West Hollywood is a vibrant city ripe for exploration. No doubt its liveliness and excitement are due to the town’s primarily gay culture. In fact, stroll Santa Monica Boulevard and you’ll see rainbow crosswalks. West Hollywood offers an energetic nightlife, a multitude of iconic comedy clubs and historic music venues, a funky and fashionable shopping scene, and a variety of trendy eateries and bars. With a dizzying display of things to do, the area can be overwhelming. To help out, we’ve compiled a fantastic list of the best things to do in phenomenal West Hollywood, California. So read on to ensure a fabulous time in West Hollywood!
1. Catch a play at The Coast Playhouse
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Coast Playhouse offers a modest venue that affords top-quality live-theater performances and events often with gay themes. In business since the 1960s, The Coast Playhouse has a colorful history: running gay porn flicks during the 1970s and revival plays in the 1980s. Today, The Coast Playhouse adds significant vitality to the West Hollywood neighborhood.
The Coast Playhouse
Address: 8325 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069
Website: The Coast Playhouse
Price: 40 USD
2. Check out West Hollywood Library
Located on the edge of West Hollywood Park is the West Hollywood Library. Boasting a striking ultra-contemporary exterior and interior, West Hollywood Library is a great place to spend a lazy afternoon. Get lost among the many books housed in this lovely structure that provides huge windows for nice views and lots of natural light.
West Hollywood Library
Address: 625 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Website: West Hollywood Library
Opening hours: Sun: 1pm - 5pm; Mon - Thu: 11am - 7pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 6pm
Price: Free
3. Stroll along The Sunset Strip
The Sunset Strip, we wear our holiday colors all year round.
Posted by The Sunset Strip on Sunday, 20 December 2015
The fabled Sunset Strip is the go-to spot when exploring West Hollywood. There’s no better-known stretch of roadway that offers the alluring image of young, hip, and attractive crowds carousing in the most enticing bars and captivating clubs. The Sunset Strip is the ultimate nightspot in the state of California and possibly the world.
The Sunset Strip
Address: Runs east and west from Crescent Heights Blvd to Sierra Drive
Website: The Sunset Strip
Opening hours: 24/7
Price: 2 USD (per hour / metered parking)
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4. Shop along Melrose
Melrose Avenue is a top destination for a very distinct shopping experience. If you want to enjoy upscale stores, chic boutiques, and high-end housewares, then head to the west side of the area. If you desire a more eclectic experience, east is the direction to go with plenty of funky and avant-garde establishments. Whichever direction you choose you’ll have a memorable time.
Melrose
Address: Runs east and west from N La Cienaga Blvd to N La Brea Avenue
Website: Melrose
Opening hours: Varies from store to store
Price: 2 USD (per hour / metered parking)
5. Explore Pacific Design Center
Comprised of one red, one green, and one blue modern-exterior structure, Pacific Design Center is, to say the least, eye-catching. A top-notch multi-use complex that’s become a landmark on the city’s landscape, Pacific Design Center is definitely a place to investigate if you’re into colorful design and amazing architecture. This facility contains everything from lavish showrooms to interesting workshops to fine eateries.
Pacific Design Center
Address: 8687 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Website: Pacific Design Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free
6. Take a bike tour in West Hollywood (from USD 172.0)
Enjoy an innovative way to discover West Hollywood by taking this fabulous bike tour. A self-guided excursion that allows you to move at your own pace, this bike tour is equipped with a GPS that directs you to many sights where a tour bus can’t fit. This adventure focuses on hidden gems of the neighborhood and participants can also view a large collection of West Hollywood’s celebrity homes. Even Beverly Hills is on the tour’s agenda!
Celebrity Homes and Movie Sites Self-Guided Bike Tour
Duration: 5 hours
7. Relax at West Hollywood Park and Plummer Park
Posted by West Hollywood Park on Wednesday, 22 June 2011
West Hollywood Park is a lovely area in close proximity to the West Hollywood Library. This park offers grassy spaces, a fun kid’s playground, and a sparkling swimming pool to keep visitors cool in summer. While West Hollywood Park is the more high-profile park - boasting a wonderful dog park - Plummer Park offers a nice low-key experience and its atmosphere is rich because of a dominant Russian immigrant population residing in the neighborhood.
West Hollywood Park
Address: 647 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Website: West Hollywood Park
Opening hours: 6am - 12am (daily)
Price: Free
8. Go to Schindler House
Schindler House is a marvel of avant-garde design. Constructed in 1922 by architect Rudolph Schindler, who was mentored by Frank Lloyd Wright, Schindler House is surrounded by pretty grass patios and beautiful sunken gardens. Schindler House is an L-shaped abode that even displays fanciful living and sleeping space on the roof! If you’re a fan of eclectic design Schindler House is a must see.
