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Written by Savi, 65 Comments

Having a bit too much fun hunting down all the coloured walls in West Hollywood ?? 

A photo posted by Savi and Vid (@bruisedpassports) on

 

Glamour and vibrance are the first words that come to mind when I think of West Hollywood. It’s iconic because it’s home to the legendary Sunset Strip, some of the craziest nightclubs and restaurants in the US crazy night life, and has featured in more movies and TV shows than one can remember. But it’s also unexpected. Its modern Design District has surprises at every corner, there are gourmet cafés and exceptional eateries lurking in the tiniest of alleys, and there are street art surprises at every corner.

 

But the best part of West Hollywood is the emphasis on inclusion. Here you’re free to be who you are. Where else will you find state-sponsored rainbow crosswalks painted in rainbow colours of the LGBT flag? If you know anything about us, you’d know just how much we love places that celebrate such heterogeneity instead of sweeping all sexual impulses under one homogenous umbrella.

 

State-sponsored rainbow crosswalks - ony in West Hollywood!
State-sponsored rainbow crosswalks – only in West Hollywood!

 

So if you’re on a road trip in US, you must check out this little corner of California. Here’s a little guide to all our favourite places in West Hollywood:

 

Things to do in West Hollywood

  • Visit The Sunset Strip

You’ve seen it in so many movies that you’ve lost count but this iconic stretch of Sunset Boulevard but The legendary Sunset Strip lives up to the hype. From Marilyn Monroe and Jim Morrison to Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix there are hundreds of celebrities who’ve been seen in the area. A quick tip – Sunset Strip is best explored on foot as it is pedestrian friendly. Parking is hard to find and expensive.

Things to do West Hollywood Los Angeles
The iconic Sunset Strip in West Hollywood

 

Walking around West Hollywood
Walking around Hollywood is an experience in itself

 

  • Check out quirky street art and amazing murals

Some of the world’s most instagrammed walls are right here in and around West Hollywood (WeHo). There are so many quirky street art gems in the area that it is easy to devote one day just to spying out these treasures. Try looking for colourful walls (Paul Smith’s pink wall is a social media phenomenon!), gigantic murals at the WeHo Public Library, and pristine angel wings that pop up all over the city. But that’s not all. Along the way, you’ll find tons of other bits and bobs that you’ll want to photograph. Take a look:

 

Street Art angel wings west hollywood LA
The street art of West Hollywood deserves a dekko!

 

Things to do in West Hollywood
We loved the stunning murals at the WeHo Public Library

 

Urban moorings in @visitweho✌️️?I love all the markers of urbanity in this photo . . #travel #love #fashion #pink

A photo posted by Savi and Vid (@bruisedpassports) on

 

  • Explore the music scene 

It’s no secret – the sunset strip has been the hub of music for decades and hosted dozens of musicians and incredible bands such as Guns n’ Roses. Music is an important part of the culture of WeHo. The Roxy Theatre and Whisky a Go Go have a lineup of great acts on most nights.Walt Disney Concert Hall is home to Los Angeles Philharmonic and perfect if you enjoy classical music. If you want to party the night away, there are nightclubs by the dozen, including several gay nightclubs, at Santa Monica Boulevard. Posh, laid-back, or loud – in WeHo there’s a venue for you however you like your music.

 

west hollywood things to do
There is no dearth of venues for music aficionados or party goers in West Hollywood

 

  • Photograph Stunning Californian sunsets at Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is one of our favourite places in LA and it’s just a short drive away from West Hollywood. The observatory, perched on top of a hill, offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Hollywood sign. Our favourite time to visit the Griffith Observatory is at sunset – it’s the perfect place to drink in the beauty of a typical Californian sunset with the twinkling lights of downtown LA in the distance.

A gorgeous Californian sunset from Griffith Observatory near West Hollywood
A gorgeous Californian sunset from Griffith Observatory near West Hollywood

 

The iconic Hollywood sign is visible from Griffith Observatory
The iconic Hollywood sign is visible from Griffith Observatory

  • Visit a Theme Park or beach

If you’re in the mood for a day trip, there are tons of fun options in the area:

  1. Venice Beach is a short drive away. It’s the perfect place to spend a lazy evening sipping on margaritas.
  2. If celebrity sightings in West Hollywood do not quench your thirst for everything Hollywood, then make sure you drive to Universal Studios Theme Park. The film studio and theme park is a short drive away from WeHo. From family-based attractions to thrilling rides, it has it all.
  3. If you’re travelling with young kids, you must visit Disneyland, just 30 miles away from West Hollywood. The entertaining resort has something for everyone and is bound to leave you smiling from ear to ear – it’s not known as the happiest place in the world for nothing!

 

 

  • Participate in the one of the largest Pride Parades

West Hollywood prides itself on its progressive character. Unsurprisingly it was the venue for one of the world’s first few pride parades.  Today La Pride Music Festival and Parade is one of the biggest LGBTQ celebrations in California. The 3 day festival is celebrated in West Hollywood Park in June every year. It is devoted to celebrating diversity, equality, and the rights of the LGBT community. Expect exhibits, music, art, parties, and loads of fun.

 

Where to stay in West Hollywood

Petit Ermitage is a luxurious bohemian gem tucked in a little alley close to Sunset Boulevard. The Moroccan-themed boutique hotel lives up to its reputation as a boho-luxe haven – everything from the ornamental menus to lush toiletries have a distinctly Moroccan edge. We opted for the Junior Suite at Petit Ermitage – each suite boasts of a traditional fireplace, an elaborate mantel, charming wardrobes, and Persian carpets. The entire ambience at Petit Ermitage here is whimsical and decadent – just the way we like it!

