This lively Los Angeles neighborhood along Sunset Boulevard has pioneering LGBTQ+ venues, celebrity hangouts, and iconic music venues like Whisky a Go Go and The Roxy Theatre.
West Hollywood, a compact 1.9-square-mile city in Los Angeles County, sits between Beverly Hills and Los Angeles proper. Walk down Sunset Boulevard to catch a rock concert at the historic Whisky a Go Go, browse through contemporary art installations at the Pacific Design Center, or join the half-million revelers at the annual Halloween Carnaval on Santa Monica Boulevard. The city's streets hold modernist architectural gems like the Schindler House, while its nightlife ranges from laid-back piano bars to high-energy dance clubs.
Getting Around West Hollywood
Walk to most destinations in West Hollywood using its grid layout and compact size. Santa Monica Boulevard runs through the center, connecting major landmarks and entertainment areas. From Los Angeles International Airport, take Santa Monica Boulevard about five miles from I-405, or head north on Fairfax Avenue from I-10. Free shuttle buses run along Santa Monica Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard every 15 minutes during peak hours.
The Sunset Strip Music Scene
Rock music history lives on the one-mile stretch of Sunset Boulevard through West Hollywood. Watch new bands perform at the Whisky a Go Go, where The Doors played their first shows in 1966. The Roxy Theatre, open since 1973, maintains its intimate atmosphere with a 500-person capacity main room. Stop by the Viper Room and Whisky Bar any night of the week to hear local bands and touring musicians.
Santa Monica Boulevard's LGBTQ+ Culture
Santa Monica Boulevard comes alive during LA Pride in June with street parades and live performances. The Halloween Carnaval brings over 500,000 people for one of the world's largest Halloween street parties. Visit the West Hollywood Library to research in the LGBTQ+ archives, which include the June L. Mazer Lesbian Archives and extensive collections of historical documents and literature.
Design District and Art Spaces
Find over 130 furniture, textile, and art showrooms in the Pacific Design Center's distinctive blue, green, and red buildings. The MAK Center occupies the 1922 Schindler House, displaying contemporary art exhibitions in its modernist spaces. Walk along Melrose Avenue, Beverly Boulevard, and Robertson Boulevard to discover independent galleries and design studios specializing in contemporary art and furniture.
Architectural Points of Interest
Step inside the 1922 Schindler House on North Kings Road to see how architect Rudolf Schindler created California modernism. The house uses sliding panels and an open floor plan to connect indoor and outdoor spaces. The 2011 West Hollywood Library incorporates public art installations throughout its glass-walled structure. Its LEED certification recognizes the building's environmental design, including natural lighting and energy-efficient systems.