Schindler House
Address: 833 N Kings Rd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Website: Schindler House
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11am - 6pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 10 USD
9. Take a photography tour with a celebrity photographer (from USD 121.0)
With West Hollywood as a backdrop, learn to pose for selfies like a Hollywood A-lister on this one-of-a-kind photography tour. Led by an expert celebrity photographer, this tour offers tips on how to improve traffic to your Instagram page. In addition, you’ll get first-hand knowledge on the techniques needed for taking the best Instagram-worthy photos. This tour is equipped with your own personal camera crew. Newbies to Instagram are welcome!
Instagram Bootcamp Photoshoot with Celebrity Photographer
Duration: 1 hour
10. Wander through the Santa Monica Boulevard
Santa Monica Boulevard is part of the historic Route 66 roadway and the West Hollywood section runs from North Doheny Drive on the west side to Sunset Boulevard at the Sunset Junction on the east side. Santa Monica Boulevard offers a lively stretch of space that showcases a fervent gay pride attitude. The area also includes a fantastic Russian section that boasts aromatic Russian bakeries, handy grocery stores, and fine restaurants.
Santa Monica Boulevard
Address: Runs east and west from N. Doheny Dr. to Sunset Boulevard Junction
Website: Santa Monica Boulevard
Opening hours: 24/7
Price: 2 USD (per hour / metered parking)
11. Visit Veterans Memorial
Posted by Sal Guarriello Veterans' Memorial on Wednesday, 22 June 2011
Surrounded by magnificent Laurel and Redwood trees, Veterans Memorial commemorates the sacrifice of war veterans. The memorial is a tranquil display equipped with four formal flagpoles, a row of polished shields showcasing the branches of the US Armed Forces, and a nice dedication plaque in a lovely green park-like setting. A trickling water fountain adds to the peaceful environment that prompts quiet reflection.
Veterans Memorial
Address: 8441 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Website: Veterans Memorial
Opening hours: 24/7
Price: Free
12. Catch the latest flick at AMC Sunset 5
One of Los Angeles’ most popular independent movie theaters, AMC Sunset 5 offers a stellar film-going experience. Providing reserved seating with the choice of roomy rocking seats or luxurious recliners, you may get so comfy you might mistake AMC Sunset 5 for your own living room. AMC Sunset 5 also offers MacGuffins Bar where you can get delicious cocktails or cold craft beer, along with scrumptious bites.
AMC Sunset 5
Address: 8000 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046
Website: AMC Sunset 5
Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (daily)
Price: 13.99 USD
13. Drink at Andaz’ Riot House rooftop bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Overlooking the Sunset Strip and Hollywood Hills, Andaz’ Riot House’s rooftop bar is the highest rooftop pool bar in Los Angeles and a superb spot to enjoy a cocktail! Andaz’ Riot House rooftop bar serves hand-crafted cocktails with only the freshest ingredients. Many have fun names like Marilyn Monroe and Painkiller. Light plates are also offered such as hummus and veggie wraps.
Andaz’ Riot House
Address: 8401 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Website: Andaz’ Riot House
Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset
Price: 31-60 USD
14. Catch live music at Troubadour
Awash in rock ‘n roll history, the Troubadour opened in 1957 and is an intimate standing-room-only nightclub showcasing exceptional and innovative music. The list of past performers is long and illustrious - musical legends Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Bruce Springsteen, as well as comedians Lenny Bruce and Richard Pryor. The heavy metal band Guns 'N Roses played their first show at Troubadour and was discovered by David Geffen who founded Geffen Records.
Troubadour
Address: 9081 N Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Website: Troubadour
Opening hours: 7pm - 2am (daily)
Price: 17-25 USD
15. Shop for books at Book Soup
Book Soup is a wonderful independent bookstore you could happily spend days exploring. With over 60,000 titles. consisting mainly of film, photography, music, art, and literary fiction, ardent book lovers are sure to find a hidden gem among the stacks. Book Soup even has a passion for autographed books so you never know what you might find to take home as a prized souvenir.
Book Soup
Address: 8818 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Website: Book Soup
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 10pm; Sun: 9am - 7pm
16. Laugh at The Comedy Store and Laugh Factory
The Comedy Store and Laugh Factory are two iconic comedy clubs that should be on any tourist’s to-do list. Both offer the ultimate in comedic entertainment. The Comedy Store, founded in 1972, was the first all stand-up comedy nightclub in the world. The Laugh Factory opened its doors in 1979 and has hosted many great talents such as Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, and Sarah Silverman. Either venue promises a hilariously good time.