 

The gourmet breakfast spread is in keeping with the boho-luxe feel of the hotel – think grapes and strawberries spilling from wooden platters, a selection of gourmet cheeses, freshly baked breads, chia pudding (yes Chia Pudding at a breakfast buffet – score!), and coconut flakes. While the spread isn’t extensive, it is high in quality! The hotel’s pièce de résistance is its rooftop restaurant with a pool offering a 360 degree view of Hollywood Hills. Choose from tables framed by dainty creepers or ones enveloped by teepees with fairy lights strung across them for a dreamy dining experience:

 

Dining at La Petit Ermitage in West Hollywood
Dining on the rooftop of Petit Ermitage in a teepee, no less!

 

The Junior Suite at L'Petit Ermitage, a boho luxe haven in West Hollywood
The Junior Suite at Petit Ermitage, a boho luxe haven in West Hollywood

 

rooftop pool bar at La Petit Ermitage in West Hollywood
The rooftop pool and bar at Petit Ermitage is special

 

Where to eat in West Hollywood

We really enjoyed exploring the dining scene in West Hollywood. From michelin-star eateries to west-coast staples such as In n Out Burger, there’s nothing you won’t find here. But it’s the independent eateries we loved the most! In keeping with the city’s penchant for healthy food, there are organic eateries and third-waves cafés everywhere.

 

Head to Coffee Commissary or Verve Coffee Roasters for your artisanal coffee fix. The Eveleigh is perfect if you’re craving a rustic filling meal in gorgeous surroundings. They also know how to mix some mean cocktails. If cocktails are on your mind then you must visit E.P. and L.P. – an incredible rooftop bar that offers views of the Hollywood Hills.  Our favourite restaurant in the area is Gracias Madre, which offers 100% plant based food to guests. As the name suggests, Gracias Madre specializes in Mexican-inspired fare. We loved their tacos, salads, and green smoothies and went back for seconds and thirds.

 

Scrumptious fresh food at Gracias Madre in West Hollywood
Scrumptious fresh food at Gracias Madre in West Hollywood

 

Those are some of our favourite things to do in West Hollywood – the city is perfect for a weekend getaway jam-packed with urban pleasures.

 

Are you visiting California soon?

Check out our Guide to a Roadtrip in California and Nevada

See all our posts on travelling in USA  here

65 thoughts on “A Hip Urban Getaway in West Hollywood, California

    1. Hey Milly – glad we’re not the only ones who love WeHo. Walt Disney Concert Hall is a striking building indeed 🙂

  1. I love Hollywood, been there once before. I’m going to Disneyland over there later this year. Love the rainbow crosswalks too

    1. Hey Hannah – that’s awesome. Try staying in West Hollywood when you’re there later this year – you’ll love it 🙂

  2. I have always wanted to go here, I adore the fact you can be who you want to be, you dont have to conform, your pictures are absolutely stunning as well x

    1. Hey Stephanie – LA had been on my wishlist for ages. Glad we finally made it there – our weekend in WeHo was the definite highlight of the time we spent in LA 🙂

  3. I don’t know a lot about all the areas of LA, but I feel like I know quite a bit about West Hollywood now. All of the murals and coloured walls are beautiful and I love the state sponsored rainbow crosswalk. I would love the visit the Griffith Observatory, the view is stunning! All in all, WeHo looks like a fantastic place to visit.

    1. Thanks Sarah – glad you enjoyed reading our Guide To West Hollywood. The state sponsored rainbow crosswalk seems to be a big hit with our readers and we’re so happy about that 🙂

    1. Hey Ana – you would absolutely love the street art in WeHo. I’m a street art connoisseur because I studied visual arts at Uni and I really enjoyed my time there 🙂

    1. There’s just so much to do in California – you should read our itinerary for a roadtrip in California for some ideas before you book a trip 🙂

    1. Hope you make it there for longer Rhian – there is tons to do in the area. In fact, even a week isn’t enough 🙂

  4. Your photos are beautiful – they certainly capture the Hip Urban scene in California! Thanks for sharing your experiences and suggestions for activities while visiting West Hollywood. There certainly appears a great number of unique and fun things to get involved in.

    1. Hey Jane – thanks a ton. We’re both urban bunnies as we grew up in big cities, so we always find ourselves attracted to such getaways 🙂

    1. Ooh make sure you consult our itinerary for a roadtrip in California when you do go Teresa- would def. recommend West Hollywood and Death Valley National Park for 2 completely different experiences and landscapes 🙂

  5. I’m possibly visiting Anaheim this summer for a conference, but we always have plenty of free time to explore the area and we’re sure to frequently to be in LA- with this article I’ll be able to wxplore the area easily. Love love love that street art and that view at Griffith’s Observatory!

    1. Thanks Adele – do send us photos if you make it to Melrose Ave or Griffith’s Observatory – would love to share them with our readers 🙂

  6. What an amazing post! The photography is just stunning. The view from the Observatory is simply sublime and I would love to visit it. Now added WeHo to my bucket list! x

    1. Hey Tanya – thanks a ton. Vid couldn’t get enough of the sunsets from the Griffith Observatory. Hope you enjoy your time in WeHo when you make it there.

    1. Oooh nice – we’re yet to watch La La land but I can vouch for the fact that Griffith Observatory is amazing 🙂

  7. Wow you’ve made it look even more gorgeous than I already thought! I didn’t know about all the cool street art, those angel wings are so cool!

    1. Thanks Laura – so happy to know you enjoyed our guide to West Hollywood. We weren’t expecting to have as much fun as we did 🙂

  8. Ooh such gorgeous pictures! 🙂
    I’ve never been to America before but it’s definitely on the bucket list!

    Dani x

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