Guide to West Hollywood, Los Angeles

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.