. Catch a gig at the Roxy Theatre (which played host to everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Guns N’ Roses back in the day), book in to see the likes of Ali Wong and Dave Chappelle at The Comedy Store, or dance the night away to a live set at The Viper Room.
Immerse Yourself in the Neighborhood’s Creative Energy
WeHo’s most famous architectural landmark is the vast Pacific Design Center, characterized by the three angular red, blue, and green glass buildings it’s made up of. Inside, you’ll find the Museum of Contemporary Art, which hosts a wide variety of programming. Admission is free, and once inside you can browse the extensive permanent collection of works by internationally renowned artists and revolving exhibitions at your own pace.
Hit the Hiking Trails
If you’re in West Hollywood, you can’t miss the chance to grab a selfie at the most Instagrammed spot in the city, the legendary Pink Wall outside the Paul Smith boutique on Melrose Avenue. There’s always a line to take a snap here, using the shop’s bright pink façade as a striking backdrop.
Hiking is a beloved LA pastime, and some of the most popular trails in the city can be found at Runyon Canyon. Here, four trails snake through the Hollywood Hills, providing a heart-pumping form of cardio, as well as offering spellbinding views over the city. Just be aware, if you’re looking to get away from it all and be at one with nature, these probably aren’t the trails for you, seeing as they’re usually packed with Angelenos out walking their dogs at all times of the day.
Where to Eat and Drink in West Hollywood
Like the rest of Los Angeles, West Hollywood is known for being a real melting pot when it comes to cultures and cuisines, which is reflected in the neighborhood’s diverse dining scene. From first-rate sushi at Sushi Park (where it’s rumored Beyoncé and Jay Z like to have their low-key date nights) to award-winning northern Thai street food at Night + Market and fine Italian fare at Cecconi’s, you’re bound to find something to tickle your taste buds. If you’re in the mood for a one-stop shop, head to the Original Farmer’s Market, a foodie favorite since 1934 that has stalls serving up dishes from all over the world.
WeHo is also home to some of the smartest rooftop bars in LA, whether that’s the bustling hotspot of E.P. & L.P, with its stunning views over the Hollywood Hills, or Catch LA on Melrose Avenue, where you can order out-of-this-world seafood and steaks with a side order of celeb spotting.
Naturally, as LA’s LGBT+ neighborhood, there’s no shortage of fun nightlife in WeHo, most of which can be found on Santa Monica Boulevard (where the ‘hood also holds its legendary Halloween and Pride parades). Nights are spent at The Abbey, the city’s most famous gay bar, while on weekends, you’ll find everyone sinking bottomless mimosas at Hamburger Mary’s infamous drag brunch.
Your Shopping Guide to West Hollywood
Though Beverly Hills may take the crown as LA’s most famous shopping destination, West Hollywood sneaks in as a very close second – and some may even argue it comes out on top, thanks to the sheer variety of shops on offer in WeHo. Those on the hunt for designer labels are well catered for on swish Melrose Place, where boutiques include Balmain, Isabel Marant, and Maison Margiela.
Vintage lovers, meanwhile, should make a beeline for the Melrose Trading Post flea market, which runs every Sunday at the corner of Melrose Avenue and Fairfax Avenue and features hundreds of stalls selling everything from retro rock ‘n roll tees to second-hand furniture and hand-made jewelry. Those looking for independent boutiques will find them as they take a leisurely stroll along West 3rd Street and Fairfax Avenue, which is particularly well-known for its streetwear shops.
Where to Stay in West Hollywood
West Hollywood is home to some of the most famous hotels in Los Angeles, most of which are clustered around the Sunset Strip. At the very top of that list is the legendary Chateau Marmont, which has been a favorite with celebrities and rock stars since it first opened in 1929. Also along the Strip, you’ll find the Sunset Tower, an Art Deco gem that encapsulates the Golden Age of Hollywood, and the West Hollywood Edition, the Strip’s newest, coolest addition that comes with its own 70s-inspired underground nightclub, Sunset.
Those looking for slightly more affordable options would do well to steer clear of the Strip altogether, where the prices are hiked up thanks to its famous location. The hip Palihotel on Melrose Avenue offers boutique rooms with lashings of personality, while Hotel 850 SVB is a cross between a B&B and an indie hotel, offering light-filled rooms designed by interior decorator Rita Konig.
Who Should Stay in West Hollywood?
Thanks to its inclusive nature, West Hollywood is a great spot for LGBT+ travelers, who know they will be welcomed with open arms wherever they go. Its vibrant nightlife scene means it’s also particularly popular with young people and singles, who come here looking to party. But the wide array of luxury hotels and amenities means the area also draws its fair share of couples and families, looking to soak up the vibrant atmosphere and use its central location as a launch pad to explore the rest of Los Angeles.