Laugh Factory
Address: 8001 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Website: Laugh Factory
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 9:30am - 11:30pm; Fri - Sat: 9:30am - 1:30am
Price: 17-30 USD
17. Sample wine at V Wine Room
Though Napa Valley’s wine country may be a six-hour drive away, you can still experience high-quality cabernets and chardonnays in West Hollywood at the V Wine Room. Possessing a chill vibe, V Wine Room provides one of the best wine bar experiences around. With over 70 wines offered by the glass and at least 200 bottles from which to make a selection, V Wine Bar is a must stop on any true wine lover’s journey.
V Wine Room
Address: 903 Westbourne Dr, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Website: V Wine Room
Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 10pm; Mon - Wed: 12pm - 11pm; Thr - Sat: 12pm - 12am
Price: 10-20 USD (per glass)
18. Head to Hamilton Selway Fine Art
If contemporary and pop art gets you excited then a trip to Hamilton Selway Fine Art is the answer. Hamilton Selway Fine Art is one of the largest curators of pop and contemporary art on the West Coast and features the works of famous figures like Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Keith Haring. Hamilton Selway Fine Art boasts a massive collection of fine artwork that’s truly a feast for the eyes.
Hamilton Selway Fine Art
Address: 8678 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Website: Hamilton Selway Fine Art
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 7pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free
19. Dance at Whisky A Go Go
Just like the Troubadour, the Whisky A Go Go is a revered venue on Los Angeles’ music landscape. Founded in 1964, Whisky A Go Go offers an intimate setting and showcases a variety of live rock bands and other music acts. Whisky A Go Go’s acclaimed past has seen bands such as The Doors, Led Zeppelin, and singer Janis Joplin take center stage. For avid music fans, grooving freely to tunes at the Whisky A Go Go is the supreme rock ‘n roll experience.
Whisky A Go Go
Address: 8901 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Website: Whisky A Go Go
Opening hours: 24/7
Price: Varies
20. Have fun at Hamburger Mary's
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Hamburger Marys WEHO on Monday, December 28, 2020
Hamburger Mary’s is a hearty mix of delectable food and gay merriment. The gourmet burgers on the menu are huge crowd pleasers with choices like Mac Daddy Burger for cheese lovers or Buffy the Hamburger Slayer marinated in red wine with garlic cloves for a vampire-inspired meal. The entertainment is also a big draw. Enjoy Drag Queen Bingo and Sunday Drag Brunch. There’s also trivia nights and karaoke events. The meter is always set to fun at Hamburger Mary’s!
Hamburger Mary's
Address: 8288 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Website: Hamburger Mary’s
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 1pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 2am
Price: 11-30 USD
21. Celebrity spotting at Sunset Plaza
For over 90 years Sunset Plaza has provided a paradise for high-end shopaholics and die-hard foodie connoisseurs. A cluster of stellar shopping and dining establishments, Sunset Plaza’s exclusive zip code means it’s very likely you’ll catch a glimpse of a Hollywood star or two while you sip coffee in a top-notch cafe or try on the latest fashion fad at one of Sunset Plaza’s trendy boutiques.
Sunset Plaza
Address: 8623 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Website: Sunset Plaza
Price: Free
22. Linger over brunch at Taste on Melrose
Nothing offers a more cool LA feel than the easygoing ambiance of Taste of Melrose. A casual yet elegant establishment, Taste of Melrose offers an extensive brunch menu filled with fresh farmer’s market-influenced modern fare. Everything from avocado toast to fried chicken sandwiches can be savored at a leisurely pace. Wash it down with a refreshing mimosa or a signature pomegranate basil sangria. Brunch is weekends from 10 am to 4 pm.
Taste on Melrose
Address: 8454 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Website: Taste on Melrose
Opening hours: Sun: 10am - 10pm; Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 10pm; Fri: 11:30am - 11pm; Sat: 10am - 11pm
Price: 11-30 USD
23. Shop at Melrose Place Farmers’ Markets
A delightful open-air market, Melrose Place Farmers’ Markets is the go-to destination when shopping for the freshest vegetables and produce. Available all year round and whether the skies are sunny or cloudy, Melrose Place Farmers’ Markets offers a small and less congested environment than other farmers markets. Melrose Place Farmers’ Markets also offers prepared-food stands available for convenience in addition to fresh flowers and attractive arts and crafts.
Melrose Place Farmers’ Markets
Address: 8428 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Website: Melrose Place Farmers’ Markets
Opening hours: Sun: 8am - 2pm (closed Mon - Sat)
Price: Free
24. Check out the exhibitions at ONE Archives
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A wide range of various media is available for viewing at ONE Archives. Housing the largest collection of LGBTQ works in the world, ONE Archives mission is to collect, protect, and preserve the history of the LGBTQ community, along with its numerous art and culture. ONE Archives also host many thought-provoking events and exhibitions that contemplate the struggles and triumphs of the gay community.
ONE Archives
Address: 626 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Website: ONE Archives
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 11am - 2pm, 3pm - 6pm (closed on Mon, Tue & Wed)
Price: Free
25. Try creative craft beer at The Surly Goat
Flavorful craft beer is the norm at Surly Goat and so is the quirky atmosphere. A stuffed goat’s head is mounted over the full-service bar that provides a myriad of top-notch sudsy delights. Several brews offer fanciful names. Try the Dank & Sticky IPA or a bubbly and refreshing pilsner called Da Shootz. There’s also Delirium Tremens, a strong Belgian ale, that’s worth a sample. A breezy outdoor patio is an ideal place to escape the raucous indoor scene.
The Surly Goat
Address: 7929 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046
Website: The Surly Goat
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6pm - 2am; Sat - Sun: 1pm - 2am
Price: 6 USD
26. Go to Redd Foxx Walk Of Fame
Posted by Mike's Dead Formats on Tuesday, 13 December 2016
About 1.3 miles (2.09 kilometers) from the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a small informal rendering of the famous Tinseltown version. Displayed in front of a nondescript office building is the Redd Foxx Walk Of Fame. This area is where Foxx and several of his friends and comedic associates, particularly those involved with the 1970s TV series Sanford and Son, preserved their footprints in cement. This spot is worth a look if you’re a fan of comedy and Redd Foxx.
Redd Foxx Walk Of Fame
Address: 933 North La Brea Avenue West Hollywood 90038
Website: Redd Foxx Walk Of Fame
Opening hours: 24/7
Price: Free
27. Explore Jim Morrison's hotel room
Posted by Arjay Sutton on Tuesday, 4 June 2019
Here’s a little-known tourist attraction that’s a real treat for Jim Morrison fans. Alta Cienega Motel’s Room 32 has become a shrine to the late singer, replete with Jim Morrison-inspired graffiti scrawled on the walls of this less-than-stellar accommodation. Apparently, whenever Morrison’s girlfriend kicked him out of their house, this is the place he stayed. Fans can opt to reserve the room for an overnight stay or simply view the lodging for 1 USD per minute.
Jim Morrison's hotel room - Alta Cienega Motel
Address: 1005 North La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Website: Jim Morrison’s hotel room
Opening hours: 24/7
Price: 1 USD (per minute)
28. Chill out at The Viper Room
The Viper Room is a cool hot spot to experience if only for its notoriety. The Viper Room originally began as a jazz club frequented by gangsters in the 1940s. Once owned by Jonnhy Depp, The Viper Room no doubt has a rich as well as grim past.: actor River Phoenix overdosed in the 1990s on the doorstep. The Viper Room exudes a hip yet gritty vibe and the venue hosts up-and-coming rock bands and some established musical artists.
Viper Room
Address: 8852 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Website: The Viper Room
Opening hours: 4pm - 2am (daily)
Price: 8-40 USD
29. Head to RH West Hollywood
Exuding an ostentatious flair that features a grand staircase and classical columns, RH West Hollywood is a nirvana for home design. RH West Hollywood is unique and it boasts of a gallery-setting layout and also offers an interactive design workshop to help you pick colorful rugs and handsome lamps like a pro. Before you leave, don’t miss the chance to visit the stunning rooftop park and conservatory!
RH West Hollywood
Address: 8564 Melrose Ave. West Hollywood CA 90069
Website: RH West Hollywood
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 7pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm
30. Visit the beautiful Chateau Marmont
Awash in bygone Hollywood glamor, Chateau Marmont is a historic hotel in operation since the 1920s. Chateau Marmont has become the chosen hideaway for celebrities, offering luxury suites and charming bungalows. An intimate on-site restaurant provides a European-inspired menu and the swank cocktail bar is an inviting spot to relax. Other amenities that set Chateau Marmont apart is the sparkling swimming pool and the lovely terrace garden.
Chateau Marmont
Address: 8221 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Website: Chateau Marmont
Opening hours: 8am - 2am (daily)
Price: 465 USD (nightly)
Wild and wonderful West Hollywood
For its compact 1.9 square miles (4.9 square kilometers), West Hollywood packs a lot of fun and thrills. Offering everything from legendary nightclubs to distinctive art galleries to sophisticated and offbeat shopping spots, West Hollywood is certain to leave an indelible impression on any adventuresome tourist.
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